Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

Crockpot White Chicken Chili is by far one of my family’s favorite soup recipes. Even my kids love this crockpot white chicken chili recipe because the beans practically disappear with the chicken.

This recipe is super easy and perfect for game day, your next chili cook off or family dinner. I love that you can feed a large crowd and not spend a ton of money. If you love chili as much as my family, you may also love Cincinnati Chili Recipe, Ground Turkey Chili and Crockpot Cowboy Chili.

Why We Love White Chicken Chili

• Easy to Make – It is the easiest White Bean Chicken Chili Crockpot Recipe to toss and go.
• Budget Friendly – The entire meal is inexpensive.
• Family and Crowd Favorite – You can feed a crowd easily with your favorite toppings.
• Simple Ingredients – It tastes great with very little work and completely customizable.

Ingredients

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – Feel free to use skinless chicken thighs or chicken tenders.
• Whites Beans – You can also use Cannellini Beans, Pinto Beans, White Kidney Beans, Navy Beans or Great Northern Beans 
• Low Sodium Chicken Broth – If you are out, see Chicken broth substitutes
• Onion – We like to use a Vegetable Chopper to easily chop the onions about he same size. Learn How to Freeze Onions so you can prepare ahead of time.
• Minced Garlic – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
• Cumin – See Best Substitute for Cumin if you are out
• Chili Powder – Check out The Best Chili Powder Substitute if you are out
• Topping – Chopped fresh Cilantro, fresh lime juice, Sour Cream, Sliced Jalapeños, Avocados, crushed tortillas chips and shredded Monterey Jack Cheese 

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

• Spicy Taste – If you want a spicier chili, add fire roasted green chilis or a diced jalapeño to the crock pot. You can even add in ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
• Cream Cheese – For a creamier soup, add 4 ounces cream cheese after the chili cooks. Turn on low for 15 minutes. You just want it to melt and then stir it all together. If you plan to freeze this soup uncooked, do not add the cream cheese prior to freezing.
• Rotisserie Chicken – You can use leftover chicken in this recipe. It is a great way to use rotisserie chicken. Shred it and place in the soup. If using cooked leftover chicken, reduce the time as it will only need to be heated and the seasonings blended together.
• Diced Tomatoes – While it will not be a traditional white chicken chili, you can add a can of diced tomatoes if you want. The flavor is delicious.
• Leftover Turkey – Swap the chicken for leftover shredded turkey. It is just as delicious and a great way to make the most of what you have.
• Vegetarian – Skip the meat all together and add an extra can of beans and a can of diced tomatoes.
• Vegetables – Feel free to sneak in veggies such as chopped bell peppers, celery or shredded carrots for even more flavor.
• Seasoning – You can also use a taco seasoning packet instead of chili powder and cumin for even more flavor. Try making Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe for an easy substitute.

How to Make Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

• Step 1 – Add the chicken, 15 oz cans of beans, corn, chicken broth, green chiles, onion, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, salt and pepper to a 6-8 quart crock pot. 
• Step 2 – Stir to combine all the ingredients. 
• Step 3 – Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken shreds easily.  
• Step 4 – Remove the chicken, shred and return it back to the crock pot. 
• Step 5 – Serve topped with your favorite toppers and lime wedges and enjoy! 

Recipe Tips

• Chili Consistency – If you want the chili to be thicker, add a cornstarch slurry. Make the slurry by mixing together 2 Tbsp cornstarch with 2 Tbsp cold water and stir this mixture into the crock pot and cook on high until the chicken thickens.  
• Cooking Time – If your crock pot cooks faster, then make sure to watch your cooking time. It may vary depending on if you are using fresh chicken or frozen chicken.
• Use Less Chicken – This recipe only calls for 2 chicken breasts so it is already frugal. However, you can stretch the meat even more. Just add an extra can or 2 of beans. You may need to also add extra chicken broth.
• Beans – If you have kids who don’t like beans, smash them up before you put them in the crockpot. They won’t even know they are in there.

What to Serve with White Chicken Chili?

• Cornbread. We like this easy homemade cornbread with the chili. If you like a little heat, spice things up with this Cheddar Jalapeno Cornbread. It is delicious crumbled into the chili.

• Toppings. Our favorites include: sour cream, shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, corn chips, ranch crackers, onion, shredded cheese and hot sauce.

If you are serving this for Super Bowl or a party, set up a topping bar. It is fun and a great way for everyone to customize their bowl of white chicken chili recipe.

Can You Make this Recipe in the Instant Pot?

Yes, this is a great recipe to make in the instant pot. Using the instant pot has been a game changer for my family as this recipe cooks in about 25 minutes.

• Increase the chicken broth to 2 cups and the rest of the ingredients will remain the same.
• Put the chicken in the instant pot. Add everything else on top. (Except for the toppings.)
• Set the pressure to high for 25 minutes.
• Remove the chicken and shred. Add back to the soup an stir it all together.

For full directions, try Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe.

Can you Freeze White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe?

Yes, and you have a couple of options.

• You can place all the ingredients in a freezer bag and toss in the freezer. Then just dump the ingredients still frozen into the crockpot. You will have everything you need all ready to go for an easy meal.
• The other option is to freeze the extra left over soup into individual meal portions for a quick and warm lunch. I do this all the time and it so convenient. Just make sure to use freezer containers or bags. I often use freezer bags because they take up less space since they lay flat.
• It will keep up to 2 months in the freezer if stored properly. You can enjoy soup for a quick meal any day of the week. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and then it is ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions