Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

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This hearty, slow cooker white chicken chili combines chicken, white beans, green chilis and all of your favorite Mexican spices into a delicious, protein-packed dinner – perfect for busy weeknights.

Garnishing white chicken chili with lime juice.

I love to have at least one slow cooker recipe on my meal plan for the week. Whether I have a busy day or even a slow day honestly, it’s so easy to combine flavorful and healthy ingredients and let it cook throughout the day. I use my slow cooker so often, I actually have two of them on hand in case one is dirty. Easy, delicious, and made with the traditional flavors my family loves, they don’t even realize these recipes are good for them, too! My Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is a favorite year round, but especially come the fall when the weather starts to chill.

Ingredients

Chicken breast: Leftover shredded chicken, like a rotisserie chicken, works great! But you can also use frozen or thawed chicken breasts and shred them once they’re cooked.
Chicken broth: Makes for a flavorful and robust base for the chili.
Onion: A white onion adds mild onion flavor without over powering the dish.
Beans: You can use either great northern beans or cannellini beans as the white bean in this chili.
Salsa verde: A quick way to add a ton of flavor to the chili is to use store-bought salsa verde.
Green chiles: Adds great peppery flavor without making the chili spicy.
Cumin: Adds warm, earthy, spice to the chili.
Smoked paprika: I like to use smoked paprika to the added smoky, sweet flavor it adds.
Oregano: Dried oregano adds a bit of earthy, woodsy flavor.
Cayenne: Gives the chili the much needed kick of heat!

How to Make Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

Start your slow cooker white chicken chili by adding the diced onion, shredded chicken, salsa verde, and green chiles to the bowl of your slow cooker.

Next add your chicken stock or broth to the pot.

Pour in your drained and rinsed white beans.

Then add the cumin, cayenne, and smoked paprika.

Along with the dried oregano and some salt and pepper to taste.

Stir everything together until evenly combined, then put on the lid and let cook on low for 8 hours.

Once cooked, serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy your Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili!

Easy Substitutions

Swap the chicken. If you’re looking for a way to use up any leftover turkey, you could easily make this a turkey chili instead!
Add more veggies. Try tossing in some frozen corn the last ten minutes, try adding some chopped bell peppers, or mix in additional types of beans.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What toppings should I put on my white chicken chili?

Feel free to experiment with toppings! A few of my favorites include: shredded cheese, sliced avocado, jalapeños, plain yogurt or sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, lime juice, and fresh cilantro.

What do I do if my chili is too watery?

You might not have enough beans! Beans are great in chili because they release starch that helps to thicken the stew. Alternatively, you could stir in a small scoop of cornstarch or flour.

Can you freeze chili?

It lasts for up to five days in the refrigerator and for up to 3 months in the freezer. To save time, be sure to keep leftovers stored in airtight containers, and pop them in the microwave as needed. Even better, double the recipe and place it in the freezer for those cold nights when you need an easy meal.

Slow cooker white chicken chili and tortilla chips.

More Slow Cooker Meals

Eat It, LIke It, Share It!

Did you try this recipe and like it? The next time you make it, snap a picture and share it to your socials! Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your dish.

Liz eating slow cooker white chicken chili.

If you need an easy set it and forget it recipe this week, then look no further than my Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili. I’m sure your whole family will love it!

Your spoon is waiting.