25 Easy Dump & GO Crockpot Dinners
25 EASY DUMP & GO CROCKPOT DINNERS is a easy Tex-Mex recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Julia Pacheco on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 7 hrs 30 min | Total: 8 hrs
Cost: $10.90 total, $2.73 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 large Chicken Breast (about 8 oz, skinless)
- 15 oz Cannellini Beans (drained and rinsed)
- 15 oz Great Northern Beans (drained and rinsed)
- 4 oz Diced Green Chilies (drained)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (diced)
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (cubed for easier melting)
- 1 tablespoon Garlic (minced)
- 2 cups Chicken Broth (low‑sodium preferred)
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1.5 teaspoons Cumin (ground)
- 1.5 teaspoons Oregano (dried)
- 1.5 teaspoons Chili Powder (mild or hot, according to preference)
- 1 whole Lime (juiced)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro (chopped, optional garnish)
- ¼ cup Pepper Jack Cheese (shredded, optional topping)
- ¼ cup Sour Cream (optional topping)
Instructions
Prep Ingredients
Dice the yellow onion, cube the cream cheese, mince the garlic, and juice the lime. Set each aside.
Time: PT5M
Add All Ingredients to Slow Cooker
Place the chicken breast, drained cannellini and Great Northern beans, green chilies, diced onion, cream cheese cubes, minced garlic, chicken broth, salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and lime juice into the slow cooker.
Time: PT5M
Slow Cook
Cover and cook on the low setting for 7‑8 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Time: PT7H30M
Temperature: low
Shred the Chicken
Remove the cooked chicken breast to a plate and shred it using two forks or a hand mixer.
Time: PT5M
Incorporate Cream Cheese and Chicken
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and whisk the mixture until the cream cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth.
Time: PT5M
Serve and Garnish
Ladle the chili into bowls and top with chopped cilantro, shredded pepper jack cheese, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 25 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 6 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, High‑Protein
Allergens: Dairy (cream cheese, cheese, sour cream)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast: boneless skinless chicken thighs, turkey breast
- Instead of Cannellini Beans: Great Northern beans, white kidney beans
- Instead of Great Northern Beans: Cannellini beans, navy beans
- Instead of Diced Green Chilies: jalapeño peppers, diced, serrano peppers
- Instead of Yellow Onion: white onion, shallots
- Instead of Cream Cheese: Greek yogurt, silken tofu
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Chicken Broth: vegetable broth, water with bouillon
- Instead of Salt: sea salt, kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Cumin: ground coriander
- Instead of Oregano: Mexican oregano
- Instead of Chili Powder: cayenne pepper (¼ tsp)
- Instead of Lime: lemon juice (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Fresh Cilantro: parsley
- Instead of Pepper Jack Cheese: cheddar cheese
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt
Equipment Needed
- Slow Cooker
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Can Opener
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Forks (for shredding)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Shred the chicken after cooking
- Whisk the cream cheese into the broth until fully incorporated
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use low‑sodium broth to control salt level
- Cube the cream cheese before adding so it melts uniformly
- A splash of extra lime juice at serving brightens the flavor
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thick
Stir in an extra ½‑1 cup of chicken broth until desired consistency is reached
Soup is too thin
Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the chili; cook an additional 10‑15 minutes on low
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for 3‑4 days
Freezer: Freeze in portion‑size bags for up to 3 months
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble all ingredients (except the chicken) in the slow cooker, cover and refrigerate overnight; cook the next day
- The chili freezes well—cool completely before transferring to freezer bags
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of White Chicken Chili in Tex-Mex cuisine?
White Chicken Chili blends traditional Mexican ingredients like chilies and cumin with the creamy texture of American comfort soups, creating a popular Tex‑Mex staple that emerged in the American Southwest during the mid‑20th century.
What are the traditional regional variations of White Chicken Chili in Tex-Mex cuisine?
In Texas, many versions add cream cheese or sour cream for richness, while in New Mexico cooks may incorporate green chilies and a hint of cumin; some recipes also use chicken thighs instead of breast for extra flavor.
What is the authentic traditional way White Chicken Chili is served in Tex-Mex culture?
It is typically served hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream, alongside warm tortillas or crusty bread for dipping.
What occasions or celebrations is White Chicken Chili traditionally associated with in Tex-Mex culture?
White Chicken Chili is a favorite for casual family gatherings, game‑day parties, and cooler weather comfort meals, often featured at holiday pot‑luck spreads in the Southwest.
How does White Chicken Chili fit into the broader Tex-Mex cuisine tradition?
It exemplifies Tex‑Mex’s love for bold spices, beans, and dairy, merging Mexican chilies with American creamy soups to create a hearty, crowd‑pleasing dish that bridges both culinary heritages.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for White Chicken Chili versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include chicken breast, white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), green chilies, cream cheese, and Tex‑Mex spices. Substitutes can be Greek yogurt for cream cheese, turkey breast for chicken, or any white bean variety.
What other Tex-Mex dishes pair well with White Chicken Chili?
Serve it alongside Mexican rice, fresh guacamole, corn tortillas, or a simple avocado‑lime salad for a complete Tex‑Mex meal.
What makes White Chicken Chili special or unique in Tex-Mex cuisine?
The addition of cream cheese creates a velvety, slightly tangy broth that sets it apart from traditional red chilies, offering a comforting yet spicy flavor profile unique to the Southwest.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making White Chicken Chili?
Common errors include overcooking the cream cheese, which can cause a grainy texture, and not shredding the chicken while it’s still warm, making it difficult to pull apart. Also, be sure to drain the beans to avoid excess liquid.
Why does this White Chicken Chili recipe use cream cheese instead of heavy cream?
Cream cheese provides both richness and a slight tang while thickening the broth without the need for a roux, giving the chili its signature silky texture that heavy cream alone wouldn’t achieve.
Can I make White Chicken Chili ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes—prepare the chili up to the shredding step, let it cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making White Chicken Chili?
The broth should be creamy and slightly thick, with visible white beans and green chilies. The chicken should be tender and easily shredded, and the soup should have a pale ivory color with specks of green from the chilies.
How do I know when White Chicken Chili is done cooking?
The chicken will reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and will pull apart easily with a fork. The beans should be tender and the broth should coat the back of a spoon without running off too quickly.
What does the YouTube channel Julia Pacheco specialize in?
The YouTube channel Julia Pacheco specializes in easy, affordable, family‑friendly slow‑cooker meals and meal‑prep ideas, often sharing batch‑cook recipes that can be frozen for later use.
What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Julia Pacheco?
Julia Pacheco focuses on simple, time‑saving techniques, using everyday pantry ingredients and minimal equipment to create comforting, wholesome dishes that fit busy lifestyles and budget‑conscious cooking.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
