Okay, listen up, because you NEED this Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili in your life! Seriously, is there anything better than a big bowl of chili on a chilly evening? And the best part? This recipe is SO easy, it practically makes itself. I’m talking minimal effort, maximum flavor!
I remember one particularly blustery winter day. I was snowed in, craving something warm and comforting, but the thought of spending hours in the kitchen? Absolutely not! That’s when I threw this Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili together. And let me tell you, it was a game-changer. The whole house smelled amazing, and dinner was ready with hardly any work from me. Trust me, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Seriously, where do I even start? You’re gonna be obsessed with this chili, I just know it. Here’s why:
Easy to Make
Throw everything in the slow cooker and walk away! It really is that simple. The slow cooker does all the hard work for you, talk about hands-off!
Flavorful and Creamy
Wow, the combo of spices with that creamy texture? It’s seriously amazing. Each bite is like a warm hug, absolutely bursting with flavor.
Perfect for a Crowd
Got a party? Game night? This Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili is your new best friend. It feeds a bunch, and everyone always loves it!
Minimal Effort
I’m all about easy, and this is IT. A few minutes of prep, then let the slow cooker work its magic. You’ll have a delicious, satisfying meal with practically zero effort. Score!
Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Ingredients
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili. Don’t skimp – good ingredients make all the difference, trust me!
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed. (Seriously, get rid of that extra fat!)
- 1 yellow onion, diced. (About a cup, give or take!)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. (Fresh is best, always!)
- 24 oz low sodium chicken broth. (Keeps the sodium in check, ya know?)
- 2 15oz cans great Northern beans, drained and rinsed. (Gotta rinse ’em good!)
- 2 4oz cans diced green chiles (one hot, one mild). (I like the mix for a lil’ kick!)
- 1 15oz can whole kernel corn, drained. (Sweetness is key!)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 3/4 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Small handful fresh cilantro, chopped. (Save some for garnish, too!)
- 4 oz reduced fat cream cheese, softened. (Important! Makes it super creamy!)
- 1/4 cup half and half. (Just a splash for extra richness!)
How to Prepare Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Okay, ready to get cooking? This is the super easy part! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a pot of delicious Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili in no time. You got this!
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
First things first, grab your slow cooker. We’re gonna layer everything in! Pop those chicken breasts right on the bottom. Then, sprinkle ’em with the salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and that lil’ pinch of cayenne. Next up, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, great Northern beans (make sure they’re drained and rinsed!), green chiles, corn, chicken broth, and cilantro. Give it all a good stir to combine. Easy peasy!
Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection
Now for the magic! Cover that slow cooker and let it do its thing. You’ve got two options here: cook on LOW for 8 hours (perfect for a long day at work!) or on HIGH for 3-4 hours (if you’re a little more impatient, like me!). Just keep an eye on it, and make sure that chicken is cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready when it shreds easily with a fork.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Alright, time to shred! Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and pop them into a large mixing bowl. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Then, dump that shredded chicken right back into the slow cooker with all those yummy veggies and broth. Don’t worry if it falls apart, that’s the goal!
Step 4: Make it Creamy
Here comes the best part! Add that softened cream cheese and half and half to the slow cooker. Stir it all together until the cream cheese is completely melted and the chili is nice and creamy. If you want it *extra* smooth, you can even whisk the softened cream cheese with a little bit of the hot chili broth before adding it to the whole pot. Then, cover and cook on HIGH for another 15 minutes, just to let everything meld together and get all thick and delicious. Yum!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Your Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Okay, it’s chow time! Ladle that Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili into bowls and get ready to load it up with toppings. My personal faves? Sliced jalapenos for a kick, creamy avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, crispy tortilla strips, and a generous handful of shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican cheese. But hey, you do you! Get creative and add whatever toppings make your heart sing. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Want to take your Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili from good to AMAZING? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that’ll make all the difference. Trust me on these!
Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Seriously, nobody likes dry chicken! Keep an eye on it, and don’t let it cook longer than necessary. Overcooked chicken will be tough and stringy, and nobody wants that in their chili. Aim for shreddable, but still juicy!
Soften the Cream Cheese
This is HUGE! If you dump cold cream cheese into the hot chili, it’ll clump up and won’t melt properly. Let that cream cheese sit out at room temperature for a bit until it’s nice and soft. It’ll blend in so much easier and give you that perfectly creamy texture we’re after.
