Warm up your evenings with a bowl of creamy white chicken chili slow cooker. This comforting dish combines tender chicken, hearty beans, and flavorful spices, perfect for a cozy night in.
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Why This Recipe Just Works
This white chicken chili slow cooker recipe is a delightful twist on traditional chili. The combination of tender chicken breast, creamy beans, and a blend of spices creates a comforting meal that warms both the body and soul. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, making it a perfect dish for busy days or gatherings with family and friends. The creamy texture, enhanced by the addition of cream cheese and spices, elevates this chili to a whole new level of comfort food. It's not just a meal; it's an experience that brings people together around the table, making it a staple in many households. Serve it with your favorite toppings for a complete meal that everyone will love.
You can customize it with various toppings like cilantro, avocado, or cheese, making it an adaptable dish. This recipe is not only simple and delicious, but it also offers the convenience of a slow cooker, allowing you to set it and forget it until dinner time.
What You'll Need from Your Kitchen Drawers
To prepare this dish, you'll need a few essential tools that will make the cooking process easy and efficient.
- A slow cooker, preferably one that can hold at least six quarts, to accommodate all the ingredients.
- A cutting board for chopping the vegetables and chicken.
- A sharp knife for easy and safe cutting.
- Measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
- A stirring spoon to mix everything together in the slow cooker.
- Optional: a whisk for blending in the cream cheese smoothly. Having these items ready will streamline your cooking experience and help create a delicious meal without much hassle.
Game-Changing Tips I Learned the Hard Way
When making white chicken chili, consider these helpful tips to enhance your dish. It's important to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption. If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans before adding them to the slow cooker. For added flavor, sauté the onions and garlic in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker. This step brings out their natural sweetness and depth. Don't forget to season to taste; adjust the spices according to your preference, whether you like it mild or spicy. Always remember to wash your hands and kitchen utensils after handling raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, ensuring food safety.
Recipe Card
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Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
- 1 can white beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 can diced green chilies
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for serving)
Instructions
- In the slow cooker, combine the cubed chicken, white beans, chicken broth, diced green chilies, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook chicken to internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Stir the ingredients well to ensure they are evenly mixed.
- Cover and cook on low for six to eight hours or on high for three to four hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors meld. Cook chicken to internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooking is complete, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Cook chicken to internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Add the cream cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Fun Variations
There are numerous ways to customize this white chicken chili slow cooker recipe. For a smoky flavor, consider adding chipotle peppers or smoked paprika. If you need a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also experiment with different beans, such as black beans or lentils, to add variety. For an extra kick, add jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce. If you want to make it even creamier, stir in more cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end of the cooking process. These variations allow you to tailor the dish to your taste preferences while keeping the essence of the original recipe.
Sides & Pairings
Serve your white chicken chili warm, garnished with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime for a bright finish. Pair it with cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal. This dish is perfect for gatherings, allowing guests to help themselves and enjoy a bowl of comforting goodness. For an extra touch, provide a variety of toppings so everyone can customize their chili to their liking. Enjoy the flavors and warmth that this dish brings to your table.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| The chili is too thin. | If your chili turns out thinner than desired, you can thicken it by mashing some of the beans or adding a cornstarch slurry made from mixing cornstarch with water. Stir it in and let the chili cook for a bit longer to thicken up. |
| The chili is too spicy. | If you find the heat level too high, you can balance it out by adding a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese, which will help mellow the flavors. Adding a bit of sugar can also counteract heat. |
Reader Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, just ensure it cooks for a longer time until fully cooked.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
You can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if desired.
