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Creamy Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili with Hatch Peppers

slow cooker white chicken chili - featured image

A cozy, creamy slow cooker white chicken chili featuring smoky Hatch peppers and tender chicken, perfect for busy winter nights and family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 23 roasted, peeled, and chopped Hatch peppers (fresh or jarred)
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) great northern or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 medium yellow or white onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup sour cream (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (mild or medium heat)
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (1 per serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Roast and prep the Hatch peppers: If using fresh, place 2-3 Hatch peppers on a gas burner or under the broiler, turning occasionally until skins are blistered and blackened (about 5-8 minutes). Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let steam for 10 minutes. Peel skins, remove seeds, and chop finely. If using jarred roasted Hatch peppers, chop and set aside.
  2. Add diced onion, minced garlic, roasted Hatch peppers, rinsed white beans, and chicken broth to the slow cooker pot. Stir in cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place the chicken breasts or thighs whole into the slow cooker, submerging them in the broth and beans mixture.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and easy to shred.
  5. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot and stir.
  6. Stir in softened cream cheese and sour cream until fully melted and incorporated. Add a splash of broth or water if chili is too thick.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or chili powder as needed. Let chili warm through for another 10-15 minutes on low.
  8. Ladle chili into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Notes

Roasting Hatch peppers adds smoky depth; do not add cream cheese too early to avoid curdling. Shred chicken after cooking for better texture. Use sour cream for tang and smoothness but it is optional. For stovetop, simmer on low for 1.5 to 2 hours. Variations include low-carb, dairy-free, vegetarian, and spicy adaptations.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, white chicken chili, Hatch peppers, creamy chili, winter recipe, easy dinner, comfort food