This post is all about how to make the most incredible White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese that’s creamy, comforting, and absolutely perfect for those chilly nights when you need something hearty and satisfying.
Looking to create the ultimate comfort meal that practically makes itself? This easy crockpot white chicken chili 5 ingredient recipe is the perfect solution for busy weekdays and it’s bound to become one of your most-requested crockpot recipes slow cooker meals!
The cream cheese creates this incredibly rich and velvety texture that makes every spoonful pure comfort. After my healthy white chicken chili slow cooker version became a huge hit with my family, I knew I had to share this foolproof method that works every single time.
You can easily make this in your slow cooker (the method I use for these photos) or adapt it for stovetop cooking. I love serving this over warm rice or with crusty bread to soak up all that creamy goodness for the most satisfying fast dinner recipes experience.
This recipe post is all about how to make the creamiest White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese using simple pantry ingredients.
Key Ingredients in White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese
Main Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts – boneless, skinless chicken that shreds beautifully after slow cooking
- Cream cheese – the secret to that ultra-creamy texture we all crave
- White beans – cannellini or great northern beans work perfectly
- Green chiles – adds just the right amount of mild heat and flavor
- Chicken broth – creates the perfect base for this comforting chili
Flavor Enhancers:
- Cumin – essential for that authentic chili flavor
- Garlic powder – because garlic makes everything better
- Onion powder – adds depth without extra prep work
- Salt and pepper – to taste for perfect seasoning
- Fresh cilantro – the perfect fresh finish that brightens every bowl
Optional Add-ins:
- Greek yogurt – for an even healthier twist on this white chicken chili crockpot recipes greek yogurt version
- Corn – adds sweetness and texture
- Monterey Jack cheese – for extra creaminess and flavor
How to Make White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients Start by gathering all your ingredients – this easy crockpot white chicken chili 5 ingredient recipe is so simple, you’ll have everything ready in just minutes. Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker and season generously with salt, pepper, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 2: Build the Base Add the drained white beans, diced green chiles, and chicken broth to your crockpot. Give everything a gentle stir to combine all the flavors. The beauty of this healthy white chicken chili crockpot method is that the slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender enough to shred easily with a fork. This is one of those crockpot recipes slow cooker meals that fills your house with the most amazing aromas.
Step 4: Shred and Add Cream Cheese Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add the cream cheese, cut into cubes for easier melting. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and incorporated, creating that signature creamy texture.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips. This makes it one of the most satisfying easy crockpot dinners you’ll ever make!
WHITE CHICKEN CHILI WITH CREAM CHEESE
Cuisine: American
Category: Main Dish
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Serves: 6-8 people
INGREDIENTS
Base Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Optional Additions:
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
For Serving:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Lime wedges
- Tortilla chips
PREPARATION
- Season the chicken by placing chicken breasts in your slow cooker and seasoning with cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika on all sides.
- Add the base ingredients by pouring in the drained beans, green chiles, and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
- Slow cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until chicken shreds easily with a fork.
- Shred the chicken by removing it from the slow cooker and using two forks to shred into bite-sized pieces. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
- Add cream cheese by cutting it into cubes and stirring into the hot chili until completely melted and incorporated, about 5 minutes.
- Optional Greek yogurt twist: For a white chicken chili crockpot recipes greek yogurt version, stir in Greek yogurt during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Final touches by adding corn and extra cheese if desired. Cook for an additional 10 minutes to heat through.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving hot with your favorite toppings.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- 285 calories per serving
- 32g protein per serving
- 18g carbs per serving
- 9g fat per serving
- 620mg sodium per serving
- 6g fiber per serving
Why This Recipe Works So Perfectly
The magic of this healthy white chicken chili slow cooker recipe lies in the slow cooking process that allows the chicken to become incredibly tender while all the flavors meld together beautifully. The cream cheese melts into the broth, creating that signature creamy texture without any flour or heavy cream.
What makes this one of the best easy crockpot dinners is how hands-off the cooking process is. You literally dump everything in the slow cooker in the morning and come home to an amazing dinner that’s ready to serve. It’s perfect for those busy weekdays when you want fast dinner recipes that don’t sacrifice flavor.
The combination of white beans and shredded chicken creates a hearty, protein-packed meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious, making it ideal for health dinner recipes that the whole family will love.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerator Storage: This white chicken chili with cream cheese keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve overnight, making leftovers even more delicious!
Freezer Storage: You can freeze this chili for up to 3 months, but I recommend adding the cream cheese after thawing and reheating to maintain the best texture.
Make-Ahead Strategy: This is perfect for ww white chicken chili crock pot meal prep! Make a double batch on Sunday and portion into containers for easy weekday lunches.
Reheating Tips: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if it seems too thick after storage.
Perfect Recipe Variations
Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or your favorite hot sauce to give this healthy white chicken chili crockpot recipe some heat.
Loaded Style: Stir in bacon bits, extra cheese, and diced avocado for an indulgent twist that’s perfect for weekend dinners.
Vegetable-Packed: Add diced bell peppers, celery, and carrots during the last hour of cooking for extra nutrition and texture.
Dairy-Free Option: Skip the cream cheese and use full-fat coconut milk for a creamy, dairy-free version that’s still incredibly satisfying.
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment
This easy crockpot white chicken chili 5 ingredient recipe is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. I love ladling it over baked sweet potatoes for a healthy, complete meal that hits all the right comfort food notes.
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, set up a chili bar with all the toppings and let everyone customize their bowls. This makes it perfect for easy crockpot dinners when you’re entertaining or feeding a large family.
The chili also makes an excellent base for loaded baked potatoes, or you can serve it with warm cornbread for the ultimate comfort food experience.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this crockpot recipes slow cooker recipe and actually stay even more moist during the long cooking process. Use the same amount and cooking time.
How do I prevent the cream cheese from curdling?
Make sure to cut the cream cheese into small cubes and add it to the hot chili gradually while stirring. The residual heat will melt it perfectly without curdling.
Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
Yes! Brown the seasoned chicken in a large pot, add the remaining ingredients except cream cheese, and simmer for 45 minutes. Shred the chicken, return to pot, and stir in cream cheese until melted.
What’s the best way to thicken this chili?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash about half of the beans before adding them, or stir in a slurry of 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How can I make this recipe lighter?
Use the white chicken chili crockpot recipes greek yogurt variation by substituting half the cream cheese with plain Greek yogurt, and use reduced-fat cheese for toppings.
Share Your Results!
I absolutely love seeing your amazing creations! When you make this incredible White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese, please share your photos and tag me on my Facebook page – seeing your family enjoying these health dinner recipes brings me so much joy!
Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest @OlyviaBestRecipes so you can find it easily when you’re planning your fast dinner recipes for the week. This healthy white chicken chili slow cooker masterpiece is perfect for meal planning!
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I hope you enjoy this easy crockpot white chicken chili 5 ingredient recipe! It’s become one of our most-requested crockpot recipes slow cooker meals, and I know your family will love it just as much as mine does.
Author: Olyvia T.
