There’s nothing quite like coming home to a warm, comforting meal, and this Crockpot White Chicken Chili is the absolute pinnacle of easy, set-it-and-forget-it dinners. Forget standing over a hot stove; your slow cooker does all the work, simmering chicken, beans, and spices into a rich, creamy, and incredibly flavorful chili. This recipe is designed for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, and anytime you crave a hearty dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.
We’ve perfected this recipe to ensure it’s not just easy, but also luxuriously creamy without any extra fuss. It’s the kind of meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into how you can make the best white chicken chili of your life, right in your crockpot.
Why This is The Best Crockpot White Chicken Chili
This isn’t just another chili recipe; it’s a game-changer for your dinner routine. It’s designed to be flavorful, foolproof, and incredibly satisfying.
- Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: You only need about 10 minutes of prep time. Just add the ingredients to your slow cooker, and let it work its magic.
- Perfectly Creamy Texture: We use a simple combination of cream cheese and a little cornstarch to create a thick, velvety broth that coats every single bite. No watery chili here!
- Healthy & Hearty: Packed with lean protein from chicken and fiber from beans, it’s a wholesome meal that will keep you full and satisfied.
- Family-Friendly: The spice level is mild and comforting, making it a hit with both adults and kids. You can easily add more heat with toppings if you like!
Key Ingredients for The Perfect Chili
The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet powerful combination of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece.

The Foundation
At its core, this chili is built on lean protein and hearty beans. We use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which become incredibly tender and easy to shred after slow cooking. For the beans, a mix of Great Northern and Cannellini beans provides a wonderful, creamy texture.
The Creamy Base
The secret to our signature creamy base is full-fat cream cheese, stirred in at the end. This melts beautifully into the broth, giving it a rich and velvety consistency without curdling. A touch of chicken broth provides the savory liquid needed for the slow cooking process.
The Flavor Boosters
We build layers of flavor with simple spices. Yellow onion and garlic create the aromatic foundation. Canned diced green chiles add a mild, tangy heat, while cumin, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper round out the classic chili taste.
How to Make Crockpot White Chicken Chili Step-by-Step
Making this creamy white chicken chili is as simple as one, two, three. Just follow these easy steps for a perfect result every time.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Top with the onion, garlic, rinsed beans, green chiles, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour the chicken broth over everything.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred and Thicken: Remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. While the chicken is out, add the cubed cream cheese to the crockpot and stir until it’s completely melted and smooth. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
This simple process makes it one of our favorite set-it-and-forget-it meals, right alongside this deliciously easy crockpot garlic chicken and rice.
Tips for Success: Avoiding Common Mistakes
Even the simplest recipes have a few tricks to make them truly spectacular. Here’s how to ensure your Crockpot White Chicken Chili turns out perfectly every single time.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: While the slow cooker is forgiving, chicken breasts can become dry if cooked for too long. Stick to the recommended cooking times for the juiciest results.
- Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: For the creamiest texture and to prevent separation, use a block of full-fat cream cheese. Low-fat versions can sometimes result in a thinner, less rich sauce.
- Shred, Don’t Cube: Shredding the chicken allows it to soak up more of the delicious, creamy broth, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Delicious Variations & Topping Ideas
One of the best things about this chili is how easy it is to customize. You can serve it as is or dress it up with a variety of toppings and mix-ins.

Topping Suggestions:
- Freshly chopped cilantro
- Diced avocado or a dollop of guacamole
- Shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
- Sliced jalapeños for extra heat
- Crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy texture
* Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
Recipe Variations:
For a different twist, try adding a can of corn for sweetness or a squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end to brighten up the flavors. If you enjoy hearty vegetable-packed meals, you might also love our Sweet Potato Taco Bowls.
What to Serve with White Chicken Chili
This chili is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A slice of crusty bread or warm cornbread is perfect for dipping. For a lighter option, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing works beautifully. If you’re a fan of cheesy sides, our ultimate creamy mac and cheese recipe is always a crowd-pleaser.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions
This recipe is perfect for meal prep! To store, let the chili cool completely and place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, let it cool and transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave. The creamy base may separate slightly upon reheating, but a good stir will bring it right back together.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cream cheese in this recipe acts as a natural thickener. For an even thicker chili, you can create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the chili during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They contain more fat, which can add extra flavor and moisture. The cooking time remains the same.
Great Northern or Cannellini beans are the best choices. They have a mild flavor and a soft, creamy texture that complements the chili perfectly. You can use one type or a combination of both.
Yes, you can. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion and garlic. Add the chicken, beans, broth, and spices. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Then, shred the chicken and stir in the cream cheese as directed.
This recipe is mild and family-friendly. The canned green chiles provide a tangy flavor with very little heat. If you want to make it spicier, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or serve it with sliced fresh jalapeños on top.
The Best Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe

Crockpot White Chicken Chili (The Easiest, Creamiest Recipe!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, rinsed beans, diced green chiles, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken, then set aside.
- Add the softened, cubed cream cheese to the slow cooker. Stir well until the cream cheese is completely melted and the broth is smooth and creamy.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir everything together. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition
Notes
Ensure the cream cheese is softened and cubed to help it melt smoothly into the chili without clumping.
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