Crockpot white bean chicken chili is an easy meal that’s great for busy weeks!
How was your weekend? We had a super crazy weekend over here. Darryl’s birthday was Saturday, and we had his parents over, then I had a gig Saturday night, then on Sunday I had a bridal shower to go to, plus we made a trip to IKEA.
All of that means that I am tired out today! (IKEA does it to me every time!) Plus that busy weekend was the start of a very busy month for me – I have a lot of gigs coming up, we have activities for the boys planned, plus just the general craziness that this time of year brings – parties, Mother’s Day, etc.
I decided to give myself a break and use the crockpot this weekend, and I was so glad that I did. I adjusted my favorite white bean chicken chili recipe a little bit and threw it in the crockpot, and it was a really easy lunch for us on Saturday.
You could definitely make a vegan version of this crockpot white bean chicken chili by using more beans and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. We like an all-bean version of this chili, too. If I am leaving the chicken out, I like to add more of the garbanzo beans because they are heartier.
Crockpot White Bean Chicken Chili.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1.5 pounds chicken breasts cut into small pieces
- 30 ounces cannellini beans drained and rinsed
- 30 ounces garbanzo beans drained and rinsed
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup salsa verde
- 2 Tablespoons cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 3 Tablespoons water
- cilantro and avocado for toppings
Instructions
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Place the olive oil and chopped onion in the crock pot.
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Add the chicken, spices, drained and rinsed beans, salsa verde, and chicken broth. Place the cover on the crock pot.
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Cook for 4 hours on high heat, or 6-8 hours on low heat.
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Just before serving, combine the cornstarch or arrowroot powder and the water in a small container with a lid. Shake well. Drizzle the mixture into the crock pot and stir. Place the cover back on and let it cook for a few minutes so that the chili thickens up.
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Serve chili topped with chopped avocado and fresh cilantro.
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*To Freeze: Place all ingredients except broth and cornstarch in a gallon size freezer bag.
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Thaw completely in the refrigerator, then place in the crockpot, add the chicken broth, and follow the cooking instructions above.
This crockpot white bean chicken chili is:
- perfect for busy weeks
- dairy free and allergy friendly
- hearty and healthy, with lots of fiber
Did you have a crazy weekend? Are you still using the crockpot even though the weather is warming up?
This was delicious! I ate it with gluten free tortilla chips. Perfect for a cold January afternoon.
I’m looking forward to making this!! I had a recipe but it was not exactly healthy.
Great meal for a crowd!
Looks so warm and comforting! Can’t wait to try!
does the chicken need to be cooked before going in the slow cooker?
Nope, raw chicken is what you need.
When do you add the chicken and spices? I assume with the broth and all those ingredients?
Yes, just add them along with the beans and everything. I don’t know why that wasn’t up there, thanks for catching it! I corrected it. :)
Looks good! Where do you get the salsa verde? What kind do you use? Thanks!
I just use the jarred kind from the store. The Herdez brand is available at most grocery stores.
Love the idea of adding in chickpeas!
White chicken chili is seriously my ultimate comfort food! I love that this cooks itself entirely in the crockpot and I can just imagine how amazing it makes your house smell!
Going to Ikea is ALWAYS an adventure for me. I need the rest of the day just to recover. We’re so along the same lines with crockpot meals. I just made a beef stew yesterday! Saving this for later!
Ooh, beef stew sounds good!
Ikea is the best! It sucks me in every time! :) This chili looks fantastic! Love that it’s made in the crock pot!
Sounds like a fun and productive weekend – double win! I love IKEA – I super dooper need to go there and get a new bed frame, coffee table, rugs, etc etc etc!! Love that place.
I’ve been meaning to make white chicken chili for aaaaaages, and this recipe looks fantastic! I’m always a fan of crockpot meals – thanks for the inspiration!