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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.