Crock pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili Recipe

I’ve tried dozens of slow cooker recipes, but this Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili recipe really hit the spot. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor—and best of all, it’s super easy to make. I whipped this up on a cold evening, and let me tell you, it felt like a warm hug in a bowl.

If you’re looking for something heartwarming and tasty, this is it. And yes, even my leftover-lovers said this one beats my Taco Potatoes Recipe any day!

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this chili more than once, I’ve picked up a few little tricks that make a big difference in flavor and texture. Here’s what I learned the delicious way:

• Sear the chicken first: I know it’s tempting to toss everything in the slow cooker, but a quick sear adds depth and seals in juices.
• Don’t skip fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the chili a bold flavor that jarred versions can’t match.
• Add cream cheese last 30 minutes: If you’re home, add it later to keep the texture super smooth and not overly melted.
• Use low-sodium broth and beans: This helps you better control the salt level.
• Top with a squeeze of lime: Right before serving, it brightens up the creamy base and makes the chili pop!

Easy Ingredient Swaps and Yummy Variations

Want to give this chili your own twist? Whether you’re going dairy-free or just want a spicier kick, here are some variations that work wonderfully. You can also explore these swaps if you love trying new dinner recipes with the same base.

• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese (like almond or oat-based) to keep the creamy texture.
• Spice it up: Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne for more heat.
• Add corn: A cup of frozen or canned corn adds a sweet crunch.
• Swap the beans: Use pinto or cannellini beans instead for a different texture.
• Make it low-carb: Skip the beans and add extra veggies like zucchini or cauliflower rice.

Equipment You’ll Need

You won’t need much, but having the right tools makes this recipe even easier:

• Skillet: For browning the chicken and boosting flavor.
• Slow Cooker: To cook the chili low and slow without supervision.
• Knife and Cutting Board: To prep the vegetables quickly and safely.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate spice and liquid measurements.
• Forks: Perfect for shredding the tender chicken at the end.
• Mixing Spoon: For combining everything in the slow cooker before cooking.

How to Serve Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili?

This chili is so versatile, you can serve it in many delicious ways. Here are my favorite ideas to make your meal extra special—and if you love comforting meals like this, you’ll also enjoy a Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe for similar vibes!

• Serve with tortilla chips for a chili dip style meal.
• Spoon over rice or quinoa for a more filling dinner.
• Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado for a colorful, tasty finish.
• Garnish with cilantro and a lime wedge to brighten things up.
• Use it as a filling for burritos or stuffed bell peppers.

How to Store Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

• Storing: Let the chili cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: This chili freezes well! Store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

• Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring often. Add a splash of broth if it gets too thick.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here’s why this cozy chili should be your next go-to dinner option. It’s got everything I love in a home-cooked meal:

• Effortless and Hands-Off: Just toss everything in the crockpot and walk away. No babysitting required!
• Crowd-Pleaser: It’s great for family dinners or parties—everyone asks for seconds.
• Customizable: You can adjust spice, creaminess, or protein easily.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: Warm, cheesy, and soul-satisfying—perfect for chilly nights.
• Balanced and Hearty: With protein, veggies, and beans, it’s filling and wholesome.

More Useful Info to Help You Make It Perfect

This slow cooker recipe is perfect if you want to plan dinner ahead or feed a crowd with little effort. You can prep all the ingredients the night before, store them in the fridge, and just dump them in the crockpot the next morning.

Also, don’t overmix the cream cheese while cooking. Let it melt naturally, then stir gently after shredding the chicken. This gives it a creamy texture without separating or curdling.

If you’re cooking for kids or those sensitive to spice, keep the green chilies mild and skip extra heat. But for spice lovers, it pairs great with jalapeños or even a chipotle chili for a smoky kick.

Ben Carraoli

Crock pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili Recipe

Creamy, hearty, and packed with bold flavors, this slow cooker chili is the ultimate comfort food. The creamy texture from the cream cheese, tender chicken, and a perfect blend of spices makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. You can toss everything in the crockpot and let it cook low and slow—perfect for busy days or cozy nights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Dinner

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts – lean protein that shreds beautifully after slow cooking.
• 1 tbsp olive oil – helps brown the chicken for added depth of flavor.
• 1 large onion chopped – gives a sweet, aromatic base to the chili.
• 2 cloves garlic minced – adds bold flavor; fresh garlic works best.
• 1 green bell pepper chopped – provides crunch and a touch of sweetness.
• 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained – keeps the chili saucy and adds acidity.
• 1 15 oz can kidney beans, rinsed and drained – hearty beans that hold their shape well.
• 1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained – add texture and earthiness.
• 1 4 oz can diced green chilies – for a mild kick of heat and flavor.
• 1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened – adds richness and a creamy finish.
• 1 cup chicken broth – thins out the chili slightly for a soupier consistency.
• 1 tbsp chili powder – classic spice that gives warmth without too much heat.
• 1 tsp cumin – earthy and nutty enhances the overall chili flavor.
• 1/2 tsp oregano – a touch of herbal balance to the bold spices.
• Salt and pepper to taste – adjust at the end for best results.
• Optional toppings: sour cream shredded cheese, avocado – for added creaminess, texture, and flavor.

Method

 

1. Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook them for a couple of minutes on each side until they get a golden brown sear. This step isn’t mandatory but it adds extra depth to the final chili.
2. Transfer the seared chicken breasts into the bottom of your slow cooker. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, and green bell pepper right over the chicken. These veggies will cook down perfectly and give your chili an aromatic base.
3. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), both kinds of beans (drained and rinsed), and the can of green chilies. Then, sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. These spices will soak into the chicken and create that signature chili warmth.
4. Carefully pour in the chicken broth around the ingredients without stirring. Then, place chunks of softened cream cheese over the top. Don’t mix everything at this stage—let the slow cooker gently melt and blend everything during the cooking process.
5. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and easy to shred with two forks. You’ll notice the cream cheese melts down and combines into a rich, creamy chili sauce.
6. Once cooking is done, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir everything thoroughly to combine the cream cheese evenly into the chili. It should be thick, creamy, and full of flavor at this point.
7. Ladle the chili into bowls and add your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or avocado slices. Serve hot with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over rice for a more filling meal.