Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

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Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 4 hours (High) or 8 hours (Low)

  • Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra moisture).

  • Beans: 2 cans (15 oz each) Great Northern beans or Cannellini beans, drained and rinsed.

  • Aromatics: 1 medium yellow onion (diced) and 3 cloves garlic (minced).

  • Chiles: 2 cans (4 oz each) diced green chiles (mild or hot, depending on your spice tolerance).

  • Liquid: 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth.

  • Spices: 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional), salt and pepper to taste.

  • The Creamy Finish: 4 oz cream cheese (softened) and ½ cup sour cream.

  • Optional Corn: 1 cup frozen corn kernels.

Instructions

  1. Layer: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with diced onion, garlic, beans, green chiles, corn, and all the spices.

  2. Pour: Add the chicken broth over the top.

  3. Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours.

  4. Shred: Remove the chicken to a plate, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.

  5. Cream it up: Add the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the broth is opaque and creamy.

  6. Serve: Ladle into bowls and pile on the toppings!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Values are estimates based on standard ingredients.

Metric Amount
Calories 340 kcal
Protein 32g
Total Fat 12g
Carbohydrates 28g
Fiber 8g
Sodium 650mg

Pro Tips for Success

  • The “Mash” Trick: For a thicker chili without adding flour, take a half-cup of the beans and mash them against the side of the pot before stirring everything together.

  • Don’t Overcook the Dairy: Only add the cream cheese and sour cream at the very end. Cooking dairy on high heat for hours can cause it to curdle.

  • Topping is Everything: This dish shines with fresh toppings. Think avocado slices, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and crushed tortilla chips.

Health Benefits

  • High Fiber: The white beans provide a massive dose of soluble fiber, which is great for heart health and digestion.

  • Lean Protein: Using chicken breast keeps the saturated fat lower than traditional beef chili.

  • Metabolism Boost: The capsaicin in the green chiles and cayenne can give your metabolism a tiny nudge.

Q&A

Q: Can I use a rotisserie chicken instead?

A: Absolutely! Skip the initial chicken cooking step. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken at the very end when you add the cream cheese just to warm it through.

Q: Can I freeze this?

A: Yes, but with a caveat. Broth-based soups freeze better than creamy ones. If you plan to freeze it, do so before adding the cream cheese and sour cream. Add those fresh when you reheat it.

Q: Is this spicy?

A: As written, it’s “family-friendly mild.” If you want heat, swap one can of mild chiles for “hot” diced peppers or double the cayenne pepper.

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