White Chicken Chili — Easy Crockpot Recipe

White chicken chili has a magical way of making even the busiest weeknight feel a little cozier. First, I have to admit, this recipe has saved me more times than I can count. With hungry kids swirling around and a kitchen that sometimes looks like a tornado hit it, tossing everything into the crockpot feels like a superpower.

Also, nothing beats the aroma that sneaks through the house as this white chicken chili bubbles away. It’s the kind of soup that gathers everyone around the table, even if you accidentally drop half the corn on the floor (oops, been there). So, whether you’re a seasoned chili lover or just in need of something soul-warming, this recipe hits all the right notes.

Finally, don’t be surprised if you find yourself sneaking spoonfuls straight from the pot. This white chicken chili is just that good, especially when you’re craving comfort without any fuss.

My Kitchen Story

First, let me set the scene: a chilly Sunday, an overflowing pile of laundry, and only a rotisserie chicken left in the fridge. That’s how my obsession with white chicken chili began. I needed something hearty, easy, and—let’s be honest—something that wouldn’t result in a mountain of dirty dishes. So, I grabbed my trusty slow cooker and went for it. Crockpot recipes chicken soup always felt like a gamble, but this time, it was a jackpot.

Then, as I chopped onions and wrestled with a stubborn can opener (why do they always jam when you’re in a hurry?), I realized I was onto something. The kitchen filled with the scent of cumin and garlic, and my kids wandered in, noses twitching. Even the dog parked himself by the counter, clearly hopeful for a stray bean.

What Makes It Stand Out

Also, what really sets this white chicken chili apart is how creamy and rich it turns out—without a lot of fuss. The cream cheese melts right in, blending with the beans and green chilies for a spoonful that’s both tangy and mellow. If you want a shorter ingredient list, check out this Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe With 6 Simple Ingredients, which I found helpful when I first started making crock pot soup with chicken .

Finally, don’t forget the toppings—cheddar, cilantro, a squeeze of lime, maybe a handful of tortilla chips. This is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, even when you mess it up a little. And honestly, that’s what makes it my go-to comfort food every time.

For a different twist, see another take on this classic at Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe With 6 Simple Ingredients. You might just find your new favorite version!

What You’ll Need

Handy Kitchen Helpers

When making white chicken chili, I always reach for my trusty Dutch oven or a big, heavy-bottomed pot. However, if you’re in the mood for a hands-off approach, the slow cooker transforms this meal into a true set-it-and-forget-it gem—perfect for those busy days when you need a hearty dinner waiting. For folks who love one-pot white chicken chili recipes, either method delivers cozy comfort with minimal fuss.

First, the Crockpot method especially shines with White Chicken Soup Crockpot variations. It lets the flavors mingle all day, and you can use pre-cooked or leftover chicken without worry. If you’re exploring White Chili Soup Recipes , you’ll find that a slow cooker is gentle on dairy, so your cream cheese blends in smoothly every time. I often toss in frozen corn straight from the freezer, saving a step and a bowl.

Also, slow cooking is a family-friendly way to prepare meals safely. For helpful tips on food safety and keeping your chili wholesome, I like to check foodsafety.gov for guidance. And if you find yourself wanting more Crockpot inspiration, take a peek at this easy slow cooker Mississippi chicken recipe—it’s another family favorite around here.

Step-by-step method for a Crockpot / Slow Cooker recipe

Step 1

First, chop your onion and mince the garlic. Then, measure out all your spices and mix them in a small bowl: kosher salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and dry Ranch seasoning. If you’re using a rotisserie chicken, shred it now and set aside. Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature.

Step 2

Next, add the onion, garlic, and mixed spices to your slow cooker. You can sauté the onion, garlic, and spices in a pan with olive oil for a richer taste, but it’s not required. Afterward, pour in the Rotel (or diced tomatoes) and green chilies, both with their juices. Drain the white beans and pinto beans, then add them to the slow cooker. Stir everything well to combine.

Step 3

After that, pour in the shredded chicken, water, and Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base. Set your slow cooker to low for 5 hours or high for 3 hours. About an hour before it’s done, add the cubed cream cheese and corn. Stir gently and let it finish cooking. Finally, serve your white chicken chili hot, topped with cheddar, sour cream, cilantro, or any favorite toppings.

Tips and tricks to make this Crockpot / Slow Cooker recipe shine

Also, try sautéing the onions, garlic, and spices before adding them to the slow cooker for more flavor depth. If you love creamy soups, add extra cream cheese or a splash of milk. For meal prepping, this soup White Chicken Chili freezes wonderfully—just cool it first. If you like Crockpot Recipes Chicken Soup , check out our Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe Made Easy In Your Slow Cooker Crockpot. Or, for another weeknight win, try our Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe For A Healthy Weeknight Dinner. Finally, don’t hesitate to tweak the spice level—sometimes I add a little more chili powder when my family wants extra zing!

