If you are craving something comforting, flavorful, and wonderfully creamy, this Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It combines tender shredded chicken with fragrant spices, creamy cheeses, and hearty white beans that come together effortlessly in your slow cooker. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a casual weeknight dinner, this chili offers warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful, making it a beloved favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but packed with flavor, each playing a vital role in building the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in this chili. From the tender chicken to the creamy cheeses and zesty spices, everything works in harmony.
- 1 pound boneless (skinless chicken breasts): The star of the dish, providing lean protein and perfect shredding texture.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor when cooked down.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Gives a fragrant kick that pairs beautifully with the chilies and spices.
- 1 can (4 oz diced green chilies): Adds just the right amount of mild heat and a fresh zip.
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (drained and rinsed): These bring hearty texture and a creamy element once cooked through.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Essential for a rich, flavorful base that melds all ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Brings earthy warmth and a classic chili aroma.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers an herbaceous touch that brightens the overall flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the savory essence in every spoonful.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Simple seasonings that balance and enhance all the other flavors.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Creamy and tangy, it’s key for that indulgent finish.
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened): Adds luscious richness and smooth texture.
- Fresh cilantro (chopped): The perfect fresh herb garnish for brightness and color.
- Optional toppings: Shredded cheese, diced avocado, tortilla chips, and lime wedges elevate the presentation and add layers of texture and flavor.
How to Make Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Step 1: Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker
Simply place the chicken breasts, chopped onion, minced garlic, diced green chilies, white beans, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. This layering sets the foundation of flavor, allowing each ingredient to slowly mingle and create a wonderfully harmonious chili.
Step 2: Cook the Chili
Cover your slow cooker and let it do its magic, cooking on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow, steady cooking ensures that the chicken becomes tender and infuses the broth with all those amazing spices and textures, melding everything together beautifully.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked and tender, take it out and shred it using two forks. This step is crucial for distributing the meat evenly throughout your chili, so it’s tender bites of chicken in every spoonful. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker to mingle with the rest of the ingredients.
Step 4: Add Cream Cheese and Sour Cream
Stir in the softened cream cheese and sour cream until they melt completely and transform the chili into a creamy, velvety masterpiece. Let it cook on low for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the chili to thicken just right.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Finally, ladle the chili into your favorite bowls and sprinkle with fresh cilantro and any of your chosen toppings. This not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh contrast that makes every bite exciting and satisfying.
How to Serve Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a classic choice, lending a brightness that cuts through the creamy richness. Diced avocado adds buttery creaminess, shredded cheese brings extra gooey indulgence, while crunchy tortilla chips add a fun textural contrast. A squeeze of lime juice amps up the freshness for a perfect finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs wonderfully with warm cornbread to soak up every last bit, or a crisp green salad to add a refreshing counterpoint. For a heartier meal, a simple side of Mexican rice or even some roasted veggies complement the flavors without overpowering the chili’s delicate spices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive presentation, serve your Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe in mini bread bowls or scalloped edge ramekins for a cozy, inviting feel. Layer toppings in little bowls on the side for a casual “build your own” style meal that’s perfect for gatherings and makes dinner feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover chili to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep wonderfully for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or lazy dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
This chili freezes beautifully, making it an excellent make-ahead meal. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain its creamy texture and robust flavors.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking and ensure everything is warmed through evenly. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to stir midway to keep the cream cheese and sour cream from separating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay tender and juicy, making for a flavor-packed chili. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe has a mild heat thanks to the diced green chilies. If you prefer it spicier, you can add extra chilies or a dash of cayenne pepper to taste.
Can I make this on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Yes! Simply sauté the onion and garlic first, then add all ingredients except the cream cheese and sour cream to a large pot. Simmer for about 45 minutes until the chicken is cooked and flavors meld. Finish by stirring in the cheeses and letting it warm through.
What’s the best way to shred chicken?
The easiest way is to use two forks to pull the chicken apart once it’s cooked and tender. You can also use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment on low speed for quick shredding.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, by substituting the sour cream and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives, you can enjoy a creamy chili without dairy. Coconut yogurt or cashew-based cheeses work well here.
Final Thoughts
This Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe is truly a comforting embrace in a bowl that’s simple to prepare but full of big, satisfying flavors. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a favorite go-to. Give it a try—you’ll love how effortlessly delicious it is!
Print
Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup/Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy White Chicken Chili recipe is a comforting and creamy slow-cooked dish featuring tender shredded chicken, white beans, green chilies, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, it’s finished with cream cheese and sour cream for a rich texture and garnished with fresh cilantro and optional toppings like shredded cheese, diced avocado, tortilla chips, and lime wedges.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dairy
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
Garnishes and Optional Toppings
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Shredded cheese (optional)
- Diced avocado (optional)
- Tortilla chips (optional)
- Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts, chopped onion, minced garlic, diced green chilies, drained and rinsed white beans, chicken broth, cumin, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker, spreading them evenly.
- Cook the Chili: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the chili on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred.
- Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Add Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: Incorporate the softened cream cheese and sour cream into the chili. Stir thoroughly until both are fully melted and the chili has a creamy texture. Continue to cook on low for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the chili into serving bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and any of your favorite optional toppings such as shredded cheese, diced avocado, tortilla chips, and lime wedges for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, add extra diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Using boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts can add more flavor and moisture.
- To thicken the chili, blend 1/2 cup of beans with some broth and stir it back into the cooker before adding the cream cheese and sour cream.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Garnishes like lime wedges and avocado add a fresh contrast to the creamy chili.
