If you’re craving a bowl of cozy comfort packed with flavor and couldn’t-be-easier convenience, this Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili is about to become your new favorite go-to meal. Imagine melt-in-your-mouth tender chicken mingling with creamy white beans, corn, green chiles, and just the right touch of spice, all slowly simmered to perfection. Every spoonful bursts with heartiness and a delightful creamy texture, making it just the thing for chilly nights, busy weekdays, or anytime you want a meal that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen (but really, your crockpot did the heavy lifting!).
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili is right in its simplicity—these everyday ingredients are easy to find, but each one brings a different layer of flavor, texture, or color to the bowl. Gather these kitchen staples for a dish that’s as satisfying to prep as it is to eat!
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender, juicy shreds that soak up all the chili flavors.
- White Beans: One can of white beans lends creamy richness and helps thicken the chili naturally.
- Great Northern Beans: Their mild taste and soft texture balance beautifully with the other beans and chicken.
- Corn: A can of corn brings little bursts of sweetness and color to each bite.
- Diced Green Chiles: These add a subtle, savory heat without overpowering the mild flavors of the chili.
- Onion: A small chopped onion infuses the base with aromatic sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: Two minced cloves are a must for that classic robust undertone.
- Ground Cumin: Earthy, smoky cumin creates signature Tex-Mex warmth.
- Dried Oregano: This bright, herby note cuts through the richness.
- Chili Powder: A touch of chili powder gives mellow, complex spice.
- Paprika: Adds color and a gentle peppery kick.
- Salt: One teaspoon brings out all the chili’s flavors.
- Black Pepper: Just the right amount of background heat.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Four cups create the perfect soupy base while letting you control the salt level.
- Cream Cheese: Four ounces cut into cubes will melt in, making the chili irresistibly creamy.
- Sour Cream: Half a cup swirled in for tang and luxurious texture.
- Lime Juice (Optional): A squeeze of fresh lime brightens everything at the end.
- Chopped Cilantro & Shredded Cheese (Optional): These toppers make every serving extra inviting!
How to Make Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Step 1: Layer Everything in the Crockpot
Start by placing your chicken breasts flat on the bottom of your crockpot. Pour in the drained white beans, great northern beans, corn, green chiles, and then sprinkle the onion and garlic over the top. Now, pile in all those fantastic spices—cumin, oregano, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper—and finally, pour the chicken broth over the whole thing. No need to stir! The even layers help everything cook evenly and infuse the chicken with mouthwatering flavor as it simmers.
Step 2: Set and Forget
Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 6–7 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours. This hands-off cook time is the magic of Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili—the chicken becomes wonderfully tender, all the flavors mingle, and you’re free to go about your day while dinner gets delicious in the background.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through and practically falling apart, use tongs to take out the breasts. Transfer them to a plate or cutting board and shred the meat using two forks. Sometimes I like to chop it roughly for chunkier bites, or go for thin shreds if I want the chili extra creamy. Return all the shredded chicken right into that pot of goodness.
Step 4: Make It Dreamy Creamy
Add the cubed cream cheese and dollop in the sour cream. Stir well until both are melted and fully incorporated—if you want everything super silky, give it a whisk. Let the chili cook a little longer (about 15–20 minutes on low) so all the flavors meld and the creamy layer stays dreamy without curdling.
Step 5: Finish with Freshness and Serve
Just before serving, squeeze in half a lime for brightness if you’d like. Ladle the hot Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili into bowls and top with chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, or even avocado slices for a little extra flair. Every bite will feel like a cozy hug!
How to Serve Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Garnishes
This chili practically begs to be topped! Try a generous sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese, a pile of chopped fresh cilantro, a scoop of cool sour cream, or crispy tortilla strips. Avocado cubes add creamy richness, and a few pickled jalapeños can crank up the heat. Let everyone jazz up their bowl just the way they love it.
Side Dishes
Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili pairs beautifully with buttery cornbread, warm flour tortillas, or a simple side salad for freshness. If you love a little crunch, serve with tortilla chips for scooping, or add a plate of sliced veggies and a tangy ranch dip. Trust me, you’ll want something to help soak up every drop.
Creative Ways to Present
Switch it up for parties by serving your chili in hollowed-out bread bowls or sturdy tortilla bowls for a wow factor. For a fun twist, serve appetizer-style in mini cups with a selection of toppings so guests can build their own. Or, ladle the chili over baked potatoes or rice for a hearty, comforting meal that’s a little unexpected but totally irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best parts of Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili is how well it keeps—simply let the chili cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to four days, and some say the taste only gets better as everything melds together!
Freezing
This chili freezes like a dream. Scoop cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little room for expansion. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three months—just thaw overnight in your fridge for a quick and convenient homemade meal anytime the craving strikes.
Reheating
Reheating Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili is as simple as transferring your portion to a saucepan and warming gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave single servings in a covered bowl in 30-second bursts, stirring between to keep things creamy and smooth. If it thickens up in the fridge, just add a splash of chicken broth to bring it back to that perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a big time-saver—just shred about 3 cups and add it to the crockpot during the final hour of cooking, so it soaks up the flavor without becoming dry.
Is Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili spicy?
This recipe has a gentle kick from the green chiles and chili powder, but it’s definitely on the mild side. If you love extra heat, feel free to add chopped jalapeños or a pinch more chili powder to fire things up!
What kind of beans can I use?
The classic combination is white beans and great northern beans for creaminess and substance. Cannellini beans or navy beans are great alternatives if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I make Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili in advance?
You sure can! Make it a day ahead, let it cool, and refrigerate. The flavors get even richer overnight, and it reheats perfectly for an easy lunch or dinner the next day.
How do I make this chili dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, omit the cream cheese and sour cream, or use your favorite dairy-free alternatives. Coconut cream or a plant-based yogurt can add that luscious creamy finish without any dairy.
Final Thoughts
I’m convinced that once you try this Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili, you’ll want to share it with everyone you know. It’s heartwarming, fuss-free, and just bursting with flavors that bring people together. Go ahead—whip up a batch and watch it disappear. Enjoy!
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Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for busy days. Loaded with tender chicken, hearty beans, and a creamy broth, it’s a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Chicken Chili:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
- ½ cup sour cream
- juice of ½ lime (optional)
For Topping:
- chopped cilantro
- shredded cheese
Instructions
- Place the chicken in the crockpot: Add chicken breasts to the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add ingredients: Add beans, corn, green chiles, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour broth: Pour chicken broth over everything.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred chicken: Remove chicken, shred, and return to the crockpot.
- Add creaminess: Stir in cream cheese and sour cream until melted.
- Final touches: Let cook for another 15–20 minutes, then add lime juice if desired.
- Serve: Top with cilantro, cheese, or preferred toppings.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, adding it during the last hour of cooking.
- Adjust spice levels to taste by adding more chili powder or jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg