This crockpot white chicken chili is creamy, comforting, and full of rich flavor with minimal effort. Tender shredded chicken slowly cooks with beans, corn, and salsa to create a hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or feeding a crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a true dump-and-go meal that requires very little prep time. Everything cooks together in the crockpot, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully while you go about your day. It’s filling, family-friendly, budget-conscious, and makes excellent leftovers. The creamy texture combined with mild spices makes it comforting without being overpowering.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can (15 ounces) chicken broth
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
4 cans (15 ounces each) white or mixed beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) white corn, drained
1 cup salsa verde
1 cup chunky salsa
¾ cup sour cream, at room temperature
Ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
Add the chicken breasts to the bottom of the crockpot and pour in the chicken broth. Sprinkle the chili powder and salt evenly over the chicken. Add the beans, corn, salsa verde, and chunky salsa, spreading everything evenly.
Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. Add the sour cream, allowing it to sit for a few minutes before stirring so it blends smoothly. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 6 generous servings.
Preparation time is approximately 5 minutes.
Cooking time ranges from 3½ to 6½ hours depending on the crockpot setting.
Variations
You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor. For a thicker chili, mash some of the beans before adding them to the crockpot. If you prefer extra heat, choose a spicier salsa or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a lighter version, replace sour cream with plain yogurt.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. For freezing, it’s best to freeze the chili without the sour cream mixed in. Add the dairy after reheating for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, frozen chicken breasts can be used, but cooking time may increase slightly. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before shredding.
What beans work best in white chicken chili?
White beans such as great northern, cannellini, or white kidney beans work best, but mixed beans are also fine.
Is this chili spicy?
This chili is mild. The heat level depends on the salsa you use.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the sour cream or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.
Can I cook this longer than recommended?
Yes, cooking on low for a bit longer won’t harm the recipe and can make the chicken even more tender.
How do I thicken the chili?
You can mash some of the beans or let the chili cook uncovered for a short time after adding the sour cream.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble all ingredients in the crockpot insert and refrigerate overnight before cooking.
What toppings go well with this chili?
Popular options include shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, avocado, or tortilla strips.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, as long as your crockpot is large enough to hold all ingredients comfortably.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. It reheats well and maintains great flavor over several days.
Conclusion
Crockpot white chicken chili is an easy, satisfying meal that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Its creamy texture, tender chicken, and simple preparation make it a reliable recipe you’ll want to return to again and again. Whether served fresh or enjoyed as leftovers, it’s a comforting dish that fits perfectly into any busy schedule.
This crockpot white chicken chili is a creamy, comforting, and flavorful dish made with tender shredded chicken, beans, corn, and salsa. It’s an easy, hands-off meal perfect for busy days or cozy nights.
Author:Sophia
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:3.5 to 6.5 hours
Total Time:4 to 7 hours
Yield:6 servings
Category:Main Course
Method:Slow Cooker
Cuisine:American
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can (15 ounces) chicken broth
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
4 cans (15 ounces each) white or mixed beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) white corn, drained
1 cup salsa verde
1 cup chunky salsa
3/4 cup sour cream, at room temperature
Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Add chicken breasts to the bottom of the crockpot and pour in the chicken broth.
Sprinkle chili powder and salt over the chicken.
Add the beans, corn, salsa verde, and chunky salsa. Spread evenly.
Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 5–6 hours, until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the crockpot.
Add sour cream and let sit a few minutes before stirring to blend smoothly.
Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes on low.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Serve hot with toppings if desired.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
For a thicker chili, mash some beans before adding.
Use spicy salsa or cayenne for added heat.
Plain yogurt can be used instead of sour cream for a lighter option.
Freeze without sour cream; stir it in after reheating for best texture.