Nothing warms the soul quite like a comforting bowl of Slow Cooker White Chili. Inspired by traditional chili but with a light, savory spin, this recipe combines creamy cannellini beans, tender chicken, and gentle heat from green chiles. The result? A flavorful, slow-simmered dish that practically cooks itself—perfect for busy days or for anyone craving a hearty meal without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound total)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles
- 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
Begin by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Scatter the chopped onion and minced garlic over the chicken, then add the rinsed cannellini beans and diced green chiles. Next, pour in the chicken broth, allowing it to settle around the beans and chicken. Stir in the ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder (if you want a touch more heat), plus a pinch of salt and pepper.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 6–7 hours (or on high for 3–4 hours), until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily with two forks. Once the chicken can be easily pulled apart, take it out of the slow cooker, shred it, then return it to the chili. Give everything a gentle stir to blend the flavors and encourage the beans to release their starch for added creaminess.
Taste and adjust the seasonings as you like—add more salt and pepper, or toss in extra chili powder for a bolder kick. You can also stir in a little water or chicken broth if it becomes too thick. Before serving, garnish your chili with shredded cheese, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
This Cozy Green Chile Chicken White Chili stands out for its gently spiced, satisfying flavor—ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings. It offers a lighter take on classic chili, especially if you opt for low-sodium broth or lean chicken breast. You can easily make it vegetarian by swapping the chicken for extra beans or tofu, adjusting the cook time accordingly. Whether you’re seeking a healthy meal, a crowd-pleasing party dish, or just something soothing on a cold day, this is the slow cooker recipe you’ll find yourself turning to time and time again.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
