Crockpot White Chicken Chili: Ultimate Creamy Comfort

Cooking has always been a wonderful way for me to connect with family and friends. One of my favorite recipes to share is Crockpot White Chicken Chili. This dish brings together a delightful blend of flavors that warms the heart and soul. I fondly remember one chilly evening, gathering around the table with loved ones, savoring every spoonful of this creamy, comforting chili.

GrandMmaDelights is a space where I can share these cherished recipes, like Crockpot White Chicken Chili, with you. This chili is perfect for anyone looking to whip up a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The crockpot does all the heavy lifting, transforming simple ingredients into a delicious feast. The first time I made it, I was amazed at how the flavors melded together so perfectly.

Creating recipes like Crockpot White Chicken Chili has always been about more than just nourishment. It’s about the joy of cooking from scratch, exploring new flavors, and the magic of bringing people together around the table. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight meal or a gathering with friends, this chili never fails to impress and satisfy. Let’s dive into this comforting culinary adventure!

Crockpot White Chicken Chili

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes on low or 3 hours 15 minutes on high
• Yield: 4 servings

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Description

Discover how to make a delicious and comforting Crockpot White Chicken Chili with this easy recipe. Perfect for a cozy night in!

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Ingredients

• – 1 lb (454 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of excess fat
• – 1 yellow onion, diced
• – 2 cloves garlic, minced
• – 24 oz (680 g) chicken broth (low sodium)
• – 2 15 oz cans (425 g each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• – 2 4 oz cans (113 g each) diced green chiles (I do one hot, one mild)
• – 1 15 oz can (425 g) whole kernel corn, drained
• – 1 tsp (5 ml) salt
• – 1/2 tsp (3 ml) black pepper
• – 1 tsp (5 ml) cumin
• – 3/4 tsp (4 ml) oregano
• – 1/2 tsp (3 ml) chili powder
• – 1/4 tsp (1 ml) cayenne pepper
• – small handful fresh cilantro, chopped
• – 4 oz (113 g) reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
• – 1/4 cup (60 ml) half and half
• – sliced jalapenos
• – sliced avocados
• – dollop of Greek yogurt
• – minced fresh cilantro
• – tortilla strips
• – shredded Monterey jack or Mexican cheese

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Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts at the base of the crockpot, and season them with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper.
2. Layer the diced onion, minced garlic, cannellini beans, green chiles, corn, chicken broth, and cilantro on top. Mix everything gently.
3. Secure the lid and let it simmer on a low setting for 8 hours or on a high setting for 3-4 hours.
4. Transfer the chicken to a large bowl, shred it, and then put it back into the crockpot.
5. Incorporate the cream cheese and half and half; mix, then cover and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chili reaches a creamy and slightly thicker consistency.
6. To achieve a smoother texture with the cream cheese, consider placing the softened cream cheese in a small bowl, add a few ladles of the chili from the crockpot, whisk until smooth, and then blend this mixture back into the crockpot, finishing with the half and half and cooking on high for 15 minutes.
7. Mix thoroughly and serve with your chosen garnishes.

Notes

• Consider using pre-cooked shredded or rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal prep.
• For a vegetarian option, swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip the chicken, adding more beans or veggies for protein.
• Experiment with black beans or kidney beans for different flavors, or add extra spicy chiles or cayenne for more heat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Calories: 400
• Fat: 10g
• Protein: 15g

Keywords: chicken chili, slow cooker, creamy soup, Mexican style, spicy beans, shredded chicken

Crafting Crockpot White Chicken Chili

Fundamentals

To make a delectable Crockpot White Chicken Chili, understanding the key ingredients is essential. The foundation of this dish is the tender boneless skinless chicken breasts, which absorb the flavors of the herbs and spices beautifully. The addition of yellow onion and minced garlic enriches the base, providing a savory depth that complements the chicken perfectly.

The combination of cannellini beans and whole kernel corn adds a satisfying texture to the chili. These ingredients not only enhance the heartiness of the dish but also offer a delightful contrast to the creamy broth. Diced green chiles introduce a subtle heat, while the blend of cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper creates a harmonious spice profile that elevates the overall flavor.

Preparation/setup

Start by arranging the chicken breasts at the base of your crockpot. Season them generously with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. This step ensures that the chicken absorbs all the wonderful spices during cooking. Next, layer the diced onion, minced garlic, cannellini beans, green chiles, corn, chicken broth, and fresh cilantro on top. Mix everything gently to combine the ingredients without disturbing the seasoned chicken at the bottom.

Set your crockpot to a low setting for 8 hours or opt for a high setting if you’re short on time, cooking for 3-4 hours. This slow simmering process allows the flavors to meld beautifully while ensuring the chicken becomes tender and juicy. For those who enjoy a creamy texture, we’ll incorporate cream cheese and half and half towards the end of the cooking process.

Mastering Crockpot White Chicken Chili

Technique

The key to a successful Crockpot White Chicken Chili lies in the layering of flavors. By placing the chicken at the bottom and layering other ingredients on top, you ensure the chicken remains moist while absorbing the rich flavors from the broth and spices. The slow cooking process is crucial; it allows the beans and corn to soften and the spices to infuse deeply into the dish.

Once the initial cooking time is up, transfer the chicken to a large bowl and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir in the softened cream cheese and half and half. This step is vital for achieving the signature creamy texture of white chicken chili. Cook on high for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the cream cheese to melt fully and thicken the broth.

Tips/tricks

For an ultra-smooth texture, consider placing the softened cream cheese in a small bowl first. Add a few ladles of the hot chili from the crockpot and whisk until smooth before blending this mixture back into the crockpot. This technique prevents any lumps and ensures a silky finish. To enhance the flavor, you can adjust the spice level by varying the amount of cayenne pepper or using more hot green chiles.

For those interested in diversifying their chicken recipes, you might also enjoy exploring other delightful options like crockpot ranch chicken and potatoes or the flavorful crispy chicken strips, perfect for a family-friendly meal.

Perfecting Your White Chicken Chili

Perfecting results

Achieving the perfect Crockpot White Chicken Chili involves balancing flavors and textures. The cream cheese and half and half add a luxurious creaminess, making each bite rich and satisfying. The cilantro offers a fresh note, cutting through the creaminess and providing a vibrant contrast. Stirring the chili thoroughly before serving ensures an even distribution of ingredients and flavors.

For a delightful presentation, consider garnishing each bowl with sliced jalapenos, avocados, a dollop of Greek yogurt, and a sprinkle of minced fresh cilantro. These toppings add color and enhance the flavor profile, making the dish even more appealing. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out this Mediterranean-style white chicken chili for a creative twist on this classic meal.

Troubleshooting/variations

If your chili turns out too spicy, mellow it down by adding extra cream cheese or a splash of half and half. On the other hand, if you crave more heat, simply increase the cayenne pepper or opt for additional hot green chiles. For a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans before adding them to the crockpot, which will naturally thicken the broth.

Explore different versions of this dish by experimenting with various beans or adding additional vegetables like bell peppers. For more chicken recipe ideas, you might enjoy the crockpot chicken gravy, a comforting choice for any season.

Serving and Enjoying Your Chili

Serving/presentation

When serving your Crockpot White Chicken Chili, consider adding a side of tortilla strips for a satisfying crunch. The shredded Monterey jack or Mexican cheese sprinkled on top adds an extra layer of flavor, melting into the hot chili beautifully. Arrange your chosen garnishes artfully to create a visually appealing and mouth-watering presentation.

This chili pairs wonderfully with a light, refreshing salad or some warm, crusty bread for dipping. The combination of creamy chili and crisp salad creates a balanced meal that satisfies both the palate and the appetite. For more delightful chicken recipes, you can explore the crockpot angel chicken for a heavenly dining experience.

Pairings/storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen over time, making the chili even more delicious the next day. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or half and half if necessary to restore its creamy consistency. This Crockpot White Chicken Chili is also freezer-friendly, allowing you to enjoy a comforting meal whenever the craving strikes.

For those interested in exploring diverse cooking techniques, try the sous vide chicken breasts with lemon, garlic, and rosemary. This method offers a unique way to prepare chicken, enhancing its flavor and tenderness.

Conclusion

Crockpot White Chicken Chili is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that brings people together. Its creamy texture and rich flavor profile make it a standout dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. The crockpot does all the work, allowing you to enjoy a delicious and hearty meal without the hassle.

The versatility of this dish means you can easily adapt it to suit your taste, making it perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this chili is sure to impress. With its simple preparation and delightful flavors, Crockpot White Chicken Chili is a recipe that deserves a spot in your culinary repertoire.

FAQs – Crockpot White Chicken Chili