What is White Chili?
White chili is a chili made with white beans and maybe chicken, rather than red beans and beef. It typically includes green chiles and other spices for flavor, making it a lighter, creamier version of the traditional red chili.

Can I use a different type of meat or make a vegetarian white chili variation?
Absolutely! If chicken isn’t your thing, you can swap it out for ground turkey or even pork. If you’d prefer a vegetarian white chili variation, sub the meat for more beans, chickepeas or a combination of chopped vegetables. The creamy texture will still be there thanks to the cream cheese.

What makes it creamy?
The cream cheese! Adding a block of cream cheese at the end of cooking turns this into a smooth, velvety dish. Some people even like to use sour cream or Greek yogurt, but nothing beats cream cheese in a chicken chili with cream cheese recipe. Be careful of light cream cheese because it can sometimes curdle.

Tips for adding cream cheese? Cream cheese can break in soup if the soup is too hot or too cold, causing the cheese to clump or separate:

Temperature
When the temperature of the soup is too high, the protein bonds in the cheese break down, causing too much moisture to escape too quickly. Be sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. Microwave it if needed.
When added
To prevent the cheese from breaking, keep the heat low and add the cheese towards the end of cooking.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this white chili in a crock pot is perfect for meal prep. You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Is this chili spicy?
Not really, but it does have a mild heat thanks to the cayenne pepper and diced green chiles. If you prefer more heat, feel free to add extra jalapenos or hot sauce when serving.

Can I make this chili without a slow cooker?
Of course! You can make it in a large pot on the stovetop. Just simmer everything together on low for about an hour, then shred the chicken and add the cream cheese. It’s as easy as that!

Ingredients for White Chili in a Slow Cooker

Here's what you'll need for this delicious white chili recipe slow cooker version:

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 to 3 breasts) *see recipe on how to make this vegetarian .
3 cups chicken stock
2 (15-ounce) cans of white beans (white kidney beans, cannellini, or Great Northern), rinsed and drained
1 (4.5-ounce) can diced green chiles
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small yellow onion (or 1/2 large), finely diced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 block cream cheese
Fresh lime wedges

Chili Toppings:

Diced jalapeno
Diced avocado
Sour cream
Shredded cheese
Fritos or tortilla chips

Instructions

Prep the Slow Cooker: First things first, get that slow cooker ready! Add the chicken breasts, chicken stock, white beans, diced green chiles, minced garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, salt, chili powder, and cayenne pepper into your slow cooker.
Set It and Forget It: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 3-5 hours. If you're in a hurry, the high setting works too—just cook for 3-4 hours.
Shred the Chicken: After the cooking time, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. The chicken should practically fall apart, making this chicken chili with cream cheese recipe rich and hearty.
Add the Cream Cheese: Toss in a block of cream cheese and stir until it’s completely melted and incorporated. This is where things get creamy and dreamy—just like a perfect cream cheese chili chicken!
Serve It Up: Squeeze in fresh lime juice for a zesty kick, then serve with your favorite toppings like diced jalapeno, avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, and don’t forget the crushed Fritos or tortilla chips for some crunch.

A Creamy Twist on Chili

What really sets this chicken chili crockpot cream cheese recipe apart from the rest is that luxurious, creamy base. The cream cheese mixes perfectly with the seasonings, creating a rich, flavorful broth that pairs beautifully with tender chicken and beans. And let’s not forget the toppings—you can load up with fresh avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips or Fritos.

This dish is basically a cross between a hearty chili and a cheesy dip, making it a crowd-pleaser at parties, potlucks, or tailgates. Honestly, it’s like cream cheese chili cheese dip but in meal form—what could be better?

Recipe Variations

There are endless ways to customize this chicken chili with cream cheese recipe to fit your tastes:

Spice it up: Add extra jalapenos or other peppers or a dash of hot sauce to turn up the heat.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and double up on beans for a veggie-friendly option.
Swap the beans: Try using black beans or pinto beans for a different flavor.
Add corn: For some extra sweetness and texture, toss in a cup of frozen corn kernels or a can regular or of creamed for.

Photo by The Kitchen

How to Turn This into a Cream Cheese Chili Dip

Want to take this white chili in a crock pot to the next level? Or even turn your leftover into a dip?

You can easily turn this creamy, flavorful chili into a delicious party dip. It’s perfect for game days, potlucks, or just snacking with friends. Here’s how to transform your cream cheese chili chicken into a dip that will have everyone coming back for more.

Reduce the Liquid: After the chili is done cooking, use ladle to remove most of the excess broth. You want it to be thick and creamy, more like a dip than a soup.
Shred the Chicken Well: Make sure the chicken is shredded finely. This helps create a smoother texture that’s easier to scoop with chips.
Add Extra Cheese: For an extra cheesy dip, stir in a cup of shredded cheese (like cheddar or Monterey Jack) along with the cream cheese. This will make it extra gooey and irresistible.
Add to a oven proof skillet: Pour the mixture into the skillet and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle evenly more cheddar or pepper jack cheese.
Bake until the cheese is bubbly and browned around the edges, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes before serving with tortilla chips.
Serve with Tortilla Chips or Fritos: Once baked, garnish with chopped green onion.

Now you’ve got a cream cheese chili cheese dip that’s sure to be a hit. It’s like turning your favorite cozy meal into the ultimate party snack!

Wrapping It Up

So, there you have it! A simple, flavorful white chili in a crock pot that’s as easy as it is delicious. Whether you're prepping for a busy weeknight or making it for a weekend gathering, this white chili recipe slow cooker will never let you down. Plus, with the cream cheese giving it that extra creamy touch, it’ll become a go-to comfort meal for you and your family.

Final Thoughts

What are you waiting for? Go grab your slow cooker, toss in those ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the best white chili recipe slow cooker ever. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

Don't forget to leave a comment below—I'd love to hear how your white chili in a crock pot turned out!