If you're searching for a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal, look no further than this Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili recipe. Perfect for chilly nights or when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Packed with tender chicken, creamy beans, and a kick of spice, this chili is not only delicious but also budget-friendly. So, grab your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of goodness. Keep reading to learn how to make this mouth-watering chili and discover tips, variations, and more to perfect this recipe.
What is “Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili”?
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is a flavorful and comforting dish that features tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a variety of spices, all slowly cooked to perfection. Unlike traditional chili, which is tomato-based and often contains red beans and ground beef, white chicken chili is lighter and uses ingredients like chicken, white beans (such as cannellini or pinto beans), and green chilies or salsa verde. The slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich and hearty dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients List for Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
To create this delicious Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 yellow onion ($0.32): Adds a sweet and savory flavor base to the chili.
- 2 cloves garlic ($0.16): Provides a pungent, aromatic depth to the dish.
- 1 jalapeño (optional) ($0.11): Adds a bit of heat; adjust according to your spice preference.
- 1 boneless skinless chicken breast (about ¾ lb.) ($3.62): The star protein of the dish, becoming tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
- 1 16oz. jar salsa verde ($2.59): Gives the chili its tangy and mildly spicy flavor, as well as its characteristic green color.
- 2 15oz. cans cannellini beans ($0.98): These white beans add creaminess and protein to the chili.
- 1 15oz. can pinto beans ($0.89): Adds another layer of texture and creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin ($0.30): Adds warm, earthy notes that are essential in chili.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano ($0.10): Provides a herbal depth to the flavor profile.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper ($0.02): Adds a subtle heat; adjust according to your preference.
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ($0.03): Enhances the overall flavor with a bit of spice.
- 2 cups chicken broth ($0.26): Helps create the chili’s base, adding moisture and flavor.
- 4 oz. Monterey Jack cheese, shredded ($0.85): Adds a creamy, melty topping to the chili.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is its versatility. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations you might consider:
- Protein Alternatives: If you don’t have chicken breast on hand, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier result, or even substitute with turkey for a slightly different flavor profile. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add more beans or use tofu or a meat substitute.
- Beans: While cannellini and pinto beans are the classic choice, you can substitute with other white beans like Great Northern beans or even chickpeas for a different texture.
- Heat Level: Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less jalapeño, cayenne pepper, or even throwing in a dash of hot sauce. Alternatively, if you’re not a fan of spice, omit the jalapeño and cayenne altogether.
- Cheese: Monterey Jack cheese is ideal for its mild flavor and excellent melting properties, but you could also use cheddar, pepper jack, or even a non-dairy cheese for a vegan option.
- Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or zucchini to bulk up the chili and add more nutritional value.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is incredibly easy. The beauty of using a slow cooker is that it does most of the work for you, allowing the flavors to develop over time while you go about your day. Here’s how to make it:

- Prep the Ingredients: Start by dicing the yellow onion and mincing the garlic. If you’re using jalapeño, slice it into small pieces, removing the seeds if you want to reduce the heat.
- Assemble in the Slow Cooker: Place the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced jalapeño into the bottom of the slow cooker. Lay the boneless, skinless chicken breast on top of the vegetables.
- Add the Remaining Ingredients: Pour the jar of salsa verde over the chicken. Add the cannellini beans, pinto beans, ground cumin, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and chicken broth. Stir to combine all the ingredients around the chicken breast.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The longer cook time on low will allow the flavors to meld together even more beautifully.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken breast from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the rest of the chili.
- Final Touches: Before serving, stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until it melts smoothly into the chili, making it even creamier.
How to Cook Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is a straightforward process that involves layering ingredients and letting time work its magic. Here’s a breakdown of the cooking process:
- Layering: Begin by layering the base ingredients in the slow cooker. Start with aromatics like onion, garlic, and jalapeño, which will infuse the chili with flavor as they cook.
- Adding the Chicken: Place the chicken breast on top of the aromatics. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the vegetables and spices as it cooks.
- Incorporating the Beans and Spices: Add the beans, salsa verde, and spices around the chicken. These ingredients create the hearty, flavorful base of the chili.
- Cooking Time: Set the slow cooker to low or high, depending on your schedule. Cooking on low heat allows for a more gradual melding of flavors, but if you’re short on time, cooking on high is perfectly fine.
