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Slow Cooker Creamy White Chicken Chili is a comforting, flavorful soup that you will want to warm up with every night. The combination of chicken, green chiles, and beans with cream cheese and heavy cream makes for a variety of textures with just the right amount of spice. Plus it comes together in the slow cooker, so it’s the easiest recipe ever!
about this slow cooker creamy white chicken chili
I am deeeeeeeeep into chili mode over here.
here was a time I didn’t enjoy chili. This I have to attribute back to my college days when I was broke AF. At that time a microwave potato plus a can of chili and cheddar cheese was a “good homemade meal.”
Yea, I know. Not exactly my finest moment. Don’t judge me too harshly ok?
Once I learned how to make true, made-from-scratch chili, my mind was blown. It was like I discovered a piece of my soul that had been missing all my life.
A bowl of piping hot chili, mixed in with a variety of toppings and filled with a bunch of different textures and flavors is as good as life gets in my book.
There are so many layers of flavors and textures in this slow cooker white chicken chili recipe. You get slow cooked flavorful chicken that’s cooked for hours so it becomes so unbelievably tender. The beans and green chiles provide the texture, as well as a touch of heat.
Then you get the tang of cream cheese and extra boost from heavy cream so that it becomes a creamy bowl full of goodness.
ingredients
chicken. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
spices. You will need salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper for this recipe.
aromatics. Grab a yellow onion and garlic cloves.
beans. We use a combination of Great Northern beans and black beans. You could also use kidney beans, pinto beans, and/or chili beans, if you prefer.
chiles. Diced green chiles give this recipe a nice kick. Be sure to select the right heat level for you.
broth. We recommend using chicken broth for this recipe. You can also use vegetable broth, if preferred.
cream cheese. Use light cream cheese in this recipe.
heavy cream. Either heavy whipping cream or half and half will work.
this recipe’s must-haves
The must-have for this recipe is obviously the oh-so amazing Instant Pot Ultra. It’s a slow cooker. Also, it’s a pressure cooker. It is my number one fave appliance ever. YOU NEED ONE.
This wooden spoon is all you need to stir up the pot of goodness that is this chili!
A chef’s knife is one of those knives that is a must for any cook. It’s the best multi-purpose knife to have in your collection.
here’s how to make slow cooker white chicken chili
slow cook
In the insert of a slow cooker, add chicken breasts. Top with kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder, cayenne pepper, onion, garlic, great northern white beans, black beans, diced green chiles, and chicken broth.
Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, or on Low for 8 hours.
shred
Remove chicken to a cutting board. Shred with two forks, then return to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
In a small bowl, whisk together cream cheese with a couple of ladles of the chili liquid until combined. Pour into the chili with heavy cream. Stir to combine.
thicken
Cook on High for 15 minutes, until creamy and slightly thickened.
tips and tricks
pick the right green chiles. Note that diced green chiles come in mild, medium, and hot! Get the right one because the hot ones can get really spicy.
switch up the toppings. You can go crazy with the toppings, from jalapenos to avocado, sour cream to tortilla chips.
More delicious chili recipes to try: Spicy Taco Chili | Slow Cooker Pumpkin Turkey Chili | Instant Pot Chili | Queso Chili
how long does it take to slow cook white chicken chili?
This recipe takes 4 hours to cook on High heat and 8 hours to cook on Low heat.
what is the best way to store leftovers?
Cool leftovers before storing them in an airtight container. You can either store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.
can I make this in the instant pot?
Yes, this recipe can be made in the instant pot! Follow the instructions as indicated, adding the ingredients to the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and cook on manual pressure for 20 minutes. Let the pressure manually release for 5 minutes, then manually release remaining pressure. Shred the chicken and add the creamy elements as instructed. Set to Sauté to cook and slightly thicken.
Need some inspiration for dinner recipes? Check out my dinner recipes page!
what to serve with creamy slow cooker white chicken chili
You can serve this creamy crockpot white chicken chili with all of your favorite toppings. We like to add sliced jalapeno, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a lime wedge on the side for a little extra tang (that squeeze of lime juice at the end is so good!) Other topping ideas include shredded cheese (Mexican blend or monterey jack cheese), crushed tortilla chips, and hot sauce (or pinch of red pepper flakes).
how to store
Store. Cool the chili completely before storing in airtight container. Leftovers will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Reheat. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but we prefer the stovetop method.
Freeze. Let the chili cool to room temperature. You can store it freezer-safe meal prep containers, or split into individual portions. It will last in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Thaw. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat as instructed.
more chicken dinners to enjoy
Easy crispy chicken tacos are paired with an avocado tomatillo sauce for a crunchy and tangy combination.
Instant Pot chicken stew is a quick and healthy dinner, with the easiest cooking method.
Fire up the grill to make perfectly juicy grilled full chicken to pair with your favorite side dishes.
Finally, if you make this slow cooker white chicken chili recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.
Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!
Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
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slow cooker white chicken chili
equipment
ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast (about 2 chicken breasts)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 15oz can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 4 ounce cans diced green chiles
- 32 oz chicken broth
- 4 oz light cream cheese room temperature
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Sliced jalapeno
- Sliced avocado
- Freshly chopped cilantro
- Dollop of sour cream
- Lime wedges
instructions
- Place chicken breasts into the insert of a slow cooker.
- Add salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder, cayenne pepper, onion, garlic, great northern beans, black beans, diced green chiles, and chicken broth.
- Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours. You can also cook it on Low for 8 hours, if desired.
- Remove chicken to a cutting board. Shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker insert.
- In a small bowl, add cream cheese. Add a couple of ladles full of the liquid from the slow cooker. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture and heavy cream into the chili. Stir until combined.
- Cover and cook on High for another 15 minutes, until the chili is creamy and slightly thickened.
- Stir well and serve with your favorite toppings.
Melanie Bauer says
This looks really delish!!