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Creamy Crockpot White Bean and Chicken Chili

creamy crockpot white bean and chicken chili - featured image

A comforting and creamy slow-cooked chili featuring tender chicken and white beans, perfect for busy weeknights and easy meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) great northern or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies, mild or spicy
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or sour cream (can substitute Greek yogurt)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, avocado

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. (Optional but recommended)
  2. Trim any excess fat from chicken breasts or thighs. Leave whole for shredding later.
  3. Place chicken pieces in the bottom of the crockpot. Add sautéed onion and garlic (or raw if skipping sauté), drained white beans, diced green chilies, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken broth.
  4. Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours until chicken is tender and shreds easily.
  5. Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to crockpot and stir to combine.
  6. Stir in heavy cream or sour cream for creaminess. For a lighter option, add Greek yogurt off-heat to avoid curdling.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lime. Serve hot with optional toppings like cilantro, shredded cheese, or avocado.

Notes

Sautéing the onion and garlic before adding to the crockpot enhances flavor but can be skipped for quicker prep. Use chicken thighs for juicier chili. Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and prevent heaviness. Add cream or sour cream off-heat to maintain creamy texture. Adjust thickness by adding broth or cooking uncovered on high to reduce liquid.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chili, crockpot chili, white bean chili, chicken chili, slow cooker recipe, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food