Creamy comfort food made easy in your slow cooker
This creamy crockpot white chicken chili combines tender chicken, white beans, and tangy lime for a protein-packed meal that’s ready when you are.
Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals, this recipe requires minimal prep and maximum flavor. The slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day.
With a velvety texture and vibrant lime finish, this chili is a fall favorite that feels indulgent yet stays light. It’s ideal for meal prepping, packing lunches, or enjoying as a hearty dinner.
The combination of lean chicken, fiber-rich beans, and fresh herbs creates a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and comforting. Ready to transform your slow cooker into a culinary powerhouse?
Why This Recipe Works
Effortless Prep
Just dump ingredients into your slow cooker and walk away. No need for constant monitoring or complicated techniques.
High-Protein Powerhouse
With 35g of protein per serving, this chili helps you meet daily protein goals while keeping you full and satisfied.
Customizable Comfort
Adjust spice levels, add veggies, or swap in different proteins to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
Creamy Without Dairy
Achieve a rich texture using blended beans and non-dairy milk, avoiding heavy cream for a lighter option.
Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Creamy comfort food with 35g protein per serving
Ingredients
- - 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- - 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained
- - 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- - 1 cup frozen peas
- - 1 cup non-dairy milk (almond, oat, or coconut)
- - 2 tbsp olive oil
- - 1 onion, chopped
- - 2 cloves garlic, minced
- - 2 tsp chili powder
- - 1 tsp cumin
- - 1/2 tsp salt
- - 1/4 tsp black pepper
- - Juice of 1 lime
- - Optional garnish: cilantro, avocado, lime wedges
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients: Dice chicken into bite-sized pieces. Drain and rinse beans. Chop onion and mince garlic.
💡 Tip: Freeze chicken in a single layer for easier dicing.
Brown Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken until browned (5-6 minutes). Transfer to crockpot.
💡 Tip: Browning adds depth of flavor but can be skipped for quicker prep.
Build Flavor Base: In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add to crockpot with all remaining ingredients except lime juice.
💡 Tip: Add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
💡 Tip: Letting it rest for 10 minutes before serving improves texture.
Blend (Optional): For extra creaminess, use an immersion blender to partially blend the chili in the crockpot.
💡 Tip: Blend only 1/3 of the mixture for a chunky yet creamy texture.
Serve: Stir in lime juice. Garnish with cilantro, avocado, and lime wedges. Serve with tortilla chips or rice.
💡 Tip: Add a drizzle of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide lean protein. You can substitute thighs for a richer flavor.
Substitutions: Pre-cooked shredded chicken, turkey, or tofu for vegetarian.
White Beans
Cannellini or Great Northern beans add creaminess and fiber. Drain and rinse to reduce sodium.
Substitutions: Chickpeas, black beans, or a can of coconut milk for extra richness.
Non-Dairy Milk
Almond, oat, or coconut milk creates a creamy base without dairy. Use full-fat for best texture.
Substitutions: Heavy cream (for dairy lovers) or additional broth for lighter version.
Spices
Chili powder and cumin form the flavor foundation. Adjust to taste for spiciness.
Substitutions: Smoked paprika or taco seasoning for variety.
Pro Tips for Perfect White Chicken Chili
Browning Techniques
Brown chicken in batches to avoid steaming. Use a cast-iron skillet for maximum sear.
Flavor Boosters
Add a bay leaf or a splash of lime juice during cooking for extra depth.
Make-Ahead Tips
Prep ingredients up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with warm tortillas, a dollop of Greek yogurt, and a sprinkle of cilantro.
Variations & Customizations
Vegetarian Version
Substitute tofu for chicken and add extra beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Spicy Version
Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Chunky Texture
Skip blending and add frozen corn for a heartier, more rustic chili.
Lactose-Free
Use coconut milk instead of non-dairy milk and ensure all garnishes are dairy-free.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Warm cornbread for a classic comfort food pairing
- Steamed jasmine rice to soak up the flavorful broth
- Crusty sourdough bread for dipping
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light beer such as a lager. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with lime or a mango smoothie.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare all ingredients up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Refrigerator Storage
Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. The flavors will deepen over time.
Freezer Storage
Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat on low heat in a saucepan or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore moisture.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Can I use a pressure cooker instead?
A: Yes! Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release. Adjust liquid slightly as pressure cookers may require less.
Q: How to fix too watery chili?
A: Simmer uncovered on high heat for 15-20 minutes to reduce liquid. Alternatively, blend part of the chili for a thicker texture.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Absolutely! Freeze in portion-sized containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: How to add more flavor?
A: Stir in a dollop of pesto, a splash of hot sauce, or a handful of shredded cheese before serving.
Final Thoughts
This creamy crockpot white chicken chili is the ultimate comfort food that’s as healthy as it is delicious. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion.
For best Pinterest visibility, post this chili pin as part of a complete meal series over 5-7 days: anchor main dish first, followed by complementary sides like cornbread, ending with a dessert completion pin.
