This Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly nights or gatherings with friends and family. With minimal prep time, this recipe delivers a rich, creamy flavor that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re hosting a game night or simply looking for a hearty meal, this chili stands out with its unique blend of spices and creamy texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: Simply throw all the ingredients into the crockpot, set it, and forget it! No need for constant supervision.
- Flavorful: The combination of spices and cream cheese creates a depth of flavor that will satisfy any palate.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize your dish with toppings like jalapenos, avocado, sour cream, and cheese for a personal touch.
- Healthy Option: Packed with lean chicken and beans, this chili is nutritious without sacrificing taste.
- Feeds a Crowd: With 6 generous servings, it’s ideal for family dinners or meal prep for the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your creamy white chicken chili, gather your tools. Having everything on hand ensures a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This is essential for cooking the chili low and slow, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Whisk: Perfect for blending the cream cheese smoothly into the chili before serving.
Ingredients
This creamy white chicken chili is made super easy in your crockpot! Creamy with plenty of spice, it’s the perfect companion on a chilly night!
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (trimmed of excess fat)
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 24 oz. chicken broth (low sodium)
- 2 15oz cans great Northern beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2 4oz cans diced green chiles (I do one hot, one mild)
- 1 15oz can whole kernel corn (drained)
Spices
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 3/4 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Final Touches
- small handful fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 4 oz reduced fat cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup half and half
Toppings
- sliced jalapenos
- sliced avocados
- dollop of sour cream
- minced fresh cilantro
- tortilla strips
- shredded Monterey jack or Mexican cheese
How to Make Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Spices
Add chicken breasts to the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Broth
Top with diced onion, minced garlic, great Northern beans, green chiles, corn, chicken broth, and chopped cilantro. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Step 3: Cook the Chili
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker to a large mixing bowl. Shred it using two forks or your hands. Return shredded chicken back to the slow cooker.
Step 5: Add Creaminess
Stir in softened cream cheese and half-and-half. Cover again and cook on HIGH for an additional 15 minutes until creamy and slightly thickened.
Step 6: Blend Smoothly (Optional)
For an even smoother chili texture, mix softened cream cheese with a few ladles of hot chili in a separate bowl until smooth. Then stir back into the slow cooker along with half-and-half.
Step 7: Serve
Stir well before serving. Top with desired toppings such as sliced jalapenos, avocado slices, sour cream dollops, fresh cilantro, tortilla strips, or shredded cheese.
Enjoy your delicious Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili!
How to Serve Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Serving Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili is a delightful experience, especially when you pair it with the right toppings and sides. Here are some suggestions to elevate your meal.
Toppings for Your Chili
- Sliced Jalapeños: Add heat and flavor with fresh sliced jalapeños.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado provides a rich contrast to the spices in the chili.
- Dollop of Sour Cream: A spoonful of sour cream balances the chili’s flavors and adds creaminess.
- Minced Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro for an aromatic finish.
- Tortilla Strips: Crunchy tortilla strips add texture and a fun twist to each bite.
- Shredded Cheese: Melted Monterey Jack or Mexican cheese enhances the creamy goodness.
Serving Bowls
- Warm Bowls: Serve in warmed bowls to keep your chili hot longer.
- Bread Bowls: For a fun presentation, serve in hollowed-out bread bowls for added flavor.
How to Perfect Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
To achieve the best results with your Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili, consider these helpful tips:
- Spices: Adjust spices according to your taste; add more cumin or cayenne for extra kick.
- Chicken Quality: Use high-quality, fresh chicken breasts for better flavor and texture.
- Proper Shredding: Shred the chicken well before mixing it back into the chili for even distribution of meat throughout.
- Cream Cheese Technique: Whisk cream cheese with chili before adding to avoid lumps, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Cooking Time: Stick to low cooking time for tender chicken; overcooking can dry it out.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Pairing side dishes with your delicious chili can enhance the meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements spicy chili perfectly. Bake it just before serving.
- Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens balances the richness of the chili.
- Rice: Serve over white or brown rice for a heartier meal option.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Classic grilled cheese makes a comforting side that pairs well with soup-like dishes.
- Potato Chips: Crunchy chips provide a satisfying contrast and are great for dipping!
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition to your plate.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole is always a favorite and goes hand-in-hand with chili flavors.
- Pickled Jalapeños: For those who love extra heat, pickled jalapeños offer a tangy bite.
Enjoy crafting your perfect bowl of creamy goodness!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili can be a breeze, but there are some common pitfalls that can affect the outcome. Here are mistakes to watch out for:
- Using frozen chicken – Frozen chicken breasts can lead to uneven cooking. Always use thawed, fresh chicken for best results.
- Skipping the seasoning – Not properly seasoning your chili can make it bland. Be sure to add salt and spices as directed in the recipe.
- Overcooking the chicken – Cooking the chicken too long will make it dry and tough. Shred the chicken once it’s fully cooked to keep it tender.
- Not stirring before serving – Failing to mix the ingredients before serving may result in uneven flavors. Stir well after adding cream cheese and half and half.
- Ignoring toppings – Toppings enhance flavor and texture. Don’t skip on adding jalapeños, avocados, or cheese for a delightful finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Storage Duration – Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Containers – Use an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Freezing Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
- Freezing Duration – Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Containers – Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Reheating Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warm throughout.
- Microwave – Reheat in microwave-safe bowls, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Stovetop – Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring gently until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili.
Can I use other types of beans?
You can substitute great Northern beans with black beans or pinto beans if you prefer. Each type brings its own unique flavor.
How can I make this chili spicier?
For a spicier kick, add extra cayenne pepper or include more hot diced green chiles in your recipe.
Can I make this chili without cream cheese?
Yes! You can replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter option or simply omit it for a brothier chili.
What is the best way to serve Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili?
Serve it with toppings like shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or crispy tortilla strips for added texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite toppings or adjust the spice levels according to your taste. Perfect for cozy nights, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili is the perfect dish for cozy nights and gatherings. This rich and flavorful chili combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and a delightful blend of spices to create an irresistible meal that warms you from the inside out. With just a few minutes of prep, you can set your slow cooker and forget about it until dinner time. Customize it with your favorite toppings like jalapeños, avocado, or sour cream for a personal touch. Whether you’re entertaining friends or enjoying a family meal, this hearty chili is sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 6 servings
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 24 oz low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cans great Northern beans
- 2 cans diced green chiles
- 1 can whole kernel corn
- 4 oz reduced fat cream cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 3/4 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Place chicken in the slow cooker; season with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne.
- Add diced onion, minced garlic, beans, green chiles, corn, chicken broth, and cilantro. Stir well.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until chicken is cooked through.
- Shred the cooked chicken and return to the slow cooker.
- Stir in cream cheese and half-and-half; cook on HIGH for an additional 15 minutes until creamy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
