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White Chicken Chili In The Crockpot

Last Update: October 29, 2025

There’s something inherently comforting about a big pot of chili on a cold evening—warm, hearty, filled with savory flavor, and easy to let the kitchen appliance do most of the work. This chili takes that idea and adds sweet potatoes for texture and sweetness, plus chicken for protein, to make a one-pot meal that comes together in a slow cooker (or crock-pot) with minimal effort. The recipe begins with chicken breasts, chicken bone broth, sweet potato chunks, onion, green chiles, jalapeño, garlic, and bold spices like cumin, oregano, chili powder and cayenne. After hours in the slow cooker/crock-pot, you stir in coconut cream, ghee (or butter), lime juice and fresh cilantro for depth and finish.

Even though the original is framed for the structured eating plan, at its core this white chicken chili is simply a wholesome, cozy dish you can make ahead and trust. Because it uses whole ingredients—sweet potatoes instead of beans, and no flour or hidden thickeners—it adapts easily into gluten-free menus (just ensure your broth and other packaged items are certified). Whether you prep in the morning and come home to dinner ready, or slow cook it on a weekend and freeze leftovers, this chili proves the crock-pot or slow cooker can be your kitchen hero.


White Chicken Chili

Recipe Details

Yield: 4 servings
Active Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours

White Chicken Chili Ingredients

How to Make White Chicken Chili

  1. Place the chicken in a 4-quart slow cooker. Add the broth, sweet potato, onion, green chiles, jalapeno, garlic, cumin, oregano, chili powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  2. Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 ½ to 3 hours.
  3. Transfer the chicken to a plate; cover to keep warm. Turn the slow cooker to high if using the low setting.
  4. Add the coconut cream, ghee, lime juice, and nutritional yeast (if using) to the slow cooker; stir to combine. Cover and cook for 20 minutes.
  5. Use two forks to shred the chicken. Return the chicken to the slow cooker. Cover and cook for 10 minutes.
  6. Stir in the 1 tablespoon minced cilantro. Serve with the avocado and more cilantro.

White Chicken Chili Nutrition Facts

*Estimated per serving (recipe yields 4 servings). Based strictly on Thrive Market’s ingredient amounts.

Serving Size 1 serving (1/4 of recipe)
Calories ≈ 450 kcal
Protein ≈ 40 g
Carbs ≈ 25 g
Sugar ≈ 5 g
Fiber ≈ 8 g
Fat ≈ 20 g

White Chicken Chili Variations & Tips

  • Protein alternative: Swap boneless chicken breasts for thighs or use shredded rotisserie chicken at the end to cut cook time.
  • Bean-free version: This recipe skips beans—ideal for lower-legume diets or if you just want extra sweet-potato texture.
  • Spice adjustment: Reduce the jalapeño or omit cayenne for milder heat, or add more for a spicier kick.
  • Make on stovetop: If you don’t have a slow cooker/crock-pot, combine ingredients in a large pot, simmer for 45-60 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender, then finish with coconut cream and lime.
  • Freeze-ready: After cooking and cooling, portion into freezer-safe containers for quick reheats later—saves time for another busy day.
  • Garnish smartly: Top with diced avocado, extra cilantro, or a dash of crushed red pepper for freshness and texture at serving.

Best White Chicken Chili Pairings

  • Warm gluten-free cornbread or dinner rolls: Great for sopping up broth and adding comfort on the side.
  • Simple green salad: A crisp salad with lime vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the chili.
  • Sliced jalapeños or hot sauce: Offer on the side so guests can tailor their heat level.
  • Rice or cauliflower rice: Serve chili over steamed rice (or cauliflower rice for lower carb) to ramp up volume.
  • Coleslaw or quick pickled veggies: Adds crunch and a tangy contrast, balancing the warm, spiced chili.

When to Make White Chicken Chili

  • Weeknight dinners: Great for when you want dinner ready when you walk in the door.
  • Game-day or football Sunday: Set the slow cooker/crock-pot and let it simmer while you socialize.
  • Meal-prep Sundays: Make a big batch and portion for lunches or easy reheats later in the week.
  • Cold-weather comfort meals: Ideal when you need warmth, flavor and minimal active time.
  • Casual gatherings with friends: Serve the chili with topping stations and sides—easy to feed a crowd.

Excerpted from The Whole30 Slow Cooker. Copyright © 2018 by Melissa Hartwig Urban. Used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved. Photography by Ghazalle Badiozamani. Whole30 is the legally registered trademark of Thirty & Co. LLC.