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Close-up of a bowl of creamy white chicken chili filled with corn, beans, and chicken, topped with avocado and cilantro.

Hearty Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

A comforting and creamy white chicken chili recipe made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Packed with tender chicken, creamy beans, and a blend of mild spices, it's perfect for a weeknight meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

For the Chili
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 medium yellow onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 jalapeño seeded and minced (adjust to taste for heat)
  • 2 cans Great Northern beans (15 oz each), rinsed and drained
  • 1 can Cannellini beans (15 oz), rinsed and drained
  • 2 cans mild diced green chilies (4 oz each), undrained
  • 4 cups chicken broth low sodium
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste
  • 4 oz cream cheese full-fat, softened and cubed
  • 1/2 cup half-and-half (or heavy cream for richer chili)
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp cold water
Optional Toppings
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese or cheddar
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 avocado diced
  • lime wedges
  • tortilla chips or strips

Equipment

  • 6-quart Slow Cooker
  • Large Skillet
  • Whisk

Method
 

Prepare Ingredients
  1. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and jalapeño, cooking for another 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
Combine in Slow Cooker
  1. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker. Add the sautéed onion mixture, rinsed and drained Great Northern beans, cannellini beans, undrained diced green chilies, and chicken broth to the slow cooker.
  2. Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
Slow Cook
  1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and easily shreds with a fork.
Finish the Chili
  1. Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
  2. Add the softened, cubed cream cheese and half-and-half (or heavy cream) to the slow cooker. Stir well until the cream cheese is completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the chili, creating a creamy base.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to form a smooth slurry. Pour this slurry into the slow cooker, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and continue to cook on HIGH for an additional 15-30 minutes, or until the chili has thickened to your desired consistency.
Serve
  1. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices if desired. Ladle the hearty white chicken chili into bowls and serve hot with your favorite toppings such as fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, diced avocado, or crunchy tortilla strips. Enjoy!

Notes

For a spicier kick, you can add an extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices. This chili freezes well; simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.