Crockpot Mediterranean White Chicken Chili
This Crockpot Mediterranean White Chicken Chili brings a refreshing twist to the traditional chili. Combining tender chicken, creamy beans, and Mediterranean flavors like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese, it’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a dish that’s both comforting and full of vibrant tastes.
With minimal prep time, this dish is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious, healthy dinner without much effort. It’s also great for meal prep, as the chili tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to develop. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight meal or bringing it to a gathering, this Mediterranean twist on chili will surely impress everyone at the table.
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 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
Begin by heating a small amount of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing them until they become soft and fragrant.
about 3-4 minutes. This step adds depth to the flavor of your chili. Once the onions are softened, transfer them into the crockpot.
Next, layer in the chicken breasts or thighs. You can choose either boneless or bone-in, but boneless will cook more quickly and make shredding easier once the chili is done.
Add in the white beans, diced tomatoes, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and green olives. These ingredients bring Mediterranean flavor to the dish while adding heartiness and texture.
Pour in the chicken broth to help the ingredients cook evenly and give the chili a nice, soupy base. Season everything with oregano.
cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, adjusting the seasoning to your taste. These spices will infuse the chili with a warm and aromatic base.
Set the crockpot to cook on low for about 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. During this time, the chicken will cook and tenderize, and all the flavors will come together.
If you’re using bone-in chicken, you may need to check for doneness and remove the bones before serving.
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot. Shred the chicken using two forks, then return it to the chili.
stirring it in to mix with the rest of the ingredients. This allows the chicken to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Add crumbled feta cheese to the chili, giving it a creamy, tangy finish that complements the savory and salty notes from the olives. Stir gently, allowing the feta to melt into the soup slightly.
To serve, ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread or pita for dipping.
How to Make
Making this Mediterranean White Chicken Chili is incredibly simple. After prepping the ingredients and sautéing the onions and garlic, everything goes into the crockpot.
which does most of the work for you. One of the best parts about this recipe is the slow cooking process, which allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
The chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the broth takes on the rich, aromatic flavors of the Mediterranean spices.
If you prefer a creamier texture, you can blend some of the beans with the broth before adding them to the crockpot.
This will create a thicker, creamier base for the chili. You can also adjust the level of spice by adding red pepper flakes or a bit more paprika if you like a bit of heat in your dishes.
To make the most of this recipe, be sure to use high-quality chicken and fresh herbs. The fresher the ingredients, the better the flavor. If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes or olives.
feel free to swap them out for ingredients that better suit your taste, but those items truly capture the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.
The beauty of using a crockpot is that it’s practically a set-and-forget meal. Once you’ve added all the ingredients, you can let the crockpot do the hard work.
while you go about your day. The long cooking time ensures that the chicken becomes perfectly tender and the flavors have time to develop.
For a heartier meal, you could serve this chili over a bed of rice or couscous, which will also soak up the delicious broth.
Alternatively, serve it with pita or flatbread for dipping, and you have a perfect Mediterranean-style meal.
One thing to keep in mind is that the chili can thicken as it sits, so if you find it too thick after cooking, simply add a bit more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning as well. Taste the chili near the end of cooking, and if you feel it needs more salt, pepper, or herbs, don’t hesitate to add them.
Tips
Using chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts will give your chili a richer flavor and slightly juicier texture.
especially after slow cooking. Thighs tend to hold up better during longer cooking times and offer more moisture.
You can make the chili even more Mediterranean by adding a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving.
This brightens the dish and adds a refreshing tang that balances the richness of the feta and olives.
If you prefer a vegetarian version of this dish, you can skip the chicken entirely and substitute it with extra beans or even some tofu for protein. You can also add in more.
vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or artichoke hearts to give it an even more Mediterranean flair.
For a smoky twist, try adding a bit of smoked paprika or even a couple of chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
This will add a smoky flavor that contrasts nicely with the freshness of the olives and feta.
If you’re prepping this dish in advance, feel free to assemble all the ingredients in the crockpot the night before and store it in the fridge. Just plug it in the morning and let it cook away.
Don’t forget about toppings! A dollop of Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of crumbled feta, or a handful of chopped kalamata olives will take this dish to the next level and enhance its Mediterranean flavor profile.
To add a bit of crunch, consider serving the chili with homemade pita chips or toasted bread. This adds texture and complements the soft, creamy chili.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Mediterranean White Chicken Chili is an easy, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy days. With the slow-cooking process.
it’s a meal that requires little effort but delivers big on taste. The Mediterranean ingredients like olives, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes give it a unique twist that sets it apart from your average chili.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a flexible recipe that can be adjusted to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you stick to the original recipe or make a few substitutions, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.