↑

The Magical Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Recipes

  • Recipe Box
  • Buy my Digital Cookbook
  • About me
  • Contact Me
  • Free Slow Cooker Newsletter
    • Visit us on Pinterest
    • Visit us on Instagram
    • Visit us on Youtube
    • Visit us on Facebook
    • Visit us on Twitter

The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Chili » Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

by Sarah Olson on September 29, 2021 | Updated January 10, 2023 67 Comments

25057 shares
  • 9122
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
long image of cooked white chili for pinterest
Collage of white chicken chili images with text of what ingredients are.
collage of photos of white chicken chili for pinterest

Change up your chili game with this creamy and flavorful Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili recipe. Made from scratch with plenty of spiciness and decadence, this will be the best chicken chili you will ever make!

I make chili at least once a week and try to rotate my recipes. If I’m not making this, I’m making Steakhouse Chili, Jalapeno Popper Chili, or Turkey Chipotle Chili.

close up of white chicken chili in slow cooker with fritos in the background

The first time I had white chicken chili was at a soup and chili party. A friend brought the white chicken chili, and it was the only pot to disappear completely! I had to get my hands on that recipe, and now I can’t stop making it.

How to make White Chicken Chili in the Crock Pot

Ingredients

white beans, corn, sesonings, onion, chicken broth, sour cream, cilantro and chicken in front of slow cooker.
  • Chicken Breasts – can use chicken thighs if you prefer.
  • White Beans – Any type of white canned bean works well, I like cannellini beans for they are larger than most beans.
  • Corn – small can of drained yellow corn or two cups of frozen corn.
  • Seasonings – cumin, chili powder, oregano and garlic powder (and salt and pepper)
  • Chicken Broth – can use four cups water and two chicken bouillon cubes if needed. If you prefer you can use chicken stock.
  • Sweet Yellow Onion – diced
  • Green Chiles – Small can of fire-roasted chiles or one diced poblano chile
  • Sour Cream – add at the end of the cooking time to add creaminess to the chili
  • Cilantro – this is also added at the end of the cooking time. If you do not like cilantro you can leave this out.
2 photos of white chili ingredients before cooking in slow cooker

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1 – Add the chicken breasts, drained beans, drained corn, seasonings, onion, green chilies, and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Stir. Wait to add sour cream and cilantro.

Step 2 – Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.

2 images. One of cooked chili with chicken shredded and sour cream. Other one finished chili

Step 3 – Remove the chicken breasts and shred with two forks. Add back to the slow cooker. Add the sour cream and chopped cilantro.

Step 4 – Stir and serve with your favorite toppings.

Premaking, Storing, and Reheating White Chicken Chili

  • Freezer meal – You can make this recipe into a freezer meal by placing raw ingredients into a freezer ziplock bag, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw (in fridge) and cook when you are ready. Keep the cilantro and sour cream seperate and add that after cooking when shedding the chicken.
  • Storing – This recipe after cooking doesn’t freeze well for the cream will seperate after being thawed. Though, it will last 3 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
  • Reheating – The best way to reheat this is on a pan on the stove top, don’t over cook or the sour cream may seperate. Or you can cook in the microwave, but again don’t overheat!
white chili with chicken and corn with fritos and cornbread on the side

What do I serve with white chili?

This chili is lovely as is with no toppings but even better if you pair it with one or more of the following:

  • Fritos – the smaller ones work best, not the scoops.
  • Monterey Jack cheese.
  • Cornbread – we love using Krusteaz Southern Cornbread Mix.
  • A Squeeze of lime juice
  • Additional sour cream
  • Cubed avocado
green bowl with white chicken chili in it. Lime and cilantro on top.

Cooking tips and FAQs for Chicken Chili

How can I make this spicy?

In place of the fire-roasted chiles, use a diced jalapeno. Add a few shakes of hot sauce to your personal bowl.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

One block of cream cheese – add at the end, place in soup, and let melt for a few minutes. Stir into chili.
Cream of chicken soup – One can of cream of chicken soup, add at the beginning of the recipe.
Skip it! – Leave out the creamy part of this recipe if you want a healthier chili.

Can I make this in an instant pot?

Yes, instant pot white chicken chili is one of our favorites! To turn this slow cooker version into an instant pot recipe: seal the lid on the instant pot. Move the valve to the sealing position. Cook on manual pressure for 20 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally. Shred the chicken and add the sour cream and cilantro after the cooking time is complete. (Check your manual for safety instructions).

Can I use raw boneless turkey breast?

You can use a turkey breast if desired. In fact, it will make for a wonderfully flavored chili!

