Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili Recipe

The Ultimate Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili Recipe

Creamy and comforting crockpot cream cheese chicken chili promises a warm embrace on chilly evenings.

Slow-cooking transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Tender chicken melts into a rich, velvety broth packed with robust flavors and hearty beans.

Minimal prep work means you can walk away and let magic happen in your kitchen.

Cheese adds a luxurious smoothness that makes each spoonful incredibly satisfying.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Scoop up this delightful chili and savor every single bite.

Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili: Why It’s a Must-Try

  • Craft an Easy One-Pot Meal: Minimal dishes and simple preparation make this recipe a dream for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated cleanup.
  • Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Flexible ingredients allow personalization with different toppings like jalapeños, avocado, or green onions to match individual taste preferences.
  • Create a Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Dish: Packed with protein and rich, creamy texture, this recipe satisfies both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
  • Leverage Slow Cooker Magic: Hands-off cooking method ensures tender, perfectly seasoned chicken while allowing you to focus on other tasks during meal preparation.

Ingredients in Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

For the Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Raw poultry cuts that form the primary protein base and main component of the dish.
For the Seasonings:
  • Ranch Seasoning, Taco Seasoning, Chili Powder, Cumin: Spice blend that provides depth, warmth, and classic southwestern flavor profile to the chicken.
For the Liquid Foundation:
  • Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies, Chicken Broth, Water: Moisture-rich ingredients that create a flavorful cooking liquid and help tenderize the chicken.
For the Vegetable Components:
  • Black Beans, Corn Kernels: Hearty vegetables that add texture, nutritional value, and authentic southwestern character to the dish.
For the Creamy Element:
  • Cream Cheese: Rich dairy product that melts into the mixture, creating a luxurious, smooth, and velvety sauce.
For the Optional Garnishes:
  • Fresh Cilantro, Sour Cream, Shredded Cheese: Complementary toppings that enhance visual appeal and provide additional flavor layers when serving.

Steps for Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

Step 1: Prepare The Crockpot Base

Lay chicken breasts flat across the bottom of the crockpot, creating a smooth and even foundation for cooking. The chicken should cover the entire base of the pot without overlapping.

Step 2: Sprinkle Seasoning Explosion

Generously coat the chicken with a blend of:
  • Ranch seasoning
  • Taco seasoning
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin

Ensure every inch of the chicken receives a thorough seasoning coverage for maximum flavor impact.

Step 3: Create Liquid Foundation

Gently pour around the chicken:
  • Diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • Chicken broth
  • Water

This liquid mixture will help keep the chicken moist and develop a rich, complex flavor profile.

Step 4: Add Hearty Vegetables

Distribute black beans and corn kernels evenly throughout the crockpot, mixing them into the liquid and around the chicken for balanced texture and nutrition.

Step 5: Introduce Creamy Element

Place a whole block of cream cheese on top of the ingredients without stirring. During cooking, this will slowly melt and integrate, creating a luxurious, velvety sauce.

Step 6: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover the crockpot and set to low heat. Allow the dish to cook for 6-7 hours, ensuring the chicken becomes incredibly tender and easy to shred.

Step 7: Shred The Chicken

Remove chicken from the crockpot and use two forks to pull apart into bite-sized, tender pieces. The meat should effortlessly fall apart.

Step 8: Final Mixing

Return shredded chicken to the crockpot. Stir thoroughly to help the cream cheese completely blend, creating a rich and creamy consistency throughout the dish.

Step 9: Rest And Settle

Let the mixture rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Step 10: Serve With Flair

Optional garnishes include fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese to add extra flavor and visual appeal.

Tricks for Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili Success

  • Prep Chicken Strategically: Arrange raw chicken breasts in a single, even layer to guarantee uniform cooking and consistent tenderness throughout the dish.
  • Season Generously: Sprinkle all dry seasonings directly over chicken to ensure complete flavor coverage and maximize taste intensity.
  • Layer Ingredients Thoughtfully: Pour liquid components around chicken and distribute beans and corn evenly to create a balanced, flavorful base.
  • Melt Cream Cheese Perfectly: Place cream cheese block on top without stirring, allowing it to slowly dissolve and integrate into the mixture for a rich, creamy texture.
  • Rest and Blend Flavors: After shredding chicken and mixing, let the dish sit for 10-15 minutes to allow ingredients to meld and sauce to thicken naturally.

Fun Mix-Ins for Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

  • Spicy Jalapeño Chicken: Replace green chilies with fresh diced jalapeños for an extra kick of heat, keeping the same cooking method and ingredients.
  • Vegetarian Bean Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or jackfruit, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based alternative.
  • Dairy-Free Modification: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of cream cheese to maintain the creamy texture while eliminating dairy.
  • Low-Carb Version: Remove corn and black beans, replace with cauliflower rice or additional low-carb vegetables to reduce carbohydrate content while preserving the dish's flavor profile.

Toppings and Sides for Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

  • Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Complement the spicy, creamy chicken with a tangy margarita that balances the dish's rich flavors and cuts through the creaminess.
  • Serve with Crisp Tortilla Chips: Add crunchy corn tortilla chips on the side to provide a satisfying textural contrast and help scoop up the creamy chicken mixture.
  • Match with Fresh Southwestern Salad: Create a light, refreshing side salad with mixed greens, diced tomatoes, avocado, and a lime vinaigrette to balance the hearty main dish.
  • Enjoy with Mexican Street Corn: Grill corn on the cob with mayo, cotija cheese, and chili powder to echo the southwestern flavors and add a delightful accompaniment.

Save and Reheat Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled chicken mixture to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Pour chicken mixture into a skillet, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated completely and reaching a steaming temperature.

FAQ Guide: Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

  • What if I don't have ranch seasoning?

You can substitute with garlic powder, onion powder, and dried dill to create a similar flavor profile.

  • Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, simply add 1-2 hours to cooking time and ensure chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F before shredding.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The dish has mild to moderate heat from green chilies and spices, but you can reduce chili powder or choose mild green chilies for less spiciness.

  • How do I prevent chicken from drying out?

Keeping chicken submerged in liquid and cooking on low heat helps maintain moisture and tenderness during slow cooking.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili Recipe

Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes – 7 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy comfort meets Mexican-inspired zest in crockpot cream cheese chicken chili, a soul-warming dish perfect for chilly evenings. Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a rich, spicy experience that satisfies deep hunger and delights your taste buds.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese
  • 2 cans (15 oz) black beans
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn

Seasoning and Spices:

  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin

Liquid and Base Ingredients:

  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions

  1. Place raw chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot, creating an even base layer for uniform cooking.
  2. Sprinkle ranch seasoning, taco seasoning, chili powder, and cumin directly over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
  3. Pour diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, and water around the chicken, creating a flavorful liquid foundation.
  4. Add black beans and corn kernels into the crockpot, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
  5. Position cream cheese block on top of the ingredients without stirring, allowing it to slowly melt and integrate during cooking.
  6. Cover crockpot and set to low heat, cooking for 6-7 hours until chicken becomes tender and easily shreds.
  7. Once cooking time completes, remove chicken and shred using two forks, breaking into bite-sized pieces.
  8. Return shredded chicken to crockpot and thoroughly stir, helping cream cheese completely incorporate and create a rich, creamy consistency.
  9. Let mixture rest for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly before serving.
  10. Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or shredded cheese when plating.

Notes

  • Enhance protein absorption by choosing organic, free-range chicken breasts for a cleaner, richer flavor profile.
  • Substitute dairy-free cream cheese alternatives like cashew or almond-based cream cheese for lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Control sodium levels by using low-sodium chicken broth and reduced-sodium seasoning packets to accommodate heart-healthy diets.
  • Boost vegetable content by adding diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture variation.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-7 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 375
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 10 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star