Introduction
This Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili has quickly become one of our go-to meals, especially for busy evenings or chilly weekends when I need something hearty and easy. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor it delivers. We all know how challenging it can be to balance a busy life with delicious home-cooked meals, but this dish solves that problem effortlessly. With the ingredients all going into the Crockpot, you can set it and forget it. By dinnertime, you’re rewarded with a rich, creamy chili that is sure to please everyone at the table. The combination of tender chicken, creamy cream cheese, and zesty seasonings creates a chili that’s comforting, satisfying, and perfect for all occasions. The kids even love it, especially when I top it with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream. It’s one of those recipes that never disappoints and always garners compliments.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
This Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili has everything you could want in a meal—flavor, ease, and comfort. The creamy texture from the cream cheese balances the zesty spices, while the tender chicken and beans create a hearty, filling dish. Here are just a few reasons why this recipe is sure to become a favorite:
- Minimal prep time – You can throw all the ingredients into the Crockpot and let it do the work.
- Flavor-packed – The combination of ranch seasoning, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika creates a rich and deliciously comforting chili.
- Customizable toppings – Top with shredded cheddar, sour cream, and chopped green onions for extra flavor, or serve with your favorite bread or chips.
- Perfect for meal prep – This recipe makes plenty, so it’s great for leftovers or meal prep.
- Kid-friendly – The creamy, mildly spicy flavor is a hit with both adults and kids.
Ingredients
For the main ingredients, you’ll need:
- 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 (such as Rotel)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ 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
Prepare the Crockpot by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom. No need to worry about browning the chicken beforehand—just add it straight in. Over the chicken, layer the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. These ingredients will infuse the chicken with flavor as they cook. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning, chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika on top. These spices are what make the chili so flavorful and comforting. The smoked paprika is optional, but it adds a nice depth of flavor that makes the dish stand out. Place the block of cream cheese on top of the mixture. The cream cheese will melt into the chili during cooking, giving it that creamy texture we all love.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on your time. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the Crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir everything together. The cream cheese should have melted by now, creating a rich and creamy chili base.
Ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. For an extra treat, serve with tortilla chips or warm cornbread on the side.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1 cup)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Total Time: 6-8 hours (depending on cooking setting)
How to Serve
This Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is versatile and can be served in many different ways. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese for added richness and flavor.
- Add chopped green onions to bring a fresh, crunchy element to the chili.
- Spoon a dollop of sour cream on top to enhance the creaminess and cool down the spices.
- Serve with tortilla chips for dipping, or alongside warm cornbread for a more hearty meal.
- Pair with a simple green salad for a lighter, well-rounded dinner.
Additional Tips
- Use frozen chicken breasts – If you forgot to thaw the chicken, you can still use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to cook on the longer, low setting (8 hours).
- Adjust the spices – If you like your chili spicier, add more chili powder or even some diced jalapeños.
- Add extra veggies – If you want to make the chili even heartier, try adding extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
- Use reduced-fat cream cheese – To reduce the fat content, opt for reduced-fat cream cheese without sacrificing flavor.
- Meal prep for the week – This recipe makes plenty, so it’s perfect for leftovers or meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
FAQ
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They will be slightly more tender but work just as well in this recipe. - Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes! This chili stores wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave or on the stove. - What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?
You can make your own ranch seasoning using dried herbs like parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. - Can I use other beans instead of black beans?
Absolutely! You can use pinto beans, kidney beans, or white beans depending on your preference. - Is this chili spicy?
The chili has a mild spice, but if you like it spicier, you can add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder. - Can I use fresh chicken?
Yes, you can use fresh chicken breasts. It may cook slightly faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly. - Can I freeze this chili?
Yes, this chili freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. - How can I make this chili vegan?
To make this chili vegan, substitute the chicken with plant-based chicken, and use vegan cream cheese or coconut milk in place of the regular cream cheese. - Can I use fresh corn instead of canned corn?
Yes, you can use fresh or frozen corn. If using fresh, be sure to cook it beforehand. - How can I make this chili more creamy?
If you want a creamier chili, add an extra block of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
This Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is the perfect blend of convenience and flavor. It’s simple to prepare, incredibly comforting, and sure to be a hit with the whole family. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner after a long day or something to feed a crowd, this chili checks all the boxes!