Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is a hearty and creamy chili that combines tender chicken, black beans, corn, and tomatoes in a flavorful base with a touch of spice. With the addition of cream cheese, this dish becomes rich and comforting, making it perfect for cozy dinners. The best part? It’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that requires minimal prep time and delivers big flavors after hours of slow cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can corn, undrained
- 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 package ranch dressing mix
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 package cream cheese
- 2 chicken breasts
Directions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add all the other ingredients (black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, ranch dressing mix, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, and cream cheese) on top of the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and mix everything together until well combined.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4 hours (high) or 6-8 hours (low)
- Total Time: 4 hours (high) or 6-8 hours (low)
Variations
- Add More Veggies: You can add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or diced carrots for additional flavor and nutrients.
- Spicy Version: If you prefer more heat, add jalapeños, diced green chilies, or extra chili powder to spice things up.
- Use Ground Chicken or Turkey: If you want a leaner option, substitute the chicken breasts with ground chicken or turkey.
- Swap Cream Cheese for Greek Yogurt: For a lighter version, you can substitute the cream cheese with plain Greek yogurt for a tangy and creamy base.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove. If the chili becomes too thick, add a little chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
10 FAQs
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot. Just make sure to cook it for the full 6-8 hours on low or 4 hours on high.
- Can I make this recipe in the stovetop? While this recipe is designed for the crockpot, you can make it on the stovetop by cooking the chicken separately and combining all ingredients in a pot to simmer for 30-40 minutes.
- Can I add beans of another type? Yes, you can swap the black beans for pinto beans, kidney beans, or any beans of your choice.
- Can I freeze this chili? Yes, this chili freezes well. Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
- Can I make this recipe without ranch dressing mix? If you don’t have ranch dressing mix, you can make your own by mixing together dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- How can I make this recipe spicier? Add some diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to the crockpot to increase the heat.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can add shredded cheddar cheese or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor.
- What can I serve this with? This chili pairs well with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a side of rice.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free? To make this dish dairy-free, you can omit the cream cheese and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
- How do I know when the chicken is cooked? The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) or is no longer pink in the center.
Conclusion
Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is perfect for a busy day when you need a warm, satisfying meal without the hassle. The creamy texture and savory spices make it a favorite for families, and the slow cooking process ensures tender chicken and deliciously melded flavors. Enjoy it with your favorite toppings, and let the crockpot do all the work!
PrintCrockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, comforting chili made with tender chicken, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, all simmered in a crockpot. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy days and delivers rich flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can corn, undrained
- 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 package ranch dressing mix
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 package cream cheese
- 2 chicken breasts
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add all other ingredients on top of the chicken.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4 hours.
- Shred the chicken and mix everything together before serving.
Notes
- You can add more chili powder or cumin if you prefer a spicier chili.
- For a thicker chili, reduce the amount of broth or add more cream cheese.
- Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions if desired.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours