Easy Crockpot White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese 🌶️🍗✨
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a warm, satisfying white chicken chili recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, you’ve come to the right place. This slow-cooker dish combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and a blend of flavorful spices to create a hearty, kid-friendly comfort-food that is as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Whether you’re seeking a fall dinner idea or a quick, nutritious meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. The best part? It cooks effortlessly in your Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker, allowing you to focus on other tasks while the flavors meld into perfection.
2. Ingredients for Creamy White Chicken Chili
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro and shredded cheese for topping (optional)
3. How to Make Easy Crockpot White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. If you prefer shredded chicken, you can cook the chicken breasts beforehand, but this recipe is designed for raw chicken to cook directly in the slow cooker for maximum flavor development.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the diced onion, garlic, green chilies, white beans, and sprinkle with cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring everything is covered slightly but not submerged completely.
Step 3: Cook the Chili
Set your crockpot to low and cook for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become tender and flavorful, and the ingredients will meld into a delicious, savory broth.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Add Cream Cheese
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the crockpot and add the softened cream cheese. Stir well until the cream cheese melts completely and the chili becomes rich and velvety.
Step 5: Final Stir and Serve
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve the chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and shredded cheese if desired. For extra flavor, try topping with sliced avocados or a dollop of sour cream.
4. Storage and Reheating Tips
This easy white chicken chili keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals or warm gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. For meal prep, you can double the batch and freeze leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
5. Serving Suggestions
This comfort-food chili pairs wonderfully with warm cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple side salad. For a more filling meal, serve over rice or with a side of garlic bread. For a low-carb option, enjoy the chili plain or with cauliflower rice.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about White Chicken Chili
Can I make this white chicken chili vegan or vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the chicken with tofu or extra white beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Be sure to add extra spices for flavor!
How long does it take to prepare and cook?
The total prep time is about 10 minutes, with 6-8 hours of slow cooking. It’s a perfect easy recipe for busy days and makes for a quick dinner.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Store in airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker: Ensure your slow-cooker is large enough to easily hold all ingredients and cook evenly, simplifying your meal prep experience.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Perfect for chopping onions and garlic quickly, saving time during prep.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker: Cool beverages in a flash to complement your white chicken chili meal or for a refreshing drink while cooking.
8. Tips for the Perfect White Chicken Chili
- Use freshly softened cream cheese for the best creamy texture.
- Shred the chicken after cooking to absorb more flavors.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more chili powder or fresh green chilies.
9. Conclusion
This easy white chicken chili is a quintessential comfort-food dish that’s perfect for cozy fall dinners or quick weeknight meals. The creamy texture, combined with tender chicken and flavorful spices, offers a delightful twist on traditional chili. With minimal effort and versatile serving options, this slow-cooker recipe is sure to become a staple in your family’s dinner rotation. Give it a try today and enjoy a delicious, hearty meal that everyone will love!
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The Easiest Crockpot White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese (Kid-Friendly Fall Dinner Recipe!)
Enjoy a warm and hearty fall dinner with this kid-friendly Crockpot White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy-to-make recipe combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and flavorful spices for a comforting, delicious meal that the whole family will love. Made effortlessly in your slow cooker, it’s ideal for quick prep and maximum flavor.
- Total Time: Approximately 16 hours (low) or 7-14 hours (high), including prep
- Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro and shredded cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Start by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. Prepare the chicken breasts if shredding after cooking.
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add diced onion, garlic, green chilies, white beans, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken broth, covering ingredients slightly.
- Set the crockpot to low and cook for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and flavors meld.
- Remove the chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the crockpot. Add softened cream cheese and stir until fully melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasonings, then serve hot garnished with cilantro and shredded cheese if desired. Optional toppings include sliced avocados or sour cream.
Notes
- Use freshly softened cream cheese for a richer, creamier texture.
- Shred the chicken after cooking to maximize flavor absorption.
- Adjust spice level with extra chili powder or green chilies according to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Soup & Stew
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly, Fall Dinner
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 340 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1020mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg