Creamiest Crock-Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili Recipe

Whipping up a hearty cream cheese chicken chili in your trusty crock pot can turn an ordinary weeknight into a delightful culinary adventure.

Slow-cooking transforms simple ingredients into a rich, creamy masterpiece that makes everyone lean in with anticipation.

Chuck those complex dinner plans aside and embrace this effortless comfort dish.

Tender chicken pieces melt into a velvety broth packed with robust southwestern flavors.

Colorful peppers and zesty spices dance together, creating a symphony of taste that warms you from the inside out.

Nutritious and satisfying, this chili promises to become your new go-to meal for cozy evenings.

You’ll want to savor every single spoonful of this crowd-pleasing recipe.

What Makes Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili So Comforting

• Quick and Easy Meal Solution
• Dump all ingredients into the crock pot without complex chopping or pre-cooking, making meal preparation incredibly simple and stress-free.
• Set it and forget it technology allows busy home cooks to enjoy a delicious, hearty meal without constant monitoring or complicated techniques.
• Combines creamy, zesty elements that appeal to both kids and adults, creating a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
• Customize with optional toppings like shredded cheese or tortilla chips, transforming a basic recipe into a personalized dining experience that keeps everyone satisfied.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Chicken Chili

• Chicken Breasts: Hearty protein that forms the main body of the chili, tender and easy to shred.
• Black Beans: Protein-packed legume that adds texture and nutrition to the dish.

• Corn: Sweet kernels that provide a pop of texture and freshness.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Tangy base with a mild heat that adds depth to the chili.
• Diced Onion: Aromatic vegetable that provides a foundational flavor profile.

• Ranch Dressing Mix: Zesty blend that adds complex herbal and tangy notes.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Warm spices that create a rich and robust flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste.
• Cream Cheese: Creamy ingredient that makes the chili luxuriously smooth and rich.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that helps cook the ingredients and adds moisture.

Slow Cooker Method for Chicken Chili Done Right

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Base

• Black beans
• Corn kernels
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Chopped onions

• Ranch dressing mix
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently pour chicken broth to create a rich liquid foundation. Crown the mixture with cubed cream cheese for ultimate creaminess.

Step 2: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let magic happen. Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or high setting for 3-4 hours. The chicken should become mouthwateringly tender and fully cooked.

Step 3: Shred And Blend

Carefully remove chicken breasts and transform them into tender shreds using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly to create a luxurious, creamy consistency, ensuring cream cheese melts completely throughout the chili.

Step 4: Garnish And Serve

• Shredded cheese
• Fresh cilantro
• Sour cream
• Crispy tortilla chips

Tips That Help With Chicken Chili Perfection

• Perfectly Prep Chicken: Trim excess fat from chicken breasts before adding to the crock pot to prevent greasy texture and ensure leaner results.
• Cream Cheese Melting Hack: Cut cream cheese into smaller cubes and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before adding to help it melt more smoothly and evenly throughout the chili.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust chili powder and ranch mix quantities to control heat intensity, using less for mild versions or adding extra for spicier kick depending on personal preference.
• Low-Sodium Solution: Replace regular chicken broth with low-sodium version and reduce added salt to create a heart-healthy alternative without compromising flavor profile.
• Freeze and Reheat Wisdom: Store leftover chili in airtight containers for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in refrigerator and reheating gently to maintain creamy consistency and prevent separation of ingredients.

Save and Reheat Chicken Chili Without Losing Flavor

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the chili will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, leaving some space for expansion. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Transfer chili to a saucepan and warm over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Add a splash of chicken broth if the chili seems too thick.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving to ensure it's steaming hot throughout.

What to Serve Alongside Chicken Chili

• Blend fresh lime juice, tequila, and orange liqueur to cut through the rich, creamy chili and refresh your palate with a bright citrus kick.
• Toss mixed greens with avocado, radishes, and a light vinaigrette to provide a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm, hearty chili.
• Bake a slightly sweet, buttery cornbread that complements the chili's spices and helps soak up the creamy sauce with its tender crumb.
• Choose a light lager like Corona or Modelo to cleanse the palate and balance the chili's robust flavors with its crisp, clean finish.

Creative Twists on Chicken Chili

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace ranch dressing mix with homemade spice blend using dried herbs and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream or coconut milk-based cream cheese for a lactose-free option.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Low-Sodium Modification: Use no-salt-added canned beans and tomatoes, reduce or eliminate added salt, and choose low-sodium chicken broth.

Chicken Chili FAQs You’ll Want to Know

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the crock pot. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure they cook thoroughly and reach a safe internal temperature.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The chili has a mild to moderate heat level. If you prefer more spice, you can add extra green chilies or a dash of hot sauce. For less heat, use mild diced tomatoes with green chilies.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese with a non-dairy cream cheese alternative or use coconut cream. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be creamy and delicious.

• What if I don't have ranch dressing mix?

If you don’t have ranch dressing mix, you can replace it with a combination of dried dill, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to achieve a similar flavor profile.

Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty cream cheese chicken chili delivers comfort in one delicious pot, blending rich flavors with minimal kitchen effort. Creamy, spicy, and packed with tender chicken, this simple slow cooker recipe promises a satisfying meal that will become your new family favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound or 454 grams)

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 (15-ounce or 425 grams) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce or 425 grams) can corn kernels, undrained
• 1 (10-ounce or 283 grams) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel), undrained
• 1 small onion, diced

Seasonings and Broth:

• 1 (1-ounce or 28 grams) packet ranch dressing mix
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 (8-ounce or 226 grams) package cream cheese, softened and cubed

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Instructions

1. Prepare the crock pot by arranging chicken breasts as the foundational layer, creating a protein base for the chili. Cascade black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and onion atop the chicken, ensuring even distribution.
2. Create a flavor profile by generously sprinkling ranch dressing mix, chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper across the ingredients, infusing the dish with robust seasoning.
3. Enhance moisture and depth by gently pouring chicken broth over the layered components, allowing liquid to permeate through the ingredients.
4. Strategically position cubed cream cheese on the surface, which will gradually melt and integrate during the cooking process, contributing to the chili’s luxurious texture.
5. Secure the crock pot lid and initiate slow cooking. Select low temperature for 6-8 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours, allowing ingredients to harmonize and chicken to become fork-tender.
6. Extract chicken breasts and meticulously shred using two forks, transforming them into delicate, pulled meat strands that will absorb surrounding flavors.
7. Reintegrate shredded chicken into the mixture, stirring thoroughly to ensure cream cheese dissolves completely, creating a velvety, cohesive chili consistency.
8. Transfer the aromatic chili into serving bowls, presenting a steaming, creamy dish. Offer optional garnishes like shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, sour cream, or crunchy tortilla chips for personalized enjoyment.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting the amount of green chilies or adding jalapeños for extra spice.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and chicken broth to create a lighter version of this comforting dish.
• Easily transform this recipe into a gluten-free meal by checking that your ranch mix is certified gluten-free.
• Prep ingredients the night before and store in the refrigerator to save time on busy mornings, ensuring a quick and effortless dinner.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg