Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe

Cozy Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe for Fall Nights

Comfort meets convenience in this delightful slow cooker white chicken chili that brings warmth to your dinner table.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with creamy white beans, creating a hearty meal packed with flavor.

Fragrant spices dance through the broth, promising a satisfying experience with every spoonful.

The slow cooker works its magic, melding ingredients into a rich, soul-warming dish that speaks directly to your hunger.

Crisp toppings like fresh cilantro and zesty lime add brightness to this comforting classic.

Weeknight meals just got easier and more delicious with this effortless chili that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

Prepare to be delighted by a recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Why Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Is a Cozy Favorite

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  • Quick and Adaptable Recipe: Enjoy a straightforward baking process that requires basic ingredients and simple mixing techniques, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels from novice to experienced.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Profile: Delight guests with the classic red velvet taste – rich cocoa undertones balanced with a hint of tanginess, beautifully complemented by potential cream cheese frosting decorations.

Ingredients Needed for Slow Cooker White Chili

Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: The main protein source that provides a tender and hearty base for the chili.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds a rich, creamy texture and smooth flavor to the dish.
Vegetables and Beans:
  • Onion, Frozen Corn, Red Beans: These ingredients bring additional texture, sweetness, and nutrition to the chili.
  • Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Provides a tangy and slightly spicy flavor profile to the dish.
Seasonings and Broth:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates the liquid base and enhances the overall flavor of the chili.
  • Ranch Dressing, Cumin, Chili Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: These seasonings work together to create a complex and savory taste.
Garnish (Optional):
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Sliced Green Onions: These toppings add extra flavor, texture, and visual appeal to the finished chili.

How to Make White Chicken Chili Easily

Step 1: Lay the Foundation

Place whole chicken breasts directly into the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a protein-packed base for the delicious chili.

Step 2: Create Flavor Explosion

Toss these ingredients into the slow cooker:
  • Diced onion
  • Frozen corn
  • Red beans
  • Diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • Chicken broth
  • Ranch dressing
  • Cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything together until all ingredients are well combined and dancing with flavor.

Step 3: First Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and let magic happen. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours until chicken is perfectly tender.

Step 4: Transform the Chicken

Carefully remove chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Using two forks, gently pull and shred the meat into delectable, bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Creamy Transformation

Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker. Cut cream cheese into small cubes and drop them into the mixture.

Stir thoroughly to help cream cheese melt and create a luxurious, velvety texture.

Step 6: Final Simmering

Cover and cook on low heat for an additional 30 minutes, allowing cream cheese to completely dissolve and create a rich, creamy consistency.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Give the chili a final stir to ensure all ingredients are perfectly blended. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and sliced green onions for a beautiful, restaurant-worthy presentation.

Notes for Creamy White Chicken Chili Success

  • Position chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker for even, thorough cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
  • Adjust cumin and chili powder quantities to control heat intensity and personalize the spice level according to your preference.
  • Cut cream cheese into small cubes to ensure smooth, quick melting and prevent lumpy texture in the chili.
  • Shred chicken using two forks for tender, uniform pieces that blend perfectly with the chili's creamy consistency.
  • Top with fresh cheddar cheese and green onions just before serving to add extra flavor, texture, and visual appeal.

Tasty Ways to Switch Up White Chili

  • Vegetarian Chili Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete meat-free version.
  • Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, incorporate chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for an intensely hot flavor profile.
  • Lean Protein Edition: Substitute chicken breasts with ground turkey or chicken thighs for different protein textures and slightly richer taste.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of cream cheese, swap dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives for lactose-intolerant individuals.

What to Eat With White Chicken Chili Bowls

  • Pair with Crisp Cerveza: Grab a light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to cut through the creamy richness of the chili, providing a refreshing contrast that enhances the dish's spicy flavors.
  • Create Cornbread Companion: Bake a slightly sweet, buttery cornbread as a perfect side that soaks up the chili's creamy broth and adds a delightful textural complement to each spoonful.
  • Top with Zesty Sour Cream Dollop: Swirl a cold, tangy sour cream on top to balance the chili's warmth, creating a cool counterpoint that smooths out the spice and adds creamy depth to each bite.

How to Store Leftover White Chicken Chili Well

  • Transfer leftover chili to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Place desired portion in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture if needed.
  • Pour chili into a saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little chicken broth or water to prevent sticking and maintain creamy consistency.

FAQs

  • Is white chicken chili spicy?

The chili has a mild heat from green chilies and spices, but it’s not overly spicy. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder.

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They’re often more flavorful and tender compared to chicken breasts.

  • Do I need to pre-cook the chicken before adding to the slow cooker?

No, you can add raw chicken breasts directly to the slow cooker. They will cook thoroughly during the slow cooking process.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat cream cheese, reduce sodium chicken broth, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutrition.

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Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comfort meets flavor in this slow cooker white chicken chili, delivering a hearty Mexican-inspired meal packed with creamy texture and zesty spices. Tender chicken, white beans, and green chiles combine for a soul-warming dish you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables and Beans:

  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 (17-ounce / 482 grams) can red beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (19-ounce / 539 grams) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup ranch salad dressing
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (8-ounce / 227 grams) package cream cheese, cut into cubes

Instructions

  1. Position chicken breasts in the base of the slow cooker, creating an even foundation for the chili.
  2. Layer diced onions, frozen corn, red beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, ranch dressing, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper over the chicken. Thoroughly mix ingredients to distribute seasonings evenly.
  3. Secure lid and slow cook on low temperature for 6-8 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to become tender.
  4. After cooking period, extract chicken breasts and use two forks to meticulously shred meat into small, uniform pieces.
  5. Reintroduce shredded chicken into the slow cooker. Dice cream cheese into small cubes and scatter throughout the mixture.
  6. Continue cooking on low temperature for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to help cream cheese dissolve completely and create a smooth, velvety texture.
  7. Gently stir chili to ensure all ingredients are well integrated. Transfer to serving bowls and crown with sprinkled cheddar cheese and thinly sliced green onions for added freshness and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Enhance flavor by using chicken thighs instead of breasts for richer, more tender meat.
  • Reduce sodium by selecting low-sodium chicken broth and reducing added salt.
  • Make it vegetarian by substituting chicken with extra firm tofu or additional beans for protein.
  • Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, ensuring a quick meal for later.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours (or 8 hours)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 342 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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