Hearty Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken Chili Recipe

Ready to revolutionize your dinner routine with a slow cooker cream cheese crack chicken chili that promises pure comfort?

Creamy textures and bold flavors combine in this irresistible dish that sparks instant cravings.

Hearty ingredients meld together effortlessly, creating a meal bursting with rich, satisfying goodness.

Minimal prep work means maximum flavor without hours of kitchen labor.

Weeknight warriors and weekend cooking enthusiasts alike will fall in love with this simple yet spectacular recipe.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of spice and smoothness that keeps people coming back for more.

This Chicken Chili is a Slow Cooker Favorite

• Minimal prep transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, creamy chili with zero fuss.
• Slow cooker does all the work while you enjoy your day, delivering a delicious meal without constant monitoring.
• Packed with rich flavors and textures that appeal to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings.
• Combines chicken, beans, and bacon for a satisfying meal that fills hungry bellies and provides excellent nutritional value.

Ingredients for Crack Chicken Chili with a Kick

• Chicken Breasts: Hearty base protein that becomes tender and easily shreddable in the slow cooker.

• Black Beans, Corn, Rotel: Provide texture, flavor, and southwestern-style elements to the chili.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and depth of flavor for the chili.
• Ranch Seasoning: Adds a tangy, herbal flavor profile to the dish.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, smooth texture and adds creaminess to the chili.
• Cheddar Cheese: Offers a sharp, melty topping that enhances the overall flavor.

• Bacon: Provides a smoky, salty crunch and additional depth to the chili.
• Green Onions: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright garnish.

• Tortilla Chips, Crackers, Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and complementing the chili.

How to Prepare This Flavorful Crockpot Favorite

Step 1: Prep The Slow Cooker Base

• Black beans
• Sweet corn kernels
• Rotel tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Ranch seasoning packet
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Garlic powder

Gently mix everything to combine flavors.

Step 2: Drop In Creamy Goodness

Distribute cream cheese chunks evenly across the top of the mixture.

Step 3: Slow Cook To Perfection

• Low setting: 6-8 hours
• High setting: 4 hours

Cook until chicken becomes super tender.

Step 4: Shred And Mix

Pull out chicken breasts and shred with two forks. Return shredded meat back to slow cooker. Stir until cream cheese melts completely and coats everything beautifully.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Bacon Finale

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crispy bacon crumbles

Let sit for 5 minutes to allow cheese to melt smoothly.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Scoop into bowls. Sprinkle fresh chopped green onions on top. Serve alongside tortilla chips, crispy crackers, or warm crusty bread for dipping.

Tips for a Rich, Base Without Clumping

• Tender Chicken Trick: Ensure chicken breasts are fresh and of similar size for even cooking and perfect shredding.
• Cream Cheese Mixing Hack: Cut cream cheese into small cubes and distribute evenly to help it melt smoothly throughout the chili.
• Seasoning Balance Technique: Adjust ranch seasoning and spices to taste, starting with recommended amounts and adding more if needed for deeper flavor.
• Low and Slow Cooking Method: Choose low temperature setting for more tender meat and deeper flavor development, allowing ingredients to blend perfectly.
• Customize Toppings Approach: Experiment with additional garnishes like diced avocado, sour cream, jalapeños, or different cheese types to personalize the dish.

Store and Reheat Chili While Keeping It

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the chili fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
• Pour chili into a saucepan, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through and creamy.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming and prevent hot spots.

Side Dishes That Go with Crack Chicken Chili

• Pair this creamy, hearty chili with crisp, refreshing beverages and complementary sides that elevate the meal's taste profile.
• Choose a medium-bodied Zinfandel or Malbec with bold fruit notes that cut through the rich, creamy chicken chili and match its robust spice blend.
• Select an amber ale or wheat beer with malty undertones that balance the chili's creaminess and provide a smooth, complementary drinking experience.
• Serve alongside a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to add brightness and provide a light, fresh contrast to the dense, creamy chili.

Spicy and Mild Variations for Every Taste

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or plant-based chicken alternatives for a meat-free version that maintains the creamy, hearty texture.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cream cheese and skip the cheddar, substituting nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy ingredients.
• Low-Carb Mexican Bowl: Eliminate beans and corn, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly option with reduced carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Southwest Edition: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or extra cayenne pepper to boost heat levels and create a more intense flavor profile for spice lovers.

Crack Chicken Chili FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before shredding.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild flavor from Rotel tomatoes. If you want more heat, add extra ranch seasoning or include jalapeños for a spicier kick.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

While challenging, you can substitute cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream or coconut cream. Use vegan cheese for melting.

• What can I do if the chili is too thin?

To thicken the chili, leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes of cooking or mix in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water).

Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy comfort meets zesty excitement in this slow cooker cream cheese crack chicken chili, a mouthwatering fusion of rich flavors and hearty textures. Delightful spices and tender chicken blend seamlessly, promising a satisfying meal that will keep you craving more with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

Beans and Vegetables:

• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can corn, drained
• 1 (10 ounces / 285 grams) can rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 (1 ounce / 28 grams) packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) block cream cheese, cubed
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Assemble the base: Nestle chicken breasts into the slow cooker, creating a foundation for the chili. Cascade black beans, corn, and Rotel around the chicken, then generously sprinkle ranch seasoning and complementary spices throughout the mixture.
2. Enhance moisture and creaminess: Strategically distribute cream cheese cubes across the top of the ingredients, ensuring even coverage for ultimate flavor infusion.
3. Slow cook to perfection: Secure the lid and allow the slow cooker to work its magic, transforming the raw ingredients. Select low temperature for 6-8 hours or high temperature for 4 hours, ensuring chicken becomes supremely tender.
4. Breakdown and integrate: Extract chicken from the liquid, meticulously shred using two forks. Return shredded meat to the slow cooker, thoroughly blending until cream cheese melts completely and coats every ingredient.
5. Final flavor enhancement: Introduce shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon crumbles, stirring gently. Allow an additional 5 minutes for cheese to melt and flavors to harmonize.
6. Presentation and serving: Ladle the rich, creamy chili into serving bowls. Garnish with fresh green onions and accompany with tortilla chips, crackers, or rustic bread for a satisfying meal.

Notes

• Prep chicken efficiently by using frozen chicken breasts, adding 1-2 hours to cooking time for perfect tenderness.
• Customize heat levels by selecting mild or spicy Rotel tomatoes, accommodating different spice preferences.
• Reduce dairy for lighter version by substituting half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt, maintaining creamy texture while cutting calories.
• Enhance protein content by adding extra beans or swapping chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg