Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

Picture this: a warm, hearty bowl of creamy chili that’s been simmering all day, filling your home with irresistible aromas. Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is like a cozy hug in a bowl—comforting, rich, and packed with flavor. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make! Toss everything into the crockpot, let it work its magic, and come home to a creamy, spicy chili that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or weekend gathering. Trust me, once you taste this, you’ll never want to go back to regular chili again!

Why You’ll Love Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

Hands-Off & Simple

This recipe couldn’t be easier. Just throw everything into the crockpot, set it, and forget it. It’s ideal for busy days when you want something delicious without putting in a lot of effort.

Rich & Creamy

The cream cheese takes this chili to the next level, adding a creamy texture that complements the tender chicken and savory beans. It’s like the best of both worlds—chili’s heartiness with the richness of a creamy soup.

Full of Flavor

Spices, cream cheese, and hearty chicken come together to create a flavor-packed dish that will make everyone ask for seconds. A little bit of heat from the green chilies adds just the right amount of kick!

Meal Prep Friendly

This chili is perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch, and you’ve got lunch or dinner for several days. It also freezes really well if you want to save some for later.

Customizable

Feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes! Add extra veggies, switch out the beans, or spice it up with more chili powder. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients in Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

Here’s what you need to make this easy, creamy chili:

For the Chili:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of this chili, breaking down into tender, juicy pieces as they cook.
• Cream Cheese: The secret ingredient that makes this chili extra creamy and smooth. It adds richness and balances the spices perfectly.
• Green Chilies: For a little heat and a lot of flavor! These chilies give the chili just the right amount of kick without being overpowering.
• White Beans: A mild, creamy base that complements the chicken and spices.
• Corn: Adds a slight sweetness and texture that works beautifully with the other ingredients.
• Chicken Broth: The base of your chili, making it hearty without being too thick.
• Garlic: Fresh or minced garlic adds depth to the flavor.
• Chili Powder: For that classic chili flavor with a little warmth.
• Cumin: Adds an earthy, smoky note that brings everything together.
• Onion Powder: A subtle touch that enhances the overall flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, to bring all the flavors into balance.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make this comforting chili:

1. Add the Chicken & Veggies

Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Top with the green chilies, white beans, corn, and minced garlic. These ingredients will cook down and meld together perfectly.

2. Add the Spices & Broth

Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the top. Pour the chicken broth over everything, ensuring the ingredients are covered.

3. Set the Crockpot

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easy to shred when it’s done.

4. Shred the Chicken

Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir everything to combine.

5. Add the Cream Cheese

Cut the cream cheese into chunks and add it to the crockpot. Stir until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the chili, making it creamy and rich.

6. Serve & Enjoy!

Once the cream cheese is fully mixed in, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve this chili with your favorite toppings, like shredded cheese, sour cream, or cilantro. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 5g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 30g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes (high)

How to Serve Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

With Toppings

Top your chili with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and maybe some chopped green onions or fresh cilantro. The extra garnishes take this chili to the next level!

With a Side of Cornbread

This chili pairs wonderfully with a side of cornbread. The sweetness of the cornbread complements the richness of the chili, creating the perfect cozy meal.

Over Rice

Serve your chili over a bed of fluffy rice for an extra hearty meal. The rice will soak up all that creamy goodness and make every bite even more satisfying.

With Tortilla Chips

For a fun twist, serve the chili with tortilla chips for some crunch! You can scoop up the chili, or sprinkle the chips on top for added texture.

Additional Tips

Make It Ahead

This chili is perfect for meal prep! You can make it the night before and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Customize It

Feel free to swap the white beans for kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans depending on what you have on hand or what you prefer.

Spice It Up

If you like your chili spicy, add some diced jalapeños or extra chili powder. You can also throw in some hot sauce for an extra kick.

Make It Lighter

If you want to lighten it up, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese and lean chicken breast. You can also swap out the corn for a different veggie like zucchini or bell peppers.

Freeze It

This chili freezes wonderfully! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, just thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

A1: Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to cook the chili for a little longer, as it may take extra time to cook through.

Q2: Can I make this chili on the stove instead of the crockpot?

A2: Absolutely! You can cook this on the stove by simmering all the ingredients in a large pot for about 30 minutes to an hour until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Q3: Can I use a different type of meat?

A3: Sure! Ground turkey or ground beef would also work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q4: Can I make this vegetarian?

A4: Yes! You can skip the chicken and add extra beans, corn, and vegetables for a hearty vegetarian chili.

Q5: Can I add more veggies to this chili?

A5: Definitely! Add in chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

Q6: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cream cheese?

A6: While cream cheese adds a unique richness, you could use sour cream or even a little heavy cream to achieve a similar creamy texture.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?

A7: Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q8: Can I make this chili spicier?

A8: Absolutely! Add more green chilies, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce to spice it up to your liking.

Q9: Can I double this recipe?

A9: Yes! Just make sure you have a large enough crockpot to accommodate the extra ingredients. Cooking time may need a slight adjustment.

Q10: Can I use low-sodium broth?

A10: Yes, feel free to use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the salt content of the chili.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The creamy texture, combined with the spices and tender chicken, creates a chili that’s nothing short of delicious. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a weekend feast, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table. So, fire up that crockpot, and get ready to enjoy one of the coziest, creamiest chili recipes you’ll ever make!

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