Chicken · Crockpot adaptation

Crockpot White Chicken Chili

Natasha poaches chicken breasts right in the chilli base, then shreds them and stirs in cubed cream cheese for that signature creamy texture. A splash of lime juice at the end cuts through the richness. Adapted here so the chicken poaches low and slow in the crockpot instead of on the hob.

R By Richard · Adapted from Natashas Kitchen · Published 23 July 2026
👁 607.8k source views ❤️ 13.9k source likes
⏱Prep 15 min
🍲Crockpot 4.5 hr (Low) / 2.75 hr (High)
🍽Serves 6
Easy White Chicken Chili (Hob Recipe)

Source video by Natashas Kitchen on YouTube. This recipe was adapted with strict source-fidelity rules.

The original poaches chicken breasts directly in the chilli base on the hob until they shred easily, then finishes with cubed cream cheese for a creamy texture and a squeeze of lime for brightness. Adapted for the crockpot, the chicken poaches low and slow instead, then gets shredded and stirred back in once the cream cheese has melted through.

Crockpot notes: Original poaches the chicken breasts directly in the chilli base on the hob for 20-25 minutes. Adapted for the crockpot by poaching low and slow instead (Low 4-5 hours or High 2.5-3 hours), a reasonable conversion of the stated hob simmer time since the method (submerge chicken in seasoned broth until it shreds) transfers directly.

Ingredients

Main
  • 15 mlolive oil
  • 1 oniononion, finely diced
  • 475 mlchicken broth
  • 850 g (2 cans)white beans (cannellini and/or great northern), drained and rinsed
  • 425 g (1 can)sweetcorn, drained
  • 280 g (1 can)Rotel diced tomatoes and green chillies, with juice
  • 2 breastschicken breasts, halved if very large, so they submerge and cook evenly
Seasoning
  • 2.5 gchilli powder
  • 1 tspground cumin
  • 1 tspsalt (add late)
  • 1 packetranch dressing or dip seasoning mix
Finishing
  • 225 gcream cheese, cut into cubes (add late)
  • 15 mlfresh lime juice (add late)
To serve
  • shredded Monterey Jack (or cheese of choice) (add late)
  • avocado, diced or sliced (add late)
  • fresh coriander, chopped (add late)
  • sour cream and tortilla chips (add late)

Method

  1. Add the diced onion, chicken broth, drained white beans, drained corn and Rotel tomatoes (with juice) to the crockpot.

    ~5 min

  2. Stir in the ranch seasoning packet, chilli powder, cumin and salt.

    ~2 min

  3. Add the chicken breasts, tucking them down so they're fully submerged in the liquid.

    ~2 min

  4. Cover and cook on Low for 4 to 5 hours, or High for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.

    ~270 min

  5. Remove the chicken to a plate and shred with two forks.

    ~5 min

  6. Add the cubed cream cheese to the pot and stir well. Let it sit, lid on, for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully melted and smooth.

    ~15 min

  7. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the lime juice and adjust the salt to taste.

    ~3 min

  8. Serve topped with shredded cheese, avocado, fresh coriander and sour cream, with tortilla chips on the side.

Frequently asked

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Yes, per the channel. Use pre-cooked shredded rotisserie or leftover chicken and add it in near the end of cooking, just to heat through, rather than poaching it from raw for hours.
How do I make it spicier or milder?
This version uses half a teaspoon of chilli powder for a mild, kid-friendly chilli. The channel's written recipe allows up to a full teaspoon (or more) if you want more heat.
Why add cream cheese at the end?
It's what gives this chilli its signature creamy texture. Cutting it into cubes first helps it melt in fully rather than clumping.
Does this reheat well?
Yes, per the channel, on the hob or in the microwave. If microwaving, cover it first so it doesn't splatter, and expect it to thicken further as it cools, so add a splash of broth if reheated leftovers look too thick.
Extraction notes (transparency): The written recipe card lists 1 tsp chilli powder as the default with a note to use 1/2 tsp for a milder version; the spoken video says she used half a teaspoon specifically to keep it mild for her kids. Used the spoken half-teaspoon amount, noted the fuller-heat option. Crockpot cook times are an editorial conversion of the stated hob timing, not filmed in a crockpot.