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.

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.

More Slow Cooker Meals
- Slow Cooker Arroz Con Pollo
- Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili
- Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
- Slow Cooker Tacos al Pastor
- Slow Cooker Irish Beef Stew
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.

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.

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 ounces shredded chicken breast (such as rotisserie)
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 14-ounce cans white beans (drained and rinsed )
- 16 ounces salsa verde
- 2 4-ounce cans chopped green chiles
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne (optional)
- salt and pepper to taste
- avocado, cilantro, scallions, plain yogurt, lime wedges (optional toppings)
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a slow cooker and heat on Low for 8 hours or High for 4 hours.
- Serve with optional toppings.
I cannot get enough crockpot recipes! Love this!
Me neither Erica!!
My guys would love this soup!
They sure would Miss!! Thanks so much!
Totally love everything about this! Especially that it makes a big batch!!
Yes girl!!! Perfect for feeding a crowd!
Turkey chili is one of my favorites but I’ve never done it slow-cooker style with chicken. I gotta try this and add a little sofrito too!
Thank you!!
oooo love the idea of adding sofrito!
I don’t see fire roasted tomatoes listed in the white bean chicken chili recipe ingredients as mentioned in the description. Are they in the salsa verde? Recipe sounds delish!
Oops!! I left them out by mistake but the recipe has been updated. I hope you enjoy them!!!
It looks like there are tomatoes in the chili in the picture but not in the recipe. Also does this not have any chicken broth?
My goodness Marcia – forgive me for leaving those items out of the ingredient list!! I apparently need more coffee. It has been updated accurately – many apologies.
OMG all the ingredients in this sound amazing and it looks great! Looks like a crowd pleaser!
I hope you try it Sophia!
Oh yes–bring on the slow cooker recipes! Such a life-saver. :) This looks delish!
Cheers to slow cooker season!
This looks so so good. Slow cooker is coming out of hiding for this.
Yay I hope you like it Norma!
Such tasty comfort food! I love that you made it in the slow cooker!
Crockpot & Soup are two loves of mine… done & done.
Right? Done and done. PS Pass the tacos.
YUM, love a quick chili that can be made while one is busy with other things, this recipe looks delish!
Quick is my middle name girl!
Um, yes please. You know I love this!! Slow cooker chili is the best. Looks delicious Liz…especially with that avocado and cilantro on top!
Oh man I was in avocado heaven last week!
Mmm mmm mmm. You’re speakin’ my white chicken chili love language. This looks awesome!!
I can’t stop eating Mexican food lately!
Loving all the little people shots in this post. The chili looks divine!!
haha they were going crazy for this soup!!!
I’m SO excited it’s chili and soup season. Can’t wait to try this!!
Me too!!! Chili, soup and apples!! Its the best!
So glad it’s chili season again!! This looks amazeballs:)
Me too!! I heart chili season!!
The slow cooker saves the day again! And it’s extra good when everyone can make the meal their own by loading it with toppings (seriously, who doesn’t love toppings of any sort?!).
Thanks for this weekday life-saver!
Yes exactly!!! Toppings make dinnertime the best!!
We make slow cooker chili all the time in the fall/winter. I love the white beans in yours–looks great!
I seriously need to make it more often. So freaking good!
Oh Liz. Your food. I love it!! This looks delicious.
The feeling is mutual!!! What time are you delivering the baklava?