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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Enhance moisture and depth by gently pouring chicken broth over the layered components, allowing liquid to permeate through the ingredients.
- 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.
- 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.
- Extract chicken breasts and meticulously shred using two forks, transforming them into delicate, pulled meat strands that will absorb surrounding flavors.
- Reintegrate shredded chicken into the mixture, stirring thoroughly to ensure cream cheese dissolves completely, creating a velvety, cohesive chili consistency.
- 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