Introduction

Craving a bowl of creamy, hearty chicken chili? This Slow Cooker cream cheese chicken chili recipe is your answer! With minimal prep and a set-it-and-forget-it approach, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy a rich, savory, and slightly spicy flavor profile that the whole family will love. Get ready for the ultimate cozy comfort food!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

Effortless one-pot cooking makes cleanup a breeze.
The cream cheese creates an incredibly rich, velvety texture.
Easily customize the flavors to suit your preferences.
It’s a kid-friendly meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Leftovers are excellent for meal prepping or freezing for later.

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

This slow cooker cream cheese chicken chili recipe uses simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store. You’ll need:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-oz) can corn kernels, undrained
1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
1 (1-oz) package ranch dressing mix
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp onion powder
1 (8-oz) package cream cheese

Notes & Substitutions

Chicken: Use chicken thighs for extra flavor or rotisserie chicken for convenience. Frozen chicken breasts work too!
Beans: Feel free to substitute pinto beans or cannellini beans.
Rotel: Adjust the spice level by using mild or hot Rotel.
Ranch mix: Make your own homemade ranch mix for preferred ingredients.
Cream cheese: Philadelphia brand is recommended for best melting. For details on the nutritional content of cream cheese, you can refer to information provided by the USDA FoodData Central.
Thinner chili: Add chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Equipment

You only need a few essential tools to make this slow cooker cream cheese chicken chili:

6-quart slow cooker
Cutting board and sharp knife
Two forks (for shredding)
Whisk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious slow cooker cream cheese chicken chili, step-by-step:

Prepare chicken: Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add canned goods: Pour in the undrained corn, undrained Rotel, and drained black beans.
Season ingredients: Sprinkle ranch dressing mix, chili powder, cumin, and onion powder over the mixture.
Add cream cheese: Place the block of cream cheese directly on top of the other ingredients.
Slow cook: Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours.
Shred chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
Whisk cream cheese: Stir the cream cheese into the chili until it’s smooth and fully incorporated.
Combine and serve: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stir everything together, and serve hot.

Pro Tips for the Best Chili

Frozen chicken: If using frozen chicken, increase cooking time by 2-3 hours.
Cream cheese: Whisk the cream cheese thoroughly to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
Black beans: Adding black beans later in the cooking process helps prevent them from splitting.
Seasoning: Adjust the amount of chili powder to customize the spice level to your taste.

Troubleshooting

Too thick? Stir in a little chicken broth to thin it out.
Not creamy? Make sure the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

Serving Suggestions

Toppings: Offer a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, sour cream, avocado, crushed tortilla chips, and sliced jalapeños.
Sides: Serve with a side of warm cornbread, a fresh green salad, or fluffy biscuits.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Store leftover cream cheese chicken chili in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freeze: Cool the chili completely, then transfer it to airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

Recipe Variations

Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
Add vegetables: Stir in some fresh spinach or diced bell peppers during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Cheese blend: Experiment with different cheese blends like cheddar or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of this slow cooker cream cheese chicken chili:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~350
Protein	~30g
Fat	~18g
Carbohydrates	~20g

For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream cheese or add less cheese. Choose low-sodium beans and Rotel to reduce sodium content.

FAQ :

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this cream cheese chicken chili? Yes, but increase the cooking time by 2-3 hours. Ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Can this be made on the stovetop or Instant Pot? Yes, but adjust cooking times accordingly. Stovetop will take about 30-40 minutes and the Instant Pot about 20 minutes.
Why is my chili not creamy? Make sure the cream cheese is fully melted and whisked in completely. Use full-fat cream cheese for best results.
Is it freezer-friendly after cooking? Absolutely! Cool completely and store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This slow cooker cream cheese chicken chili is the epitome of easy, comforting, and flavorful cooking. With its simple preparation and delicious results, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and prepare to enjoy a crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Always remember to follow USDA guidelines for slow cooker food safety to ensure your meal is both delicious and safe. Share your chili creations and let us know how it turns out!