Can I use a rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey?

Yes, you can if you have it on hand. Cut into cubes and add to the recipe. However, the chicken or turkey won’t be as moist as when using fresh raw chicken.

How can I thicken chicken chili?

Add two tablespoons of cornstarch to two tablespoons of water. Add to the cooked chili and cook for 10 minutes longer.

3 bowls of white chili with bowl of cilantro and limes on side

Want to make more magic in your crockpot? Stay up to date and subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

white chicken chili in slow cooker with wooden spoon in it.

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

4.93 from 140 votes
Not your standard chili with this recipe! Chicken in a creamy white sauce with white beans and corn.
Print Pin Rate Share by Text
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 278kcal
Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment Needed:

  • Slow Cooker – 5 quart or larger

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs. chicken breasts (chicken thighs work great in this recipe too)
  • 30 oz. Cannellini Beans (two 15-oz. cans) drained
  • 8.75 oz. can whole kernel corn (drained well) or two cups of frozen corn
  • 30 oz. chicken broth OR chicken stock (two 15-oz. cans) or 4 cups water and 2 chicken boullion cubes
  • 4 oz. can fire roasted green chiles or 1 diced poblano pepper
  • 1 cup sweet yellow onion diced
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. cumin
  • 1/2 tsp. oregano
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 cup sour cream (ADD AT THE END OF THE COOKING TIME)
  • 1/8 cup minced cilantro (ADD AT THE END OF THE COOKING TIME)
US Customary – Metric

Instructions:

  • Add the chicken, beans, corn, chicken broth, green chiles, onion, chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper to the slow cooker. WAIT TO ADD THE SOUR CREAM AND CILANTRO. Stir.
  • Place the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours.
  • When the cooking time is done, shred the chicken with two forks.
  • Add the sour cream and cilantro. Stir.
  • Serve and enjoy!
Prevent your screen from going dark

How to Video:

Recipe Notes:

How can I thicken chicken chili?
Add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to 2 tablespoons of water. Add to the cooked chili and cook for 10 minutes longer.
What should I serve this with?
This chili is wonderful as is but also great paired with one or more of the following:
  • Fritos
  • Monterey jack cheese
  • Cornbread
  • A squeeze of lime juice
  • Additional sour cream
  • Cubed avocado
What can I use instead of sour cream?
  • 1 block of cream cheese – add at the end, place in soup and let melt for a few minutes. Stir into chili.
  • Cream of chicken soup – 1 can, add at the beginning of the recipe.
  • Leave out the creamy part of this recipe if you want a healthier chili.
Can I use a rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey?
Yes, you can if you have it on hand. Cut into cubes and add to the recipe. Though the chicken or turkey won’t be as moist as when using fresh raw chicken.
How can I make this spicy?
  • In place of the fire-roasted chiles use a diced jalapeno.
  • Add a few shakes of hot sauce to your personal bowl.
Can I use an Instant Pot?
Yes, this is an easy recipe to convert to an instant pot. Seal the lid on the instant pot. Move the valve to the sealing position. Cook on manual pressure for 20 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally. Shred the chicken and add the sour cream and cilantro after the cooking time is complete. (Check your manual for safety instructions).

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 278kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 1047mg | Potassium: 564mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 504IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

Made this recipe?I want to see your photos! Tag me on Instagram @themagicalslowcooker

More chili recipes to make in the slow cooker:

  • Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili
  • Slow Cooker Venison Chili
  • Slow Cooker Prime Rib Chili
  • Slow Cooker Hot Chili
  • Slow Cooker Vegetarian Sweet Potato Chili
  • Slow Cooker V8 Chili
  • Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
  • Slow Cooker Wendy’s Copycat Chili

FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

Get Sarah's tricks to delicious and hands-free cooking!
    25057 shares
    • 9122

    Filed Under: Chicken, Chili

    Comments

    1. Susan F says

      January 23, 2023 at 3:03 pm

      5 stars
      This chili was delicious!! Definitely a keeper. So good on a cold weeknight. I had avocados, tortilla chips, mini corn muffins, extra limes and cilantro. I added a few more spices. A couple different chili powders and it was really perfect. My husband and son added sour cream to their bowls but I try to avoid dairy and mine was really good without the sour cream. Thank you for sharing your recipe.

      Reply
    2. Chris L. says

      December 27, 2022 at 8:19 am

      If you choose to use already cooked chicken (rotisserie), wouldn’t the cook time be reduced pretty drastically?
      8 hours (low) for uncooked chicken makes sense, but seems very long if the chicken is already cooked.