What to serve with this Crockpot / Slow Cooker recipe

First, when you’ve got a bubbling pot of white chicken chili, the sides can make it a real family feast. Fresh cornbread is a classic; it soaks up every bit of creamy goodness. Next, you might try a bright avocado salad or tortilla chips for crunch. Even a simple bowl of steamed rice or roasted veggies can round out the meal—kids love it this way! For those who love hearty dinners, check out our One Pot Merry Me Chicken Pasta Creamy Dinner Recipe Easy And Delicious for another comforting idea. Also, if you’re planning a cozy night in, our Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Recipe Easy Dump And Go Crockpot Dinner will be right up your alley.

How to store and reheat

Storing your white chicken chili is a breeze thanks to the Crockpot / Slow Cooker method. Let it cool, then pop leftovers in an airtight container; the flavors only get better overnight! Next, when you’re ready to reheat, pour it back into your slow cooker on the low setting. This keeps everything tender and prevents the chicken from drying out. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just stir halfway through. Finally, don’t forget: this chili freezes well for busy nights, making it a true hero meal for anyone who loves batch cooking.

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can put frozen chicken straight into the Crockpot. Just be sure to cook it until it’s safe and tender.

What beans work best in white chicken chili?

Usually, cannellini or great northern beans are favorites. However, any mild white bean will work nicely.

How spicy is this chili?

It’s pretty mild as written, but you can add extra green chilies or a pinch of cayenne if you like more heat.

Can I make this chili dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite non-dairy cream or yogurt for a creamy finish.

Is this chili gluten-free?

Most versions are naturally gluten-free, but double-check your broth and seasonings to be sure.

Can I double the recipe?

Of course! As long as your slow cooker is big enough, you can easily double it for a crowd.

White Chicken Chili – Full Recipe

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• Author: July
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes plus chilling time
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Low-Carb

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Description

This white chicken chili is a creamy, flavorful soup made with shredded chicken, white beans, green chilies, and spices. It offers a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
5 cloves garlic, about 1 tablespoon minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons oregano
1 (1-ounce) package dry Ranch seasoning
1 (10-ounce) can Rotel or a can of diced tomatoes
1 (7-ounce) can diced green chilies, preferably fire roasted
1 (14-ounce) can white beans, navy or cannellini, drained
1 (14-ounce) can pinto beans, drained
2 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, about 12 ounces
3 cups water
1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened (low fat is fine)
1 1/2 cups frozen corn or canned corn

To garnish:
Cheddar cheese
Sour cream
Cilantro
Limes
Avocado
Jalapeno
Green onion
Tortilla chips

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Chop the onion and mince the garlic; combine all spices in a small bowl (kosher salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper, chili powder, cumin, oregano, Ranch seasoning).
2. Shred rotisserie chicken and soften cream cheese.
3. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4. Add chopped onions and sauté 3 to 5 minutes until translucent.
5. Reduce heat to medium; add garlic and spice mix and sauté 2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Add Rotel and diced green chilies with their juices; stir to combine.
7. Drain white beans and pinto beans and add to the pot; stir.
8. Add shredded chicken; stir.
9. Increase heat to high; add water and chicken base; stir.
10. Cube softened cream cheese and add to chili.
11. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
12. Simmer at least 5 minutes or up to an hour to meld flavors, keeping heat low to preserve liquid.
13. Add corn just before serving.
14. Serve hot, topped with cheddar cheese, sour cream, cilantro, lime wedges, avocado, jalapeno, green onion, and tortilla chips as desired.
15. Store leftovers in refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.

Notes

You can sauté onions, garlic, and spices before adding to a slow cooker for extra flavor.
This chili freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat gently.
Adding rotisserie chicken broth enhances flavor.
For slow cooker, cook ingredients except chicken, corn, and cream cheese on low for 5 hours, then add remaining ingredients and cook 1 hour more.
Use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop and Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg

Finally, if you’ve made it this far, I hope you’re feeling inspired to try white chicken chili in your own kitchen. There’s something so comforting about a Crockpot / Slow Cooker meal bubbling away while you go about your day. Also, if you’re hungry for more easy dinners, our One Pot Merry Me Chicken Pasta Creamy Dinner Recipe and Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Recipe are both reader favorites. Next, don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for even more cozy Crockpot ideas. There’s always something new simmering in our kitchen, and I love sharing every tip and trick with you. Thanks for cooking along with me—see you next recipe!