Hearty Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili Recipe

Cozy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili Recipe for Soul-Warming Meals

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of cream cheese chicken chili that promises pure satisfaction.

Slow cookers work magic with this simple yet delectable dish.

Tender chicken melds beautifully with rich, creamy textures and bold southwestern spices.

Every spoonful delivers a warm embrace of robust flavors and hearty ingredients.

Chili lovers will appreciate the effortless preparation and crowd-pleasing results.

You can serve this chili straight from the crock pot for an instant dinner solution.

This recipe transforms ordinary weeknight meals into something extraordinary that everyone will crave.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 6

What You Need for Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

For Protein and Main Ingredient:
  • Chicken Breasts: Provides lean protein and forms the hearty base of the chili, choose fresh, boneless cuts for easy shredding.
For Beans and Vegetables:
  • Black Beans, Corn, Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds texture, nutrition, and southwestern flavor, select canned beans with no added salt and fresh corn for best taste.
For Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Ranch Seasoning, Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Creates deep, complex flavor profile, opt for high-quality spices and adjust to personal heat preference.
For Creamy Finish:
  • Cream Cheese: Delivers rich, velvety texture, use full-fat version for maximum creaminess and smoothest melt.
For Optional Toppings:
  • Cheese, Sour Cream, Jalapenos, Tortilla Chips: Provides extra layers of flavor and crunch, mix and match to personalize your chili experience.

Tools That Make Crock Pot Chicken Chili Simple

  • Slow Cooker: Essential for easy, hands-off cooking of chicken and chili.
  • Forks: Perfect for shredding tender chicken after cooking.
  • Ladle: Helps serve the creamy chili into bowls with precision.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and ingredient amounts.
  • Cutting Board: Useful for any minor ingredient preparation.
  • Cheese Grater (optional): Can help if using block cheese for topping.

How to Slow-Cook Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

  • Prep the Slow Cooker Setup

Nestle chicken breasts into the base of your crock pot, creating a hearty foundation for this flavor-packed dish.

  • Dump and Blend Ingredients

Toss in black beans, corn, zesty diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and a powerhouse of spices that’ll make your taste buds dance.

  • Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and let the magic happen – cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.

  • Shred and Cream

Pull out the cooked chicken, transform it into tender shreds with two forks, then return it to the pot’s flavor bath.

  • Melt in the Creamy Goodness

Drop cubed cream cheese into the mix, stirring until it creates a luxuriously smooth sauce that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

  • Serve and Customize

Ladle this dreamy chili into bowls and let everyone go wild with toppings like cheese, sour cream, spicy jalapeños, or crunchy tortilla chips. Dinner is served!

Tasty Tweaks for Your Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

  • Slow Cooker Magic: Achieve perfectly tender chicken by avoiding overcooking, which can make meat dry and tough.
  • Dairy-Free Twist: Substitute cream cheese with coconut cream or cashew cream for a lactose-free version that maintains creamy texture.
  • Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with ground turkey, shredded beef, or plant-based alternatives like jackfruit for diverse protein options.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by using mild green chilies or adding extra jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to match personal heat preference.
  • Meal Prep Champion: This chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it an excellent make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day.

Serving Up Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

  • Protein Power Plate: Pair this hearty chili with grilled corn tortillas or warm cornbread for a complete, satisfying meal that adds extra texture and absorbs the delicious creamy sauce.
  • Mexican Fiesta Topping Bar: Set out small bowls of fresh cilantro, diced green onions, crumbled queso fresco, sliced avocado, and lime wedges so everyone can customize their chili with bright, zesty garnishes.
  • Cozy Comfort Combo: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy ranch dressing to balance the rich, creamy chili and provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy dish.
  • Leftover Magic: Transform remaining chili into a delicious burrito filling, nachos topping, or stuffed pepper mixture by adding extra cheese and fresh ingredients for quick, creative next-day meals.

Save and Reheat Your Cream Cheese Chicken Chili the Right Way

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers, storing for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain creamy consistency.
  • Batch Preparation Magic: Double the recipe and separate portions for quick weeknight meals. Label containers with date and contents for easy meal tracking.
  • Reheating Pro Tips: Warm chili slowly in microwave or stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent separation. Add a splash of chicken broth if mixture seems dry, restoring original creamy texture.
Print
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Hearty Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili Recipe

Hearty Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty cream cheese chicken chili from slow cookers delights dinner tables with rich southwestern flavors. Home cooks can easily prepare this comforting meal that promises warm satisfaction and simple ingredients.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can corn, drained
  • 1 (10 oz / 283 g) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
  • 1 (8 oz / 226 g) package cream cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
  • Sliced jalapenos (optional)
  • Chopped cilantro (optional)
  • Tortilla chips or crackers (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Arrange whole chicken breasts in a uniform layer at the bottom of the crock pot, creating a solid foundation for the dish.
  2. Layering: Evenly distribute black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies over the chicken, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
  3. Seasoning: Drench the ingredients with chicken broth, then generously sprinkle ranch seasoning, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper across the surface for maximum flavor infusion.
  4. Cooking: Secure the lid and slow-cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes effortlessly shreddable, maintaining moisture and tenderness.
  5. Shredding: Remove chicken breasts and meticulously break them down using two forks, then reintegrate the shredded meat into the simmering mixture.
  6. Creaming: Fold cubed cream cheese into the chili, stirring continuously until completely melted, transforming the texture into a luxuriously smooth and velvety consistency.
  7. Finishing: Allow the chili to simmer for an additional 15 minutes, enabling the cream cheese to fully amalgamate and intensify the overall flavor profile.
  8. Serving: Ladle the piping hot chili into individual bowls and embellish with optional garnishes like shredded cheese, dollops of sour cream, spicy jalapeño slices, or crispy tortilla chips for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Chicken Placement Strategy: Arrange whole chicken breasts flat and evenly at the bottom to ensure uniform cooking and easy shredding later.
  • Seasoning Distribution Technique: Sprinkle dry seasonings evenly across ingredients, gently mixing without disrupting chicken layer for balanced flavor profile.
  • Cream Cheese Melting Hack: Cut cream cheese into small cubes and stir continuously while melting to prevent clumping and achieve smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Dietary Adaptation Tip: Swap chicken breasts with plant-based protein like tofu or jackfruit for vegetarian version; use low-fat cream cheese for lighter option.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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