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Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Mac

My White Chicken Chili Recipe is hearty, packed with chicken, beans and vegetables that make for the perfect dinner! This Slow Cooker Chili Mac is flavor packed and makes a delicious meal for your family.

White Chicken Chili Recipe

Have you had white chicken chili before? It’s got all of the same great chili flavors but it is not red like traditional chili. There’s no chili powder or tomatoes which makes your chili that deep red color. What you will find is lots of vegetables, chicken, cumin, spices, lime, cilantro and diced avocado on top. This was such a favorite family dinner. It makes the best leftovers to. Every time I use my crock pot I wonder why I don’t use it more often! It’s so great to use in the summer so you don’t have to turn on the oven. Break out your crock pot and enjoy!!

Try my Perfect Weeknight Chili Recipe too! Follow Picky Palate on Instagram for daily recipe inspiration.

What You’ll Need

Let’s take a look the ingredients you’ll need to make White Chicken Chili Mac. See bottom of post’s recipe card for full instructions.

More Ingredients For White Chicken Chili Recipe

How To Make White Chicken Chili

  1. Saute and Cook. Heat oil in a large dutch oven over medium heat. Saute onions and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in Anaheim peppers, zucchini, green bell peppers, chicken and beans. Saute for 10 minutes, stirring often.

What Is White Chili?

White Chili is basically chili that is made with white beans, chicken, mild peppers without the traditional chili powder and tomato base. It can be made creamy as well by adding sour cream or heavy cream to the broth.

2. Transfer To Crockpot. Transfer to a large crock pot over high heat. Add broth, Ranch seasoning, lime juice, cumin, garlic salt, salt, pepper and pasta.

What Type Of Slow Cooker Should I Use?

For soups and chili recipes use a slow cooker that is at least 5 quarts. You’ll find slow cookers of many price points. Take a look online to see your options. It doesn’t have to be a fancy or expensive slow cooker to make great food. I have a number of crock pot/slow cookers of low end and high end. They both work just fine. The more expensive slow cookers will have more heating options which can be convenient, but it’s definitely not necessary if you just need a basic slow cooker. Check Walmart and Target, they’ll have a number available. The KitchenAid Slow Cooker is a great choice for a higher end option.

Can I Use Other Beans In This Chili Recipe?

Since this is a white chicken chili, I use Cannellini beans that keep the traditional “white” chili. You can use other beans such as black, pinto, and kidney beans, but they’re not traditionally used in a white chili.

3. Add Pasta. Add your dry pasta to slow cooker. It will cook right inside the broth. I used a small shell pasta for my chili mac today, but small elbow pasta or even the spiral rotini works great too. Note, you can also leave out the pasta if you want just a regular slow cooker chili.

4. Slow Cook. Close lid and close for 2 hours, until pasta is al dente.

5. Add Cilantro. Add chopped fresh cilantro shortly before serving chili. It adds the perfect freshness to each bowl of chili.

How To Choose a Ripe Avocado at the Store?

If gently press the avocado and it feels just slightly soft, you’ll know it’s ripe and ready-to-eat. Ripe, ready to eat avocados may have a darker color but color can vary so it is best to go by feel as well as color. It will feel lightly soft but it will not feel “mushy” to the touch. Carefully slice the avocado in half, remove the center pit and dice the avocado to add to each bowl of chili.

How To Serve

Serve each bowl of hot chili topped with diced avocado and a pinch of cilantro if desired. It’s also great with a dollop of sour cream and your favorite hot sauce. Shredded cheese and green onion are delicious on top too. Try serving with my Fluffy Mexican Cornbread Recipe too.

How To Store Leftovers

Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat as needed in a heat proof bowl in the microwave, covered in 60 second intervals until hot.

Freezing Instructions

Store cooled chili in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before re-heating.

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Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Mac

This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Mac is packed with flavor and always a hit with the whole family!
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 163kcal
Author: Jenny
Cost: $25
Print Pin Rate

Equipment

  • Stove
  • Dutch Oven or large pot
  • Crock Pot / Slow Cooker
  • cutting board
  • chef knife
  • measuring spoons
  • measuring cups

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1 diced Anaheim Pepper
  • 2 cups sliced zucchini
  • 3/4 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
  • Three 15 ounce cans white beans, Cannellini
  • 64 ounces reduced sodium chicken broth
  • 1 ounce package Ranch seasoning mix
  • 3 limes juiced
  • 1/4 cup ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 cups small dry pasta
  • 1/2 cup fresh chopped cilantro
  • 1 avocado diced

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a large dutch oven over medium heat. Saute onions and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in Anaheim peppers, zucchini, green bell peppers, chicken and beans. Saute for 10 minutes, stirring often.
  • Transfer to a large crock pot over high heat. Add broth, Ranch seasoning, lime juice, cumin, garlic salt, salt, pepper and pasta. Close lid and let cook for 2 hours on high. Reduce heat to low or warm. Right before serving stir in cilantro and top each individual bowl with diced avocado.

Nutrition

Calories: 163kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 423mg | Potassium: 359mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 154IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg
Keywords: chili mac, easy white chicken chili, slow cooker white chicken chili, white chicken chili, white chicken chili recipe