Bowl of slow cooker white bean chicken chili topped with fresh herbs

Slow Cooker White Bean Chicken Chili

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Slow Cooker White Bean Chicken Chili is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for busy days. You can set it up in the morning and let it cook all day. When you come home, you’ll have a warm, tasty meal ready to serve. This chili is not only comforting but also packed with healthy ingredients like chicken, beans, and veggies. Plus, it’s easy to customize according to your taste!

How to Make Slow Cooker White Bean Chicken Chili

To make this mouthwatering chili, you’ll start with a flavorful sauté of onions and spices that makes your kitchen smell wonderful. Then, you add everything into the slow cooker, set the temperature, and let it do all the work. It’s a simple and rewarding way to enjoy a homemade meal.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 medium Spanish onions, chopped
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons ground paprika
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
2 (4 ounce) cans chopped green chile peppers
3.5 cups tomatillo salsa
6 cups chicken stock
1 pound cubed skinless, boneless chicken
3 (15 ounce) cans white beans, drained
2 (15.25 ounce) cans sweet corn, drained
1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle beer
1 bunch cilantro, stemmed and roughly chopped

Directions:

  • Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and chili powder; sauté until onion is translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add garlic; cook and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Transfer the onion mixture to a slow cooker.

  • Add chicken stock, chicken, beans, corn, beer, and cilantro. Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours or High for 2 hours.

How to Serve Slow Cooker White Bean Chicken Chili

This chili is best served hot. You can top it with your favorite toppings like avocado, shredded cheese, or more cilantro. It goes great with some crusty bread or tortilla chips on the side. Enjoy it as a main dish at dinner or serve it at a gathering for a crowd-pleasing treat!

How to Store Slow Cooker White Bean Chicken Chili

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in the freezer. It will keep well for up to 3 months.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker White Bean Chicken Chili

  • Adjust the spices according to your preference. If you like it spicier, you can add more chili powder or even some jalapeños.
  • Always make sure to stir the chili halfway through the cooking time to blend the flavors.
  • For a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans in the pot before serving.

Variation

You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to boost the nutrition. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, simply replace the chicken with more beans or some cubed tofu.

FAQs

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, but you will need to soak and cook them before adding them to the slow cooker.

Is it necessary to use beer?
No, you can skip the beer or substitute it with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything in advance and store it in the slow cooker insert in the fridge overnight. Just cook it the next day!