Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

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Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is a rich and hearty crock pot dinner loaded with tender shredded chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, ranch seasoning and a creamy cream cheese finish.

This easy slow cooker chili is perfect for busy weeknights because everything simmers together until the chicken is juicy and the broth turns thick, cozy and full of flavor.

Serve it with shredded cheese, cilantro, tortilla chips or spoon it over rice for a filling meal the whole family can dig into.

If you love creamy chicken chili recipes with simple pantry ingredients, this one is an easy comfort food dinner to keep on repeat.

Why This Recipe is a Winner!

• Easy crock pot dinner: Everything goes right into the slow cooker with minimal prep.
• Family friendly: The flavors are bold and comforting without being too spicy.
• Great for busy days: It can cook on low all day or on high when you need dinner sooner.
• Flexible protein options: You can use chicken thighs or chicken breasts depending on what you have.
• Simple pantry ingredients: Canned beans, corn, tomatoes, broth and seasoning packets keep it easy.
• Perfect for toppings: Shredded cheese, cilantro, tortilla chips, sour cream or avocado all work well.
• Meal prep friendly: Leftovers reheat nicely for easy lunches or another quick dinner.
• Serve it different ways: Enjoy it in a bowl, over rice or scooped up with tortilla chips.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts: Chicken thighs stay extra tender and juicy in the slow cooker, but boneless skinless chicken breasts also work well if that is what you have on hand.
• Chicken broth: Adds moisture and savory flavor while the chicken cooks, helping create the base of the chili.
• Petite diced tomatoes: Bring a little acidity, tomato flavor and texture to balance the creamy richness.
• Black beans: Make the chili heartier and add a nice texture. Be sure to drain and rinse them before adding.
• Corn: Adds a touch of sweetness and color to the chili. Canned corn keeps the recipe quick and easy.
• Ranch seasoning mix: Gives the chili a creamy, tangy, savory flavor boost without needing a bunch of extra ingredients.
• Garlic powder: Adds warm garlic flavor throughout the chili.
• Chili powder: Brings classic chili flavor and a mild smoky warmth.
• Cumin: Adds earthy, savory depth that pairs perfectly with the beans, chicken and tomatoes.
• Kosher salt: Helps bring out all the flavors in the chili.
• Cream cheese: Melts into the slow cooker chili to create a rich, creamy broth and smooth texture. Cut it into cubes or large chunks so it melts more evenly.
• Cornstarch and water, optional: If the chili is thinner than you like after cooking, a quick cornstarch slurry can help thicken it.
• Toppings, optional: Shredded cheese, cilantro, tortilla chips, sour cream, avocado, jalapenos or green onions are all great for serving.

Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.

Be sure to read through the entire post so that you don't miss out on any important tips and tricks!

Step By Step Instructions

 STEP 1: 

I placed the chicken thighs in my slow cooker and topped them with the black beans, diced tomatoes and corn.

 STEP 2: 

I added ranch mix, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin and salt to the pot.

 STEP 3: 

I added chicken broth and chunks of cream cheese to the slow cooker.

I put the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook on HIGH for 4 hours.

 STEP 4: 

After about 3 and a half hours I removed the chicken thighs from the pot and used two forks to shred them well.

I returned the shredded chicken to the pot and left it to continue cooking for about 20 minutes.

Every spoonful of this Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is creamy, hearty and loaded with tender shredded chicken, sweet corn, beans and cozy ranch-spiced flavor.

Pile on your favorite toppings, scoop it up with tortilla chips and enjoy a warm, comforting bowl that tastes like the slow cooker did all the hard work for you.

If you are looking for a hearty slow cooker chicken recipe perfect for cold weather, then you need to try this Cream Cheese Chicken Chili!

• Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness. They stay juicy and shred beautifully after slow cooking.
• Cut the cream cheese into cubes. This helps it melt more evenly into the chili.
• Soften the cream cheese first if you can. Room temperature cream cheese blends into the broth more smoothly.
• Shred the chicken right in the crock pot. It saves dishes and lets the chicken soak up all that creamy chili flavor.
• Stir well after shredding. This helps the cream cheese fully combine with the broth, tomatoes, beans and corn.
• Thicken only if needed. If the chili is thinner than you like, stir in a cornstarch slurry and let it cook a little longer.
• Taste before serving. Ranch seasoning mixes can vary in saltiness, so adjust the seasoning after everything is cooked.
• Add toppings right before serving. Shredded cheese, cilantro, tortilla chips, sour cream and green onions add the best texture when fresh.
• Serve it over rice for a heartier meal. This is an easy way to stretch the recipe and make it extra filling.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container. The chili thickens as it sits and reheats well for quick lunches or dinners.

Substitutions and Variations

• Use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Boneless skinless chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat or already have them on hand.
• Swap the beans. Pinto beans, kidney beans or white beans can be used in place of black beans.
• Use frozen corn. Frozen corn works instead of canned corn and can be added straight to the slow cooker.
• Make it spicier. Add diced jalapenos, green chiles, cayenne pepper, hot sauce or pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
• Make it milder. Use mild chili powder and skip any spicy toppings if serving kids or anyone who prefers less heat.
• Add more veggies. Diced bell peppers, onions or green chiles can be added for extra flavor and texture.
• Use Rotel instead of diced tomatoes. This adds tomatoes and green chilies for a little extra kick.
• Try a different cheese. Pepper jack, Monterey Jack or cheddar can be stirred in or used as a topping.
• Lighten it up. Use reduced fat cream cheese if you want a lighter creamy chili.
• Make it thicker. Use a cornstarch slurry at the end, or mash some of the beans into the chili before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

• Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts work well in this recipe. Chicken thighs will be a little juicier, but both options shred nicely after slow cooking.

Do I need to drain the beans and corn?

• Yes, drain and rinse the black beans and drain the corn before adding them to the crock pot. This keeps the chili from becoming too watery.

How do I store leftovers?

• Store leftover cream cheese chicken chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I freeze this chili?

• You can freeze it, but the cream cheese may separate slightly when thawed and reheated. Stir it well while reheating to help bring the creamy texture back together.

Can I make this ahead of time?

• Yes, this chili reheats well, so it can be made ahead for an easy dinner or meal prep. It may thicken as it sits, so add a splash of broth when reheating if needed.

Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

Yield: Serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is a rich and hearty slow cooker dinner made with tender shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, ranch seasoning and cream cheese.

This easy crock pot chili is creamy, comforting and perfect for serving with shredded cheese, cilantro, tortilla chips or rice.

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Ingredients

• 6-8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 oz.) can petite diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz.) can of corn, drained
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. cumin
• ½ tsp. kosher salt
• 8 ounces cream cheese

Instructions

1. To your crock pot, add the chicken.
2. Add the tomatoes, beans, and corn.
3. Sprinkle ranch mix, garlic, and other seasonings over top.
4. Add the chicken broth.
5. Cut the cream cheese into cubes or large chunks, and drop into the crock pot mixture.
6. Cook on low 6-8 hours or high for 3-4.
7. Once cooking is completed, shred the chicken and stir everything together well.
8. If the chili is too thin, stir together a bit of corn starch and water, add to the pot and cook 15-20 minutes more.
9. Serve with shredded cheese, cilantro, or your other favorite toppings. Serve with tortilla chips or over rice, if desired.
10. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 211Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 39mgSodium: 1040mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 4gSugar: 4gProtein: 7g

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