Description
A creamy, hearty slow cooker white chicken chili that requires minimal prep and effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe yields tender shredded chicken, soft beans, and a rich, comforting flavor that improves overnight.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 cans (15oz each) white beans (Cannellini or Great Northern), rinsed and drained
- 1 can (4oz) mild diced green chiles
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream (for serving)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Cut the chicken breasts into large 1.5-inch chunks.
- Add the chicken, onion, garlic, rinsed beans, green chiles, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours (or HIGH for 3-4 hours) until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove the bay leaf. Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the pot and stir it back into the chili.
- Turn off the slow cooker. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until completely melted and incorporated.
- Ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve immediately.
Notes
[‘Rinse beans thoroughly to remove metallic taste and reduce sodium.’, ‘Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness, as cream cheese and chiles can be salty.’, ‘For a thicker chili, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes. For thinner, add more broth.’, ‘Freezes well for up to 3 months in portioned containers.’, ‘Can use frozen chicken; add 30-60 minutes to cook time and shred after cooking.’]
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 7
- Protein: 35
Keywords: slow cooker, crockpot, white chicken chili, easy dinner, meal prep, freezer friendly, comfort food, weeknight dinner