I dream of chili
No kidding. It has to be one of my most favorite foods. I just love how versatile it is and how everyone – EVERYONE – has their own idea of what ‘chili’ should be. Some like beans, others don’t. Some like big hunks of meat and others like theirs heavy on the plant matter. Some like it hot, some like it mild. And then you’ve even got the red versus white thing going on here, too. There are about as many different chili recipes in the world as there are hairs on your head. Maybe even more, depending on your genetics. Although this isn’t your ‘typical’ chili, it’s darn good and it’s great for when you want to change things up a bit. This is a chicken chili rather than a traditional beef. It’s also tomato-free for those tomato-adverse folks or those times you look in the pantry and don’t have any canned tomatoes on hand. And it’s so easy to make! We’re also giving you THREE options for making it – in the slow cooker or crockpot, in the Instant Pot (did you know that it has a ‘slow cooker’ setting?!), or in a pot on the stovetop. It also freezes beautifully so you can double the recipe and have an easy reheat and eat meal on hand for those days you just don’t want to cook. We should also mention that this crockpot white chicken chili is the perfect vehicle for all of your favorite chili toppings like fresh cilantro, avocado, jalapeños (fresh or pickled), and more. This post contains affiliate links that won’t change your price but will share some commission.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
Chicken breasts or thighs – Use whichever you have on hand or prefer, they both work greatOnionBell pepperJalapeno – Removing the seeds and membranes will reduce the heat quite a bit if you don’t like your chili spicy but still want the flavor of jalapenoGarlicGround cuminDried oreganoChili powderSalt and pepperChicken broth – Either store-bought chicken broth or homemade bone broth will workCoconut milk – Full-fat canned coconut milk will give you the creamiest results while keeping it dairy-free and Whole30-friendly. But you can use any plain, unsweetened non-dairy milk or creamer – or even milk or half-and-half if you don’t need it to be dairy-freeLime juiceFresh cilantroFor toppings: Fresh cilantro, sliced or diced avocado, and/or sliced jalapenos (fresh or pickled)Optional: Canned white beans (such as cannellini beans or Navy beans)
How to Make White Chicken Chili in the Slow Cooker
Step 1: Add the onion, peppers, garlic, and spices (cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper – plus beans, if using them) to the bottom of a slow cooker. Arrange the chicken on top of the vegetables in a single layer. Step 2: Add the broth and then place the lid on the slow cooker. Step 3: Set the heat to LOW and cook 5-6 hours or until the chicken is done and the vegetables are tender. Depending on your slow cooker, this can take even less than 5 hours if yours runs ‘hot’. Step 4: When the cooking time is up, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Step 5: Turn the heat to HIGH. Add coconut milk, stir and replace the lid. Continue heating the chili for an additional 10-15 minutes or until it’s heated through. Step 6: Stir in the lime juice and cilantro. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Serve in bowls garnished with chopped cilantro, avocado, and/or lime wedges, if desired.
Looking for Instant Pot or Stovetop Directions? See the recipe below!
Can I Freeze Whole30 White Chicken Chili?
You bet you can! In fact, I almost always have a portion or two of this Whole30-friendly white chicken chili in the freezer for a quick and easy meal. You can either freeze the entire batch in a shallow freezer-safe container like this 11-cup glass baking dish with lid or split it into smaller portions and freeze it in these stand-up resealable silicone bags.
More Chili Recipes to Try
Slow Cooker Beef and Bean ChiliSlow Cooker Pumpkin ChiliSlow Cooker Chunky Beef Chili with Sweet PotatoesInstant Pot Veggie-Loaded Turkey ChiliSlow Cooker Sweet Potato ChiliChipotle Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili
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All photos and content are copyright protected. Please do not use our photos without prior written permission. If you wish to republish this recipe, please rewrite the recipe in your own unique words and link back to the source recipe here on The Real Food Dietitians. Thank you! Photo Credit: The photos in this blog post were taken by Jess of Plays Well with Butter.
