Print

Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili – Easy Party Favorite

creamy crockpot white chicken chili - featured image

This creamy crockpot white chicken chili is a happy accident turned party favorite. With tender shredded chicken, velvety cream cheese broth, and simple ingredients, it’s the perfect make-ahead dish for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2–3 large breasts)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) great northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles
  • 1 can (15 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (for garnish)
  • Diced avocado (for garnish)
  • Sour cream (for garnish)
  • Tortilla chips or crusty bread (for serving)
  • Lime wedges (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season and Sear the Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Set aside.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and cook diced onion for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer to slow cooker.
  3. Layer the Ingredients: To the slow cooker, add drained great northern beans, diced green chiles, and drained corn. Stir to combine. Nestle seared chicken on top. Pour chicken broth around the chicken.
  4. Add the Spices: Sprinkle cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using) evenly over everything. Stir gently to incorporate.
  5. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
  6. Shred the Chicken: About 30 minutes before serving, remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return to slow cooker.
  7. Make It Creamy: Add cubed cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir gently until cream cheese is fully melted and broth is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Let It Rest: Turn slow cooker to warm and let chili sit for 10-15 minutes before serving.
  9. Serve and Garnish: Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese, cilantro, avocado, sour cream, and lime wedges. Serve with tortilla chips or crusty bread.

Notes

Don’t skip searing the chicken for best flavor. Cube cream cheese while cold and let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before adding for easier melting. If chili is too thin, cook uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes. If too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk. Prep ingredients the night before for easy morning assembly.

Nutrition

Keywords: white chicken chili, crockpot chili, creamy chili, slow cooker chili, party chili, easy chili, chicken chili