Best Ever Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili (Easy Dinner!)
My first apartment was tiny, drafty, and always freezing during the long winter months. I quickly realized I needed food that felt less like a meal and more like a warm, comforting hug.
I remember testing this exact **Crockpot White Chicken Chili** recipe on a particularly gloomy Tuesday night. The aroma of cumin and oregano instantly filled the house with warmth, transforming the whole space. It quickly became my go-to **comfort food** when I needed something hearty and satisfying.
This is truly the ultimate **easy dinner** solution. You literally dump the simple ingredients in your slow cooker in the morning, set it, and come home to a gourmet meal. This specific version has been tested and perfected—it’s the creamiest, most flavorful white chicken chili you’ll ever make!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
❤️ Here’s why this recipe will become a permanent part of your meal rotation:
- Minimal Prep: It truly is a dump-and-go meal. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Incredible Flavor: We use key spices and a secret creamy ingredient (hint: it’s cream cheese!) for richness.
- Family Friendly: This recipe is mild enough for kids but easily spiced up for adults.
- Freezer Friendly: Make a huge batch and save the rest for emergency lunches or dinners.
What You Need
You only need a few simple pantry staples for this creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili! Most ingredients you likely already have on hand, like canned beans and chicken broth.
For the best results, make sure you grab boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Check the full printable recipe card below for detailed measurements and exact ingredients.
Expert Tips for the Best Chili
đź’ˇ Follow these simple tricks to ensure your chili turns out perfectly creamy and delicious every single time:
- Cream Cheese Check: Make sure to cut the cream cheese block into cubes before adding it in. This helps it melt faster and incorporate smoothly into the chili.
- Shredding Trick: If you hate shredding chicken by hand, use a hand mixer! Place the cooked chicken in a bowl and beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Perfect shreds, zero fuss.
- Spice Level: If you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drained can of jalapeños along with the green chiles.
- Serving Suggestion: This chili is best served with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is highly versatile! Feel free to customize it based on what you have available or dietary needs.
- Beans: If you don’t have Great Northern beans, use all cannellini beans or swap them for black beans for a deeper flavor (though the color won’t be as ‘white’).
- Veggies: Add a cup of frozen corn during the last hour of cooking for extra texture and sweetness.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with 1/2 cup of unsweetened full-fat coconut milk for a rich, dairy-free alternative.
- Keto/Low Carb: Omit the beans entirely and bulk up the chili with diced bell peppers or cauliflower rice.
Storage & Freezing
This Crockpot White Chicken Chili is wonderful for meal prepping! It keeps beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: The chili freezes very well. Once completely cooled, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags (leave about an inch of headspace). Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken?
It is generally safer to use thawed chicken when slow cooking to ensure it reaches a safe temperature quickly. If you must use frozen, add an extra hour to the cooking time on high, and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Is this chili spicy?
No, the base recipe is quite mild. The diced green chiles provide flavor without heat. If you prefer a kick, add a pinch of cayenne or use pepper jack cheese as a topping!
Why is my chili watery?
Slow cookers sometimes retain a lot of liquid. If your chili is too thin after adding the cream cheese, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water (a slurry) and stir it into the hot chili. Cook for 15 more minutes until thickened.
If you try this easy Crockpot White Chicken Chili, please leave a star rating and comment below. Happy cooking, friends!
The Best Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cans (15 oz) Great Northern beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (optional, for extra creaminess)
Instructions
- Step 1 Combine all ingredients except cream cheese and heavy cream in the slow cooker: chicken, beans, onion, green chiles, broth, chili powder, cumin, and oregano.
- Step 2 Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3.5 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
- Step 3 Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks (or a hand mixer). Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Step 4 Add the cubed cream cheese and heavy cream (if using). Stir well until the cream cheese is completely melted and the chili is smooth and creamy. This takes about 10-15 minutes.
- Step 5 Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like cilantro, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and sour cream.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cans (15 oz) Great Northern beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (optional, for extra creaminess)
