Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
This Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is the ultimate comfort food for busy days. Just toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful chili that everyone will enjoy. Perfect for cozy nights, this hearty dish will warm you up from the inside out with its rich and savory flavors.
Ingredients for Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
To make this easy, comforting chili, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
1. Add Chicken and Beans to the Crockpot
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Layer the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies on top of the chicken. These ingredients form the base of your chili and will create a flavorful broth as they cook.
2. Mix the Seasonings
Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and taco seasoning mix over the ingredients in the crockpot. These seasonings are the key to the bold flavors in this chili. Give everything a quick stir to evenly distribute the seasonings throughout the dish.
3. Add Chicken Broth and Cream Cheese
Pour in the chicken broth to help the chili cook down and to create the creamy base. Add the softened cream cheese on top. The cream cheese will melt and combine with the other ingredients to create a rich, velvety texture that makes this chili so creamy.
4. Slow Cook the Chili
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. The chicken should shred easily with a fork once it’s done.
5. Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot. Stir everything together, allowing the shredded chicken to combine with the beans, corn, and creamy base.
6. Add Shredded Cheddar Cheese
For an extra cheesy kick, add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the chili, stirring it in until it melts and becomes incorporated into the chili. This step is optional but adds a deliciously creamy, cheesy flavor.
7. Adjust Seasoning
Taste your chili and add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed. If you like it spicier, feel free to add a bit of hot sauce or extra diced green chilies to give it an additional kick.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Once your chili is fully cooked, serve it up in bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings. Some popular options include:
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Sliced avocado
This Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is best served hot, and it’s perfect for a cozy meal with family and friends.
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
1. Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor
This recipe is incredibly easy to make with minimal prep time. Simply toss everything into your crockpot and let it work its magic while you go about your day. By the time you’re ready to eat, you’ll have a comforting, flavorful meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
2. Creamy and Cheesy
The cream cheese gives the chili its signature creaminess, while the shredded cheddar cheese (if added) amps up the cheesy goodness. This chili is perfect for anyone who loves a rich, creamy texture in their soups and stews.
3. Versatile and Customizable
You can easily customize this chili to suit your tastes. Add more heat by including diced jalapeños or a spoonful of chili powder. Make it milder by reducing the amount of taco seasoning or adding more chicken broth for a lighter flavor. You can even use ground chicken or turkey if you prefer a leaner option.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep
This chili is not only delicious but also great for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days, and you can easily reheat it for a quick and comforting meal later. It also freezes well for future meals, making it ideal for busy weeks ahead.
5. Family-Friendly
This dish is a hit with both kids and adults. The creamy, cheesy texture makes it appealing to younger eaters, while the bold flavors from the taco and ranch seasoning are a big hit with adults. It’s a meal that everyone in the family will enjoy.
Final Thoughts
The Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is a perfect dish for busy days when you want something comforting and easy to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a creamy, cheesy, and hearty chili ready for dinner. Whether you’re serving it for a family meal, a cozy night in, or a potluck, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and enjoy the warmth and deliciousness of this simple yet flavorful chili.