• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
A Mind "Full" Mom
  • Recipe Index
    • Breakfast Recipes
    • Main Courses
      • 30-Minute Meals
      • Easy Pork Recipes
      • Beef Recipes
      • Soup, Stew, and Chili Recipes
      • Sandwiches, Burgers, and Wraps
      • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Instant Pot
    • Appetizers
    • Beverage Recipes
    • Breads and Muffins
    • Allergy Friendly Recipes
      • Dairy Free
      • Gluten Free
      • Paleo
      • Vegan
      • Low Carb
    • Pasta
    • Snacks
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
  • Instant Pot
    • Start Here: Instant Pot 101
    • All Instant Pot Recipes
    • Healthy Instant Pot Recipes
    • Sign Up for Instant Pot Tips and Recipes
  • About Me
    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Free Instant Pot Secrets
  • Free Meal Plans
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Instant Pot
  • About Me
  • Free Instant Pot Secrets
  • Free Meal Plans
  • Subscribe to Newsletters
  • Recipes
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Real Food » Soup, Stew, and Chili Recipes » Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

    Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

    By Kristen Chidsey | 34 Comments | Published September 10, 2019 | Updated September 8, 2021 *This post may include amazon links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Pin
    Share
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    This Slow Cooker Chicken Chili with white beans is comforting, light, and hearty. With just 5 Minutes of prep, a few basic ingredients, and the crock-pot, you are well on your way to a delicious, healthy, easy family meal that is gluten free as well.

    Made with a rich broth, white beans, green chilies, and tender chicken, Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is a creamy, comforting, easy crockpot recipe.

    Slow Cooker White Bean Chili in bowl next to corn chips

    Why You Will Love Slow Cooker White Chili

    Crockpot White Chicken Chili is an all-time favorite recipe at my house for many reasons.

    • Super easy to make. Seriously, this recipe is near effortless. It is as simple as dumping everything into the slow cooker and setting it and forgeting it!
    • Flavorful, yet not spicy. The chili is full of incredible flavor thanks to the garlic, cumin, and green chilies. Yet the heat level is on the milder side, making it perfect for picky eaters or sensitive palates.
    • Allergy-Friendly. Slow cooker white chicken is gluten-free, egg-free, and dairy-free, making it a perfect option for those with dietary restrictions and allergies.
    • Hearty, yet light. Every bite of this chili is loaded with tender, shredded chicken, making this chili super hearty. Yet as there is no added oil, no added dairy, and made with lean chicken, this chili is much lower in fat and calories that classic Beef and Bean Chili.

    Notes on Ingredients

    • Chicken: You can use either boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs. If your chicken is frozen, be sure to defrost first or use my recipe for Instant Pot White Chicken Chili which has directions for using frozen chicken.
    • Green Chilies: Canned diced green chilies is essential to the flavor in crockpot white chicken chili. Do not overlook this ingredient, as it gives the dish the flavor white chicken chili is known for.
    • White Beans: This recipe calls for 2 (15 ounce) cans of white northern beans. Only drain one can--the thick canning liquid gives the chili a nice salty taste and helps to thicken the chili up.
    • Optional: If you are desiring a creamy, cheesy chicken chili, you can add 4 ounces of cream cheese to to the chili, making it super rich.

    How to Make Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

    • Place all ingredients into the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
    • After the chili has cooked, remove the bay leaves and discard. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place on a cutting board. Let the chicken rest, while you thicken the sauce.
    • The key to this White Chicken Chili is to thickened the chili by pureeing part of beans and broth together. To puree the sauce, place 2 cups of the beans and broth mixture into a blender. Place the lid on the blender but leave cracked to allow a bit of the hot steam to escape. Blend until smooth and stir back into slow cooker.
    • Shred the chicken using 2 forks or place the chicken into a bowl and use a handheld mixer on low speed to quickly shred the chicken.
    • Add back the shredded chicken, stir everything together and heat through until warm.
    Step by step photos of making white chicken chili in crock pot

    Serving White Chicken Chili

    Crockpot White Chicken Chili can be served plain. But it is extra delicious when served with shredded cheese, sliced avocado, sour cream, and corn chips or with a side of homemade cornbread muffins.

