Description
Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is a rich, comforting, and creamy chili recipe combining tender chicken, cream cheese, beans, and vibrant spices, slow-cooked to develop deep flavors. Perfect for cozy evenings, easy meal prep, and customizable to various tastes and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Dairy
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1–2 bell peppers, diced
- 1–2 jalapeños, diced (optional, for heat)
Canned Goods
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney or black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted or plain)
Liquids
- 1 to 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Spices
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the onions, bell peppers, and jalapeños (if using). Gather chicken, beans, diced tomatoes, and spices to have all ingredients ready for easy assembly.
- Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add beans, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, jalapeños, and seasonings on top. Pour chicken broth evenly over everything to keep the chili moist.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This will allow flavors to meld and chicken to become tender and shreddable.
- Add Cream Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, add cream cheese cubes to the chili. Stir well so the cream cheese melts fully into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the slow cooker, shred them using two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir thoroughly to combine everything evenly.
- Final Adjustments and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional spices as desired. Serve hot with your favorite garnishes and sides.
Notes
- Choose thighs for juicier meat or breasts for a leaner option; both work well.
- Add cream cheese late to prevent separation and maintain creamy texture.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control saltiness.
- Shred the chicken midway through cooking if preferred for more even texture.
- This chili tastes even better the next day after flavors have developed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: slow cooker chicken chili, creamy chicken chili, cream cheese chili, comfort food, slow cooker recipe, easy chili, healthy chili
