easy white chicken chili

Easy White Chicken Chili (Slow Cooker) – Set It & Forget It

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As autumn arrives and days get shorter, a warm bowl of chili is just what you need. This Easy White Chicken Chili, made in the slow cooker, is perfect for busy weeknights. It requires little prep, letting flavors blend while you do other things.

This slow cooker white chicken chili is easy to make. It has tender white beans, juicy chicken, and a creamy broth with a hint of green chiles. It’s a comforting dish that warms you up, great for fall and winter nights.

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Why This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is a Game-Changer

This slow cooker white chicken chili is a real game-changer. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and is easy on your wallet. You only need a few minutes to prepare it, and then you can forget about it.

Perfect for Busy Weeknights

Getting a delicious meal ready is easy with this recipe. Just add the ingredients to your slow cooker and let it do the work. Your home will smell amazing while you focus on other things.

Budget-Friendly Comfort Food

This chicken chili is both affordable and comforting. It uses ingredients like chicken, beans, and veggies that are easy on your budget. Yet, it’s full of flavor and quality.

Minimal Prep Time Required

This recipe is great because it doesn’t take much time to prepare. A little chopping and mixing, and you’re all set. This means you can enjoy a tasty meal without the stress of long kitchen work.

Essential Ingredients for White Chicken Chili

To make a delicious white chicken chili, you need a few key ingredients. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are at the core, providing protein. White kidney beans, or cannellini beans, add a creamy texture and heartiness. Onions, garlic, and green chiles bring a rich flavor, while chili powder, cumin, and oregano enhance the taste.

Low-sodium chicken broth is the liquid base, and cream cheese or sour cream add a luxurious creaminess. You can also add jalapeño peppers, shallots, and fresh cilantro for extra flavor. By choosing and balancing these ingredients, you can make a white bean chili that’s both healthy and tasty.

White Chicken Chili Ingredients

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • White kidney beans (cannellini beans)
  • Onions, garlic, and green chiles
  • Chili powder, cumin, oregano, and other spices
  • Low-sodium chicken broth
  • Cream cheese or sour cream (for creaminess)
  • Optional additions: jalapeños, shallots, cilantro

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a tasty and healthy chili that will make your taste buds happy.

Easy White Chicken Chili (Slow Cooker) – Step by Step Instructions

Making a tasty slow cooker meal is easy with this white chicken chili recipe. It’s great for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. This dish is easy to make and always a hit.

Preparing the Base

Begin by mixing chicken broth with white beans. This makes the base of your chili rich and creamy. Your family will love it.

Adding the Seasonings

Then, add corn, onion, green chiles, garlic, and spices to your slow cooker. Place the chicken breasts in the liquid. This lets the flavors mix well.

Final Cooking Steps

Cover and cook the chili on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. When the chicken is done, take it out, shred it, and put it back. Stir in cream cheese and adjust the seasonings. This makes your chili taste just right.

With a few easy steps, you’ll have a delicious slow cooker meal ready for any night. Enjoy your easy white chicken chili and the wonderful flavors it brings.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Consistency

Getting the right consistency in chicken chili recipes is key. You might like your chili thick and hearty or light and brothy. Here are some tips to help you get it just right.

To make your chili thicker and creamier, try adding more cream cheese. Or, make a corn starch slurry to mix in. Start with less broth and add more as needed. An immersion blender can also help, blending some of the chili while keeping beans whole for a thicker feel.

TipDescription
Increase Cream CheeseAdding more cream cheese can help create a richer, creamier texture.
Use a Corn Starch SlurryMixing corn starch with a small amount of broth and stirring it into the chili can help thicken the consistency.
Start with Less BrothBegin with a smaller amount of broth and gradually add more until you achieve the perfect consistency.
Blend a PortionUse an immersion blender to puree a portion of the chili, leaving some beans whole for a heartier texture.

Try these methods to make a chicken chili that’s just how you like it. The trick is to start with less liquid and add more until it’s perfect.

Making the Creamy Bean Slurry

The secret to a creamy white bean chili is blending some ingredients. This creates a smooth bean slurry. It thickens the chili and makes it creamier.

