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White Chicken Chili Recipe (CrockPot)

Hearty and comforting, this crockpot white chicken chili recipe is hands down the best comfort food we’ve ever had the privilege of devouring. Made with simple ingredients and plenty of flavor, it’s rich, creamy, and so easy to make! Pairs perfectly with rustic bread or sweet corn muffins

white chicken chili in a bowl
Serve crockpot white bean chicken chili with a side of tortilla chips for dipping.

What is White Chicken Chili?

White chicken chili generally refers to a cozy, thick stew type of dish made with white beans, chicken, and green chilis. Heat level can vary depending on whether mild green chilis, hot green chilis, or hot sauce is used. White chili is creamier and whitish in color, due to being more cream-based rather than tomato-based. Instead of black beans, white chicken chili uses white beans such as great northern beans. Additionally, shredded white chicken is used versus ground beef in traditional chili recipes.

Watch us Make White Chicken Chili

Why You’ll Love White Chicken Chili 

  • Goodness: It’s full of protein and fiber for a meal that will not only warm you up from the inside out but will also keep you full! 
  • Slow Cooker AND Stovetop: Made in the crockpot, all you have to do is combine the ingredients so you can be in and out of the kitchen in no time and come home to a scrumptious dinner. Instructions for stovetop option included.
  • Crowd Worthy: With 12 servings, it’s the perfect option for feeding a crowd. 
  • Meal Prep: Leftovers keep well for lunch the next day; if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers. 
  • Flavors: The spices and seasonings can easily be adjusted to fit your flavor preferences; so don’t be afraid to add a little extra hot sauce! 

Regular Chili vs. White Chili

What is the difference between white chili and regular chili? Essentially, regular chili is tomato-based, built on a foundation red chili seasonings and tomatoes. On the other hand, white chili is cream-based, using cream cheese or creamy soups to create a hearty white stew.

Additionally, a classic chili recipe uses black beans or kidney beans, whereas white chili uses navy beans or great northern beans. White chili generally contains white meat such as shredded white chicken, in lieu of ground beef that’s found in traditional chili recipes.

a bowl of white chicken chili topped with cheese with two tortilla chips on the side
Add the white chicken chili ingredients to the crockpot in the morning, and come home to a warm dinner!

Key Ingredients for White Bean Chicken Chili

There are seemingly a million different ways to prepare crockpot white bean chicken chili, and we’ve tried them all. However, this version is the one we always come back to again, and again….and again. Made with simple ingredients, it’s big on flavor and simply the best. 

  • Skinless, boneless chicken breasts are used as the protein source and added to the crockpot completely raw. 
  • Plenty of fiber can be found in this dish! Northern beans and corn are included to keep you satisfied. 
  • The secret to ultra creamy broth is a combination of condensed cream of chicken soup and chicken broth thickened with a pinch of flour. 
  • Chopped onions and garlic make everything tastier, including this dish. 
  • Plenty of spices belong here! Oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper create a warm flavor and are given a kick of heat with mild diced green chilis.  
  • Technically optional, this white bean chicken chili is best served with a sprinkling of shredded cheddar cheese on top. 
white chicken chili on a plate with spoon
Leftovers make for tasty packed lunches the next day!

Easy Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions

  1. Combine ingredients into large slow cooker. Mix well to incorporate.
  2. Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. keep warm until ready to serve. Garnish with shredded cheddar.

What To Serve With White Chicken Chili

Cornbread

Breads

Roasted Vegetables

Salad

White Chili Chicken Recipe Commonly Asked Questions

What can I serve with this crockpot white chicken chili? 

This crockpot white chicken chili makes for a satisfying meal all on its own. However, you can never go wrong with a side of tortilla chips, rustic bread, or sweet corn muffins to soak up all the goodness. 

Can I make this crockpot white chili chicken recipe on the stovetop? 

