Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken Chili is a delightful, creamy dish that takes comfort food to the next level. This inviting recipe combines the heartiness of traditional chili with the richness of cream cheese, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over slow cooking. As the chicken simmers to tender perfection, your kitchen fills with an aromatic blend that will have everyone eagerly anticipating mealtime. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish is a game-changer—easy to prepare, full of flavor, and absolutely satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken Chili quickly becomes a family favorite due to its simplicity and taste. With minimal prep time and just a handful of ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Packed with protein and fiber, it makes for a nourishing meal that even the pickiest of eaters will love. The combination of spices provides a delightful kick without overwhelming the palate, ensuring each bite is as comforting as the last. If you love a dish that cooks itself while you go about your day, this crowd-pleaser is just what you need!

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

The ingredients bring a delightful array of textures and flavors. The boneless, skinless chicken breast cooks down to juicy, tender shreds, while the cream cheese creates a luxurious, creamy base. Sweet corn adds a subtle crunch, and black beans offer a hearty component, making every spoonful satisfying. The slight heat from the diced green chilies and the zesty ranch and taco seasonings elevate this dish, ensuring it bursts with flavor.

Step-by-Step Directions

Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker, ensuring they are spread out evenly for uniform cooking.
Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and taco seasoning over the chicken breasts, creating a flavorful layer that will infuse throughout the dish.
Add the softened cream cheese on top of the chicken. This will melt beautifully as it cooks, adding an irresistible creaminess to the chili.
Incorporate the corn, drained diced tomatoes, black beans, and green chilies into the slow cooker, layering them over the cream cheese.
Pour the chicken broth over everything, ensuring the ingredients are slightly submerged for optimal cooking.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender by the end of this period.
Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it right in the slow cooker, mixing it thoroughly with the other ingredients.
Stir everything together, ensuring the cream cheese and all other components meld for a harmonious flavor.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Use a spoon to stir until it melts, giving the chili a gooey, cheesy finish.
Garnish with chopped green onions if desired, adding a pop of freshness. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, cheesy chili alongside crackers, tortilla chips, or even on its own.

Tips & Tricks

For an extra touch, try substituting the chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a richer flavor. You can also enhance the heat by adding jalapeños or using spicy taco seasoning. If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the chili after cooking, providing a unique twist. Don’t forget to adjust your seasonings to taste—every palate is different!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken Chili is versatile and makes a fantastic option for many occasions. Serve it as a hearty main dish accompanied by crusty bread or tortilla chips for dipping. It’s also perfect for game day gatherings, potlucks, or cozy family dinner nights. Pair it with a fresh green salad or a side of rice for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. Each serving contains around 350 calories, with a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The dish provides essential nutrients from the beans and vegetables, making it a well-rounded option. As always, be mindful of portion sizes to maintain a balanced diet.

Storing Tips & Variations

Leftovers of this chili can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to four days. For longer storage, consider freezing in individual portions. To reheat, simply warm on the stove or microwave until heated through. You can also customize the recipe to suit your personal taste, such as adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or even experimenting with different types of cheese.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken Chili is a must-try recipe that effortlessly combines convenience with incredible flavor. This dish is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation, providing a hearty, comforting experience that is both quick to prepare and delightful to eat. Don’t hesitate to give it a go! We’d love to hear about your experience with this flavorful chili in the comments below.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; simply increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours.
Is there a vegetarian version of this chili?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with more beans and veggies such as chopped bell peppers or lentils to create a vegetarian chili.
Can I make this dish in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté function to cook the seasonings and then add the other ingredients. Set it to pressure cook for 15-20 minutes.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For more heat, add diced jalapeños or use spicy taco seasoning. You can also serve it with hot sauce!
What can I serve with this chili?
It pairs well with tortilla chips, cornbread, or a side of steamed rice for a fulfilling meal.

Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken Chili

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: eliana-quinn
Total Time: 375 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Paleo

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy and hearty chili that combines tender chicken, cream cheese, and spices for a comforting meal.

Instructions

Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker, ensuring they are spread out evenly for uniform cooking.
Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and taco seasoning over the chicken breasts, creating a flavorful layer that will infuse throughout the dish.
Add the softened cream cheese on top of the chicken. This will melt beautifully as it cooks, adding an irresistible creaminess to the chili.
Incorporate the corn, drained diced tomatoes, black beans, and green chilies into the slow cooker, layering them over the cream cheese.
Pour the chicken broth over everything, ensuring the ingredients are slightly submerged for optimal cooking.
Cover and cook on low for 360 minutes or on high for 240 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender by the end of this period.
Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it right in the slow cooker, mixing it thoroughly with the other ingredients.
Stir everything together, ensuring the cream cheese and all other components meld for a harmonious flavor.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Use a spoon to stir until it melts, giving the chili a gooey, cheesy finish.
Garnish with chopped green onions if desired, adding a pop of freshness. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, cheesy chili.