Crockpot White Chili Chicken Recipe

Introduction

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing better than a warm, hearty bowl of white chili chicken made in a Crockpot. This dish is perfect for those who crave something comforting but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. The Crockpot white chili chicken recipe combines tender chicken, white beans, and a creamy broth seasoned with just the right amount of spices. It’s easy to prepare, and the slow cooker does most of the work for you!

This recipe is ideal for busy families, game day gatherings, or anyone who enjoys a delicious, satisfying meal without the hassle. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity – throw everything into the Crockpot, set it, and let it cook slowly until the flavors meld together into something absolutely mouthwatering.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this Crockpot white chili chicken recipe:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 pieces)
• Canned white beans (2 cans, drained and rinsed – navy beans or Great Northern beans)
• Chicken broth (4 cups)
• Diced onion (1 medium)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Green chilies (1 can, diced)
• Cream cheese (8 oz)
• Ground cumin (1 teaspoon)
• Ground coriander (1/2 teaspoon)
• Chili powder (1 tablespoon)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• Shredded cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crockpot:

Start by adding the chicken breasts, white beans, chicken broth, onion, garlic, and green chilies to the Crockpot. Season with ground cumin, coriander, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.

2. Cook the Chili:

Cover the Crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked, tender, and easy to shred with a fork by the time it’s done.

3. Shred the Chicken:

Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the Crockpot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the Crockpot and stir to combine.

4. Add Cream Cheese:

Cut the cream cheese into chunks and add it to the Crockpot. Stir everything together until the cream cheese is melted and the chili becomes creamy. You may want to give it a few more minutes to ensure the cream cheese fully melts into the broth.

5. Final Touches:

Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed. You can also add a little more chicken broth if you prefer a thinner consistency.

6. Serve:

Serve the white chili chicken hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro and shredded cheese if desired. It’s perfect alongside some crusty bread, cornbread, or a fresh salad.

Recipe Notes

• Add Spice to Your Taste: If you like your chili with a bit of heat, feel free to add some jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the Crockpot for an extra kick.
• Customize the Beans: While this recipe uses white beans, feel free to switch them up with other beans like pinto or black beans if you prefer.
• Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan, replace the chicken with tofu or jackfruit, use vegetable broth, and swap the cream cheese for a plant-based alternative.

Time and Servings

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6-7 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)
• Total Time: 6-7 hours
• Servings: 6-8 servings

Storage

• Fridge: Store leftover Crockpot white chili chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth if needed to restore the creamy texture.
• Freezer: This chili freezes well! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	300 kcal
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	20g
Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	5g
Fiber	6g
Sodium	600mg
Cholesterol	60mg

Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect

• Add More Veggies: You can sneak in some extra veggies, like corn, zucchini, or spinach, to make the chili even more nutritious.
• For a Creamier Texture: Use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of cream cheese for a richer, creamier base. You could even add a little sour cream before serving.
• Toppings Galore: This chili is perfect for customization with toppings like sour cream, avocado slices, or a squeeze of fresh lime to balance out the richness.

How to Serve Crockpot White Chili Chicken

This white chili chicken is a meal all on its own, but here are a few ways to make it a complete feast:

• Cornbread: A warm, buttery piece of cornbread is the perfect sidekick to soak up the creamy chili.
• Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a heartier meal.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips are a great addition for scooping or serving on the side.
• Salad: Pair with a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich chili.

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Crockpot/Slow Cooker
• Forks for shredding the chicken
• Knife and cutting board for prepping the vegetables
• Can opener for opening the beans and green chilies

Health Benefits of Crockpot White Chili Chicken

This dish is a good source of lean protein from chicken, making it great for muscle repair and overall health. It also provides fiber from the white beans, which is beneficial for digestion. The addition of olive oil and cilantro offers healthy fats and antioxidants, supporting heart health and immune function.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot white chili chicken recipe is everything you want in a cozy, comforting dish. It’s easy to make, perfect for meal prep, and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just need a warm, satisfying dinner for yourself, this dish is sure to hit the spot. Its creamy, hearty, and flavorful profile makes it a go-to meal during the colder months, but it’s delicious enough to enjoy year-round. Don’t forget to try it with your favorite toppings and sides to really make it your own!