Adjust the Spice Level
Not a fan of heat? No problem! Dial back the cayenne pepper or use all mild green chiles. Love a fiery kick? Add a pinch more cayenne or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. It’s your chili, so make it your own!
Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Variations
Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic recipe? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy and mix things up! This Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili is super versatile, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Vegetarian Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Ditch the chicken! Seriously, just swap it out for more beans (think cannellini or even black beans!) or load it up with extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. Still totally comforting and delicious!
Spicy Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Feeling fiery? Crank up the heat! Add more of those hot green chiles or toss in a pinch (or three!) of red pepper flakes. You could even use a hotter variety of chili powder. Just be careful, a little goes a long way!
Different Toppings for Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Toppings are where the fun *really* begins! Forget sour cream and try Greek yogurt for a tangier twist. A drizzle of hot sauce? Yes, please! And don’t forget a squeeze of fresh lime – it brightens everything up perfectly. Get creative!
FAQ About Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked about this amazing Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili. Don’t be shy, ask away if you have more!
Can I make Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it often tastes even BETTER the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Easy peasy!
Can I freeze Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili?
Yep! This chili freezes like a dream. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top freezer bags. Lay the bags flat to freeze for easier storage. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat as usual. Just give it a good stir, as the texture might change slightly.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken in Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili?
You bet! If you’re short on time (or just have leftover cooked chicken), you can totally use it. Just skip the first step of adding raw chicken to the slow cooker. Instead, add the pre-cooked chicken during the last 30 minutes of cooking time, just to heat it through. You don’t want to overcook it!
How do I make Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili thicker?
Sometimes, you want a THICKER chili, right? No problem! Just mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2-3 tablespoons of cold milk, half and half, chicken broth, or even water until it’s smooth. This is called a cornstarch slurry. Then, stir the slurry into the chili during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. Cook until the chili has thickened to your liking. Easy peasy!
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Okay, so the chili’s ready… now what? Don’t let it fly solo! Here are a few of my favorite things to serve alongside this Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili to make it a complete meal. Trust me, these pairings are perfection!
Side Dishes
Gotta have cornbread, right? It’s a MUST! A simple side salad adds a little freshness, and you can never go wrong with a big bowl of tortilla chips for scooping up all that creamy goodness.
Drink Pairings
A nice cold beer is always a winner with chili. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, a light, crisp white wine pairs surprisingly well. Something like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Cheers!
Storage & Reheating Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Leftovers?! If you’re lucky enough to have any, here’s how to keep that Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili tasting amazing the next day. It’s super simple, don’t worry!
Storing Leftovers
Let the chili cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days, perfect for lunch or another quick dinner. Easy peasy!
Reheating Instructions
Wanna warm it up? You’ve got options! Stovetop: Just heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s nice and hot. Microwave: Nuke it for a few minutes, stirring every minute or so, until it’s warmed through. Boom! Dinner is served…again!
Nutritional Information for Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Okay, quick note: Nutritional info can vary *wildly* depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use. So, this is just an estimate, not a precise thing, okay?
Enjoy Your Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili!
Alright, that’s it! I hope you LOVE this Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili as much as my family does. Don’t forget to leave a comment and rate the recipe below! And hey, share a pic on social media – I’d love to see your creations!
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Unbelievable Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili in 3 Steps
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy a flavorful and easy-to-make Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili. This recipe is perfect for a comforting meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz low sodium chicken broth
- 2 15oz cans great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 4oz cans diced green chiles (one hot, one mild)
- 1 15oz can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 3/4 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Small handful fresh cilantro, chopped
- 4 oz reduced fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup half and half
Instructions
- Add chicken breasts to the bottom of a slow cooker. Top with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Top with diced onion, minced garlic, great Northern beans, green chiles, corn, chicken broth, and cilantro. Stir.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Remove chicken to a large mixing bowl, shred, then return to the slow cooker.
- Add cream cheese and half and half, stir, then cover and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes, or until chili is creamy and slightly thickened.
- Stir well and serve with desired toppings such as sliced jalapenos, sliced avocados, dollop of sour cream, minced fresh cilantro, tortilla strips, or shredded Monterey jack or Mexican cheese.
Notes
- To ensure a smooth blend of cream cheese, whisk softened cream cheese with a few ladles of chili before adding to the slow cooker.
- To thicken chili, mix 1 Tbsp cornstarch with 2-3 Tbsp milk/half and half/chicken broth or water. Stir until dissolved, then stir into chili. Cook until thickened.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 155
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg