Description
This Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is a creamy, flavorful, and comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy days. With tender shredded chicken, creamy light cream cheese, and a spicy blend of chili powder and cumin, this hearty chili combines the zest of Rotel tomatoes, sweetness of corn, and protein-packed black beans for a satisfying dish made effortlessly in your slow cooker.
Ingredients
Scale
Chili Base
- 1 (15-oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15.25-oz.) can corn, undrained
- 1 (10-oz.) can Rotel tomatoes, undrained
Seasonings
- 1 package ranch dressing mix
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
Other Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 (8-oz.) package light cream cheese
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and canning liquids. This ensures the chili has the perfect texture and taste.
- Layer in the crock pot: Place the two whole chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the undrained corn, undrained Rotel tomatoes, and rinsed black beans evenly over the chicken. This layering helps infuse the chicken with the flavors of the vegetables and seasonings.
- Add seasonings and mix: Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix, cumin, chili powder, and onion powder evenly on top of the ingredients in the crock pot. Gently stir together to combine the spices fairly well without disturbing the chicken breasts.
- Add cream cheese and cook: Place the whole block of light cream cheese on top of the mixture. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked, and flavors have melded beautifully.
- Shred chicken and finish: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and stir thoroughly to combine with the creamy chili base.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the creamy chicken chili into bowls and enjoy it warm. This dish pairs wonderfully with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh green salad.
Notes
- Use light cream cheese to reduce fat content while retaining creaminess.
- For a spicier chili, add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator up to 4 days and freeze nicely for up to 3 months.
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken to save cooking time, adding it during the last hour of cooking to blend flavors.
- Serve with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, or avocado slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken chili, crock pot chili, slow cooker recipe, cream cheese chili, easy dinner, light creamy chili
