When you need an easy, satisfying meal, my Crock Pot White Chicken Chili is the answer. This recipe has been a longtime favorite in my kitchen! It's a no-fuss, set-it-and-forget-it meal that delivers every time. I’ve made this for family dinners, gatherings, and chilly weekends, and it’s always a huge hit. Trust me, once you try it, it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Click HERE to read my policies.
This post was originally posted on 1/20/2021 and updated on 04/29/2025.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Chicken Chili
- It's incredibly easy: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. Simple ingredients, minimal prep and easy cleanup.
- Full of hearty, comforting flavor: Every bowl is rich, satisfying, and perfect for cooler days or cozy nights at home.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the mild flavors and creamy texture. My kids gobble this up every time!
- Great for meal prepping: It makes a big batch, reheats beautifully, and tastes even better the next day.
- Perfect for gatherings: Whether it’s a potluck, game day, or casual get-together, this chili is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Freezer-friendly: Make a double batch and freeze some for a future easy dinner! Or turn it into an easy freezer meal.
White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts, boneless-skinless
- Great Northern Beans, canned
- Green Chilis, canned
- Onion
- Jalapeño
- Minced Garlic
- Cumin
- Dried Oregano
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Fresh Cilantro
- Chicken Broth
- Plain Greek Yogurt
- Shredded Co-Jack Cheese
Substitution Suggestions
- Chicken Breast: You can also use boneless-skinless chicken thighs or some of each.
- Great Northern Beans: I like the great northern beans best because they hold their texture better in the crock pot. However you could also use cannellini beans. They are just as delicious.
- Green Chilis: If you don't like these you can leave them out, but they give so much flavor to the chili.
- Onion: If you don't like chunks of onion, you can use a teaspoon of onion powder or a tablespoon of dried onion flakes.
- Jalapeno: Scrape the seeds out of the pepper if you don't want any spice. If you're afraid of the pepper, don't be. Try it! You'll be amazed at how much flavor the pepper gives without much spice at all.
- Fresh Cilantro: Feel free to substitute with parsley if you don't like cilantro.
- Chicken Broth: Chicken stock, homemade chicken broth, or water with chicken base or bouillon can be used.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: Sour cream is a great substitute.
- Shredded Co-Jack Cheese: We love Co-jack cheese! You can use what you like best. Pepper Jack cheese, Cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese are all great options.
How to Make Easy Crock Pot White Chicken Chili
- First, add the chicken breast to the bottom of the crock pot and top with: chopped onions, minced jalapenos, drained and rinsed white beans, green chilis, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper and chopped cilantro.
- Pour in the chicken broth.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- You can shred the chicken one of two ways. Remove it from the crock pot and shred with 2 forks. Or you can simply break it up in the crock pot with a set of tongs and a fork. The chicken is so tender it just falls apart. Once the chicken is shredded, stir it together.
- Stir in the shredded cheese until melted, then stir in the yogurt.
- Serve with your favorite toppings.
Best Toppings for White Bean Chicken Chili
- Extra Shredded Cheese
- Fresh Cilantro Leaves
- Tortilla Chips
- Corn Chips
- Saltine Crackers
- Sliced Avocados
- Sliced Limes
- Sliced Green Onions
- Extra Jalapenos
- Pickled Jalapeños
- Extra Plain Greek Yogurt
What to Serve with Crock Pot White Chicken Chili
This chili is a complete meal in our house. However, if you want to serve something extra on the side we love to have bread, sandwiches or salads with our soup and chili. Here are some ideas:
- Bread: Butter some bread for dipping or plan ahead and make some of these Cheesy Corn Muffins, Sweet Cornbread or Easy Dinner Rolls.
- Sandwiches: Serve with a classic grilled cheese or this fancy but easy Parmesan Crusted Grilled Cheese.
- Green Salad: Serve a simple side salad for something fresh alongside this hearty soup.
If you love chili don't miss my other chili recipes! This Easy 3 Bean Chili is a classic! These chili recipes: Ground Turkey Chili and Turkey Pumpkin Chili are a fun twist on chili made with ground turkey.
Make this White Chicken Chili an Easy Freezer Meal
This white bean chicken chili recipe makes a great freezer meal!
- Add all the ingredients except the yogurt and shredded cheese to a freezer safe gallon container or freezer bag. If you're worried about all the broth in the freezer bag, you can add just half of it and then add the other half the day you cook it. This will help the freezer bag to close easier.
- Label and date the bag and freeze it flat. This helps save freezer space.
- Take the chili out the night before and thaw in refrigerator.
- Next morning, dump the bag into the crock pot and follow the recipe directions for cook time and adding cheese and yogurt.
Storing White Chicken Chili
Storing: Store any leftover cooled chili in an airtight container in the the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chili on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Freezing: This easy chili can be frozen. Let the chili cool completely, then either package it up in freezer safe airtight containers or freezer bags. Don't forget to label and date.
Quick Tip*** freezer bags are great, because they freeze flat and then can be stacked to save room in the freezer.
Thawing: Thaw the chili in the fridge overnight or as long as it takes and then follow the reheating instructions above being sure to stir it really well and often while reheating.
Heather's Favorite Tools for this Recipe
- I love my crock pot that is programmable. It allows me to leave the house knowing the chili won't be overcooked.
- A garlic press works great if you want to use fresh garlic and not have to chop it. I use a Pampered Chef one but this garlic press from OXO is great too!
- A box grater to shred your own cheese. I use mine almost every day!
Tips for Easy Crock Pot White Chicken Chili
- Gather and prepare all your ingredients ahead of time. This makes the recipe easier and quicker to make. It also ensures that there is no forgotten ingredient or mistakes.
- Use a crock pot liner for easy clean up.
- If you want a more spicy chili, use the seeds from the jalapeno. The seeds is where all the heat lives. You can also use hot green chilis.
- For a mild chili, scrape the seeds out of the jalapeno and use mild green chilis.
- Shred your own cheese. Shredding your own cheese will create a smooth texture because there is no anti-caking agent on it. Anti-caking agents can leave the broth with a gritty texture.
More Easy Crock Pot Recipes:
- Beef Stew
- Split Pea Soup
- Chicken Pot Pie Soup
- Hamburger Vegetable Soup
- Chicken Barley Soup
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Beef Barley Soup
- Ham and Potato Soup
Did you make this recipe? Rate it!
If you enjoyed this recipe give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the comments below. It really helps the recipe stand out and I appreciate the feedback to make recipes everyone will enjoy.
Crock Pot White Chicken Chili
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds chicken breasts, boneless skinless
- 30 oz canned great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 oz diced green chilis
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 medium jalapeno, minced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup shredded co-jack cheese
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Add chicken to the bottom of the crock pot.
- Pour the chicken broth over all of it.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Stir in shredded cheese until melted, then stir in greek yogurt.
- Serve with favorite toppings.
Leave a comment