Why the Slurry Matters

The bean slurry thickens the chili naturally. It binds the ingredients together, making the broth velvety. This method avoids using too much cream or cornstarch.

Blending Techniques

To make the creamy bean slurry, blend 1 cup of broth with 1 can of white beans. Use a blender, food processor, or immersion blender. Once smooth, stir it back into the chili and simmer.

white bean chili

This simple step makes your white bean chili incredibly creamy. It will impress your family and friends. The bean slurry takes this dish to a new level of flavor and satisfaction.

Customizing Your White Chicken Chili

This chicken chili recipe is super versatile. You can spice it up or add your own twist. Start by tweaking the seasonings to match your taste. For more heat, add a bit of cayenne pepper. Or, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.

Feel free to try different beans or veggies. You can swap out the beans for kidney beans or mix them. Add diced bell peppers, corn, or tomatoes to change the flavor and texture of your game day food.

For toppings, the choices are endless. Try avocado, jalapeño, cheese, or sour cream. These can make your white chicken chili unique. The best part is, you can make it your own every time.

IngredientQuantity
Cannellini or Great Northern Beans2 (14.5-ounce) cans
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts1 1/2 pounds
Avocado Oil or Olive Oil1-2 tablespoons
White or Yellow Onion, Diced1 medium (or 1-1 1/2 cups frozen)
Green Bell Peppers, Diced2 medium
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth4 cups (1 quart)
Garlic Cloves, Minced4
Ground Cumin1 tablespoon
Ground Coriander1 1/2 teaspoons
Chili Powder1 teaspoon
Diced Green Chilis1 (7-ounce) can
Fresh Cilantro or Parsley, Chopped2 tablespoons
Lime JuiceJuice of 2 limes

Remember, this chicken chili recipe is yours to customize. Try new ingredients and toppings to make it your own. Enjoy making and enjoying this delicious slow-cooker white chicken chili!

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Leftover slow cooker meals like creamy white chicken chili are great for later. To keep your dish fresh and tasty, follow these easy tips.

Refrigeration Tips

Put leftover white chicken chili in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. This keeps the flavors in and prevents the chili from getting dry or watery.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers or bags to avoid freezer burn. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Proper Reheating Methods

To reheat, microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, or warm it on the stovetop. If it’s too thick, add a bit of chicken broth or water to get the right consistency.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)Value
Calories402
Total Fat10g
Protein33g
Carbohydrates48g
Fiber9g

Nutritional Benefits and Healthy Variations

This white bean chili is not only tasty but also full of nutrients. Each serving has about 314 calories, 34g of protein, 36g of carbs, and just 4g of fat. It’s a great, filling choice for any weeknight meal.

For a healthier twist, try using low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of regular dairy. This change can cut down on fat and calories without losing the creamy texture. You can also add more veggies like extra bell peppers or onions to up the fiber and vitamins.

If you want even less fat, use chicken breast instead of thighs. This choice will make the dish leaner and lower in calories, but it will keep you full and happy.

NutrientAmount per Serving% Daily Value
Calories314 kcal16%
Protein34g72%
Carbohydrates36g9%
Fat4g13%
Fiber5.8g24%

Whether you stick with the original recipe or try a healthier version, this white bean chili is a nutritious and tasty choice. It’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

Serving Suggestions and Toppings

Make your creamy slow cooker white chicken chili even better with tasty toppings and sides. Try serving it over fluffy white rice for a more filling meal. You can add fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and shredded cheese for extra flavor.

A dollop of sour cream and crunchy tortilla chips also add a nice touch. This game day food and comfort food goes well with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls too. It makes for a cozy and complete meal.

This white chicken chili is great for many occasions. It’s perfect for family dinners, game day parties, and potlucks. Its creamy texture and mild spices will make everyone want more. Plus, the toppings let everyone make their bowl just right.

Whether you’re hosting a big event or just want a cozy meal, this slow cooker white chicken chili hits the spot. It’s a delicious, comfort food that’s easy to make and perfect for any time.

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