Description

This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish made with tender chicken thighs, great northern beans, green chilies, and a blend of spices. Perfect for an easy, comforting meal, it simmers slowly to develop rich flavors and is ready in just over 6 hours. Ideal for busy days, this chili offers a mild yet spicy kick and can be customized with jalapeños for extra heat.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
1/2 sweet onion, chopped
1/2 green pepper, seeds removed, chopped
1 to 2 jalapeños, seeds removed, chopped (optional)
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 (15 oz) cans great northern beans, drained and rinsed
3 (4 oz) cans green chilies
32 oz chicken broth

Spices and Seasonings

2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Chili: Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker to ensure there is enough space for all the ingredients to cook evenly.
Add Ingredients: Add the chopped sweet onion, green pepper, jalapeños (if using), minced garlic, drained great northern beans, green chilies, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir everything well to combine the flavors.
Cook Slowly: Set the slow cooker on low and cook for 5 and a half hours. This slow cooking process allows the chicken to become tender and absorb the spices.
Shred Chicken: After 5 and a half hours, shred the chicken thighs directly in the slow cooker using two forks. This will distribute the chicken evenly throughout the chili.
Finish Cooking: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and cook for an additional 30 minutes on low. This step helps blend the chicken with the chili’s flavors.
Season and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the chili warm, garnished with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, or fresh cilantro.

Notes

For a spicier chili, include the jalapeños and cayenne pepper; omit for a milder flavor.
Use chicken breasts as a leaner alternative to thighs, but cooking times may vary slightly.
Drain and rinse the beans to reduce sodium content and improve texture.
Slow cooker sizes may vary; ensure at least a 6-quart cooker to prevent overflow.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Soup/Chili
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American