This white chili chicken recipe will work great on the stovetop as well. Just be sure to brown the chicken in a skillet first. Then, add the ingredients to a large pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to simmer, cover and let cook for 1 hour. If short on time, opt for this stovetop 30-minute white bean turkey chili instead! 

How long does white bean chicken chili last? 

Leftovers keep well so go ahead and make a big batch of this chili! When stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-5 days or freezer for up to 6 months. Just be sure to seal it airtight.

How spicy is white chicken chili?

We keep our recipe here relatively mild, using 8oz mild diced green chilis. You’re free to use 1 can hot and 1 can mild, or add a splash of hot sauce to suit your heat preference.

Did you make this?

Please give us a rating and comment below. We love hearing from you!

white chicken chili in a bowl

White Chicken Chili (Crockpot)

4.95 from 60 ratings
Hearty and comforting, this white bean chicken chili is hands down the best comfort food we’ve ever had the privilege of devouring. Made with simple ingredients and plenty of flavor, it’s rich, creamy, and so easy to make! Pairs perfectly with rustic bread or sweet corn muffins.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Author: Amy Dong

Ingredients  

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients (except salt/pepper) into large slow cooker. Mix well to incorporate.
  • Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours or until chicken is no longer pink and onions are soft. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Turn slow cooker to “warm” setting, and keep warm until ready to serve. If desired, garnish with shredded cheddar. Serve with bread, chips, or corn muffins.

Notes

  • Consistency: If you want to thicken your chili further after cooking, mix in 1 TB of flour at a time until desired thickness is achieved and let it cook another 30 min or so.  If you want to thin it out, simply add more chicken broth until desired consistency.
  • Stovetop Instructions: If you’d like to cook this on stovetop, brown chicken in a skillet first (no need to cook through, just browning is enough.) Then, add the ingredients to a large pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to simmer, cover and let cook for 1 hour. 
If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and give it a rating. We ❤️ hearing from you. 
 
 

Nutrition (per serving)

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 369kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 106mg | Sodium: 490mg | Potassium: 794mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 157IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 126mg | Iron: 2mg
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat
Method: Crockpot, Slow Cooker

More to Cook and Eat

  • Crock Pot Chili – One bite and you’ll know why this hearty chili recipe is one of our favorites. 
  • Butternut Squash Chili – The perfect meal to serve gathered around the table with friends. 
  • Vegetarian Chili – This is hands down the best vegetarian (or vegan) chili we’ve ever had; try it for yourself and see if you agree! 
  • Healthy Chicken Chili – Good for you and ready in 30 minutes, dinner doesn’t get better than this. 
  • Healthy Fall Pumpkin Chili – We absolutely adore this cold-weather meal. Loaded with nutritious ingredients and savory flavors, it’s comforting, cozy, and oh-so-tasty. 

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Recipe Rating




9 comments

    • Heather

    Hi
    Your chicken chilli recipe looks amazing. Could you make this in a instant pot?

      • Amy Dong

      Yes, you can adapt to instant pot – cook on high pressure for 15 minutes and do a manual/quick release. Enjoy!

    • Jamie
    • 5 stars

    Oh my, this chicken recipe looks incredibly delicious! It’s such a unique recipe with an amazing twist of flavor and taste! I totally love it! I’ll definitely make this for my family!

    • Ann
    • 5 stars

    I love white chili! A perfect soup to make during the winter months. Thanks for the recipe share! Excited to give it a try!

    • Tracy
    • 5 stars

    We loved this chili!! So so delicious and hearty, our family can’t wait to have it again!

      • Amy Dong

      So happy to hear that! 🙂

    • kumamonjeng

    Chicken is always a healthier version than other red meat especially for people who into bodybuilding. I love this recipe and seems very yummy and interesting.

      • chewoutloud

      Sooo good not just for healthy, fit meal… but crazy delicious! Thank you!

    • frugalfeeding

    Awesome – comfort food. I’ve never seen a white chili before!

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