Quick & Creamy Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili Recipe
Creamy, hearty chili meets convenience with this crockpot cream cheese chicken chili recipe that promises to warm your soul.
Slow cooking brings out rich, bold flavors that meld together perfectly.
The tender chicken falls apart with each spoonful, creating a luxurious texture.
Comfort arrives in a bowl, packed with protein and zesty spices that dance across your palate.
Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for busy home cooks seeking a satisfying meal.
This chili transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something extraordinary.
Savor every delicious bite and let the magic of slow cooking do the work for you.
Why Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili Works
Everything for Creamy Crockpot Chicken Chili
Main Protein:Beans and Vegetables:Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:Optional Toppings:Steps for Making Creamy Chicken Chili Easily
Step 1: Arrange Chicken in Crockpot
Lay fresh chicken breasts flat across the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a solid base for the delicious meal you’re about to create.
Step 2: Create Flavor Layers
Add a hearty combination of ingredients directly over the chicken:Step 3: Sprinkle Magical Seasonings
Generously dust the ingredients with a blend of zesty spices:Step 4: Add Creamy Centerpiece
Gently place a full block of cream cheese right on top of the seasoned mixture.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and let it work its magic. Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or on high setting for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes incredibly tender.
Step 6: Shred and Blend
Pull out the cooked chicken breasts and use two forks to shred them into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
Step 7: Create Creamy Consistency
Stir thoroughly, ensuring the cream cheese melts completely and blends with all ingredients, creating a rich and smooth texture.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Scoop the chili into serving bowls and enhance with optional toppings:Step 9: Complete the Meal
Accompany your chili with crispy tortilla chips or warm, comforting cornbread for the ultimate dining experience.
Notes for Rich and Comforting Chili Fans
Creative Mixes for Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Pairings for Crockpot Chicken Chili Dinners
Storing Cream Cheese Chicken Chili Best
FAQs
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked and tender.
The recipe has a mild heat level from green chilies and spices. If you want more kick, add extra chili powder or use hot green chilies.
Replace cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives or use coconut cream for a similar creamy texture.
Create a homemade ranch mix using dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper as substitutes.
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Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Hearty Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili delivers comfort with minimal effort, blending creamy textures and bold southwestern flavors. Spicy, rich ingredients simmer together, creating a satisfying meal that warms you from the first delicious bite.
Ingredients
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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 / 284 grams) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 block (8 ounces / 227 grams) cream cheese
Instructions
- Arrange raw chicken breasts in a single layer at the base of the crockpot, ensuring they are evenly spread.
- Uniformly distribute black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and green chilies directly over the chicken layer.
- Generously season the ingredients with ranch seasoning, chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, creating an even flavor profile.
- Position the entire cream cheese block centrally on top of the seasoned mixture.
- Secure the crockpot lid and slow cook on low temperature for 6-8 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours, allowing the chicken to become perfectly tender and fully cooked.
- Carefully extract the chicken breasts and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, then return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Thoroughly incorporate the shredded chicken, ensuring the cream cheese melts completely and creates a rich, creamy consistency throughout the chili.
- Transfer the chili into serving bowls and embellish with optional garnishes like shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream.
- Accompany the chili with crispy tortilla chips or freshly baked warm cornbread for an enhanced dining experience.
Notes
- Swap chicken with turkey or plant-based protein for a lighter version that keeps all the rich flavors intact.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium beans and homemade ranch seasoning blend for health-conscious eaters.
- Enhance dairy-free options by substituting cream cheese with cashew cream or coconut yogurt for a smooth texture.
- Elevate meal prep by freezing individual portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight dinners that taste freshly made.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 305 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 590 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Jess Martinez
Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant
Expertise
Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health
Education
Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.
Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.