A hearty and flavorful slow-cooked Crockpot Mediterranean White Chicken Chili packed with tender chicken, white beans, zesty spices, and bright Mediterranean flair. Perfect for cozy dinners, this dish offers a delicious blend of cumin, smoked paprika, and lime, with optional feta cheese for a tangy finish.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Instructions:
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add the white beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, corn, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper on top of the chicken.
- Stir gently to ensure all ingredients are well combined and the chicken is fully covered.
- Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir well to blend with the chili.
- Add the lime juice and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese, if desired.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option:
Swap the chicken with diced tofu or hearty vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant. Increase the spices slightly to balance out the flavor without the chicken. - Creamy Mediterranean Chili:
Stir in 1/2 cup of cream cheese or Greek yogurt during the final 30 minutes of cooking to create a creamier texture. This variation also adds a bit of tanginess that pairs well with the Mediterranean spices. - Spicy Mediterranean Twist:
For those who love heat, add a chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper at the start, or stir in a few dashes of hot sauce before serving. This will give the dish an extra kick while keeping the Mediterranean flavors intact.
Cooking Notes
- For extra creaminess, you can add 1/4 cup of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream in the final 30 minutes of cooking.
- Substitute fresh cilantro for parsley if you prefer a more traditional chili flavor.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time; just reduce the cooking time and add shredded chicken during the last hour.
Serving Suggestions
- With Crusty Bread:
Serve the chili with slices of warm, crusty bread or toasted pita. The bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth, making each bite even more satisfying. - Topped with Fresh Toppings:
Offer a variety of toppings like diced avocado, extra crumbled feta cheese, or sliced black olives. These toppings enhance the Mediterranean theme and add more layers of flavor. - Over Rice or Quinoa:
To turn the chili into a more filling meal, serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or nutty quinoa. The grains will absorb the rich broth, creating a hearty and satisfying dish.
Tips
- Use Fresh Spices:
For the best flavor, make sure your spices are fresh. Ground cumin and smoked paprika lose their potency over time, so check that they are aromatic before using. - Pre-Chop Ingredients:
To save time in the morning, chop the onion and mince the garlic the night before. Store them in the fridge in airtight containers so you can quickly assemble everything in the crockpot. - Add Lime Juice Last:
Always add the lime juice at the end of cooking to preserve its bright, zesty flavor. Adding it too early can cause the citrus flavor to diminish during the long cooking process.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6-7 hours
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of beans instead of white beans?
Yes, you can substitute white beans with chickpeas, cannellini beans, or even black beans. Keep in mind that different beans may slightly alter the flavor and texture, but they will still be delicious. - Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! This chili freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. - Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Simply shred the cooked chicken and add it during the last hour of cooking to warm it through without overcooking. - How can I make this chili dairy-free?
To make the chili dairy-free, skip the feta cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Ensure your toppings, such as sour cream, are also dairy-free.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Mediterranean White Chicken Chili is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for busy days. The slow-cooked combination of tender chicken, hearty beans, and vibrant Mediterranean spices makes it a satisfying meal for the whole family. Whether you serve it with warm bread or a bowl of rice, this chili is sure to be a hit. Enjoy experimenting with the variations, and don’t forget to share your favorite toppings!
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Crockpot Mediterranean White Chicken Chili
- Total Time: 6-7 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and flavorful slow-cooked Crockpot Mediterranean White Chicken Chili packed with tender chicken, white beans, zesty spices, and bright Mediterranean flair. Perfect for cozy dinners, this dish offers a delicious blend of cumin, smoked paprika, and lime, with optional feta cheese for a tangy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add the white beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, corn, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper on top of the chicken.
- Stir gently to ensure all ingredients are well combined and the chicken is fully covered.
- Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir well to blend with the chili.
- Add the lime juice and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese, if desired.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, you can add 1/4 cup of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream in the final 30 minutes of cooking.
- Substitute fresh cilantro for parsley if you prefer a more traditional chili flavor.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time; just reduce the cooking time and add shredded chicken during the last hour.
- If you like it spicy, add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Mediterranean White Chicken Chili, Crockpot Chicken Chili, Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chili