Creamy Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
A cozy and creamy slow cooker white chicken chili with green chiles, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. This recipe balances creamy texture with a gentle spicy kick and wholesome ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 cans (15 oz each) great northern or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles, mild or medium heat
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional garnishes: chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado, shredded cheese, lime wedges, sour cream
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker. Place the chicken breasts or thighs on top.
- Drain and rinse the white beans and diced green chiles, then add them over the chicken.
- Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and add 2 teaspoons cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and easy to shred.
- Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Cut softened cream cheese into chunks and stir into the chili until fully melted and incorporated. Use a whisk or immersion blender briefly if needed to smooth lumps.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lime juice as desired.
- Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, avocado, shredded cheese, or sour cream if desired.
Notes
Sautéing onion and garlic before adding to the slow cooker improves flavor and avoids raw taste. Rinse canned beans to reduce excess salt and canned flavor. Add cream cheese at the end to preserve creamy texture. If chili is too thick, add broth or water; if too thin, cook uncovered on high to reduce. For smoother chili, blend half the beans before adding.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 500
- Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 35
Keywords: white chicken chili, slow cooker chili, creamy chili, easy dinner, comfort food, green chiles, slow cooker recipe