Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the chicken pieces quickly—this step adds flavor, even though the chicken will finish cooking in the slow cooker. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion until it’s translucent and starting to caramelize, about 4–5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker: place the browned chicken, sautéed onion and garlic, white beans, can of green chilies, corn, and the chicken broth. Sprinkle in cumin, coriander, oregano, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Give everything a gentle stir to distribute the spices. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours. The chicken should be tender and shreddable.
About 15–20 minutes before serving, stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice. If you’d like a creamier texture, stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt until well combined. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Serve the chili hot with optional toppings like sliced avocado, extra cilantro, and crunchy tortilla strips. A squeeze of lime over the top brightens the flavors nicely.