This is White Chicken Chili, you’re gonna love it
This is White Chicken Chili, you’re gonna love it! is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Justin Holmes on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 5 hrs 15 min | Total: 5 hrs 50 min
Cost: $18.45 total, $3.08 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless, cut into bite‑size pieces)
- 1 packet Ranch Seasoning Packet (store‑bought ranch dressing mix)
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder (replaces fresh onion)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin (to taste)
- 1 can White Beans (15 oz, drained)
- 1 can Black Beans (15 oz, rinsed and drained)
- 1 can Petite Diced Tomatoes (28 oz, undrained)
- 1 bag Frozen Corn (12 oz, thawed)
- 1 can Diced Green Chilies (4 oz, undrained)
- 4 cups Chicken Stock (low‑sodium)
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened, cut into cubes)
- 16 oz Velveeta Cheese (cut into cubes)
- 1 cup Tortilla Strips (optional, for topping)
- 0.5 cup Sour Cream (optional, for topping)
- 0.5 cup Guacamole (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Open and drain the white beans, rinse and drain the black beans, and set the canned tomatoes, corn, and green chilies aside. Cut the chicken breasts into bite‑size pieces. Measure ranch packet, onion powder, cumin, and chicken stock.
Time: PT15M
Load the Crock‑Pot
Add the chicken pieces, ranch seasoning packet, onion powder, cumin, white beans, black beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), corn, green chilies, and chicken stock into the crock‑pot. Stir gently to combine.
Time: PT5M
Slow Cook
Cover the crock‑pot and set it to LOW. Cook for 4–6 hours (5 hours is ideal) until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Time: PT5H
Add Cream Cheese
Break the softened cream cheese into the hot chili and stir until it begins to melt and form a smooth texture.
Time: PT5M
Melt Velveeta
Add the cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir slowly until the cheese is fully melted and the chili becomes creamy.
Time: PT10M
Shred the Chicken
Using two forks (or a hand mixer), shred the chicken pieces directly in the pot so the meat absorbs the sauce.
Time: PT5M
Serve and Garnish
Ladle the chili into bowls. Top with tortilla strips, sour cream, guacamole, and a squeeze of lime if desired.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 25 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 7 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free (if using gluten‑free stock), High‑Protein, Dairy
Allergens: Dairy, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Turkey breast, Rotisserie chicken (shredded)
- Instead of Ranch Seasoning Packet: Homemade ranch seasoning
- Instead of Onion Powder: Fresh minced onion
- Instead of Ground Cumin: Chili powder
- Instead of White Beans: Great northern beans, Cannellini beans
- Instead of Black Beans: Kidney beans
- Instead of Petite Diced Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes
- Instead of Frozen Corn: Canned corn
- Instead of Diced Green Chilies: Fresh jalapeño, minced
- Instead of Chicken Stock: Vegetable broth, Water with bouillon cube
- Instead of Cream Cheese: Neufchatel cheese
- Instead of Velveeta Cheese: Cheddar cheese, American cheese
- Instead of Tortilla Strips: Crushed tortilla chips
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt
- Instead of Guacamole: Sliced avocado
Equipment Needed
- Crock‑Pot (Slow Cooker)
- Large Spoon or Tongs
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Can Opener
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Mixing Bowl (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Ensuring the cream cheese and Velveeta melt fully without scorching.
- Cooking the chili low for at least 4 hours to fully tenderize the chicken.
- Shredding the chicken while still hot so it absorbs the sauce.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use low‑sodium chicken stock to control salt level.
- Add a splash of fresh lime juice just before serving for brightness.
- Top with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
Troubleshooting
Chili is too thick.
Stir in additional chicken stock or water, ¼ cup at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Chili is watery.
Remove the lid and let it simmer on HIGH for 15‑20 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
Cheese isn’t melting smoothly.
Increase the temperature to HIGH briefly and stir continuously; ensure cheese is cut into small cubes.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portion‑size bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; refrigerate promptly after cooling.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare and measure all ingredients the night before; store in the fridge and add to the crock‑pot in the morning.
- The chili freezes well; make a double batch and freeze half for later meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of chicken chili in American comfort food cuisine?
Chicken chili is a modern twist on classic Texas‑style chili, offering a lighter protein alternative to beef. It became popular in home kitchens as a quick, one‑pot meal that blends Mexican flavors with American convenience, often served at family gatherings and casual potlucks.
What are the traditional regional variations of chicken chili in the United States?
In the Southwest, chicken chili often includes green chilies, corn, and cumin, while in the Midwest you may find it with beans and a tomato‑based broth. Some Southern versions add smoked sausage or barbecue sauce for extra depth.
How is chicken chili traditionally served in American households?
It is typically ladled into bowls and topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, and tortilla chips or strips. Many families also serve it with cornbread, rice, or warm tortillas on the side.
What occasions or celebrations is chicken chili traditionally associated with in American culture?
Chicken chili is a go‑to dish for game‑day gatherings, casual family dinners, and potluck parties because it can be made ahead and kept warm in a slow cooker for hours.
What makes this Slow Cooker Chicken Chili special or unique in American cuisine?
The use of ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and Velveeta creates a creamy, tangy base that sets it apart from traditional tomato‑only chilies, delivering a comforting texture that appeals to both kids and adults.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Slow Cooker Chicken Chili?
Common errors include over‑cooking the chicken on High, which can make it dry, and adding the cream cheese too early, which may cause it to clump. Also, not seasoning enough after the cheese melts can leave the chili bland.
Why does this recipe use cream cheese and Velveeta instead of just shredded cheese?
Cream cheese and Velveeta melt smoothly at low temperatures, creating a thick, velvety sauce without curdling. Shredded cheese can separate in a slow cooker, especially over long cooking times.
Can I make this Slow Cooker Chicken Chili ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Prepare the chili up to the cheese‑melting step, refrigerate overnight, and finish the cheese melt and shredding before serving. It also freezes well; thaw in the fridge and reheat on Low before adding cheese.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the cheese is fully melted in the chili?
The chili should have a creamy, glossy surface with no visible cheese lumps. The sauce will coat the beans and chicken evenly, giving a uniform light‑orange hue from the tomatoes and cheese.
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking in the Slow Cooker Chicken Chili?
The chicken should be tender enough to shred easily with two forks and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
What does the YouTube channel Justin Holmes specialize in?
The YouTube channel Justin Holmes focuses on quick, family‑friendly meals using everyday pantry ingredients, often featuring slow‑cooker and one‑pot recipes that fit busy lifestyles.
How does the YouTube channel Justin Holmes' approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Justin Holmes emphasizes humor, real‑life kitchen mishaps, and minimal prep, encouraging viewers to use shortcuts like seasoning packets and pre‑shredded cheese while still delivering flavorful, hearty dishes.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
