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Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Chili with White Beans

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A hearty, lighter chicken chili made with creamy cannellini beans and smoky spices in a slow cooker. It’s a weeknight lifesaver that is easy to prepare, freezer-friendly, and perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder blend
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 dried bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

Instructions

  1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker.
  2. Sprinkle diced onion and minced garlic over the chicken.
  3. Pour in chicken broth, diced green chiles (with juice), and drained cannellini beans.
  4. Add cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Mix to distribute spices evenly.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours (or high for 3-4 hours).
  6. Remove chicken breasts and discard bay leaf. Check that chicken reaches 165°F.
  7. Shred chicken using two forks and return to the slow cooker.
  8. Optional: Thicken chili by cooking uncovered on high for 30 minutes or stirring in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) and cooking for 10 minutes.
  9. Stir in lime juice. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
  10. Ladle into bowls and top with cheese and cilantro.

Notes

Rinse beans thoroughly to remove metallic taste. For a creamier texture, mash half the beans against the side of the pot. If using chicken thighs, adjust cooking time slightly as they are juicier. Ensure chili powder and broth are certified gluten-free if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, chicken chili, white beans, cannellini beans, easy dinner, meal prep, comfort food, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/easy-slow-cooker-chicken-chili-with-white-beans/