Creamy Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
A rich and cozy slow cooker white chicken chili made creamy with cream cheese, perfect for easy, hands-off comfort food.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours (slow cooker low) or 3 to 4 hours (slow cooker high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes (slow cooker low) or 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes (slow cooker high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (can substitute thighs)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies, mild or hot
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon to start)
- Black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and if using, seed and chop the jalapeño. Drain and rinse the white beans. Set aside.
- Place the raw chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Layer the chopped onion, garlic, jalapeño, drained white beans, and diced green chilies on top.
- Sprinkle in the ground cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Pour the chicken broth over everything to cover.
- Cover and set the slow cooker on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easy to shred. Avoid opening the lid too often.
- Remove the chicken breasts with tongs and shred with two forks on a cutting board or plate.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Add the softened cream cheese in chunks and stir well until fully melted and incorporated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or cumin if needed. Add hot sauce or cayenne for extra spice if desired.
- Simmer on LOW for 10 more minutes to meld flavors.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with sour cream, chopped cilantro, or shredded cheese as desired.
Notes
If cream cheese isn’t soft, warm it briefly in the microwave to avoid lumps. Stir gently but thoroughly to keep a silky texture. Use low sodium broth to control saltiness. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese with plant-based alternative. Can be made on stovetop by simmering 1.5 to 2 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1.5 cups (350g
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 30
Keywords: white chicken chili, slow cooker chili, creamy chili, comfort food, easy chili recipe, cream cheese chili, slow cooker recipe