If you’re looking for a cozy and hearty meal that cooks itself while you go about your day, this Creamy White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese is exactly what you need. Loaded with tender shredded chicken, white beans, green chiles, and a block of cream cheese, this slow cooker recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a thick, comforting chili that the whole family will love. It’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for chilly nights or family dinners.
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Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is one of my favorites because it strikes the perfect balance between rich creaminess and classic chili flavor. I remember making it for the first time on a cold Sunday, and the way the cream cheese melted into the chili made the whole house smell incredible. It’s the type of meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to put together, making it a weeknight hero.
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Creamy White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese (Slow Cooker Recipe)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Creamy White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese is a slow cooker favorite packed with tender chicken, white beans, green chiles, and melty cream cheese. A cozy, comforting dinner for family nights or chilly weather.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
4 cups chicken broth
1 block (8 oz) cream cheese
1 small onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Juice of 1 lime
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
1. Add shredded chicken, beans, green chiles, onion, garlic, broth, and spices to the slow cooker.
2. Place the block of cream cheese on top.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
4. Stir well to melt and incorporate the cream cheese into the chili.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and lime juice to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes
Use raw chicken breasts instead of cooked by shredding after slow cooking.
Mash some beans before serving for a thicker chili.
Stir in shredded Monterey Jack cheese for extra cheesiness.
Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months in airtight containers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner, Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: creamy white chicken chili, slow cooker chili, chicken chili with cream cheese
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover works great)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Add shredded chicken, beans, green chiles, onion, garlic, broth, and spices to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Place the block of cream cheese on top. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
Step 3: Stir the chili well to melt and incorporate the cream cheese into the broth.
Step 4: Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lime juice to taste.
Step 5: Serve hot, garnished with cilantro and lime wedges.
Tip: Like my Fall-Favorite Hearty Chili, this recipe tastes even better the next day after flavors meld together.
Why This White Chicken Chili Works So Well
Cream Cheese Makes It Extra Cozy
Unlike traditional chili, the cream cheese melts into the broth, creating a luscious texture that coats every bite.
Slow Cooker Convenience
Throw everything into the pot, set it, and forget it. The slow cooker does all the work while you get on with your day.
Flavor Variations
Spicy White Chicken Chili
Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne for a spicy kick.
Cheesy White Chicken Chili
Stir in 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese before serving for extra cheesiness. Much like my Copycat Wendy’s Chili, this tweak adds bold flavor while keeping it comforting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Yes—place raw chicken breasts in the slow cooker with the other ingredients. Shred them after cooking and stir back in.
How do I thicken the chili?
If you want it thicker, mash some of the beans before serving or let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
Can I freeze creamy white chicken chili?
Yes—cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
What toppings go well with this chili?
Try avocado slices, tortilla chips, shredded cheese, or extra lime juice.
Conclusion
This Creamy White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese is the definition of cozy comfort food. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together effortlessly in the slow cooker. Much like my Best Beef Chili, this recipe proves that simple ingredients can create big flavor. Make a batch for dinner, and you’ll have a family favorite ready to warm up any night of the week.