- Shredding the Chicken: After cooking, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker or on a cutting board before returning it to the chili. Shredding the chicken ensures it mixes evenly throughout the chili, creating a uniform texture.
- Cheese Addition: Stir in the shredded cheese last, just before serving, for a rich and creamy finish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While this recipe is fairly straightforward, there are a few common mistakes you’ll want to avoid to ensure your chili turns out perfectly:
- Overcooking the Chicken: If left in the slow cooker for too long, the chicken can become dry. Be sure to cook it within the recommended time frame and at the appropriate temperature setting.
- Not Shredding the Chicken Properly: For the best texture, shred the chicken finely so it evenly distributes throughout the chili.
- Skipping the Cheese: The cheese adds a crucial layer of creaminess to the chili. Even if you’re reducing dairy, consider adding a small amount of cheese or a non-dairy alternative.
- Using Low-Quality Salsa Verde: Since salsa verde is a key ingredient, using a high-quality brand will significantly impact the flavor of your chili.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Serving your Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili in an appealing way can elevate the dining experience. Here are some tips:
- Toppings: Add a variety of toppings such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice to enhance the flavors and add a fresh contrast.
- Serving Vessels: Serve the chili in warm bowls to maintain the heat and comfort of the dish. You can also use bread bowls for a fun and hearty presentation.
- Accompaniments: Pair the chili with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple side salad to complete the meal.
How to Serve Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
Serving Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is a breeze. Here are some ways to serve it:
- Individual Bowls: Ladle the chili into individual bowls and top with your choice of garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.
- Family-Style: Serve the chili in a large pot or slow cooker insert and let everyone help themselves. Provide a variety of toppings so each person can customize their bowl.
- Chili Bar: Set up a chili bar with various toppings and side dishes, allowing guests to create their own perfect bowl.
Presentation Ideas for Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
A well-presented dish not only looks appealing but also enhances the dining experience. Here are some presentation ideas:
- Layered Garnishes: Arrange toppings like shredded cheese, avocado slices, and chopped cilantro in a visually pleasing way on top of each bowl.
- Color Contrast: Use colorful garnishes like red radishes, green cilantro, or bright yellow corn kernels to create a vibrant contrast against the creamy white chili.
- Rustic Charm: Serve the chili in rustic, earthenware bowls for a cozy, homestyle feel.
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe Tips
To ensure your Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Prep Ahead: Dice the vegetables and measure out the spices the night before to save time in the morning.
- Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a thicker chili, mash some of the beans before adding them to the slow cooker, or let the chili cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra burst of flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika or a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving.
- Storage: This chili stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a great option for meal prep. It also freezes well, so consider making a double batch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breast in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast, but keep in mind that it may increase the cooking time. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Q: Can I make this chili on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely. Simply follow the same steps using a large pot, and simmer on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Q: How can I make this chili dairy-free?
A: Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Ensure your salsa verde and other ingredients are dairy-free as well.
Q: What can I use instead of salsa verde?
A: If you can’t find salsa verde, you can substitute it with a combination of diced green chilies and a bit of tomatillo sauce or even a green enchilada sauce.
Q: How spicy is this chili?
A: The spice level is mild to medium, depending on the amount of jalapeño and cayenne pepper used. Adjust these ingredients to suit your taste.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is a fantastic dish that combines ease, flavor, and comfort in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends, this chili is sure to become a family favorite. With its creamy texture, tender chicken, and customizable heat, there’s something in this dish for everyone. Don’t forget to experiment with variations and toppings to make it your own. Try this recipe today and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of a well-made chili that will keep you coming back for more.
PrintSlow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe
This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is a flavorful, easy-to-make meal with tender chicken, beans, and salsa verde. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's a comforting dish packed with protein and spice. Keywords: Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili, salsa verde, chicken chili recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup/Chili
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 jalapeño (optional)
- 1 boneless skinless chicken breast (about ¾ lb.)
- 1 16oz. jar salsa verde
- 2 15oz. cans cannellini beans
- 1 15oz. can pinto beans
- 1 Tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 4 oz. Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the jalapeño if using.
- Add the chicken breast, salsa verde, beans (drained), cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and chicken broth to the slow cooker.
- Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the chicken breast using two forks and mix it back into the chili.
- Add shredded Monterey Jack cheese and stir until melted.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Customize the heat level by adjusting the jalapeño and cayenne pepper.
- Serve with tortilla chips, avocado, or sour cream for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 970mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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