Zesty Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili Recipe for Cozy Nights

Weeknight dinners demand simplicity and comfort, and this creamy crockpot cream cheese chicken chili recipe delivers pure satisfaction.

The slow cooker becomes your culinary ally, transforming basic ingredients into a rich, hearty meal.

Tender chicken mingles with robust spices and velvety cream cheese for an unexpectedly luxurious experience.

Each spoonful promises warmth and depth that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Minimal prep work means you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious meal.

Busy home cooks will appreciate how effortlessly this chili comes together with just a few simple ingredients.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dinner celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredient List For Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean protein that absorbs incredible flavors and creates the hearty base of the chili.
• Black Beans: Protein-packed legumes that add creamy texture and boost nutritional value.

• Rotel Tomatoes: Zesty canned tomatoes with green chilies that inject vibrant, tangy kick.
• Green Chilies: Optional spicy element that adds smoky depth and southwestern flair.
• Corn: Sweet kernels that provide delightful crunch and subtle sweetness.
• Cream Cheese: Luxurious ingredient that melts into silky, rich sauce creating incredible creaminess.

• Seasonings and Spices: Carefully selected blend that transforms simple ingredients into explosive southwestern flavor profile.
• Chicken Broth: Optional liquid that helps achieve desired chili consistency and enhances overall taste.

Crockpot Essentials For Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

• Crockpot/Slow Cooker: Essential for easy, hands-off cooking and creating tender, flavorful chicken chili.
• Two Forks: Perfect for shredding the cooked chicken directly in the crockpot.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately measuring seasonings and spices.
• Ladle: Ideal for serving the hot, creamy chili into bowls.
• Cutting Board: Useful for any additional chopping of garnishes.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for preparing optional toppings like cilantro or jalapeños.

Simple Steps To Make Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

• Crockpot Preparation

Nestle chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Sprinkle in black beans, corn, zesty tomatoes, and aromatic spices for a flavor-packed base that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.

• Creamy Transformation

Gently place a block of cream cheese on top of the ingredients. This magical ingredient will create a luxurious, velvety texture that transforms ordinary chili into something extraordinary.

• Slow Cooking Magic

Let the crockpot work its wonder, cooking on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become so tender it practically melts in your mouth.

• Flavor Fusion

Carefully shred the chicken using two forks, then stir it back into the chili. Watch as the cream cheese blends into a smooth, rich sauce that hugs every single ingredient.

• Serving Celebration

Ladle the steaming chili into bowls and go wild with toppings. Sprinkle some sharp cheddar, scatter fresh cilantro, or add a dollop of cool sour cream. Grab some crispy tortilla chips or warm cornbread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Tips To Make Cream Cheese Chicken Chili Even Creamier

• Cream Cheese Magic: Use room temperature cream cheese to help it melt more smoothly and blend seamlessly into the chili without creating lumps.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken breasts with ground turkey, shredded beef, or rotisserie chicken for different flavor profiles and quick meal variations.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by choosing mild or hot Rotel tomatoes, or adding fresh jalapeños for extra kick. Remove seeds from peppers to reduce spiciness while maintaining flavor.
• Low-Carb Friendly: Skip beans and corn for a keto-friendly version. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower to boost nutrition without increasing carbohydrates.
• Freezer Meal Hack: Prepare the entire recipe in a freezer-safe bag before cooking. Freeze flat for up to 3 months, then thaw and dump directly into the crockpot for an effortless meal prep solution.

Best Ways To Serve Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

• Creamy Comfort Companions: Serve this hearty chili with delightful pairings that elevate the meal.
• Crispy Chip Dippers: Grab crunchy tortilla chips or crisp corn chips to scoop up the rich, creamy chili, adding a satisfying texture contrast.
• Cornbread Cuddle: Whip up a warm, slightly sweet cornbread to soak up the delicious chili, creating a perfect comfort food combination that warms the soul.
• Fresh Topping Explosion: Sprinkle fresh cilantro, sharp cheddar cheese, zesty green onions, or a dollop of cool sour cream to add bright flavors and creamy textures that complement the chili's richness.

Storage Tips For Cream Cheese Chicken Chili Leftovers

• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Portion out individual servings in airtight containers for quick weekday lunches or dinners, keeping portions consistent and ready to grab.
• Refrigerator Storage Wisdom: Store leftover chili in sealed containers for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety by keeping the mixture cool and covered.
• Freezer Friendly Technique: Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe bags or containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months, making meal planning easier during busy weeks.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated or thawed chili gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain creamy texture and prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth if the mixture seems too thick, helping restore original consistency.

Hearty Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty crockpot cream cheese chicken chili delivers comfort in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings. Mexican-inspired flavors meld together, promising a satisfying meal you’ll savor to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (8 oz/225 g) block cream cheese, softened
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can corn, drained
• 1 (10 oz/283 g) can rotel tomatoes (or diced tomatoes with green chilies)
• 1 (4 oz/113 g) can diced green chilies (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 packet (1 oz/28 g) ranch seasoning mix
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth (optional, for a thinner chili)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish)
• Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
• Sliced jalapenos (for garnish)
• Sour cream (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Layer chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a solid foundation for the chili.
2. Seasoning: Scatter black beans, corn, Rotel tomatoes, green chilies, ranch seasoning, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder across the chicken, ensuring comprehensive flavor distribution.
3. Moisture Integration: Delicately position the cream cheese block on top of the ingredients and gently pour chicken broth around the mixture to maintain optimal moisture levels.
4. Slow Cooking: Cover the crockpot and set to low temperature, allowing ingredients to simmer and harmonize for 6-7 hours until chicken becomes supremely tender.
5. Shredding and Blending: Remove chicken breasts, shred with two forks, then return to the crockpot. Vigorously stir to dissolve cream cheese, creating a velvety, rich sauce that envelops all ingredients.
6. Serving: Ladle the aromatic chili into serving bowls and adorn with optional garnishes like sharp cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a generous dollop of sour cream.
7. Accompaniment: Serve alongside crisp tortilla chips or warm cornbread to complete this comforting and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Prevent Dry Chicken: Avoid overcooking by checking chicken’s internal temperature around 5-6 hours to maintain tender, juicy meat.
• Cream Cheese Melting Hack: Cut cream cheese into cubes beforehand to ensure smoother, faster integration into the sauce.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust ranch seasoning and chili powder according to personal heat tolerance or swap Rotel for mild tomatoes.
• Low-Sodium Option: Replace store-bought ranch seasoning with homemade blend using reduced-sodium ingredients for healthier preparation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg