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Satisfy your chili cravings with our Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili recipe, perfectly portioned for one. This lighter take on traditional chili eliminates leftovers and adapts to your cooking style, whether in a small slow cooker, on the stovetop, or in an Instant Pot. Whether you choose to use the slow cooker to enhance the flavors, the stovetop for a classic cooking experience, or the Instant Pot for speed, this recipe ensures a delicious and satisfying meal every time.
If you’re on the lookout for more single serving mini slow cooker recipes, you’re in for a treat. Try our Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken, a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors. Our Slow Cooker Italian Chicken is wonderfully herby and satisfying. The Slow Cooker Orange Chicken offers a zesty, citrus-infused twist. And don’t miss the Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl, packed with all your favorite burrito fixings in one comforting dish.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- White Chicken Chili
- Ingredients
- Recipe Variations
- How To Make Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
- Expert Tips
- How To Make White Chicken Chili On The Stovetop
- How To Make White Chicken Chili In An Instant Pot
- How To Store Leftover White Chicken Chili
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Single Serving Slow Cooker Recipes
- Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
- Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili For One Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy: This chili offers a lighter take, full of protein and fiber.
- Simple: Just add ingredients to your slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Versatile: Easily adjust spices and add your favorite toppings.
- Dairy-Free: No dairy in the main recipe; add cheese or sour cream if desired.
- Perfect Size: Designed for a 1.5-quart slow cooker, it’s ideal for one serving.
White Chicken Chili
Our White Chicken Chili is a delightful twist on classic chili, featuring tender chicken and creamy white beans instead of the usual red chili components. What sets our recipe apart is its versatility and convenience. Not only do we provide a slow cooker method, which lets the flavors blend perfectly as you carry on with your day, but we also offer adaptations for both stovetop and Instant Pot preparation. This ensures that no matter your cooking preference or time constraints, you can enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish with ease.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this crock pot white chicken recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Chicken: This recipe calls for one boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, weighing between 4 to 6 ounces. Alternatively, you can use a boneless turkey breast for a different twist. If you’ve an extra chicken breast or thigh, consider using it in Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Nuggets, or Chicken Tacos.
- White beans: Adding beans like cannellini, white kidney, or Great Northern beans not only boosts the protein content but also complements the chili’s texture. Leftover beans can be used in a Crustless Coronation Quiche or White Bean Soup.
- Seasonings: A combination of salt, pepper, dried oregano, garlic powder, and cumin is used to enhance the flavors of the chili.
- Chicken broth: I recommend using reduced-sodium chicken broth or chicken stock to maintain better control over the seasoning levels in your soup and chili recipes. Consider using any leftover chicken broth in any of our soup recipes like Tortellini Soup, Chicken Tortilla Soup, or even Chicken Stew.
- Jalapeños: A tablespoon of chopped jalapeños brings a mild spice to the dish. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences, making it spicier or milder. Got leftover jalapenos? Use them to make a small batch of Jalapeño Poppers, or add them to a Mexican Street Corn Salad.
Recipe Variations
This slow cooker white chicken chili is incredibly versatile, and you can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some delicious variations:
- Vegetarian Chili Option: Replace the chicken with extra beans or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian delight.
- Spicy Chicken Chili: If you love some heat, add more chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red chili flakes to turn up the spice.
- Creamy White Chicken Chili: For those who prefer a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or use coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free alternative.
- Use Different Beans: Feel free to experiment with other beans like chickpeas or black beans for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in some chopped bell peppers, carrots, or corn to add color and additional nutrients to your chili.
How To Make Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make white chicken chili in a slow cooker. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Place the chicken into a 1.5-quart slow cooker. Stir in the chopped onions, jalapeños, white beans, seasonings, and broth.
Dietary Note: Unlike many traditional white chicken chili recipes that include heavy cream, cream cheese, or sour cream, our version is crafted with lighter ingredients and is dairy-free. If you wish, you can still add sour cream as an optional topping, but the core recipe remains free from dairy products.
- Cover and cook the white chicken chili on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6.
Pro Tip: Consider freezing the remainder of the canned beans in a freezer-safe container until ready to use. If you plan on using the beans within the next few days, you can keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use leftover beans in soups, stews, burritos, or even scrambled eggs for breakfast. Also, see below for single serving recipes using white beans.
- Remove the lid of the slow cooker and shred the chicken with two forks.
Pro Tip: To shred chicken with two forks, hold one fork in each hand. Use one fork to hold the chicken in place and use the second fork to scrape at the piece of chicken to pull it apart.
- Transfer the chili to a bowl. Top with sour cream, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped cilantro, sliced avocados, and any other desired toppings. Enjoy!
