Description

A rich, creamy, and flavorful slow cooker white chicken chili made with roasted green chiles, white beans, and cream cheese. This easy, budget-friendly meal requires minimal prep time and delivers better results than takeout.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
32 ounces low-sodium chicken broth
1 can (15oz) white beans (Cannellini or Great Northern), rinsed and drained
1 can (4oz) diced roasted green chiles
1 medium yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese (optional, for topping/stirring)
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Chop chicken breasts into 1.5-inch chunks. Toss with cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Add diced onion to the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Layer seasoned chicken on top.
Pour in chicken broth, then add rinsed white beans and diced roasted green chiles. Stir gently to combine.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours until chicken is fork-tender. (High heat for 3-4 hours is also acceptable).
Shred chicken directly in the pot using two forks or chop with a spoon.
Cut softened cream cheese into small cubes and stir into the hot chili gradually until fully melted and smooth.
Stir in sour cream and half of the shredded cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
If too thin, cook uncovered on HIGH for 15-20 minutes. If too thick, add a splash of broth.
Serve hot, topped with remaining cheese, fresh cilantro, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime.

Notes

Softening the cream cheese before adding it prevents lumps. Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels. This recipe freezes poorly due to dairy; freeze without cream cheese/sour cream if necessary. White beans are essential for the traditional flavor profile; black beans will change the dish significantly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 380
Sugar: 3
Sodium: 650
Fat: 18
Saturated Fat: 10
Carbohydrates: 25
Fiber: 6
Protein: 35

Keywords: slow cooker, white chicken chili, easy dinner, meal prep, creamy chili, roasted green chiles, budget friendly, weeknight dinner