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Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

This creamy, comforting chili is made using a slow cooker, combining shredded leftover grilled chicken, white beans, green chiles, and warm spices for a hearty stew. The final dish has a velvety texture, with tender chicken and beans immersed in a fragrant broth, topped with melted cheese, lime, and fresh cilantro. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and leftovers that turn into something special.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 6 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken preferably leftover grilled chicken
  • 1 can cannellini or Great Northern beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 can green chiles diced, mild or spicy to taste
  • 4 cups chicken broth low sodium preferred
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin adds warm, earthy flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened, cut into chunks
  • 1 lime lime for juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • 6-quart crockpot
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • spoon or ladle

Method
 

  1. Gather all your ingredients: shredded chicken, beans, chiles, broth, spices, and cream cheese.
  2. Add the shredded chicken, rinsed beans, diced green chiles, and spices into the slow cooker.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure all ingredients are submerged, then give everything a gentle stir.
  4. Cover the crockpot and set it to low. Let it cook for 6 to 8 hours, until the chicken is tender and flavors meld, and the broth is fragrant with cumin and chiles.
  5. About halfway through, check that the chicken and beans are soft, and stir gently if needed. This helps everything cook evenly.
  6. Once cooking time is up, stir in the softened cream cheese and let it melt into the broth, creating a smooth, velvety sauce.
  7. Squeeze fresh lime juice into the chili and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Stir to brighten the flavors and add freshness.
  8. Give it a final taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or spice if desired. If the chili is too thick, stir in a splash of broth to loosen it up.
  9. Ladle the hot chili into bowls, garnish with extra cilantro if you like, and serve with a squeeze of lime for a fresh finish.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider searing the chicken briefly before adding it to the crockpot. Using homemade or homemade-style broth enhances the richness. Reheat leftovers gently to preserve the creamy texture and fresh flavors.