Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

Introduction

When I first tried making Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili, I knew it would be an instant hit in my home. The combination of tender shredded chicken, creamy cream cheese, and the bold flavors from the ranch seasoning and spices created a dish that my family couldn’t stop talking about. It’s the perfect meal for a chilly evening or a busy day when you need a comforting and satisfying dinner with minimal effort. This recipe is so simple to make, and yet it delivers a rich, creamy, and flavorful chili that has become one of our go-to meals. Every time I make it, I receive compliments, and there are never any leftovers! Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili will definitely impress.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is one of those recipes that checks all the boxes: it’s easy to make, it’s packed with flavor, and it’s incredibly comforting. The slow-cooked chicken becomes perfectly tender and is infused with the savory spices and creaminess of the cream cheese. This chili is not only creamy but also hearty, thanks to the combination of black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. The flavors meld together beautifully in the slow cooker, resulting in a rich, satisfying dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this mouthwatering Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
• 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, for extra depth)
• 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese

For Serving (Optional):

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped green onions
• Sour cream
• Tortilla chips or cornbread

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the best Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili:

1. Prepare the Crockpot:
   Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. No need to brown the chicken first—it will cook and shred beautifully in the slow cooker.
2. Add the Ingredients:
   Add the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies over the chicken in the crockpot. These ingredients will provide a great base for your chili.
3. Season the Chili:
   Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix, chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if using) on top of the ingredients in the crockpot. The combination of spices will bring a wonderful depth of flavor to the chili.
4. Add the Cream Cheese:
   Place the block of cream cheese on top of the mixture. Don’t worry about cutting it or mixing it in—just place it in as is. As it cooks, the cream cheese will melt and blend into the chili.
5. Cook the Chili:
   Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender by the time it’s done. If you’re cooking on low, you may want to stir it once or twice to ensure even cooking.
6. Shred the Chicken:
   Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir everything together.
7. Finish the Chili:
   Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and the chili is creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Serve:
   Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve with tortilla chips or warm cornbread for dipping, if desired.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per serving: 350 kcal
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 820mg
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 32g

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 6-8 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high)
• Total time: 6 hours 10 minutes (or 3 hours 10 minutes on high)

How to Serve

Here are some great ideas for serving your Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili:

• Toppings:
  Top each bowl with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
• Side Dishes:
  Serve the chili with tortilla chips or cornbread for a complete meal. The crunchy texture of the chips or the soft, warm cornbread pairs perfectly with the creamy chili.
• Extra Kick:
  Add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a spicier chili.
• For a Heartier Meal:
  Serve with a side of rice or even over a baked potato for a filling, comforting meal.

Additional Tips

1. Use Frozen Chicken:
   You can use frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot. Just add an extra hour of cooking time if you’re cooking on low.
2. Make it Spicy:
   If you want your chili to have more heat, increase the amount of chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. You can also add fresh diced jalapeños or use spicy ranch seasoning.
3. Low-Carb Version:
   For a low-carb option, you can substitute the corn with extra vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers. You can also serve it with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
4. Add More Veggies:
   To boost the nutrition, consider adding more vegetables like diced bell peppers, carrots, or spinach to the chili. These will blend in nicely with the other ingredients.
5. Store Leftovers:
   This chili stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. They will provide a slightly richer flavor and remain tender when cooked.

2. Can I make this chili in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can use the sauté function to cook the chicken and then pressure cook on high for 15-20 minutes. Shred the chicken afterward and stir in the cream cheese.

3. Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Yes, you can make this chili vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding a meat substitute like tofu, tempeh, or extra beans.

4. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
If you prefer to use fresh tomatoes, feel free to chop them up and use them as a substitute for the canned diced tomatoes. You may need to add extra seasoning for flavor.

5. Can I add more cream cheese for extra creaminess?
Absolutely! If you love extra creaminess, you can add another block of cream cheese or reduce the amount of beans to maintain the right consistency.

6. How do I store leftover chili?
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

7. Can I use other types of beans?
Yes! You can use any type of beans you prefer, such as kidney beans or black-eyed peas, in place of the black beans.

8. Can I skip the ranch seasoning?
While ranch seasoning adds great flavor, you can skip it and replace it with extra chili powder, cumin, or a homemade seasoning blend.

9. Can I cook this chili on the stovetop instead of in the crockpot?
Yes, you can cook this chili on the stovetop by simmering the ingredients in a large pot. Just make sure to cook it low and slow for 1-2 hours for the best flavor.

10. Can I make this chili spicier?
Yes, you can adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, or even a bit of hot sauce to the mix.

Conclusion

Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is a perfect combination of convenience, comfort, and flavor. With minimal prep and a little patience, you’ll have a rich, creamy, and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner, a dish for a busy weeknight, or something to share with friends, this chili is the ultimate go-to recipe. With the creamy texture of cream cheese and the bold flavors of ranch seasoning and spices, this chili will keep everyone coming back for seconds. It’s simple, customizable, and absolutely delicious!

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