Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is a comforting and creamy dish that’s perfect for a hassle-free meal. This delicious chili is made with tender chicken, creamy cheese, beans, and flavorful spices—all cooked low and slow in the crock pot. It’s a great set-it-and-forget-it recipe that delivers bold flavors with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Prep: Just dump the ingredients into the crock pot and let it cook!
- Rich and Creamy: The addition of cream cheese makes the chili extra smooth and indulgent.
- Perfect for Busy Days: Ideal for weeknight dinners, game days, or cozy weekends.
- Versatile and Hearty: Can be served as a chili, dip, or filling for tacos and burritos.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup chicken broth
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Sliced green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Add Ingredients: In a crock pot, add the chicken breasts, black beans, corn, Rotel tomatoes, ranch seasoning, spices, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot.
- Add Cream Cheese: Add the cubed cream cheese to the crock pot. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the chili is creamy.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and add your favorite toppings. Enjoy warm!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6-8 hours
Variations
- Use Different Beans: Swap black beans for pinto or white beans.
- Add Vegetables: Mix in diced bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with an extra can of beans and use vegetable broth.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a pot on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. The cooking time may increase slightly, so ensure the chicken is fully cooked before shredding.
What if my cream cheese doesn’t fully melt?
You can whisk the cream cheese in a small bowl with a bit of hot chili before adding it to help it blend smoothly.
Can I make this chili on the stovetop instead?
Yes, simmer all ingredients (except the cream cheese) in a large pot until the chicken is cooked, then shred and add the cream cheese.
Is there a low-fat option for this recipe?
Use reduced-fat cream cheese and chicken breast to lighten up the dish.
How do I thicken the chili?
If the chili is too thin, let it cook uncovered on high for an additional 30 minutes to reduce the liquid.
Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, shredded turkey or cooked ground beef also work well in this recipe.
What can I serve with this chili?
Serve with tortilla chips, crusty bread, or over rice for a more filling meal.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients, just make sure your crock pot is large enough.
How do I make this chili dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese or a coconut-based cream alternative.
Can I add pasta or rice to the chili?
Yes, you can stir in cooked rice or small pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is a comforting, creamy, and flavorful dish that requires minimal effort but delivers big on taste. With its rich, velvety texture and warm spices, this chili is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner or serving a crowd, this crock pot recipe makes it a breeze to enjoy a delicious homemade meal. Give it a try, and you’ll love how easy and satisfying it is!
Print
Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. This creamy chili combines tender shredded chicken, beans, corn, and a rich broth, all slow-cooked to perfection in your crock pot.
Ingredients
-
Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
-
Vegetables and Beans:
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn kernels, undrained
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel), undrained
- 1 small onion, diced
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Seasonings:
- 1 (1-ounce) 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
-
Broth and Dairy:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened and cubed
Instructions
-
Assemble Ingredients in Crock Pot:
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crock pot.
- Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and diced onion on top of the chicken.allrecipes.com+2cheffrecipes.com+2allrecipes.com+2
- Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix, chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the ingredients.
- Pour the chicken broth over everything.
- Place the cubed cream cheese on top.
-
Cook:
- Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
-
Shred Chicken:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove the breasts from the crock pot and shred them using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and stir to combine all ingredients until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the chili is creamy.
-
Serve:
- Ladle the creamy chicken chili into bowls and serve hot.
- Optional toppings include shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sour cream, or tortilla chips.
Notes
- For added heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- This chili pairs well with cornbread or a simple side salad.