Crockpot White Chicken Chili

This Crockpot White Chicken Chili is a creamy, dreamy comfort food staple you’ll crave all season long. Brimming with tender shredded chicken, white beans, sweet corn, and mild green chiles, it’s seasoned to perfection with southwest spices like cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika. A swirl of coconut milk or cream cheese at the end makes every spoonful rich and satisfying without being heavy. Perfect for cozy weeknights or a make-ahead meal prep option, this chili is naturally gluten-free and easy to adapt for dairy-free diets. Whether you serve it topped with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or crisp tortilla strips, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly and reheats like a dream—so don’t be surprised if you start doubling the batch!

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 2 poblano peppers, seeded and diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2-3 cups chicken broth (adjust for desired consistency)

• 2 (15-ounce) cans white cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained

• 2 (4-ounce) cans diced green chiles (with juice)

• 1 teaspoon oregano

• 2 teaspoons chili powder

• 3 teaspoons cumin

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Freshly cracked pepper and kosher salt, to taste

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

• 4 ounces cream cheese (dairy-free if desired), optional

• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream

• Optional toppings: fresh lime juice, cilantro, avocado slices, jalapeños, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, tortilla strips

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add onion and poblano peppers and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add garlic and cook another minute until fragrant. Transfer to the crockpot.

2. Add chicken broth, white beans, corn, green chiles, oregano, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the crockpot. Stir to combine.

3. Nestle the chicken breasts into the mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged.

4. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4-6 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours.

5. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the crockpot.

6. Add cream cheese (if using) and coconut milk or heavy cream. Stir until melted and creamy. Add more broth if needed to reach desired consistency.

7. Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 490 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

A Comforting Bowl of Crockpot White Chicken Chili

As the weather cools and cozy evenings become more frequent, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of warm, hearty chili to soothe the soul. While traditional red chili has long been a household staple, White Chicken Chili offers a lighter, creamier alternative that’s just as satisfying—if not more. This Crockpot White Chicken Chili recipe brings all the classic comfort you crave with a healthy, modern twist: tender shredded chicken, white beans, green chiles, and southwest spices simmered slowly in a rich, creamy broth.

But what truly sets this recipe apart is its convenience and nutritional value, making it perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and even dietary-sensitive households. Whether you’re a long-time chili enthusiast or someone looking for a new spin on comfort food, this version deserves a spot in your recipe rotation.

The Origins of White Chicken Chili

White chicken chili may not have the century-old roots of its tomato-based counterpart, but it has rapidly become a beloved favorite across North America. Emerging in the Southwestern United States in the late 20th century, this chili variation takes cues from Tex-Mex flavors—swapping out beef and tomatoes for chicken, white beans, green chiles, and often, a creamy element like sour cream, cream cheese, or coconut milk.

This chili stands out for its balance of mild heat, protein-rich ingredients, and velvety texture. The focus is less on spice and more on depth of flavor, making it a dish that pleases kids and adults alike.

Why This Recipe Is a Standout

There are dozens of white chicken chili recipes floating around online, but this one truly checks all the boxes: simple ingredients, slow-cooker convenience, meal prep friendly, and customizable for multiple diets. Here’s why this particular version is a winner:

• One-pot meal: All the magic happens in the slow cooker. Simply sauté your aromatics, add everything else, and let it do the work.

• Nutritionally balanced: High in protein and fiber, but lower in carbs than traditional chili.

• Dairy-flexible: Use cream cheese and heavy cream for richness or opt for coconut cream and dairy-free cheese to keep it lactose-free.

• Customizable spice level: Want more heat? Add jalapeños or cayenne. Need it milder? Stick with mild green chiles.

This is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both indulgent and wholesome—perfect for everything from family dinners to game day feasts.

Key Ingredients and Their Benefits

Let’s break down why the ingredients in this chili not only taste great but are also good for your body.

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Lean, high-quality protein that helps build and repair muscle. Chicken thighs add a bit more flavor and fat, but both options work well.

