As the temperatures drop and the days shorten, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili to bring comfort and nourishment. This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is not only hearty and delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights, it allows you to throw everything in the slow cooker and enjoy a flavorful meal hours later.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty & Nourishing: Packed with protein and fiber, this chili is satisfying and healthy.
- Inexpensive: Made with affordable ingredients, it’s a budget-friendly option for families.
- Simple Preparation: Minimal prep time means you can focus on other tasks while it cooks.
- Leftover Friendly: It tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for lunches.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious chili:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Olive oil or avocado oil | 1 Tbsp |
| Medium yellow onion, diced | 1 |
| Green or red bell pepper, diced | 1 |
| Fresh garlic cloves, minced | 2-3 |
| Chicken tenders | 1.5 lbs |
| Chopped green chiles | 1 jar (4 ounces) |
| Ground cumin | 2 tsps |
| Dried oregano | 2 tsps |
| Cayenne pepper | 1 tsp |
| Great northern beans (canned) | 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) |
| Chicken bone broth | 4 cups |
| Shredded white cheddar cheese | 1/2 cup |
Optional Toppings:
- Additional shredded cheese
- Sliced jalapeño
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Chopped ripe avocado
- Fresh lime wedges
Cooking Instructions
Slow Cooker Method
- Prep the Ingredients: In a large slow cooker, add the chicken tenders at the bottom. Top with diced onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, green chiles, and rinsed beans.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle ground cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt over the ingredients.
- Pour in Broth: Add the chicken bone broth and stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
- Shred Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
- Finish with Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
Instant Pot Method
- Combine Ingredients: Place all ingredients in the Instant Pot as you would in the slow cooker.
- Set Cooking Time: Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Release Pressure: Allow for a natural release for about 10 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining pressure.
- Shred Chicken & Serve: Shred the chicken as described above and stir in cheese before serving.
Stovetop Method
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in chicken, spices, beans, and broth.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for about 30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Shred Chicken & Serve: Follow the same shredding method as above.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time:
- Slow Cooker: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
- Instant Pot: 15 minutes (plus time for pressure release)
- Stovetop: Approximately 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 10g
Cost Breakdown (Estimated)
Here’s a rough estimate of costs based on average prices in the United States:
- Olive oil: $0.20
- Onion: $0.50
- Bell pepper: $0.75
- Garlic cloves: $0.30
- Chicken tenders: $6.00
- Green chiles (jar): $2.00
- Spices (cumin, oregano, cayenne): $0.50 total
- Great northern beans (canned): $1.50 total
- Chicken bone broth: $3.00
- Shredded cheese: $1.50
Total Cost: Approximately $16.25
Servings: About 6
Cost per Serving: ~$2.71
Tips & Notes
- Make Ahead: You can prepare all ingredients in advance and store them in the fridge overnight before cooking.
- Freezing Instructions: This chili freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers after cooking and store for up to three months.
Join Our Kitchen Companion Membership!
For more delicious recipes like this one and exclusive cooking tips, consider joining our kitchen companion membership! Enjoy access to a community of cooking enthusiasts sharing their best tips and recipes.
This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is sure to become a staple in your household during cold weather months—easy to make, deliciously comforting, and perfect for feeding a crowd! Enjoy!
