Foolproof Crockpot White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese
This foolproof crockpot white chicken chili offers incredible depth from simple ingredients, slow-cooked to perfection. The magic happens in the final hour when cream cheese melts into the broth, creating a luxuriously creamy, slightly spicy, and deeply savory chili with tender shredded chicken.
Equipment
- Slow cooker (Crockpot)
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Can opener
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Two forks (for shredding)
- Stirring spoon or spatula
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1 fresh lime, juiced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the diced onion, minced garlic, rinsed Great Northern beans, and undrained diced green chiles over the chicken.
- In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Pour the chicken broth over everything. Give it a gentle stir to distribute the spices.
- Secure the lid and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily.
- Carefully remove the chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken, then return it to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Scatter the cubes of cream cheese over the top of the chili. Place the lid back on and let it sit for another 20-30 minutes, or until the cream cheese is completely softened.
- Stir the chili vigorously until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a creamy broth.
- Turn off the slow cooker. Squeeze in the fresh lime juice and stir in the chopped fresh cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Variations & Tips:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts for extra flavor.
- Beans: Cannellini or pinto beans work well as substitutes for Great Northern beans.
- Spice Level: For extra heat, add one finely diced jalapeño along with the onion.
- Cream Cheese Substitute: If you don't have cream cheese, you can temper in 1 cup of full-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream at the very end, after turning off the heat. Do not let it boil.
- Flavor Boosters: For a smoky flavor, use fire-roasted poblano peppers instead of canned chiles. A packet of dry ranch seasoning or a splash of light beer can add another layer of complexity.
- Important: Use full-fat block cream cheese for the best texture. Adding it at the end prevents it from becoming grainy. The final squeeze of lime juice is essential to brighten the flavors.
- Topping Suggestions: Serve with shredded Monterey Jack cheese, sliced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts for extra flavor.
- Beans: Cannellini or pinto beans work well as substitutes for Great Northern beans.
- Spice Level: For extra heat, add one finely diced jalapeño along with the onion.
- Cream Cheese Substitute: If you don't have cream cheese, you can temper in 1 cup of full-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream at the very end, after turning off the heat. Do not let it boil.
- Flavor Boosters: For a smoky flavor, use fire-roasted poblano peppers instead of canned chiles. A packet of dry ranch seasoning or a splash of light beer can add another layer of complexity.
- Important: Use full-fat block cream cheese for the best texture. Adding it at the end prevents it from becoming grainy. The final squeeze of lime juice is essential to brighten the flavors.
- Topping Suggestions: Serve with shredded Monterey Jack cheese, sliced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños.