The Only Slow Cooker White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe You Need

Crock pot dinners, like this healthy slow cooker white chicken chili, were made with dreary weather in mind. Easy and comforting, slow cooker meals simmer away on the counter and are practically hands-off, making them smart picks when you’re tied up elsewhere (soccer carpool, piano lessons, etc.). Crockpot recipes are also one-pot wonders, which means you don’t need side dishes and clean-up time is greatly reduced—who doesn’t love that?

How to Use a Slow Cooker

Before you start preparing this healthy Southwestern-style white bean chicken chili—a delicious crock pot recipe from Skinnytaste Meal Prep by Gina Homolka—be sure you’re up on the best ways to use a slow cooker.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Stick to the recipe. It’s fine to riff, say, by using black beans if you don’t have white ones, but don’t mess with the ingredient amounts. The reason: A crock pot operates best if it isn’t stuffed with too much (or too little) since it needs the correct amount of space above the food to work correctly.

• Avoid taking a peek. As tempting as it is to lift the lid and get a whiff of your slow cooker chili, try not to. You want to keep the heat at the same level so your meal cooks steadily. If you sneak a peek, the temp drops and slows the process.

• Keep safety in mind. Yup, your food cooks for hours in a crock pot, but that doesn’t mean you should toss out your meat thermometer. To be safe, check the reading of your protein cuts (poultry should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F).

• Clean your slow cooker carefully. Stuck-on sticky bits are tough to scrub, but don’t pull out steel wool as it could irreversibly damage the crock pot’s interior. Your best bet is to let it soak for a while in a soap-and-water solution and then gently wash it with a soft sponge.

Related: 30 Slow Cooker Stew Recipes For Chilly Nights at Home

Ingredients

Making this chili couldn’t be easier. It’s perfect for game day, holiday movie night or any time you need a comforting bowl of goodness. These are the ingredients you'll need to get started.

• 2 (15.5-oz) cans small Great Northern or navy beans, undrained

• 2 (4-oz) cans chopped green chile peppers, undrained

• 4 medium green onions, chopped

• ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for topping

• 3 Tbsp reduced-sodium taco seasoning (from 1 packet)

• 1½ lb skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 3)

• sour cream, sliced avocado, shredded pepper jack cheese, cilantro, (for garnish)

Related: 24 Hearty Slow Cooker Recipes You’ll Make Every Week

Add veggies for a complete meal

If the recipe you’re using is light in the veggie department, you can mix in greens or another option to enhance the dish and get more veggies into your meal. To do this, add vegetables toward the end of the cook time based on their level of tenderness. For this slow cooker white chicken chili recipe, baby spinach or arugula could be added about 10 minutes before the meal is ready. But hardier veggies like broccoli or zucchini take longer to soften, so stir in florets or slices and cook for 20 to 30 minutes.

Related: 10 Instant Pot Chili Recipes Your Family Will Clamor For

Create a chili toppings bar

Few meals are more fun than the ones you customize yourself (think building your own classic hamburger with all of the fixins’). The same approach works with this hearty crock pot white bean chicken chili. Kids especially love “decorating” their bowls, so set up a toppings bar and let them go to town.

• Fresh and light. As listed in the recipe below, cubes of avocado and chopped cilantro are worthy sprinkles on this dish, but you could also try minced chives, sliced radishes or jicama, diced red onion or shredded lettuce.

• Creamy and smooth. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt is a welcome topping, as is any type of grated or crumbled cheese you like, including jack, cheddar or goat.

• Tart and tangy. Cut the richness of this chicken chili with pickled toppings like jalapenos, red onions or shallots, or simply a squeeze a touch of lime to enhance the flavor of both the white beans and the chili seasonings.

• Crunch—for the win! Crisp toppings definitely have a place here so consider tortilla chips, Fritos or toasted pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds) for some texture and crunch.

Want to try homemade fast food? Check out this copycat version of Wendy’s famous chili.

Best Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 (15.5-oz) cans small Great Northern or navy beans, undrained

• 2 (4-oz) cans chopped green chile peppers, undrained

• 4 medium green onions, chopped

• ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for topping

• 3 Tbsp reduced-sodium taco seasoning (from 1 packet)

• 1½ lb skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 3)

• sour cream, sliced avocado, shredded pepper jack cheese, cilantro, (for garnish)

1. Combine beans and their liquid, ¾ cup water, green chiles and their liquid, green onions, cilantro and taco seasoning in a slow cooker; mix well. Add chicken; cook on HIGH 5–6 hours or on LOW 8–10 hours. (To make in an Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker, cook 20 minutes on high pressure with quick release.)

2. Remove chicken from cooker. Shred with 2 forks; stir into chili. Serve garnished as desired. Or cool to room temperature and freeze up to 3 months.