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Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

  • Author: Lina
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is a comforting, creamy, and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, rich cream cheese, and a blend of warm spices slow-cooked to perfection. Easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights, this chili offers a versatile, protein-packed meal with a smooth, velvety texture, customizable to your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Dairy

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes, room temperature

Vegetables & Beans

  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

  • 1 cup chicken broth

Spices & Seasonings

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt, to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper, to taste (about ½ teaspoon)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken and Aromatics: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic on top, allowing them to slowly infuse the chili with flavor as it cooks.
  2. Add the Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained beans, and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine the ingredients, being careful not to displace the chicken too much.
  3. Season and Cook: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper evenly over the mixture. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender enough to shred.
  4. Stir in Cream Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and add the cream cheese cubes. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the chili, creating a creamy texture.
  5. Final Taste and Serve: Give the chili a good stir and adjust seasoning if necessary. Let it warm through for another 10 minutes. Serve hot with your favorite garnishes such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or shredded cheese.

Notes

  • Use thicker chicken breasts or thighs to help prevent drying out during slow cooking.
  • Shred the chicken before adding cream cheese for better creaminess and flavor distribution.
  • Add extra chili powder or cumin near the end for a bolder spice profile.
  • Use cream cheese at room temperature to help it melt smoothly.
  • Cooking on low heat allows flavors to develop fully and keeps chicken tender.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: slow cooker chili, cream cheese chicken chili, easy chicken chili, creamy chili, slow cooker recipes, weeknight meals, comforting chili

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Find it online: https://dishesbylina.com/slow-cooker-cream-cheese-chicken-chili/