Ree Drummond's Slow-Cooker White Chicken Chili
Ree Drummond's Slow-Cooker White Chicken Chili is a medium American (Tex-Mex) recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Food Network on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 9 hrs | Total: 9 hrs 40 min
Cost: $36.30 total, $6.05 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 lb Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless, trimmed)
- 2 tsp Ground Cumin (toasted for extra flavor if desired)
- 2 tsp Ground Coriander
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 0.5 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1.5 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp White Pepper
- 1 large Onion (diced)
- 4 pcs Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 2 pcs Fresh Jalapeños (sliced, unseeded for moderate heat)
- 4 pcs Celery Stalks (chopped)
- 2 pcs Green Bell Peppers (chopped, seeds removed)
- 1 can (4 oz) Roasted Green Chilies (chopped, liquid included)
- 1 lb Great Northern White Beans (soaked overnight, rinsed)
- 4 cup Low Sodium Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- 2 tbsp Masa Harina (for thickening)
- 1 cup Frozen Sweet Corn
- 2 tbsp Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded)
- to taste Sour Cream (for serving)
- to taste Extra Shredded Cheese (for serving)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
- 8 pcs Corn Tortillas (warmed)
Instructions
Prepare Spice Mix
Combine cumin, coriander, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and white pepper in a small bowl.
Time: PT2M
Season Chicken
Sprinkle the spice mix evenly over the chicken breasts, coating all sides.
Time: PT2M
Chop Vegetables
Dice the onion, mince the garlic, slice the jalapeños (leave seeds for heat), chop the celery, and cut the green bell peppers into bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT15M
Assemble in Slow Cooker
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add the chopped vegetables, roasted green chilies (with liquid), soaked and rinsed white beans, and pour in the low‑sodium chicken broth.
Time: PT5M
Slow Cook
Cover and set the slow cooker to LOW for 8 hours.
Time: PT8H
Temperature: Low
Thicken with Milk and Masa
Thirty minutes before the end of cooking, whisk together milk and masa harina until smooth, then stir the mixture into the chili.
Time: PT5M
Add Sweet Corn
Stir in the frozen sweet corn and continue cooking for the remaining 30 minutes.
Time: PT30M
Finish with Chicken, Lime, and Cheese
Remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, return the shredded chicken to the pot, then stir in lime juice and shredded Monterey Jack cheese until melted.
Time: PT5M
Serve
Ladle the chili into bowls. Top with a dollop of sour cream, extra shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, and serve with warmed corn tortillas on the side.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 35g
- Fat
- 10g
- Fiber
- 8g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free (if masa harina is corn‑based), High‑Protein, Dairy
Allergens: Milk, Cheese, Corn
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breasts: Turkey Breast
- Instead of White Pepper: Black Pepper
- Instead of Fresh Jalapeños: Serrano Pepper
- Instead of Green Bell Peppers: Red Bell Pepper
- Instead of Roasted Green Chilies: Anaheim Chilies
- Instead of Great Northern White Beans: Cannellini Beans
- Instead of Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Vegetable Broth
- Instead of Whole Milk: Half-and-Half
- Instead of Masa Harina: Cornstarch (use less)
- Instead of Frozen Sweet Corn: Fresh Corn
- Instead of Lime Juice: Lemon Juice
- Instead of Monterey Jack Cheese: Cheddar
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek Yogurt
- Instead of Corn Tortillas: Flour Tortillas
Equipment Needed
- Slow Cooker
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Can Opener
- Wooden Spoon or Ladle
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Season chicken with the spice mix
- Cook on low for 8 hours without lifting the lid
- Whisk milk and masa harina together before adding to avoid lumps
- Shred the chicken and incorporate lime juice and cheese at the end
Chef Tips from the Video
- Toast the cumin and coriander briefly before grinding for a smoky aroma
- Use fresh lime juice rather than bottled for brighter flavor
- For extra depth, roast the green chilies before chopping
Troubleshooting
Chili is too thin
Stir in an additional tablespoon of masa harina mixed with a little water, then cook 10 more minutes.
Beans are still firm
Continue cooking on low for another 30‑45 minutes or switch to HIGH for 15 minutes, checking for tenderness.
Too salty
Add an extra cup of low‑sodium broth or water and adjust seasoning at the end.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze in portion‑size bags for up to 2 months
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Soak the white beans the night before to save prep time
- Season and sear the chicken breasts ahead, then refrigerate before adding to the slow cooker
- The chili can be fully cooked, shredded, and stored; reheat and add fresh lime and cheese before serving
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of white chicken chili in American (Tex‑Mex) cuisine?
White chicken chili blends traditional Mexican ingredients like chilies and masa with classic American comfort food elements such as chicken and beans, creating a hybrid dish popular in the Southwest. It’s often served at family gatherings and casual gatherings, reflecting the region’s love for hearty, spice‑forward soups.
What are the traditional regional variations of white chicken chili in Tex‑Mex cuisine?
In New Mexico, green chilies and roasted corn are emphasized, while in Texas versions you may find added smoked sausage or a touch of cumin. Some versions substitute pinto beans for Great Northern beans, and others finish with a swirl of sour cream and cilantro.
How is authentic white chicken chili traditionally served in the Southwest United States?
It is typically ladled into deep bowls, topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and served alongside warm corn tortillas or crusty bread. A squeeze of fresh lime juice is often added just before eating to brighten the flavors.
What occasions or celebrations is white chicken chili traditionally associated with in American (Tex‑Mex) culture?
White chicken chili is a popular choice for casual weekend meals, game‑day gatherings, and holiday pot‑lucks because it can be made ahead in a slow cooker and feeds a crowd. It’s also enjoyed during cooler months as a warming comfort dish.
What makes white chicken chili special or unique in Tex‑Mex cuisine?
The use of white beans, masa harina for thickening, and white pepper keeps the dish light‑colored while delivering deep, smoky flavor from cumin, coriander, and green chilies. This combination sets it apart from traditional red chili varieties.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making white chicken chili?
Common errors include over‑seasoning with salt, not soaking the beans long enough, lifting the slow‑cooker lid during the 8‑hour cook (which drops temperature), and adding the milk‑masa mixture too early, which can cause curdling. Follow the timing steps carefully for best results.
Why does this white chicken chili recipe use white pepper instead of black pepper?
White pepper maintains the pale color of the chili, preserving its “white” appearance while still providing peppery heat. Black pepper would speckle the broth with dark flecks, changing the visual appeal.
Can I make white chicken chili ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Cook the chili fully, then let it cool and store in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently and stir in fresh lime juice and cheese just before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making white chicken chili?
The broth should be creamy and slightly thickened by the masa, with visible white beans and tender shredded chicken. The color should remain a pale, ivory hue, speckled only by green chilies and herbs.
How do I know when the white chicken chili is done cooking?
The beans should be fork‑tender, the chicken easily shreds with a fork, and the broth should coat the back of a spoon without running off. A quick taste for seasoning confirms it’s ready.
What does the YouTube channel Food Network specialize in?
The YouTube channel Food Network showcases a wide range of cooking shows, recipes, and culinary techniques from professional chefs and home cooks, focusing on American comfort foods, regional specialties, and modern twists on classic dishes.
How does the YouTube channel Food Network's approach to Tex‑Mex cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Food Network often emphasizes accessible, step‑by‑step tutorials with high‑quality production values, featuring both celebrity chefs and home‑cook contributors. Their Tex‑Mex recipes balance authentic flavors with ingredient substitutions that are easy for a broad U.S. audience to find.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