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        December 27, 2022 at 8:55 am

        You can probably get away with 5 hours. The vegetables take quite a while to soften, especially onions.

        Reply
    3. Alexis says

      December 26, 2022 at 5:27 pm

      My grandma makes this but in a different way rather than a crock pot/slow cooker. I fell in love with it then and now I make this quite often in my crockpot. One of my favorites! I use cream cheese and I also use more seasonings such as cayenne pepper and I put more of the seasonings in than the recipe called for. It’s so good with cilantro, lime and hot sauce!!!

      Reply
    4. Cassi says

      December 21, 2022 at 1:36 pm

      Not a big fan of beans…. Do you think I can use diced potatoes instead?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        December 21, 2022 at 3:00 pm

        I don’t see why not!

        Reply
    5. Annette Cole says

      November 28, 2022 at 5:40 pm

      Can you use ground chicken?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        November 28, 2022 at 11:14 pm

        Yes!

        Reply
    6. Shana says

      November 17, 2022 at 7:35 am

      Can you use frozen chicken if you are in a pinch? Or should you only use thawed

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        November 17, 2022 at 8:14 am

        No, I wouldn’t. There are some studies that say cooking from frozen isn’t safe.

        Reply
    7. Leah says

      October 17, 2022 at 3:11 pm

      What’s the serving size? It’s delicious by the way! I had 2 1/2 lbs worth of chicken breast and doubled the spices. It is so so good!

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        October 17, 2022 at 3:18 pm

        I do not have measurements for the servings on this site. I apologize.

        Reply
    8. Rhi says

      October 6, 2022 at 11:52 am

      What’s another thickener that can be used besides cornstarch, and how much should be used?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        October 6, 2022 at 3:14 pm

        Hi! It’s hard to say without testing it. I apologize.

        Reply
    9. Chanin says

      August 8, 2022 at 2:46 pm

      5 stars
      I just made this today with some banana pepper corn bread. Delicious! I tasted without the sour cream and that is really good too. I will be making this again

      Reply
    10. Rebecca says

      August 8, 2022 at 1:31 pm

      Has anyone used sour cream and cream cheese ?

      Reply
      • Shana says

        November 17, 2022 at 7:34 am

        Yes it was great, but I liked it best with just 2-8oz blocks of cream cheese!

        Reply
    11. Kathryn says

      June 6, 2022 at 11:50 pm

      5 stars
      So Easy & so Tasty

      Reply
    12. Jason LEMMINGS says

      March 27, 2022 at 1:51 pm

      It sounds very good can u use can chicken in it

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        March 27, 2022 at 4:49 pm

        Yes, if you are used to the flavor of canned chicken.

        Reply
    « Older Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

    Recipe Rating




    Photo of Sarah Olson holding a slow cooker

    Hello! I'm Sarah

    Welcome to The Magical Slow Cooker. Let me help you find recipes for your slow cooker that you'll enjoy!
    • Visit us on Pinterest
    • Visit us on Instagram
    • Visit us on Youtube
    • Visit us on Facebook
    • Visit us on Twitter

    Slow Cooker Appetizers

    Cheesy corn dip on a chip.

    Slow Cooker Corn Dip

    ingredients for salsa in a crockpot.

    Slow Cooker Salsa

    Cooked bacon wrapped smokies in a slow cooker.

    Slow Cooker Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

    Beer meatballs on a spoon in a crockpot.

    Slow Cooker Beer Meatballs

    cooked buffalo wings in the crockpot.

    Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings

    overhead shot of bean dip in slow cooker.

    Slow Cooker Velveeta Bean Dip

    Magical Cooker logo

    FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

    Get Sarah's tricks to delicious and hands-free cooking!

      Most Popular Recipes

      peanut butter cake with spoon in it.

      Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cake {Crockpot}

      Close up of cajun chicken fettuccine in slow cooker.

      Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

      close up of baked spaghetti in slow cooker

      Slow Cooker Baked Spaghetti {Million Dollar Spaghetti}

      close up of enchilada casserole

      Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole

      close up photo of chicken, potatoes and green beans in slow cooker

      Seasoned Chicken, Potatoes and Green beans

      cooked bang bang chicken in slow cooker

      Slow Cooker Bang Bang Chicken

      Featured on:

      Featured in BuzzFeed, The Kitchen, Popsugar, 12 Tomatoes, yummly, Today, and Country Living
      smaller magical slow cooker logo

      FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

        Privacy Policy  Nutritional Disclosure

        The Magical Slow Cooker is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
        Copyright ©2023, The Magical Slow Cooker. All Rights Reserved.
        Design by Pixel Me Designs