Slow-cooker white chicken chili is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly days or busy weeknights. The Pioneer Woman’s version of this chili is packed with tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a flavorful blend of spices, all cooked slowly to perfection.

This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, thanks to the hands-off approach of the slow cooker. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a winner.

What is Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili?

Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is a rich and creamy chili made with white beans, tender chicken, and a blend of savory spices. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together over time, creating a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. It’s a lighter take on traditional chili, but with all the warmth and comfort you expect from a bowl of homemade chili.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Simple and Convenient: The slow cooker does all the work, making it perfect for busy schedules.
Delicious Comfort Food: It’s creamy, hearty, and full of flavor—ideal for cold weather.

Healthy Ingredients: Lean chicken and beans make this a nutritious meal.
Versatile: You can adjust the spice level and toppings to suit your taste.
Great for Leftovers: This chili stores well and makes excellent leftovers for busy weeknights.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Provides the lean protein for the chili, becoming tender and easy to shred after slow cooking.
2 (15 oz) cans white beans (like cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed – Adds a creamy texture and hearty base to the chili, offering a good source of fiber and protein.
1 (15 oz) can sweet corn, drained – Adds a touch of sweetness and extra texture to the chili, balancing out the savory flavors.

1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies – Adds mild heat and flavor without overpowering the dish, perfect for enhancing the chili’s profile.
1 onion, chopped – Brings a foundational sweetness and depth of flavor to the chili as it slow-cooks.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Offers an aromatic kick, complementing the other spices and enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

1 tsp ground cumin – Adds a warm, earthy flavor that is essential for classic chili recipes.
1 tsp chili powder – Gives the chili its signature spice and heat, providing a subtle kick to the dish.
1 tsp dried oregano – Brings a slightly bitter, aromatic herb flavor that rounds out the spices.

1 tsp ground coriander – Adds a light, citrusy flavor that complements the chicken and other spices.
4 cups chicken broth – Forms the base of the chili, keeping it moist and flavorful while cooking.
1/2 cup sour cream – Adds creaminess and tang to the chili, making the final dish rich and smooth.

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened – Contributes a luxurious, velvety texture that thickens the chili while adding a mild, tangy flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for balancing and enhancing the flavors of the dish.
Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish (optional) – Cilantro adds a burst of freshness, while lime wedges provide a zesty finish when squeezed over the chili before serving.

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Add the white beans, corn, diced green chilies, onion, and garlic over the chicken.
Sprinkle the cumin, chili powder, oregano, and coriander over the mixture.

Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker, making sure everything is covered.
Set the slow cooker to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker, shred them with two forks, and return them to the pot.

Stir in the sour cream and cream cheese until the chili becomes creamy and well combined.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired.

Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

Tortilla chips: Crunchy chips make a great side or topping for the chili.
Cornbread: Serve this hearty chili with a side of warm cornbread.
Rice: Spoon the chili over a bed of rice for an extra-filling meal.

Sliced avocado: Add creaminess with fresh avocado slices.
Shredded cheese: Top your chili with shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack for extra richness.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut: If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and add it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

For a thicker chili, mash some of the beans: Mash a portion of the white beans before adding them to the slow cooker to create a thicker, creamier texture.
Add extra spice if desired: If you prefer more heat, add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder to the mix.
Use low-sodium broth to control the salt content and adjust the seasoning at the end.

Let the cream cheese soften before adding it to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth chili.
Top with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for added freshness and color.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

Spicy White Chicken Chili: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Vegetarian White Chili: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth for a plant-based version.
Cheesy White Chicken Chili: Add shredded cheese to the slow cooker in the last hour for a cheesy version.
Mexican White Chicken Chili: Add black beans and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a Mexican-inspired twist.

Smoky White Chicken Chili: Use smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky depth of flavor.

Storing Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili: Best Practices

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool the chili completely before freezing.

Use mason jars or freezer-safe containers to store individual servings for easy meal prep.
Label and date the containers so you can keep track of when you made the chili.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili: Best Practices

Microwave: Reheat individual portions in a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.

Stovetop: Heat the chili over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Slow Cooker: If you have time, reheat the chili in the slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours.
Instant Pot: Use the sauté function to quickly reheat the chili, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Can you use frozen chicken in slow cooker white chicken chili?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken in a slow cooker white chicken chili. Simply add the frozen chicken directly to the slow cooker and adjust the cooking time slightly. The slow cooker will ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature by the end of the cooking process.

How do you thicken slow-cooker white chicken chili?

To thicken slow cooker white chicken chili, mash some of the white beans before adding them to the pot. You can also stir in extra cream cheese or reduce the liquid by letting the chili cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.

Can I make white chicken chili spicier?

To make white chicken chili spicier, add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or extra chili powder. You can also use spicy green chilies instead of mild ones to increase the heat.

What toppings go well with white chicken chili?

Toppings like shredded cheese, avocado slices, sour cream, cilantro, and tortilla chips pair well with white chicken chili. A squeeze of lime juice can also enhance the chili’s flavors and add freshness.

Final Words

Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is a crowd-pleaser that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. It’s the perfect meal for cozy family dinners or large gatherings. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing all the work, you’ll have a creamy, delicious chili that everyone will love.

Try it today and enjoy a bowl of comforting goodness!

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