Expert Tips
- If you prefer more kick to your chili, I recommend adding a few dashes of hot sauce or more chopped jalapeños.
- To thicken white chicken chili, remove the chicken from the slow cooker after it has cooked and blend part of the beans with an immersion blender. If you don’t have an immersion blender, place a ladleful in a food processor or a blender. You can also use a potato masher.
- To make creamy white chicken chili, simply stir the sour cream into the soup. Feel free to add a little extra if you’d like.
How To Make White Chicken Chili On The Stovetop
Not only is this white chicken chili easily prepared in a crockpot, but you can also whip it up on the stove! Here’s how to create our Stovetop White Chicken Chili:
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a 10-inch skillet or in a 2 quart saucepan on medium-high. Cut the chicken into 1-inch strips and season with 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper. Cook for 6 minutes until fully cooked, remove, and set aside on a covered plate.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil, swirling to coat the bottom. Mix in 1/2 cup chopped onions, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tablespoon of chopped jalapeños, cooking until onions are translucent.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in 1 cup of chicken broth, 1/2 cup of rinsed cannellini beans, 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon of cumin. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the Chicken: Include the cooked chicken and simmer for 5 more minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, then enjoy hot.
Pro Tip: Using rotisserie or leftover chicken can speed up the process, helping you get this comforting white chicken chili on the table even faster.
How To Make White Chicken Chili In An Instant Pot
Making this white chicken chili in a 3-quart Instant Pot is a breeze. Follow these simple steps:
- Sauté the Vegetables: Using the Sauté setting (refer to your manufacturer’s guide for specifics), heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil. Add 1/2 cup of chopped onions, 1 clove of minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of chopped jalapeños. Season with 1/4 teaspoon each of kosher salt, dried oregano, cumin, and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add Main Ingredients: Mix in the chicken, 1/2 cup of rinsed cannellini beans, and 1 cup of chicken broth. Press Cancel to turn off the Sauté function.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Choose Pressure Cook on High for 15 minutes.
- Natural Release: After cooking, allow a natural release for about 10 minutes (or follow the manufacturer’s guide for quick release). When the valve drops, it’s safe to open the Instant Pot.
- Shred and Serve: Shred the chicken and ladle the soup into a bowl. Add toppings as desired and enjoy hot.
This method offers a quick and efficient way to enjoy the flavors of white chicken chili from your Instant Pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
How To Store Leftover White Chicken Chili
- To Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To Freeze: Place chili in an airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- To Reheat: Warm the chili in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoying your white chicken chili with complementary side dishes and garnishes can enhance the meal. Here are some ideas that pair perfectly with this hearty dish:
- Cornbread: A piece of warm, buttery cornbread or corn muffins can provide a delightful contrast to the flavors of the chili.
- Salad: A fresh tomato salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the chili, making for a well-rounded meal.
- Rice: Serving the chili over cooked rice can soak up the flavors and add a satisfying texture.
- Toppings: Don’t hesitate to sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream to give your chili a personal touch.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a burst of citrusy brightness that elevates the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
To make a single serving of white chicken chili, I recommend using a 1.5-quart slow cooker.
Absolutely! If you want to prepare more servings, simply double all the ingredients listed in the recipe. When doing so, it’s advisable to use a 3-quart slow cooker to accommodate the increased quantity.
If your chili turns out too watery, don’t worry! As stated in the Expert Tips, you have a couple of options to thicken it. You can mash some of the beans once the chili is cooked, or you can add crushed corn chips or tortilla chips. These chips will soak up the extra liquid and add an enjoyable texture to your chili. Simply crush a handful of chips, stir them into the pot, and let the chili simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Yes. Substitute chicken with more beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
More Single Serving Slow Cooker Recipes
For each of these slow cooker recipes, we use a 1.5-quart 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 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!
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 into a slow cooker. Stir in the chopped onions, jalapeños, broth, beans, and seasonings.
- Cover and cook the white chicken chili on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6.
- Remove the lid of the slow cooker and shred the chicken with two forks.Pro Tip: To shred chicken with two forks, hold one fork in each hand. Use one fork to hold the chicken in place and use the second fork to scrape at the piece of chicken to pull it apart.
- Transfer the chili to a bowl. Top with sour cream, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped cilantro, sliced avocados, and any other desired toppings. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you prefer more kick to your chili, I recommend adding a few dashes of hot sauce or more chopped jalapeños.
- To thicken white chicken chili, remove the chicken from the slow cooker after it has cooked and blend part of the beans with an immersion blender. If you don’t have an immersion blender, place a ladleful in a food processor or a blender. You can also use a potato masher.
- To make creamy white chicken chili, simply stir the sour cream into the soup. Feel free to add a little extra if you’d like.
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.
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.