Slow Cooker Chunky White Chicken Chili (2024)

Slow cooker chunky white chicken chili is a great meal for the cooler season. Now that summer is coming to an end and fall is making itself known, this white chicken chili in a crockpot is one of my go-to dinners. It’s a tasty chicken chili recipe that makes a change from the better-known red beef chili. Give this slow cooker chicken dinner a try, and you won’t be disappointed!

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If you find yourself with some rotisserie chicken to use up, along with frozen corn, pinto beans, tortilla chips and green chiles, why not rustle up this crockpot chunky chicken chilli recipe? It’s a great recipe for home cooks and an easy crockpot dish for this time of year.

While red chili is typically based on tomatoes, this chunky chicken chili boasts chicken broth and white beans instead. So of course you can expect a slightly different flavour than your usual beef chili recipes.

Ingredients for Chunky Chicken Chilli

So what exactly do you need to make this slow cooker chicken dinner? It’s your choice of whether to use chicken breast or thigh. I usually use chicken breast, but some people prefer thigh, since it has a lot of flavour.

White or red onion, garlic, ancho chili powder, jalapeño, and green chilies add plenty of flavour to this white bean and chicken chili. You can use less or more chilli peppers depending on how spicy (or not!) you like it. Your creamy white chicken chilli doesn’t have to be spicy, but it can be if you choose!

Cumin, coriander and oregano add more dimensions to the flavour. Finally, you will need chicken broth, corn, the white beans, and a pinch of salt. Navy beans are another kind of hearty beans that would work here. For the garnish, cilantro, sour cream, lime, and guacamole work well. You can use sliced avocado instead of guacamole if you prefer.

Is your mouth watering yet? The ingredients in this crock pot chunky white chicken chili are so harmonious together. This is a warming, delicious easy meal which is perfect anytime. Easy recipes like this are ones you will make again and again. That is one of the reasons I love slow cooker recipes!

How to Make this Chicken Chili Recipe

You won’t believe how easy this recipe is to put together. Whether you’re in a rush or you just crave white chicken chili in a crockpot, this dish will hit the right spot. Add all the ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours. If you prefer, you can cook it on high for 2 or 3 hours. It’s ready when the chicken is cooked through. Simply taste a little of this slow cooker chicken chilli to see if it has the right amount of spice.

Shred the chicken using a pair of forks or some ‘bear claws’ and put it back in the crockpot. Now all you need to do is serve the slow cooker chunky white chicken chili with your preferred toppings! Oh and cook some rice too, if you want to serve this over rice.

How to Store Leftover Chunky Chicken Chili

This easy slow cooker chilli will keep for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I bet it won’t last that long though! It’s just such a hearty chilli – everyone will want second helpings!

Can You Freeze It?

Because this freezes well, you might like to doubt the slow cooker chunky chicken chili, and then you can freeze half of it. Let the classic chilli cool completely, then divide it into separate portions and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw this slow cooker chicken dinner overnight in the refrigerator, then warm it back up in a pan on the stove. That’s a great way to reheat it, or else you can use the microwave.

Tips, Tricks and Variations

You can make white chicken chili in a crockpot if you have one, or in an Instant Pot if not. You can even make it on the stove if you have neither. Each of these methods will have slightly different timing. If you’re using the Instant Pot use the coolest temperature setting. If you’re making your chicken chili recipe on the stove, use a heavy bottomed pan and keep the flame low. Stir the mixture over if you’re cooking it on the stove top.

Don’t want to use chicken in this white bean and chicken chili? No problem. Swap it for another meat such as turkey or pork. If you don’t want to add any meat, you can increase the amount of corn and beans. Instead of using 2 cans of white beans, you might like to use 1 can of white beans and 1 of black beans or kidney beans.

You can spice this white chicken chili in a crockpot up if you like. I usually make mine somewhere between mild and medium and offer hot sauce at the table. However, if you know everyone eating this loves spice, go ahead and be generous with the chili powder, green chilies and/or jalapeños.

This slow cooker white chicken chili is great served in a ‘tortilla bowl’ if you don’t want to cook rice. To make the bowl, drape a large tortilla over an upside-down metal bowl and bake it in the oven until it’s set. Flip it over, and you have a ‘bowl’ to serve the chill in. You can use any kind of tortilla for this, even the low-carb ones, if you want to make this slow cooker chicken dinner keto.

White Chili Toppings

There are many delicious toppings that you can add to white chicken chili to add flavor and texture. Some of my favorite toppings include:

• Shredded cheese: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby cheese
• Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a tangy and creamy flavour to this easy meal
• Green onions: Thinly sliced green onions add a fresh, slightly spicy flavour to the chili
• Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro adds a bright and citrusy flavour
• Salsa Verde: Salsa adds a fresh, tangy, and slightly spicy zing to the chili recipe
• Avocado: Sliced or diced avocado adds a creamy, rich texture
• Jalapeños: Thinly sliced jalapeños add a spicy kick
• Corn chips: Crumbled corn chips add a crispy and crunchy texture
• Lime wedges: Squeezing a little bit of lime juice over the chili adds refreshing flavour
• Tortilla strips: Crispy tortilla strips add a crunchy texture

White Chicken Chili FAQs

Slow Cooker Chunky White Chicken Chili Recipe

I hope you try to make this slow cooker chunky white chicken chili recipe. It is a perfect slow cooker chicken dinner for a busy day when you want something hearty. This white bean and chicken chili reheats well, so you can enjoy leftovers the next day, too!

Other Recipes to Try

• White Bean Green Chile Chicken Soup
• Chipotle Chicken Fresh Mex Bowl – Chili’s Copycat
• Tomatillo Red Chili Salsa – Copycat Chipotle Hot Salsa
• Chicken Enchilada Soup – Chili’s Copycat
• Fresh and Easy Chunky Mango Salsa