    Bowl of slow cooker white bean chili

    Storing Leftovers

    If you have leftover slow cooker white chicken chili, you can store it in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

    Alternatively, you can freeze the cooled chili in a freezer-safe container, being sure to leave a bit of room for expansion, for up to 3 months in the freezer. Defrost the white chicken chili in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it over low heat on the stove, on low in a slow cooker, or in the microwave.

    Recipe FAQs

    If adding cream cheese to this recipe, when is the best time to add it?

    First, be sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. Then add your cream cheese to the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes of cooking.

    Do I have to blend the chili?

    No, but it does help create the creamy, thick texture that white chicken chili is known for. Instead of blending, you can use an immersion blender. This method will cut down on the number of dishes you have, but be sure to only puree a bit of the chili to keep the texture of the chili intact.

    More Comforting Slow Cooker Recipes

    • Slow Cooker Chili
    • Slow Cooker Pot Roast
    • Crockpot Baked Ziti
    • Crockpot Chicken Chili
    • Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

    Need more inspiration for planning meals that your family will love? Sign up for my FREE Meal Plans and each week you will get a meal plan with a shopping list.

    If you enjoyed this recipe for crockpot white chicken chili, please be sure to leave a comment and review below.

    Bowl of crockpot white bean chicken chili

    Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

    Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is an easy crock-pot recipe for a healthy white chicken chili. This recipe for white bean chili is a tried and true family favorite!
    4.94 from 15 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 8 hours
    Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
    Servings: 10
    Calories: 141kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
    • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
    • 1 tablespoon cumin
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne
    • 2 bay leaves
    • 1 small onion finely minced
    • 2 (4 ounce) cans diced green chilies
    • 2 (15 ounce) cans Great Northern White beans see note
    • Optional Toppings: Sour cream, Greek yogurt, shredded montery jack or cheddar cheese, feta cheese, salsa verde, tortilla chips
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    • In a 6 quart slow cooker, mix together the stock, cumin, onion powder, minced garlic, salt, pepper, cayenne, bay leaves, onion, and chilies. Pour in 1 can of white beans without draining, and then rinse and drain the other can of beans and add to the slow cooker as well. Nestle the chicken in the liquid.
    • Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
    • Discard the bay leaves and remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or in a bowl.
    • While the chicken is removed from the slow cooker, use a handheld immersion blender to puree part of the chili--you only want to puree about 2 cups of the chili, as you want some of the beans to still remain whole. Alternatively, you can place 2 cups of the chili into a blender and blend until smooth and mix back into the slow cooker. If blending, be sure to leave the lid on your blender open a crack to let steam escape.
    • Slice up the chicken into bite-size pieces, or use a handheld kitchen mixer to quickly shred your chicken. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir.
    • Top with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, cheese, tortilla chips, avocado, and/or cilantro.

    Equipment Needed

    • 6-8 quart Slow Cooker

    Notes

    Beans: Be sure to only rinse and drain one can of the beans. The thick liquid from the canned beans helps to thicken and flavor this White Chicken Chili recipe. 
    Leftovers: Store leftover Chicken Chili in the fridge for 3-4 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months. 
    Creamy Chili: If you want a super creamy, decadent White Chicken Chili, add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese to the crockpot for the last 30 minutes of cook time. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 141kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 317mg | Potassium: 544mg | Fiber: 3g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Vitamin C: 0.8mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 2.6mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!
    Pin
    Share
    « Instant Pot Lentil Soup
    Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup »

    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Di

      January 18, 2022 at 8:14 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent flavor. I don't know if I would call it chili or soup but my family likes it. The first time I made it just as written. I now add tomatoes, corn, & rice to the recipe. It's wonderful & easy.

      Reply
    2. Heather

      April 24, 2021 at 4:01 pm

      Hello, I have precooked chicken I’m wondering what time frame you’d recommend I place it all in the slow cooker.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        April 24, 2021 at 5:22 pm

        Hi Heather! I would suggest 3-4 hours on low for the flavors to develop.

        Reply
    3. Dana

      February 10, 2021 at 2:46 pm

      How much would you say is in a serving? I'd like to be able to count my macros without having to measure it out into 10 bowls at the end 🙂 Thank you!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        February 10, 2021 at 3:26 pm

        It would be about 1 cup. Enjoy!

        Reply
    4. Jackie

      January 01, 2021 at 9:33 pm

      Very tasty, but too watery. Next time I’ll cut back on stock and more beans and some corn.

