There’s something about the slow cooker that makes weeknight dinners feel a little less hectic, especially when it delivers a meal as rich and soothing as this white chicken chili. The aroma fills the kitchen hours before you even sit down to eat, a warm invitation amid the usual chaos. I remember one evening, distracted by a pile of emails and half-watched TV, I nearly forgot to shred the chicken before serving. It was a small oops that didn’t matter much because the chili was that good—creamy, with just the right touch of spice and that unexpected tang from the Greek yogurt that somehow makes it feel lighter and more satisfying.
Why You’ll Love It:
- The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, freeing you up for everything else on your plate.
- Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein without the heaviness of sour cream or cheese alone.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps or fancy ingredients.
- The blend of spices gives it a gentle heat that’s cozy rather than overpowering.
- Leftovers reheat well, but keep the yogurt fresh for best texture and flavor.
If you’re unsure about slow cooking, don’t worry—this recipe is forgiving. It’s just about layering flavors and letting time do its magic.
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Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili with Greek Yogurt
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A creamy and comforting slow cooker white chicken chili made with tender chicken, white beans, green chilies, and a touch of Greek yogurt for added creaminess and protein. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 (15-ounce) cans great northern beans, drained and rinsed
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add the great northern beans, diced green chilies, chopped onion, and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
Pour in the chicken broth.
Sprinkle the ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt evenly over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
Stir in the plain Greek yogurt until fully incorporated and creamy.
Ladle the chili into bowls and top each serving with shredded Monterey Jack cheese and chopped fresh cilantro.
Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
Kitchen Notes:
I usually just use whatever slow cooker I have on hand; no need for anything fancy. When serving, I like topping bowls with a little extra shredded cheese and fresh cilantro—it brightens things up. Sometimes I swap out the Monterey Jack for a sharper cheddar, which adds a slightly different kick. If you want it milder, you can ease up on the cayenne or skip it entirely—though I think it’s worth the tiny bit of heat. For a bit of crunch, tortilla chips on the side can’t be beat. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a squeeze of lime right before eating adds a fresh zing.
FAQ:
Can I make this without a slow cooker? Sure, it can be done on the stove but you’ll need to simmer it low and slow for a couple of hours to get the same tenderness.
Is the Greek yogurt necessary? It really makes the chili creamy and adds protein, but if you don’t have it, sour cream could work as a substitute—just add it at the end.
Can I freeze leftovers? It’s best to freeze without the yogurt and stir in fresh yogurt when reheating.
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili with Greek Yogurt is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a busy night. It’s cozy, creamy, and just the kind of comfort food that invites you to slow down and savor each bite. Give it a try—you might find yourself reaching for the slow cooker more often than you expected.