How to Make Healthy Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

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This healthy slow cooker white chicken chili is perfect for all the busy people out there. There’s no measuring, only 5 ingredients, and it’s nutritious! It doesn’t get any better than that.

Typically slow cookers or crock pots are used in my home in the fall and winter to cook our favorite soups and stews low and slow. There are so many comforting meals that can be created in this wonderful tool!

That said, the last thing I think about using in the summer time is a crock pot. Man do I need to change that thinking. The slow cooker has been a game changer for me during this busy time. There’s lots of traveling and wedding planning going on in my world and when you add work and spending time with loved ones on top of that, it can be hard to find time to create nourishing, home-cooked meals.

One morning out of desperation I pulled out the slow cooker and threw all the ingredients I had on hand to create this delicious white chicken chili. When I got home from a long day of work, my house smelled incredible, and dinner was ready to be eaten.

That was the moment I asked myself “why don’t I do this more often?!” It was truly a lifesaver and I knew I had to share this recipe with you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

So Easy – My favorite part about this white chicken chili is that there is no measuring. I have these 5 ingredients on hand all the time, and just pour each can in the slow cooker. That’s it!

Affordable – This recipe calls for corn, beans, and salsa, all of which are super affordable at the grocery store. We love a healthy meal around here, but love it even more when it’s budget friendly.

Set it and Forget it – This is the best part about slow cooker meals! Dinner suddenly becomes a passive chore while your in meetings all day, or taking care of other household to-dos. Let the slow cooker do all the work for you.

White Chicken Chili Tips

• You can totally use any kind of beans you have, but I do recommend sticking with white beans if you have them on hand. Black beans would taste fine in this chili, however their dark color would change the color of the broth. It may not look as appealing, but I promise the flavor will still be great!
• I love adding a jar of salsa to this chili because it is SO convenient, but that means we have to remember we don’t have control over how much salt is in the salsa. Because there is so much flavor in the jarred salsa and has been seasoned generously with salt, you don’t need anymore spices for this recipe!
• If you are adding boxed broth, please keep in mind we don’t have any control over how much salt is in those either. Try opting for a low sodium option.
• For good measure, I always add about a half cup of water after adding all the ingredients to ensure the saltiness of the broth and salsa are not overpowering. It is the perfect balance every time!

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Add-On and Garnish Ideas

The great thing about this healthy slow cooker white chicken chili is you can make it as simple or as fancy as you’d like. Here are some fun ingredients you can add that still give you the same delicious result.

Great northern beans

Celery

Onion

Carrots

Cream – You could add this towards the end of your cook time for a creamy white chicken chili!

Rosemary – For a more comforting dish

Fresh basil – For that fresh summer time flavor.

Bay leaf

Red chili flakes – If you want to make this even spicer you could add cayenne pepper too!

Jalapeños

Cilantro

Sour cream

Rice or pasta – By adding rice or pasta, that will extend the amount of meals this white chicken chili will make. It will also keep everyone fuller longer by adding a carb.

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Ingredients

Chicken Breasts – I used one pack of the organic chicken breasts from Costco. One pack comes with about three chicken breasts.

Veggie or Chicken Broth – To be completely honest I use whatever I have on hand. If I am using a boxed broth, I typically go for veggie broth. However, adding my homemade bone broth is ideal. It is so good for boosting collagen and healing your gut which is 70% of your immune system! There are so many health benefits when it comes to incorporating bone broth into your diet.

White beans – I go back and forth with using cannellini beans and white northern beans. It doesn’t matter which one you use. The only difference is cannellini beans are thicker than northern beans.

Corn

Salsa verde – Any 16 oz jar of your favorite green salsa will do. However, I recommend making my 5 minute restaurant style salsa and swapping out the red tomatoes with tomatillos!

Water – I recommend adding a little bit of water to dilute the saltiness of the broth and salsa.

How to Make Healthy Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

Place the uncooked chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.

Drain the beans and corn from the cans and add both to the slow cooker.

Add the entire jar of salsa verde next. This flavor packed salsa is the reason why you don’t need anymore spices. So good!

If you’re using a boxed broth, add the entire box of broth to the slow cooker. If you are adding homemade broth, add 32 oz to your slow cooker. I recommend going with a low sodium option.

Finally, add about half a cup of water to dilute the broth and salsa.

Give everything a stir so all the ingredients can be properly seasoned, and set your slow cooker to low for 8 hours, or high for 4 – 6 hours.

Storage – This white chicken chili can be stored in an airtight container for about 3 – 4 days in the refrigerator, or in the freezer for about 3 months.

More Summer Recipes to Try:

The Best Herby Mac n Cheese

Simple No Cook 4th of July Appetizers

How to Make the Easiest Chicken Salad

How to Make the Best Spicy White Bean Dip

If you liked this recipe, I would love it if you came back to give it 5 stars! Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @thejonesfamilytable.

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