Introduction
Warm up your winter months with this creamy and comforting Easy Crockpot White Chicken Chili. Perfect for busy days, this dish requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor. The tender chicken, creamy beans, and blend of spices make it a family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Chicken breasts: 450g boneless, skinless
Chicken broth: 400ml
Cannellini beans: 240g, drained and rinsed
Great northern beans: 240g, drained and rinsed
Frozen corn: 150g
Cream cheese: 120g
Diced green chilies: 150g
Onion: 1 medium, chopped (about 100g)
Garlic powder: 1 tsp (about 4g)
Onion powder: 1 tsp (about 4g)
Ground cumin: 1 tsp (about 4g)
Chili powder: 1 tsp (about 4g)
Salt: 1 tsp (about 4g)
Black pepper: 1/2 tsp (about 2g)
Lime juice: 15ml
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Prepare the Base
Start by placing the 450g boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Add the Liquids
Pour in the 400ml chicken broth, ensuring it covers the chicken.
3. Incorporate the Beans
Add the drained and rinsed 240g cannellini beans and 240g great northern beans to the mix, allowing for their creamy texture to enhance the chili.
4. Mix in the Vegetables
Toss in the 150g frozen corn, 150g diced green chilies, and the chopped medium onion (around 100g) to the crockpot.
5. Spice It Up
Sprinkle in the 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of onion powder, 1 tsp of ground cumin, 1 tsp of chili powder, 1 tsp of salt, and 1/2 tsp of black pepper. These spices are key to elevating the flavors.
6. Combine Ingredients
Gently stir the mixture to combine all ingredients and ensure the chicken is well-distributed. Cover the crockpot with its lid.
7. Set the Cooking Time
Cook the chili on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and incredibly tender when it’s ready.
8. Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
9. Melt the Cream Cheese
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir in 120g of cream cheese. Mix until the cream cheese has melted and is well combined, adding creaminess to the chili.
10. Finish with Lime
Add 15ml of lime juice to the chili, stirring to incorporate. Let the chili cook for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
11. Serve and Garnish
Serve the chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro to add a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
Cooking Time Variations
For a quicker meal, choose the high setting on your crockpot, but for more flavor development, opt for the low setting.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This chili also freezes well; just ensure it’s cooled completely before freezing.
Garnish Suggestions
Consider adding shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado on top alongside fresh cilantro for an extra layer of flavor and richness.
Bean Alternatives
Feel free to swap the cannellini and great northern beans for other varieties like pinto beans or black beans, depending on your preference.
Cook Techniques
Layering Ingredients
When preparing this chili, start by layering the chicken at the bottom of the crockpot. This method allows the chicken to soak up all the flavors from the broth and spices as it cooks.
Low and Slow Cooking
Cooking on low heat for 6-8 hours allows the chicken to become tender and the flavors to meld together beautifully, giving you a rich and creamy chili.
Shredding Chicken
After cooking, removing the chicken and shredding it with two forks helps to incorporate the meat evenly throughout the chili, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Incorporating Cream Cheese
Adding cream cheese at the end and stirring until melted creates a creamy texture, enhancing the chili’s richness and depth of flavor.
Finishing Touches
A splash of lime juice added at the end brightens the dish and balances the creamy and savory elements, while fresh cilantro provides a refreshing garnish.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it may require additional cooking time. Ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What beans can I substitute for cannellini and great northern beans?
You can substitute with other white beans like navy beans or even use black beans for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this chili without cream cheese?
Yes, you can omit cream cheese for a lighter version, or substitute it with a dairy-free cream alternative for a creamy texture.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To increase spiciness, add more chili powder or include fresh jalapeños. For a milder chili, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit the diced green chilies.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this chili freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to three months. Just reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Conclusion
Easy Crockpot White Chicken Chili is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it easy to prepare and the perfect choice for busy families during the winter months. With minimal effort and maximum satisfaction, this dish will surely become a go-to favorite in your household.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Sausage and White Bean Chili
Swap the chicken for spicy sausage and add some kidney beans for a heartier, heat-packed version of the chili.
Crockpot Vegetarian White Chili
Replace chicken with diced bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms, and enjoy a vibrant, vegetarian spin incorporating mixed beans.
Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Make a soothing twist by blending crushed tomatoes and fresh basil with cream cheese for a rich, comforting soup.
Buffalo Chicken Chili
Transform your white chili by incorporating buffalo sauce for a tangy and spicy flavor, perfect for the adventurous palate.
Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Make a creamy potato soup using similar spices, adding cubed potatoes, cheddar cheese, and bacon for an indulgent variation.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Add diced tomatoes, tortilla chips, and avocado for a zesty combination that adds texture and flavor to the classic white chicken chili.
