If you are craving something cozy, creamy, and packed with flavor, the Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish brilliantly combines tender chicken, tender Northern beans, and a gentle kick from jalapenos, all simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. The result is a warm, satisfying chili that’s creamy without being heavy, with fresh lime juice and Greek yogurt adding brightness and depth. Whether you’re making dinner for family or inviting friends over, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a comforting hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe is simple because the ingredients are straightforward yet essential. Each adds its own character to the dish, from creamy textures to vibrant flavors that blend beautifully by the time dinner rolls around.
- Chicken breasts: The lean protein base that becomes tender and shreddable after slow cooking.
- Onion (finely diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the flavor.
- Northern beans (rinsed and drained): Create a creamy, hearty texture while providing protein and fiber.
- Whole kernel corn (drained): Brings a subtle pop of sweetness and a lovely contrast in texture.
- Garlic (crushed): Infuses the dish with that ever-crucial aromatic warmth.
- Jalapenos (seeded, finely diced): Offer a gentle heat without overwhelming the flavor.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that melds everything together.
- Fresh lime juice: Brightens the chili with a fresh, zesty finish.
- Salt: Essential for highlighting every flavor.
- Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and color.
- White pepper: A gentle spice that complements without overpowering.
- Dried oregano: Brings a hint of herbal earthiness.
- Cayenne pepper: For just the right touch of heat.
- Almond milk: Creamy and dairy-free option that keeps things light.
- Plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened): Adds creaminess with a slight tang to balance the spices.
- Cilantro (optional): Fresh herb garnish for a burst of freshness.
- Green onions (optional): Provide a mild oniony crunch as a topping.
- Avocado (optional): Silky, buttery topping to add richness and creaminess.
How to Make Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
Start by placing the chicken breasts, finely diced onions, rinsed Northern beans, drained corn, crushed garlic, diced jalapenos, and fresh lime juice into your slow cooker. This combination forms the hearty foundation of your chili—each element layering flavor and texture beautifully as the slow cooker works its magic.
Step 2: Add the Chicken Broth and Mix Seasonings
Next, pour the chicken broth over the ingredients, making sure to lift the chicken breasts once or twice to allow the liquid to reach the bottom evenly. In a small bowl, whisk together the salt, paprika, white pepper, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper, then sprinkle this seasoning blend over the entire slow cooker. Stir gently to combine everything well, distributing the spices evenly across the mixture.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your slow cooker and set it on High to cook for about 3 to 4 hours, or if you prefer a slower method, opt for Low for 5 to 7 hours. During this time, the chicken will become tender and the flavors will deepen and meld into a wonderfully aromatic chili.
Step 4: Shred Chicken and Add Almond Milk
About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, shred the chicken breasts right in the slow cooker using two forks. Then stir in the almond milk to introduce a subtle creaminess that lightens the chili and boosts the texture. Allow it to cook for the final 30 minutes so these components combine harmoniously.
Step 5: Finish with Greek Yogurt
Just before serving, fold in the plain Greek yogurt to add a rich creaminess and slight tanginess that elevates the overall taste. This final step truly makes this Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe so luscious and unforgettable.
How to Serve Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is the perfect way to add bursts of freshness and layers of flavor. Try sprinkling freshly chopped cilantro and sliced green onions on top, and add creamy avocado slices for a rich texture contrast. A wedge of lime on the side brightens every spoonful, giving your chili a fresh finish that keeps you coming back for more.
Side Dishes
This chili shines on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides like warm cornbread, tortilla chips for crunch, or a crisp green salad to balance the hearty bowl. These sides provide texture variety, making your meal both satisfying and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve the chili in individual bread bowls for a rustic touch, or layer it over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a twist on presentation. You can even add toppings bar-style so everyone can personalize their bowls with their favorite garnishes and extras.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld, making the leftovers even tastier the next day — perfect for a quick and comforting lunch or dinner.
Freezing
This chili freezes wonderfully, making it a great meal prep option. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your chili gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway through. If the chili has thickened, simply stir in a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and actually tend to stay juicier after slow cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, as thighs can cook a bit faster.
Is it possible to make this chili dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the Greek yogurt or replace it with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt. Using almond milk already keeps the recipe mostly dairy-free.
How spicy is this chili?
The heat level is mild to moderate thanks to the jalapenos and cayenne pepper. You can adjust the spice by reducing or increasing these ingredients based on your preference.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a party?
Definitely! You can assemble all ingredients in your slow cooker insert the night before, refrigerate, and cook the next day. It’s an easy and stress-free way to have a warm dish ready for guests.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can make this chili on the stovetop by simmering everything in a large pot over low heat, covering and stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked and tender—about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of chili that’s both creamy and packed with vibrant flavors, and this Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and downright delicious. Give it a go—I promise it will become a beloved staple in your meal rotation that warms your heart as much as it fills your belly.
Print
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish combining tender chicken breasts with Northern beans, corn, and a blend of spices, cooked slowly to develop deep, comforting flavors. Creamy almond milk and Greek yogurt add a smooth richness to this nutritious chili, garnished with fresh lime, cilantro, green onions, and avocado for a vibrant finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken breasts
- 2 cups onion (finely diced)
- 2 (15-oz.) cans Northern beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 (15-oz.) can whole kernel corn (drained)
- 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
- 2 jalapenos (seeded, finely diced)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
Spices
- 1 ½ tsp. salt
- ¾ tsp. paprika
- ¼ tsp. white pepper
- ½ tsp. dried oregano
- ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
Dairy & Extras
- 1 cup almond milk
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened)
- Cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Avocado (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Place chicken breasts, finely diced onions, rinsed and drained Northern beans, drained corn, crushed garlic, finely diced jalapenos, and fresh lime juice into a 6-8 quart slow cooker.
- Add broth and coat chicken: Pour chicken broth over the ingredients. Lift the chicken breasts once or twice to ensure the liquid coats the bottom of the slow cooker evenly.
- Season the mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together salt, paprika, white pepper, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the slow cooker contents and stir gently to combine.
- Cook the chili slowly: Cover and cook the chili on High for 3-4 hours or on Low for 5-7 hours, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to cook thoroughly.
- Shred chicken & add almond milk: About 30 minutes before cooking ends, shred the chicken breasts directly in the slow cooker and stir in the almond milk to incorporate creaminess. Continue cooking for the remaining 30 minutes.
- Finish with Greek yogurt & garnishes: Just before serving, stir in the plain Greek yogurt for added richness. Serve the chili garnished with additional lime wedges, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and ripe avocado slices. Enjoy your comforting and flavorful white chicken chili!
Notes
- You can adjust the heat by adding more or fewer jalapenos or cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
- For a thicker chili, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes or reduce the broth slightly.
- Use plain Greek yogurt to keep the chili creamy without added sweetness.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and also freeze nicely for up to 2 months.
- To make it dairy-free, omit Greek yogurt or substitute with a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
