Published: Apr 18, 2019 · Modified: Mar 4, 2022 · By Susan

Slow Cooker Bean Free Chicken Chili

Slow cooker bean-free chicken chili is a delicious and easy dish that is worthy of a spot on your regular dinner rotation. All the goodness of chili, just without the beans. This flavorful dish, made with chicken breasts, salsa verde, creamed corn, and spices will disappear about as quickly as you can make it.

finished bowl of bean free chicken chili topped with fresh cilantro — Great to serve with a variety of garnishes

Have I mentioned that I don't really like red meat? And that Mr. Wonderful doesn't do dairy? And that Number Three doesn't eat beans? To say that making one dinner for everyone can be a challenge is an understatement.

When this healthy white chicken chili recipe entered our world it was a game-changer. It is a crowd pleaser that is filling, and versatile. I have been known to freeze the leftovers and then repurpose them as either taco or enchilada filling.

A finished bowl of chili topped with cheese

To make everyone happy from the same slow cooker, I developed a few different bean-free slow cooker delicious chili recipes. I alternate between this recipe, bean-free traditional chili, and my turkey chili made with edamame (healthy comfort food!).

Shopping list

Jump to Recipe Card For Exact Quantities

To make this easy slow cooker recipe you will need:

Chicken - breasts or thighs would both work, we prefer breasts
Onion - chopped. I use frozen, pre-chopped
Creamed corn - I use canned
Green chilis - chopped. I used canned
Salsa Verde
Garlic - minced
Cumin
Chili powder
Cilantro - fresh chopped, if possible
Chicken broth
Lime juice
Salt and pepper - to taste

Method

For this easy white chili recipe, place chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Next, add in all the rest of the healthy ingredients. Cover and cook for 4-6 hours or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165º F on a meat thermometer.

thermometer in chicken that is in slow cooker showing that the proper temperature has been reached

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove breasts and shred. Return breasts to slow cooker and stir to fully combine. Keep on warm until ready to serve.

Serving suggestions

My favorite way to eat this dish is to scoop loads of it onto tortilla chips - almost like a dip. In fact, it makes a great topping for loaded nachos. However, this slow cooker white chili is great eaten with a fork too!

We love it topped with some shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Sliced green onions, chopped green chilies, chopped fresh jalapenos, and Monterey jack cheese are also favorite toppings.

A close up of a bowl of finished chili topped with sour cream

It is perfect served alongside some white rice, brown rice, or riced cauliflower. A side of sweet corn spoonbread is always a perfect addition.

Storing leftovers

Leftover white bean chicken chili can be stored in an airtight container. I like to store in smaller, individual serving size containers for easy reheat-and-eat meals.

This easy dinner will last about 3 days in the refrigerator and several months in the freezer.

a close up shot of finished bean free chili

Hints & hacks

You can turn easily turn this dish into a creamy white chicken chili. Adding coconut milk(to keep it dairy free) or heavy cream will do the trick. Adding a block of cream cheese is also a delicious option.
To thicken chili without adding anything, cook with the lid off for the last hour or so.
Use a meat thermometer for confirmation that chicken is safe to eat. According to the FDA, chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F
Slow cooker liners are an optional but helpful hack whenever using a crockpot. They allow you to cook with little to no cleanup. I like to buy mine in bulk for a better per-piece price.
In the market for a new slow cooker? Here is my current favorite model.

So glad you asked!

I like my chili spicy. How can I spice it up?

Looking to spice up this easy recipe? Swap out half of the diced chili peppers for a can of diced jalapenos. Hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or a dash of cayenne pepper can also be used to spice up individual servings.

I don't have any fresh cilantro, is that ok?

I love using fresh cilantro. The smell alone is wonderful. However, you can substitute dried and still have a delicious dish. Similarly, minced fresh garlic can be swapped out for garlic powder.

I am always short on time. Can I prepare this in advance?

Slow cooker chicken chili is a great meal prep dish. All ingredients can be added together in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

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