• White cannellini beans: A fiber powerhouse that supports digestion and keeps you full longer. They also provide plant-based protein.

• Poblano peppers and green chiles: Mild in heat but high in flavor and antioxidants like vitamin C.

• Garlic and onion: Anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting, these aromatics create a savory, flavorful base.

• Coconut cream or heavy cream: Offers richness without needing flour or thickeners. Coconut cream is ideal for dairy-free diets and adds subtle sweetness.

• Spices like cumin, oregano, chili powder, and smoked paprika: These not only give your chili a southwestern flair but also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Every ingredient serves a purpose, whether it’s boosting the nutrition profile, enhancing flavor, or contributing to the dish’s creamy texture.

Crockpot Convenience: Set It and Forget It

One of the biggest selling points of this recipe is how effortless it is to prepare. If you’ve ever come home after a long day and wished dinner was magically ready, this recipe is your dream come true. After a quick sauté of onions and peppers (optional, but adds depth), all you need to do is toss everything in the slow cooker and press start.

The crockpot gently simmers the ingredients over several hours, infusing the chicken with spice and allowing the beans and broth to thicken beautifully. After shredding the chicken and stirring in the cream at the end, you’re left with a rich, comforting meal that feels like it took all day—even though your hands were mostly off-duty.

This makes it an excellent dish for meal prep, as it stores beautifully in the fridge for up to five days and freezes for up to three months.

Dietary Flexibility and Allergen-Friendly Options

Many traditional chili recipes rely heavily on cheese, sour cream, and other dairy ingredients, making them off-limits for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. This white chicken chili can easily be made dairy-free without compromising on taste or texture.

Here’s how:

• Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a luscious consistency.

• Skip the cream cheese or use a dairy-free version.

• Top with avocado, lime juice, and fresh herbs instead of shredded cheese or sour cream.

Additionally, the recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided you use certified gluten-free chicken broth. It’s also lower in carbs than most chilis, making it suitable for low-carb or balanced-carb diets.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas

While this chili can stand alone as a satisfying meal, here are a few ideas to round out your dinner table:

• Cornbread or gluten-free tortillas: Great for dipping or soaking up every last drop.

• Toppings bar: Let everyone customize their bowl with sliced avocado, jalapeños, shredded cheese, lime wedges, cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips.

• Side salad: A light arugula or mixed greens salad balances the creamy richness of the chili.

• Grilled cheese: For a comfort-food explosion, serve a mini grilled cheese on the side.

This dish is incredibly versatile. You can dress it up for guests or keep it simple for an easy weeknight dinner.

Great for Meal Prep and Freezer-Friendly

Busy schedules often mean dinner gets rushed or skipped altogether. That’s why meals like this white chicken chili are lifesavers. Cook a batch on Sunday, portion it into containers, and you’ve got lunch or dinner sorted for the entire week.

To freeze:

• Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

• Label with date and freeze for up to 3 months.

• To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.

The texture remains creamy and delicious even after freezing, which isn’t always the case with cream-based dishes—yet another reason this recipe shines.

Nutrition Facts at a Glance

Here’s a quick snapshot of the nutritional profile per serving (based on 6 servings total):

• Calories: 490 kcal

• Protein: 36g

• Carbohydrates: 35g

• Fat: 21g

• Fiber: 8g

• Sugar: 12g

These numbers show a well-balanced meal that’s rich in protein and fiber, helping you stay full and energized without going overboard on calories or carbs.

Conclusion

This Crockpot White Chicken Chili is more than just a tasty meal—it’s a nourishing, customizable, and hassle-free option that fits beautifully into a modern lifestyle. Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing meals in advance, or simply craving a comforting bowl of soup that’s both indulgent and healthy, this recipe is a must-try.

It combines everything we love about slow-cooked meals—deep flavor, rich texture, and comforting warmth—with a thoughtful list of ingredients designed to nourish and please. Add this to your recipe arsenal, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and time again throughout the fall and winter seasons.

If you’re ready to upgrade your soup game, give this Crockpot White Chicken Chili a try—you might just find your new favorite dinner.