Crockpot White Chicken Chili Freezer Meal
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.
Not long ago, a few of the ladies in my neighborhood organized a freezer meal exchange—a fun and practical way to stock our freezers with homemade meals while sharing favorite recipes. Each of us prepared one dish in bulk, enough to swap with everyone in the group. One of the meals I received was this comforting Crockpot White Chicken Chili Freezer Meal, and it quickly became a hit in our house.
My family absolutely loved it. The ingredients are simple, the flavors are mild and cozy, and it’s incredibly family-friendly—even my pickier eaters were on board. It’s not overly spicy, which makes it perfect for all ages, and the creamy texture is just right for cooler evenings. I especially love that it’s a thoughtful meal to gift someone—whether it’s a new mom, a neighbor recovering from surgery, or a friend who just needs a break from cooking. It’s nourishing, easy to cook, and feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
When it comes to prepping freezer meals for slow cooking, a little strategy goes a long way. Here are two essential tips to make the process smoother from freezer to slow cooker:
1. Freeze Meals Standing Upright
Once you’ve added all your ingredients to a gallon-sized freezer bag and sealed it tightly, freeze the bag in an upright position—not flat. This might seem counterintuitive, but it helps the frozen meal fit more easily into your crockpot later. A flat, frozen block can be tricky to maneuver, while a vertical shape slides right in and starts cooking without a fuss.
2. Loosen with Cold Water Before Cooking
When you’re ready to cook, take the bag out of the freezer and run cold water over it for a few minutes. This helps loosen the contents just enough so you can slide the frozen meal out of the bag and into your slow cooker without tearing the plastic or struggling with stuck edges. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in getting dinner started quickly and cleanly.
Ingredients for Crockpot White Chicken Chili Freezer Meal
- CHICKEN BREASTS
- CANNED GREEN CHILIES
- CANNELLINI BEANS
- GREAT NORTHERN BEANS
- CILANTRO
- LIME JUICE
- CHICKEN BROTH
- ONION
- GARLIC
- CUMIN
- DRIED OREGANO
- CHILI POWDER
- SALT
- PEPPER
- CREAM CHEESE
Instructions for Easy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Freezer Meal
To Prep for the Freezer: Add all of the ingredients—except the cream cheese—to a gallon-sized freezer bag. Seal the bag tightly, pressing out as much air as possible. Then, freeze the bag standing upright (not flat). This shape helps the frozen meal fit easily into your crockpot later. You can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To Cook from Frozen: When you’re ready to cook, run cold water over the freezer bag for a few minutes to help loosen the contents. Once the ingredients can slide out easily, transfer everything into your slow cooker. Cook on high for 5 hours or low for 8 hours, until the chicken is tender and the flavors are well blended.
Finishing Touches: Remove the cooked chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Cut the cream cheese into chunks and stir it into the chili. Let it cook for a few more minutes, just until the cream cheese melts and blends into the broth, creating a creamy, comforting finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw chicken in the freezer bag?
Yes! This recipe is designed to use raw chicken. It cooks fully in the slow cooker, so no need to pre-cook before freezing.
How long can I keep this meal in the freezer?
You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Be sure to label the bag with the date and cooking instructions for easy reference.
Why do I freeze the bag upright instead of flat?
Freezing the bag upright helps the frozen meal fit easily into your crockpot. A flat block can be hard to maneuver, while a vertical shape slides right in.
Do I need to thaw this white chicken chili recipe before cooking?
No thawing needed! Just run cold water over the freezer bag for a few minutes to loosen the contents, then transfer directly to your slow cooker.
Can I cook this in an Instant Pot instead of in a crockpot?
Yes, I have included instructions on how to do that with the recipe.
When do I add the cream cheese?
Add the cream cheese after the chicken is cooked and shredded. Cut it into chunks and stir it into the chili, letting it melt and blend for a few minutes before serving.
Is this chili spicy?
Nope! It’s mild and family-friendly. You can always add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños if you want to turn up the heat.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Southwestern Chicken Chili
- Chicken Chili Bean Chowder
- Homemade Creamy White Chili
- Speedy White Chicken Chili
Crockpot White Chicken Chili Freezer Meal
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- 4 oz can diced green chiles
- 15 oz can cannellini beans drained
- 15 oz can great northern beans drained
- 2 Tbsp cilantro fresh chopped
- 2 Tbsp lime juice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients EXCEPT the cream cheese to a gallon sized freezer bag. Seal and remove any excess air. Place in the freezer upright (NOT FLAT) and freezer. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To cook, run the freezer bag under cold water for a few minutes to loosen the ingredients from the freezer bag. Add to the crockpot and cook on high for 5 hours or 8 hours on low.
- Remove chicken from the crock pot. Shred with 2 forks and add back into the crock pot. Cut up the cream cheese and add to the crock pot. Stir and allow to cook for a few more minutes until the cream cheese is incorporated.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from Amanda Cooks and Styles.
