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This Mini Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is a flavorful, comforting dish made with tender chicken, white beans, jalapeños, and warm spices. It’s easy to make and perfectly portioned for one. Let your mini crock pot do the work, or follow the stovetop white chicken chili recipe or Instant Pot white chicken chili instructions included in the post.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious: High in protein and fiber without feeling heavy.
- Easy: Just add everything to the slow cooker, no extra steps.
- Flexible: Adjust the spice level and toppings to your taste.
- Single Serving: Designed for a 1.5-quart slow cooker, perfect for one.
This mini slow cooker White Chicken Chili is one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s made with tender chicken, creamy white beans, and warm spices that all simmer together to create a rich, flavorful broth. It’s hearty without feeling too heavy and perfect for when I want something satisfying and easy.
While I love the ease of the slow cooker, I’ve also included stovetop and Instant Pot instructions later in the post so you can make it however you prefer.
If you’re looking for more mini slow cooker chicken recipes for one, try our mini slow cooker sesame chicken for one, mini slow cooker Italian chicken for one, mini crock pot orange chicken for one, and mini crock pot chicken burrito bowl for one.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this small slow cooker white chicken chili recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Chicken: Use 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh (4 to 6 ounces). Boneless turkey breast can be used instead. Try leftover chicken in chicken tikka masala for one, single serving chicken nuggets, or chicken tacos for one.
- White Beans: Use Cannellini, Great Northern, or white kidney beans. They add protein and a creamy texture. Store leftover canned beans in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later. Use extras in a crustless coronation quiche or single serving white bean soup.
- Chicken Broth: Use reduced-sodium chicken broth to better manage salt levels. Leftover broth can be used in single serving soup recipes like tortellini soup for one, single serve chicken tortilla soup, or chicken stew for one.
- Jalapeños: Use 1 tablespoon of chopped jalapeños for mild heat. Adjust to taste. Leftovers work well in a small batch of jalapeño poppers, or single serving Mexican street corn salad.
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Recipe Variations
This white chicken chili is easy to adjust based on what you like or have on hand:
- Vegetarian: Use extra beans or tofu instead of chicken and swap in vegetable broth.
- Spicy: Add more jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Creamy: Stir in heavy cream, or use coconut or almond milk for a dairy-free option.
- Different Beans: Try chickpeas or black beans for a change.
- Add Vegetables: Mix in bell peppers, carrots, or corn for extra flavor and color.
How To Make Mini Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
These photos and instructions help you visualize how to make white chicken chili in a mini crock pot. See the recipe card below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
Note: This recipe is naturally dairy-free, unlike traditional white chicken chili recipes that use heavy cream or cream cheese. You can add sour cream as an optional topping if desired.
- Add Ingredients: Place the chicken in a 1.5-quart slow cooker. Add onions, jalapeños, white beans, seasonings, and broth. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6 hours.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the lid and shred the chicken in the slow cooker using two forks.
- Serve: Ladle into a bowl and top with sour cream, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped cilantro, or sliced avocado.
White Chicken Chili Stovetop Instructions
- Cook Chicken: In a 10-inch skillet or 2-quart saucepan, heat ½ tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Cut 1 chicken breast into 1-inch strips, season with ¼ teaspoon kosher salt and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, and cook for 6 minutes until done. Remove and cover to keep warm.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add ½ tablespoon olive oil, ½ cup chopped onions, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tablespoon chopped jalapeños. Cook for 3–4 minutes until onions are translucent.
- Simmer: Add 1 cup chicken broth, ½ cup rinsed white beans, ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, and ¼ teaspoon cumin. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Finish: Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning and serve.
Tip: Short on time? Use rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken and add it in the final step.
White Chicken Chili Instant Pot Instructions (3-Quart Model)
- Sauté: Set Instant Pot to Sauté. Heat ½ tablespoon olive oil, then add ½ cup chopped onions, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tablespoon chopped jalapeños. Season with ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon oregano, ¼ teaspoon cumin, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes.
- Add Ingredients: Add 1 chicken breast, ½ cup rinsed white beans, and 1 cup chicken broth. Press Cancel to stop sautéing.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid, set valve to Sealing, and pressure cook on High for 15 minutes.
- Release: Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release.
- Finish: Shred the chicken and stir. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Tip: This method is fast and hands-off, great for busy days.
Expert Tips
- Want More Heat? Add extra chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- To Thicken: Remove the chicken and mash some of the beans with an immersion blender, potato masher, or food processor.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in sour cream for a richer texture. Add more to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Complete your meal with these easy single serving sides and toppings that pair well with white chicken chili:
- Cornbread For One
- Small Batch Corn Muffins
- Tomato Salad For One
- Small Batch Rice
- Toppings (chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream)
- Lime Juice
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, chicken thighs work well and add extra richness to the chili.
To make a single serving of white chicken chili, I recommend using a 1.5-quart slow cooker.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Yes, store cooled chili in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
More Slow Cooker Recipes For One Person
Looking for more mini crockpot recipes or 1 1/2-quart slow cooker recipes? These single serving dishes are perfect for your small slow cooker:
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this mini slow cooker white chicken chili or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Mini Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 (4 to 6-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breast
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped jalapeños
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup canned cannellini beans -rinsed and drained
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped cilantro, or sliced avocados.
Instructions
- Place the chicken in a 1.5-quart slow cooker. Add onions, jalapeños, white beans, seasonings, and broth. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6 hours.
- Remove the lid and shred the chicken in the slow cooker using two forks.
- Ladle into a bowl and top with sour cream, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped cilantro, or sliced avocado.
Notes
- Want More Heat? Add extra chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- To Thicken: Remove the chicken and mash some of the beans with an immersion blender, potato masher, or food processor.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in sour cream for a richer texture. Add more to taste.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I noticed that the ingredients list garlic powder but the instructions say garlic clove. Are they interchangeable?
You’re right to check! The recipe uses garlic powder — that’s the correct ingredient. The mention of a garlic clove in the stovetop and Instant Pot notes just refers to those alternate versions, where fresh garlic can be used instead.
Can I use chicken thighs with no adjustments
Yes.
While my husband was away I made this, it was so rich and delicious when he got home I made it for him. Definitely a keeper.
I’m so happy you both enjoyed it!
can i use chili powder instead of the jalapeno peppers in the white chicken chilli
You can use chili powder as a substitute for the jalapeño peppers. I recommend starting with a pinch and adjusting to taste as you go.
Will have to try it looks delicious
I made this recipe two times in as many weeks. I will be making it again with a few adjustments. I added only a pinch of salt and no jalapenos. I did add 1/4 tsp of hot sauce as I thought it needed some zip. This is one of the easiest slow cooker Chicken Chili’s I have made. Keep the recipes coming.
This is a very tasty White Chicken Chili. I added a 1/4 tsp of hot sauce as someone suggested. I will be making this again soon. It is a good cold weather meal for one.
I made this White Chicken Chili on the stovetop and doubled the recipe. At the last minute, I threw in a half box of fresh baby spinach leaves (why not?). I ended up with three hearty one-cup servings to take to work for my lunch. It tastes so yummy! Thank you for ANOTHER wonderful recipe. So glad I found this site. Everything is great!
Some of these recipes I would cook for just me, but some for me and my husband. Would be helpful if you can state if these could be doubled.
I do often cut regular recipes in half but many would be difficult to adapt.
If our recipes can be doubled successfully we will mention it in within the recipe post. In the Frequently Asked Questions section of this recipe post, we state that this White Chicken Chili recipe can be doubled.
Great recipe.