If you’re searching for a comforting yet nutritious meal, look no further than this Crockpot Healthy White Chicken Chili Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of tender chicken, creamy white beans, and just the right kick of spices, all simmered low and slow in the crockpot to create a hearty bowl that feels like a warm hug. This recipe manages to be both healthy and deeply satisfying, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners when you want something nourishing without a ton of fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Crockpot Healthy White Chicken Chili Recipe just right depends on fresh, simple ingredients that bring a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors. Each ingredient plays a key role in giving the chili its creamy texture, mild heat, and bright undertones.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that keeps this dish healthy and filling.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness while sautéing the aromatics without overpowering the flavors.
- Onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and depth once softened, essential for a great flavor foundation.
- Garlic, minced: Packs a punch and enhances the savory notes throughout the chili.
- Ground cumin: Offers a warm, earthy tone that’s classic in chili recipes.
- Chili powder: Boosts the mild heat and complexity, perfectly balanced for a healthy chili.
- Dried oregano: Adds an herbaceous hint that brightens the overall flavor.
- Ground coriander: Infuses a slightly citrusy nuance that complements the lime juice later.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Deliver just a touch of spice to awaken the palate.
- White beans, drained and rinsed: Provide creaminess and fiber, making the chili hearty without heaviness.
- Diced green chilies: Lightly spicy with a fresh vegetal note, they add dimension.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the chili moist with savory depth but avoids excess salt.
- Frozen corn: Adds a pop of sweetness and pleasing texture contrast.
- Low-fat cream cheese: Gives the chili its signature creamy texture without too much fat.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and smoothness, rounding out the flavors beautifully.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped: Contributes brightness and a fresh herbal aroma.
- Lime, juiced: Provides a zesty twist that lifts and balances the richness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to make all the flavors shine.
How to Make Crockpot Healthy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and cook them gently until they are soft and translucent. This step unlocks their sweet flavor, which lays the groundwork for your chili.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices
Next, stir in minced garlic with the onions and cook for an extra 1 to 2 minutes. Then it’s time to sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, oregano, coriander, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cooking the spices briefly releases their wonderful aroma and intensifies the layers of flavor.
Step 3: Transfer to the Crockpot
Carefully pour this fragrant mixture into the crockpot. It’s going to infuse every bite of this dish with its vibrant essence.
Step 4: Layer Chicken and Beans
Place your chicken breasts over the onion and spice base. Then add rinsed white beans scattered on top — these beans will cook down to creamy perfection as the chili simmers.
Step 5: Add Chilies and Broth
Pour in the diced green chilies and low-sodium chicken broth. This combination creates a flavorful liquid environment that allows the chicken to stay tender and the beans to meld seamlessly with the spices.
Step 6: Stir in Vegetables and Cook
Give the crockpot a gentle stir to evenly distribute the corn within the mixture, ensuring every spoonful is bursting with sweetness. Cover and set your crockpot to low for 6 to 7 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken shreds easily with a fork.
Step 7: Shred Chicken and Add Creaminess
Remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks before returning them to the pot. Stir in cubed low-fat cream cheese until melted, followed by sour cream and fresh cilantro. This step takes the chili to the next level of creamy, comforting perfection.
Step 8: Final Touches
Squeeze fresh lime juice throughout, giving a bright pop of acidity. Finish with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to your liking before serving.
How to Serve Crockpot Healthy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness is key when it comes to garnishing this chili. Try sprinkling chopped cilantro or green onions on top for a burst of color and herbal aroma. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese can add even more richness if you’re in the mood for it.
Side Dishes
This healthy white chicken chili pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, warm corn tortillas, or even a slice of crusty whole-grain bread. Each side adds a textural contrast and makes the meal feel even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chili in mini bread bowls or over a bed of brown rice for an extra wholesome option. You can also spoon it into baked potatoes or sweet potatoes for a comforting, filling dish that’s both colorful and nutritious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Healthy White Chicken Chili Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it ideal for meal prep or quick lunches.
Freezing
This chili freezes wonderfully when stored in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze in portions so you can thaw just what you need, and enjoy up to 3 months later without losing any of its creamy, flavorful magic.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent any sticking or uneven warming. You can add a little splash of broth or water to loosen the chili if it has thickened during storage.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra moisture and richness to the chili, making it even more tender and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
Is this recipe spicy?
The chili provides a mild to medium heat due to the chili powder and crushed red pepper flakes, perfect for those who enjoy a gentle kick without being overwhelmed by spice.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can convert this to an Instant Pot recipe by using the sauté function for the aromatics and spices, then pressure cooking for about 15 minutes, followed by quick release.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can substitute with Greek yogurt or more sour cream for creaminess, though cream cheese adds a signature tang and texture that’s hard to replicate exactly.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, chopped spinach, or zucchini can be stirred in to boost the nutrition and add varying textures to your chili.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Healthy White Chicken Chili Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl — nourishing, cozy, and full of vibrant flavors. It’s easy enough to prepare on a busy day but special enough to share with loved ones. Give it a try and enjoy the warm, creamy goodness that only a homemade chili can deliver.
Print
Crockpot Healthy White Chicken Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 6h 0m
- Total Time: 6h 15m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Crockpot Healthy White Chicken Chili is a comforting, flavorful dish made with tender chicken breasts, white beans, spices, and a touch of creaminess from low-fat cream cheese and sour cream. Perfectly spiced with cumin, chili powder, and oregano, this slow-cooked chili offers a hearty yet healthy meal option that’s easy to prepare and perfect for cozy nights.
Ingredients
Chicken and Base
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Spices
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Crockpot Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 can (14.5 oz) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen corn
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup low-fat cream cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté onion: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Bloom spices: Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, ground coriander, and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute to release their flavors.
- Transfer to crockpot: Move the cooked onion and spice mixture into the crockpot.
- Add chicken breasts: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top of the onion mixture in the crockpot.
- Add beans and chilies: Pour in the drained white beans and diced green chilies evenly over the chicken.
- Add broth and corn: Pour the low-sodium chicken broth and add the frozen corn into the crockpot, stirring gently to combine.
- Cook the chili: Cover with lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily.
- Shred chicken: Remove chicken breasts and shred them with two forks, then return shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Add cream cheese: Add cubed low-fat cream cheese and stir until melted and incorporated.
- Incorporate sour cream and cilantro: Stir in sour cream and fresh cilantro until well combined.
- Add lime juice and season: Squeeze lime juice into the chili and stir. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve the chili hot, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add extra crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- You can substitute the chicken breasts with ground chicken or turkey for a different texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- This chili can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, mash some of the beans before adding them to the crockpot.