      Reply
    5. Susan

      December 14, 2020 at 8:26 am

      For your White Chicken Chili recipe do you drain chilies?

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        December 14, 2020 at 8:39 am

        Hi Susan! I do not drain the chilies. The liquid helps to add great flavor. Enjoy!

        Reply
    6. Ashley

      January 18, 2020 at 10:52 pm

      I will be making this For dinner tomorrow on my meal prep Sunday so dinner will be cooking itself while I meal prep. Lol! Can’t wait to see how it turns out. Sounds SO yummy! 😋

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        January 19, 2020 at 7:54 am

        Enjoy Ashley! And awesome job meal prepping 🙂

        Reply
        • Jamie

          November 12, 2020 at 6:28 pm

          5 stars
          Fan favorite. My husband said double the recipe next time. I love white chicken chili and usually follow a basic recipe and it’s bland. This one has the right amount if heat and I love that it’s healthy too. My husband says this is way better than the store down the street that makes it homemade. Thanks!

          Reply
          • Kristen Chidsey

            November 13, 2020 at 7:45 am

            I LOVE hearing this Jamie! I am so glad you enjoyed so much!

            Reply
    7. Carmin

      December 12, 2019 at 12:07 am

      5 stars
      Made this tonight for my family and it was a hit! Even my toddler gobbled it up!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        December 12, 2019 at 6:46 am

        I love hearing that hour whole family enjoyed Carmin.

        Reply
    8. Barbara

      October 20, 2019 at 11:40 am

      5 stars
      I can't wait to try this! Can you tell me how much a serving is? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        October 20, 2019 at 1:12 pm

        Hi Barbara! Each Serving is about 1 cup.

        Reply
    9. Alice

      February 15, 2015 at 7:32 pm

      5 stars
      what a perfect meal for a sick or cold day! I have been meaning to play with a white chili for awhile now, yours looks really great!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        February 16, 2015 at 6:41 am

        Thanks Alice. I hope it warms you up!

        Reply
    « Older Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Meet A Mind "Full" Mom

    welcomeHi! I'm Kristen. I want to welcome you into my kitchen and my REAL, imperfect life. Let me share with you tips and tricks to help you make healthy eating a reality for your family in the chaos of life and on the constraints of a budget. Read more

    Instant Pot Favorites

    jar of plain yogurt next to instant pot

    Instant Pot Yogurt

    Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs Sliced Open on cutting board

    Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

    Shredded Pot Roast with carrots and Potatoes in white bowl next to Instant Pot.

    Instant Pot Pot Roast

    Whole Chicken on cutting board

    Instant Pot Rotisserie Chicken

    Bowl of Cold Start Yogurt

    Instant Pot Cold Start Yogurt

    Inner pot of instant pot filled dried beans

    Instant Pot Beans

    4 chicken breasts cooked inside instant pot.

    Instant Pot Chicken Breast (Fresh or Frozen)

    How to use the instant pot as a slow cooker

    How to Use Your Instant Pot as a Slow Cooker

    Reader Favorites

    Bowl of Baked Meatballs.

    The Best Baked Meatballs

    slice of egg cheese overnight breakfast casserole with sausage

    Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

    Creamy and Cheesy Chicken and Rice in yellow casserole dish

    Creamy and Cheesy Chicken and Rice

    Baked Potato on White Plate

    Instant Pot Baked Potatoes

    Chili seasonings labled on wooden board

    DIY Chili Seasoning

    Plate of chicken and bok choy stir fry topped with cilantro.

    Stir-Fried Chicken and Bok Choy

    Platter of Instant Pot Wings next to ranch dressing

    Instant Pot Chicken Wings

    Bowl of slow cooker oatmeal topped with maple syrup and nuts

    Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal

    Taco Meat in skillet with wooden spoon

    The Best Taco Meat Recipe

    Homemade Chicken Tenders on platter.

    Homemade Chicken Tenders

    FEATURED ON

    featured

    Footer

    Featured on:

    Websites AMind"Full"Mom has been featured on

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with me

    DISCLAIMER: THE SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE AND IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR TREATMENT. AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I GENUINELY LOVE ARE OFTEN INCORPORATED IN MY POSTS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

    Copyright © 2020 · A MIND "FULL" MOM