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
Scale
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