Let’s Gather Our Ingredients
Chicken & Broth
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
Beans & Veggies
- 1 (15 ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Creamy Goodness & Seasonings
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped cilantro
- Avocado, diced
- Sour cream
- Tortilla chips
- Lime wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Perfection
Getting Started (The Easy Part!)
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot.
- Add the chicken broth, great northern beans, cannellini beans, pinto beans, diced green chilies, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
Slow Cooking to Flavor Town
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be easily shredded with a fork when it’s done.
The Creamy Finish (The Best Part!)
- Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Add the softened cream cheese and sour cream to the crockpot. Stir well until the cream cheese is completely melted and everything is smooth and creamy. If you find the cream cheese isn’t melting smoothly, try adding a tablespoon or two of the hot broth to help it along.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, chili powder, or even a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors.
Serve & Enjoy!
- Ladle the Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings. Shredded cheddar cheese, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and crunchy tortilla chips are all fantastic choices!
Troubleshooting & Tips for White Chicken Chili Bliss
- Chicken Drying Out? Don’t fret! If your chicken seems a little dry after shredding, add a splash more chicken broth to the crockpot. This will help keep it moist and delicious. Overcooking is the enemy of juicy chicken, so keep an eye on it, especially if cooking on high.
- Not Creamy Enough? Sometimes, even with cream cheese and sour cream, the chili might not be as creamy as you’d like. An easy fix is to stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or even a splash of milk. You can also blend a cup or two of the chili with an immersion blender for an extra smooth texture.
- Too Thick? If your chili is too thick, simply add more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.
- Spice Level Adjustment: Not a fan of spice? Omit the cayenne pepper altogether. Want more heat? Add a pinch more cayenne or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. You can also use a hotter variety of diced green chilies.
- Make it Ahead: This Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili is perfect for making ahead of time. Simply cook it as directed, then let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Freezing for Later: This chili freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations to Spice Things Up
- Cornbread Croutons: Instead of tortilla chips, top your chili with crumbled cornbread for a sweet and savory twist.
- Roasted Poblano Peppers: Roast a poblano pepper and add it to the crockpot along with the other ingredients for a smoky flavor.
- Lime Zest: Add a teaspoon of lime zest to the chili during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a bright, citrusy note.
- Add Some Greens: Stir in a handful of chopped spinach or kale during the last 15 minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
- Mexican-Inspired: For a kick, try making Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili or Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili.
What Makes This the BEST White Chicken Chili?
This isn’t just another chili recipe; it’s an Easy Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe that’s designed to be simple, flavorful, and stress-free. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a depth of flavor that you just can’t achieve with a quick stovetop recipe. The addition of cream cheese and sour cream creates a luxurious, creamy texture that is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Everyone loves a warm, comforting bowl of chili, and this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your own taste preferences. Whether you like it mild or spicy, cheesy or loaded with toppings, this recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. And the fact that it’s made in the crockpot means that you can set it and forget it, freeing up your time to do other things. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.Serving Suggestions & Delicious Pairings
- Cornbread: A classic pairing! Serve your chili with a slice of warm, buttery cornbread.
- Grilled Cheese: Another comforting option. Dip your grilled cheese into the chili for a satisfying bite.
- Salad: A light and refreshing salad is a great way to balance out the richness of the chili.
- Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with the chili for a hearty and filling meal.
- Drinks: A cold beer, a glass of iced tea, or a refreshing margarita are all great choices to wash down this delicious chili.
Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Chili Recipe
This Easy Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the feeling of coming home to a warm and inviting aroma, the satisfaction of a delicious and comforting meal, and the joy of sharing it with loved ones. This crockpot white chicken chili with beans is truly an easy, flavorful, and stress-free dinner solution your family will love. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your crockpot, and get ready to enjoy the best white chicken chili you’ve ever tasted! Happy cooking!Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes, this Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili is perfect for making ahead. Cook it as directed, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What can I do if my chicken dries out while cooking in the crockpot?
If your chicken seems a little dry after shredding, add a splash more chicken broth to the crockpot. This will help keep it moist. Also, be mindful not to overcook the chicken, especially when cooking on high.
The chili is too thick, how can I thin it?
If your chili is too thick, simply add more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.
What are some good toppings to serve with this white chicken chili?
Shredded cheddar cheese, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and crunchy tortilla chips are all fantastic topping choices for this chili.
Best Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
This Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili is the perfect comforting and easy weeknight dinner. It combines tender chicken, creamy goodness, and a blend of flavorful spices, all cooked in a slow cooker for maximum flavor and minimal effort. Top it with your favorite toppings for a customizable and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot.
- Add the chicken broth, great northern beans, cannellini beans, pinto beans, diced green chilies, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be easily shredded with a fork when it’s done.
- Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Add the softened cream cheese and sour cream to the crockpot. Stir well until the cream cheese is completely melted and everything is smooth and creamy. If you find the cream cheese isn’t melting smoothly, try adding a tablespoon or two of the hot broth to help it along.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, chili powder, or even a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors.
- Ladle the Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and crunchy tortilla chips.
Notes
If your chicken seems a little dry after shredding, add a splash more chicken broth to the crockpot. To make the chili creamier, stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or blend a cup or two of the chili with an immersion blender. If your chili is too thick, simply add more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency. Omit the cayenne pepper for a milder flavor, or add more for extra heat. This chili is perfect for making ahead of time and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Consider adding cornbread croutons, roasted poblano peppers, or lime zest for variations.
