White chicken chili is a flavorful, creamy, and protein-packed dish that has become a favorite among those looking for a lighter alternative to traditional beef chili. This Crockpot Healthy White Chicken Chili recipe is the perfect balance of warmth, nutrition, and convenience, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or cozy family dinners.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 poblano peppers, seeded and diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 cups chicken broth or stock
- 2 (15-ounce) cans white cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 2 (4-ounce) cans diced green chiles with juices
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 3 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs
- 4 ounces cream cheese (dairy-free if needed, optional)
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream
- Fresh lime juice, cilantro, diced avocado, jalapeños, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and tortilla strips for topping
Directions:
- Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and poblano peppers and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add 2 cups of chicken broth, beans, corn, green chiles, and spices to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Nestle the chicken breasts into the chili, pressing down to submerge them in the liquid.
- Cover and cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.
- Remove the chicken to a cutting board and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir in the cream cheese (if using) and heavy cream or coconut milk. Stir until combined and creamy.
- If needed, add up to 1 cup more broth to reach the desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as lime juice, cilantro, avocado, jalapeños, shredded cheese, and tortilla strips.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 490 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why This White Chicken Chili is a Must-Try
- Simple and Convenient – The best part about using a slow cooker is the set-it-and-forget-it approach. You can toss in all the ingredients, let them slow-cook to perfection, and come home to a hot and ready meal.
- Creamy Without Being Heavy – This version uses coconut milk or a dairy-free option instead of heavy cream, keeping it lighter while maintaining the creamy texture that makes white chicken chili so comforting.
- Loaded with Protein and Fiber – Chicken, white beans, and corn add a good mix of protein and fiber, making it a filling yet wholesome dish that keeps you full for longer.
- Naturally Gluten-Free – Since it doesn’t require flour or thickening agents, it’s a perfect meal for those following a gluten-free diet.
- Customizable for Different Diets – This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can make it spicier, dairy-free, or even keto-friendly with a few simple ingredient swaps.
What Makes This Recipe So Healthy?
This healthy white chicken chili is packed with wholesome ingredients that not only make it delicious but also highly nutritious. Here’s a breakdown of why this dish is a great addition to a balanced diet:
- Lean Protein from Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs provide a solid protein base without too much fat.
- Fiber-Rich White Beans: White beans (like cannellini or great northern beans) add a creamy texture while offering plenty of fiber for digestion.
- Vitamin-Packed Vegetables: Poblano peppers, onions, and green chiles bring essential vitamins and antioxidants to the dish.
- Healthy Fats: Using coconut milk instead of heavy cream introduces healthy fats that support heart and brain health.
- Low in Calories and Carbs: This white chicken chili is lower in calories and carbs compared to traditional red chili, making it a great low-carb meal option.
How to Customize Your White Chicken Chili
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s highly adaptable based on personal taste or dietary preferences. Here are some easy ways to tweak it:
- Make it Spicier – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or use spicy green chiles for extra heat.
- Make it Dairy-Free – Swap cream cheese and heavy cream for coconut milk or dairy-free cream cheese.
- Boost the Protein – Add more chicken or extra beans to make it even more protein-packed.
- Thicken the Broth – If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some of the white beans or add a cornstarch slurry at the end.
- Keto-Friendly Option – Skip the beans and corn and add extra chicken and cheese to make it keto-friendly.
- Vegetarian Version – Replace the chicken with extra beans, lentils, or even tofu for a plant-based alternative.
Best Toppings for White Chicken Chili
Toppings can take this dish to the next level! Here are some delicious options to add flavor and texture:
- Fresh Lime Juice – A squeeze of lime enhances the flavors and adds a zesty kick.
- Avocado Slices – Creamy avocado adds healthy fats and richness.
- Cilantro – Fresh cilantro provides a fresh, herby contrast to the warm spices.
- Jalapeños – For those who love extra heat, sliced jalapeños are perfect.
- Shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar Cheese – A sprinkle of cheese makes the chili even more comforting.
- Tortilla Strips or Crushed Tortilla Chips – For a crunchy topping that pairs perfectly with the creamy soup.
Serving Suggestions
This white chicken chili is hearty enough to stand alone as a meal, but if you’d like to round it out with a side dish, here are some great pairings:
- Warm Cornbread – A slice of cornbread is the ultimate companion to a bowl of chili.
- Steamed Rice – Serving it over rice makes for a more filling meal.
- Simple Green Salad – A fresh salad balances out the richness of the chili.
- Roasted Vegetables – A side of roasted sweet potatoes or zucchini complements the flavors beautifully.
How to Store and Reheat
One of the best things about white chicken chili is that it stores and reheats beautifully, making it a great meal prep option.
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portion-sized freezer bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm up the chili on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring between each.
Why This Recipe is Great for Meal Prep
If you love batch cooking, this Crockpot White Chicken Chili is perfect for making ahead. Here’s why:
- Easy to Double the Recipe – Make a large batch and freeze portions for later.
- Stays Fresh for Days – It holds up well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.
- Versatile Ways to Use Leftovers – You can repurpose it into chicken chili tacos, burritos, or a chili-loaded baked potato.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a flavorful, hearty, and nutritious meal that’s also incredibly easy to make, this Crockpot Healthy White Chicken Chili should be on your menu. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist, offering the perfect blend of creamy texture, bold spices, and wholesome ingredients.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a warm and cozy dish, this recipe is a must-try. Plus, with the ability to customize it to fit different dietary needs, it’s a versatile dish that everyone can enjoy.
So grab your slow cooker, throw in the ingredients, and let this creamy white chicken chili simmer to perfection. One bowl, and you’ll see why it’s a fan favorite!