High-Protein Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe: 5 Steps

After a day of hauling gear or hiking steep grade, your body craves two things: warmth and repair. This High-Protein Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili recipe delivers both in a single Dutch oven. Unlike traditional beef chili, which can sit heavy in the stomach, this white version is lighter but incredibly nutrient-dense, relying on lean poultry and white beans to refuel your muscles. I simmered this High-Protein Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili recipe over a bed of coals in the Sierra Nevada, and the aroma of cumin and green chilies was enough to wake up the entire camp.

Why This High-Protein Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe Works

The secret to this chili is the “double thickening” method. Most white chilis are either too watery or overly reliant on heavy cream. Here, we puree a portion of the white beans and stir them back in, creating a naturally creamy base without the need for excessive dairy. This keeps the protein count high and the fat manageable. The slow simmer allows the chicken breasts to shred effortlessly, absorbing the zesty broth rather than drying out.

Ingredients for High-Protein Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, high-quality protein. Thighs work too, but breasts keep it lighter.
• Cannellini Beans: Or Great Northern Beans. These are the creamy engine of the dish.
• Green Chilies: Canned mild chilies add tang without overwhelming heat.
• Chicken Broth: Low sodium allows you to control the seasoning.
• Greek Yogurt: A stirred-in finish that boosts protein and adds tang (instead of sour cream).
• Cumin & Oregano: The backbone spices of white chili.
• Onion & Garlic: Essential aromatics.
• Corn: Frozen or canned, for a pop of sweetness and texture.

Note: Beans are a powerhouse. Check the protein content of white beans to see why they are the perfect partner for chicken in this recovery meal.

How to Cook High-Protein Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe Step-by-Step

The Base Layer

Place your heavy Dutch oven over the fire (or plug in your slow cooker). Sauté the onions and garlic in a little oil until soft. This step builds a flavor foundation that dumping raw onions in cannot match. Add the chicken breasts whole, sitting them on top of the vegetables.

The Dump & Simmer

Pour in the beans (drained), green chilies, corn, spices, and chicken broth. Ensure the chicken is submerged. Cover the pot. If using a Dutch oven, maintain a low, steady heat with coals on the lid. Simmer for 45-60 minutes until the chicken shreds easily. If using an electric slow cooker for this High-Protein Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili recipe, set it to High for 3 hours or Low for 6 hours.

The Shred & Thicken

Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Before returning it to the pot, smash about one cup of the beans against the side of the pot (or use a potato masher) to thicken the broth. Stir the chicken back in.

The Creamy Finish

Just before serving, stir in the Greek yogurt. Do not boil the chili once the yogurt is in, or it might curdle. This adds that final luxurious texture to your High-Protein Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili recipe.

Expert Tips for High-Protein Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Breasts: Lean chicken gets stringy if cooked too long. Check it at the 45-minute mark (Dutch oven) or 3-hour mark (Slow Cooker).
• Spice Bloom: If you have time, toast the cumin in the pot with the onions for 30 seconds before adding the liquid. It wakes up the oils in the spice.
• Toppings Matter: Avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime aren’t just garnishes; they provide the acid and fat balance this lean stew needs.

Serving & Storing High-Protein Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

Ladle into deep mugs and top with crushed tortilla chips. This chili freezes exceptionally well. I often make a double batch at home, freeze it flat in bags, and throw it in the camp cooler to act as an ice block before reheating it for an instant dinner.

High-Protein Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe FAQ

High-Protein Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

A muscle-building bowl of comfort. This High-Protein Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili recipe combines lean chicken, creamy white beans, and zesty green chilies.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Campfire

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs Chicken breasts boneless skinless
• 2 cans 15 oz Cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can 4 oz Diced green chilies
• 1 can 15 oz Corn, drained
• 1 Onion chopped
• 4 cups Chicken broth
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 1 tsp Oregano
• 1/2 tsp Chili powder
• 1 cup Greek yogurt plain
• Salt and pepper

Equipment

• Dutch Oven or Slow Cooker, Potato Masher

Method

 

1. Sauté onion and garlic in pot until soft.
2. Add chicken breasts, beans, chilies, corn, broth, and spices.
3. Cover and simmer (Dutch Oven: 1 hr / Slow Cooker: 3-4 hrs High) until chicken is tender.
4. Remove chicken and shred with forks.
5. Mash 1 cup of beans in the pot to thicken broth.
6. Return shredded chicken to pot.
7. Remove from heat and stir in Greek yogurt.
8. Serve hot with lime and cilantro.

Notes

Yogurt: Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the best texture and less risk of curdling.

Thinner Chili: If you prefer a soupier consistency, add an extra cup of broth.