White Chicken Chili in a Crockpot

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Why Make This Recipe

White Chicken Chili in a crockpot is a fantastic dish that combines the flavors of traditional chili with tender, shredded chicken and creamy goodness. The best part about this recipe is its ease of preparation. By using a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it while the flavors meld beautifully over several hours.

This recipe is perfect for busy weekdays, gatherings, or whenever you crave a comforting meal. It packs a punch with nutritious ingredients while providing a hearty dish that will satisfy anyone. What’s more, it’s customizable – you can add your favorite toppings to make it uniquely your own. Whether you’re a chili lover or trying it for the first time, this dish is sure to impress!

How to Make White Chicken Chili in a Crockpot

Making White Chicken Chili in a crockpot is simple and requires minimal prep. Just gather your ingredients and follow these steps for a deliciously creamy and flavorful chili.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
24 oz low-sodium chicken broth
2 cans (15 oz each) great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
2 cans (4 oz each) diced green chiles (one hot, one mild)
1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp cumin
3/4 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Small handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup half and half
Toppings: sliced jalapeños, avocado, sour cream, fresh cilantro, tortilla strips, shredded cheese

Directions

Place the Chicken Breasts: Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This will be the base of your dish and will soak up all the delicious flavors as it cooks.
Season the Chicken: Before adding the other ingredients, season the chicken breasts. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper evenly over the chicken. These spices will add depth to the flavor of the chili.
Add Vegetables and Beans: Next, layer in the diced onion, minced garlic, corn, drained and rinsed Great Northern beans, and diced green chiles. Each ingredient adds its unique texture and taste, so make sure everything is evenly distributed in the crockpot.
Pour in the Chicken Broth: Carefully pour the low-sodium chicken broth over the entire mixture. The broth is what will create the chili’s base, making it soupy and delicious.
Toss in Fresh Cilantro: Add a small handful of chopped fresh cilantro to the slow cooker. Cilantro adds a very fresh, herbal taste that brightens the chili.
Mix the Ingredients: Gently mix all the ingredients together without shredding the chicken. This ensures that everything gets evenly coated with the seasonings and flavors.
Cover and Cook: Put the lid on your crockpot and set it to cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The low-and-slow method works wonders for breaking down the chicken and allowing flavors to develop fully.
Shred the Chicken: Once cooking time is up, shred the chicken right inside the slow cooker using two forks. This will create bite-sized pieces and distribute it throughout the chili.
Add Creaminess: Now it’s time for the creamy part! Add the softened cream cheese and half and half to the pot. Stir well to combine everything, and cook for another 15 minutes on low until the mixture is heated through.
Serve with Toppings: Your chili is ready! Serve it warm in bowls and top with your favorite garnishes, such as sliced jalapeños, avocado, sour cream, more fresh cilantro, tortilla strips, or shredded cheese as desired.

How to Serve White Chicken Chili

When it comes to serving White Chicken Chili, there are several delightful options. The chili is best enjoyed hot, straight from the crockpot into a bowl. Here are some serving suggestions:

Toppings Galore: Encourage everyone to customize their chili with a variety of toppings. Provide options like sliced jalapeños for heat, creamy avocado for richness, sour cream for tanginess, fresh cilantro for a pop of flavor, tortilla strips for crunch, and shredded cheese for extra melty goodness.
Side Pairings: Complement your chili with sides like cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh salad. These can help balance the richness of the chili and provide texture to the meal.
For Leftovers: Since this recipe is likely to make a large batch, serving it as leftovers is an excellent idea! Store it in the fridge and enjoy it the next day. It tastes even better once the flavors have had a chance to meld overnight.
Drinks: Pairing your chili with a drink can enhance the meal. A refreshing iced tea, lemonade, or even a cold beer works well with the dish’s flavors.

How to Store White Chicken Chili

Storing your White Chicken Chili is straightforward. Once it cools down to room temperature, follow these steps:

Refrigerate: Transfer any leftover chili to an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well. Store the container in the refrigerator, where the chili will stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
Freeze: If you want to save it for longer, consider freezing the chili. Place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, leaving some space for expansion. Properly stored, it can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheat: To enjoy your stored chili, simply reheat it on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. You can also reheat it in the microwave; just ensure it’s heated evenly.

Tips to Make White Chicken Chili

Having a few tips at your disposal can help you create the best White Chicken Chili possible. Here are some suggestions:

Use Quality Chicken: Ensure the chicken breasts you use are fresh or properly frozen. High-quality chicken will lead to a more flavorful chili.
Adjust Spice Levels: If you enjoy heat, consider using more hot diced green chiles or adding extra cayenne pepper. You can also serve sliced jalapeños as a topping for those who prefer a kick.
Experiment with Beans: While Great Northern beans are recommended, feel free to use other types of beans if you’d like. Black beans or pinto beans can work well, keeping in mind they will change the color and flavor profile slightly.
Cream Cheese Substitutes: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can consider using cashew cream or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
Fresh Herbs: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try using fresh parsley or green onions for a different herbal flavor.

Variation

While the original recipe for White Chicken Chili is delicious, there are plenty of ways to customize it. Here are some variations to consider:

Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition, consider adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or any other vegetables you like. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces for even cooking.
Heat Things Up: If you love spicy flavors, try adding diced jalapeños directly into the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. You can also incorporate some hot sauce for an extra kick.
Make it Vegetarian: To turn this into a vegetarian dish, replace the chicken with diced tofu or keep it fully plant-based by omitting the cream cheese and using coconut milk instead.
Experiment with Broths: Using homemade chicken broth or vegetable broth can enhance the flavors in the chili. You can also add some beer for depth.
Different Proteins: Swap out the chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker version. For a different taste, ground turkey or even cooked sausage can work well.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the crockpot. Just note that it may increase the cooking time by a bit.

2. How can I thicken the chili?
If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans before adding them to the crockpot. Optionally, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) during the last cooking stage.

3. Can I make this chili on the stovetop?
Absolutely! If you prefer to cook it on the stovetop, sauté the onions and garlic in a large pot, add the spices and then the rest of the ingredients. Let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, then shred the chicken and proceed with the recipe.

4. Is White Chicken Chili gluten-free?
Yes, this chili is entirely gluten-free as long as you ensure all canned ingredients and seasonings are gluten-free. Always check labels if you have gluten sensitivities or allergies.

5. What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover White Chicken Chili can be enjoyed on its own, used as a filling for tacos, or served over rice for a hearty meal. You can also add it to nachos for a twist on the classic dish!

By following this recipe, you’ll have a delicious bowl of White Chicken Chili ready to warm you up on a chilly day or to enjoy with family and friends. The blend of spices, the creaminess from the cheese, and the tender chicken create a delightful meal perfect for any occasion. Happy cooking!