Creamy White Chicken Chili: The Ultimate Slow Cooker Comfort Food!
Looking for a warm, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare? White Chicken Chili in a slow cooker is the perfect solution! This recipe is packed with flavor, requires minimal effort, and is great for busy weeknights or chilly weekends. Let's dive into everything you need to know to make this delicious dish.
Unlike traditional red chili, White Chicken Chili is a creamy, hearty soup made with white beans, chicken, and a flavorful blend of spices. It’s a fantastic alternative for those who want a milder but equally satisfying chili.
Cooking it in a slow cooker adds convenience, allowing you to simply set it up and let the slow cooker do all the work. The result is a rich, comforting bowl of chili that’s sure to be a hit!
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How to Make It
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make White Chicken Chili:
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 cans of white beans (e.g., Great Northern or cannellini beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 can of diced green chiles
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cups of chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 oz of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream or sour cream
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the slow cooker. Add the drained white beans, diced green chiles, and diced onion.
2. Add the Spices and Broth
Add the chicken broth, followed by the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. Stir the ingredients to distribute the spices evenly.
3. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
4. Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
5. Add Creaminess
Add the cream cheese and heavy cream (or sour cream) to the slow cooker, stirring until fully combined. This step adds a rich, creamy texture to the chili.
6. Add Freshness
Squeeze the juice of one lime into the chili and stir well. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper, if needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired. You can also add toppings like shredded cheese, diced avocado, or tortilla strips.
Tips for the Best White Chicken Chili
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier, richer flavor. Thighs tend to be more forgiving and won’t dry out as easily as chicken breasts.
- Adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer green chiles or by including a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Mash some of the beans before adding them to the slow cooker to create a thicker, creamier texture.
- Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to three months. It’s a great meal to have on hand for busy days!
Variations and Add-Ons
1. White Chicken Chili with Corn
For added sweetness and texture, include 1 cup of corn kernels (frozen, canned, or fresh) in the slow cooker.
2. Spicy White Chicken Chili
If you like it hot, add jalapeños or a bit of cayenne pepper to the recipe. You can also use spicy green chiles for extra heat.
3. Dairy-Free White Chicken Chili
Substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or cashew cream to make it dairy-free.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Set it and forget it: With the slow cooker, you can simply add the ingredients, turn it on, and let it cook while you focus on other things.
- Family-friendly: The flavors are mild enough for kids, but you can easily add more spice for adults who like it hot.
- Perfect for meal prep: This chili stores well in the fridge and can be reheated quickly for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
White Chicken Chili in a slow cooker is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, satisfying flavors, and the convenience of slow cooking, this dish is bound to become a favorite.
So, grab your ingredients, start your slow cooker, and enjoy a bowl of warm, delicious White Chicken Chili!
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Source: NikkiVegan
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