Four-Ingredient White Bean Chicken Chili (Crockpot)

Of all the dinners I make, this is probably the one that makes the most appearances on our table.  Throughout winter, I'd venture to guess that we eat this about once a month.  That's heavy rotation in our house, considering that I rarely repeat recipes.  So what makes this so special?  For one, it's ridiculously easy.  Four ingredients:  chicken breasts, white beans, salsa, and cheese.  No prep is required other than literally dumping it all in the crockpot.  And when you're ready to eat, just shred the chicken breasts, return it to the crockpot, give it a good stir, and enjoy!

I shared this recipe back in the very early days of my blog, but the picture was in desperate need of an upgrade, and I added more salsa since the chili was quite thick before.  I've also experimented a bit with using dried beans - if you soak them in water overnight, then proceed with the recipe as written, they'll be soft and tender after spending the day in the crockpot.  I usually just add a cup or so of water or chicken broth at the onset.  I've also used salsa verde before, and I LOVE it that way as well.  It's so creamy, comforting, and delicious that it's hard to screw it up.

If this seems too plain for you, feel free to mix and match the types of beans, add some corn, try different types of salsa, add some jalapeños, play around with the cheese... really the possibilities are endless.  I like serving the chili with tortilla chips, and if I have one available, chopping an avocado over the top.  I made this on the first chilly day we've had this fall, and it was the perfect way to welcome the cooler weather.  And I know for a fact that we'll be enjoying this all winter long.  This is a big hit with my whole family, and it's pretty much my go-to when taking a meal to a new mom, leaving dinner for the babysitter, weekend football watching, whatever.  It doesn't get any easier or tastier than this!

Crockpot White Bean Chicken Chili

I prefer my chili to be on the thicker side, but if you like it thinner/more like soup, then I'd suggest adding a cup or so of chicken broth.

• 4 (15-oz) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
• 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of fat
• 8 ounces Pepper jack cheese, cut into cubes
• 3 cups salsa (any heat level you prefer)

Combine the beans, cheese, and salsa in a crockpot. Nestle the chicken breasts into the mixture, and cook on low 6-8 hours. Remove chicken breasts, shred with a fork, and return to crockpot. Stir to combine, and serve with desired garnishes.