I’ll never forget the first time I made Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili. It was a chilly autumn evening, and I was craving something warm, comforting, and packed with flavor. When I stumbled upon this recipe, I knew it was exactly what I needed. The idea of letting the flavors meld together in the slow cooker all day had my mouth watering in anticipation.
As the savory aroma filled my kitchen, I couldn’t wait to ladle up a big bowl. The tender chicken, creamy white beans, and blend of spices created a symphony of tastes that was simply irresistible. And the best part? It was so easy to make! With just 15 minutes of prep time and 360 minutes of cook time, this Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili quickly became a weeknight staple in my house.
Why This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
The key to this Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili recipe is in the slow cooking process. By letting the ingredients simmer together for 360 minutes, the flavors have ample time to develop and meld, creating a depth of taste that’s simply unmatched. The long, slow cook also transforms the chicken into incredibly tender, juicy bites that practically melt in your mouth.
Another secret is the blend of spices. The combination of ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, ground coriander, and a touch of cayenne pepper adds the perfect amount of warmth and complexity to the dish. It’s not overpowering, but it packs a flavorful punch that will have your taste buds dancing.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The star of this Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is, of course, the chicken. You’ll need 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed into bite-sized pieces. The chicken provides the protein and absorbs all the delicious spices.
Next, you’ll need 2 cans of white beans, drained and rinsed. The creamy, mild beans create a wonderful base for the chili and help to thicken the broth.
A large onion, diced, and 3 cloves of minced garlic add aromatic depth and sweetness to the dish. The onion and garlic blend seamlessly with the spices, creating a mouthwatering foundation.
The spices – 2 teaspoons of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (or to taste) – are the real stars. They bring warmth, earthiness, and a subtle kick to the Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili.
Finally, you’ll need 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth to thin out the chili and provide the perfect simmering liquid. And don’t forget the toppings – 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, and chopped fresh cilantro to really make the flavors pop.
Step-by-Step Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Instructions
Preparing Your Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
With a total time of 375 minutes (that’s 15 minutes of prep and 360 minutes of cooking), this Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is the ultimate hands-off, flavor-packed meal. All you need is a slow cooker and a few simple ingredients to get started.
1- Begin by cubing the 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This will help the chicken cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors.
2- In the slow cooker, combine the cubed chicken, 2 cans of drained and rinsed white beans, the diced onion, and minced garlic. Sprinkle in the ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together until the spices are evenly distributed.
3- Pour in the 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, making sure all the ingredients are submerged. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 360 minutes (6 hours).
4- As the Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili simmers, your kitchen will be filled with the most mouthwatering aroma. After 360 minutes, the chicken should be incredibly tender, and the beans should have a creamy, melted-into-the-broth texture.
5- Give the chili a final stir, then ladle it into bowls. Top each serving with a generous sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkling of fresh chopped cilantro.
6- Serve this Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili piping hot, with crusty bread or tortilla chips on the side for dipping. It’s a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Pro Tips for Success
1- For an extra depth of flavor, consider browning the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. This will give the chili a richer, more caramelized taste.
2- If you like a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the slow cooker with the back of a spoon or a potato masher. This will help thicken the broth.
3- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your desired level of spice. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more if you want a bit more heat.
4- For a creamier texture, stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or heavy cream right before serving.
5- Garnish the Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili with additional toppings like diced avocado, crumbled tortilla chips, or sliced green onions.
Serving and Storing Your Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
Perfect Pairings for Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili recipe makes 6 servings, so it’s the perfect meal to feed a crowd or enjoy throughout the week. For a complete and satisfying dinner, serve the chili with a fresh, crisp salad, some crusty garlic bread, or a side of cornbread.
For beverages, a cold beer or a refreshing white wine would pair beautifully with the rich, creamy chili. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, a tall glass of iced tea or lemonade would also be a delightful accompaniment.
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is the ultimate comfort food, making it a great choice for casual gatherings, game day parties, or cozy family dinners. The hearty, flavor-packed dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers of this Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply store the chili in an airtight container and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
For longer-term storage, the Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Let the chili cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the chili in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it on the stovetop or in the slow cooker until it’s heated through.
This recipe is also perfect for meal prepping. You can make a big batch on the weekend, portion it out into individual servings, and have delicious, ready-to-go meals throughout the week. The flavors will only continue to deepen and improve as the chili sits.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
Creative Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Variations
While this Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili recipe is already a winner, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. For a heartier version, you can add diced sweet potatoes or corn kernels. Or, for a spicier kick, try swapping in jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
In the summertime, you could brighten up the chili with the addition of fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. And for a more autumnal twist, try stirring in a spoonful of pumpkin puree or a dash of cinnamon.
No matter how you customize it, this Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Making Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Diet-Friendly
This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili recipe is already quite healthy, but there are a few easy tweaks you can make to accommodate specific dietary needs.
For a gluten-free version, simply ensure you’re using a gluten-free chicken broth. You can also serve the chili over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice or bread.
To make it vegan or vegetarian, swap out the chicken for diced and sautéed portobello mushrooms or cooked chickpeas. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
For a low-carb or keto-friendly option, skip the beans and serve the Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili over a bed of steamed broccoli or spinach. You can also top it with additional shredded cheese or a dollop of full-fat Greek yogurt.
No matter your dietary restrictions, this Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili can be easily adapted to suit your needs while still delivering on flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of bean in this Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili recipe?
A: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for white beans, you can certainly substitute other types of beans like kidney beans, black beans, or even chickpeas. Just be sure to adjust the quantity accordingly.
Q: How long does this Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili take to cook?
A: The total time for this recipe is 375 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 360 minutes (6 hours) of cook time in the slow cooker.
Q: Can I make this Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili ahead of time?
A: Yes, this chili is perfect for making ahead! It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat it on the stovetop or in the slow cooker when you’re ready to serve.
Q: How many servings does this Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili recipe make?
A: This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili recipe makes 6 servings. You can easily scale the recipe up or down to accommodate the number of people you’re serving.
Q: My chili is looking a bit thin. What can I do to thicken it up?
A: If your Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is looking a bit thin, you can try mashing some of the beans against the side of the slow cooker to help thicken the broth. You can also stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or heavy cream to create a creamier texture.
Print
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
- Total Time: 375
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This comforting Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is a family favorite, featuring tender chicken, creamy white beans, and bold spices. It’s the perfect easy weeknight meal that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
– 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (for serving)
– Sour cream and chopped fresh cilantro for serving
Instructions
1. In a slow cooker, combine the cubed chicken, white beans, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, chili powder, coriander, and cayenne pepper.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Serve the chili warm, garnished with shredded Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, and chopped fresh cilantro.
Notes
For a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the slow cooker after cooking. You can also add diced green chiles or jalapeños for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 360
- Category: Soups, Stews & Chili
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is an absolute must-try recipe. With its tender chicken, creamy beans, and blend of warming spices, it’s a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite. The best part? It’s so easy to make, with just 15 minutes of prep time and 360 minutes of hands-off cooking in the slow cooker.
Whether you’re serving it up for a casual gathering, a cozy weeknight dinner, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is sure to impress. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and get ready to experience the ultimate in slow-cooked, soul-warming deliciousness.
