Description
Creamy cream cheese chicken chili delivers comfort in one delicious bowl, packed with bold southwestern flavors and hearty ingredients. Slow-cooked perfection awaits you, promising a satisfying meal that warms both body and soul with minimal kitchen effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 8-ounces (226 grams) package light cream cheese
Vegetables and Canned Ingredients:
- 1 15-ounces (425 grams) can black beans
- 1 15.25-ounces (432 grams) can corn (undrained)
- 1 10-ounces (283 grams) can Rotel tomatoes (undrained)
Seasonings:
- 1 package ranch dressing mix
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Prepare the base by nestling chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring even cooking and maximum moisture retention. Lightly season with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
- Cascade black beans, corn, and Rotel tomatoes over the chicken without stirring, allowing ingredients to meld naturally during cooking process.
- Distribute cumin, chili powder, onion powder, and ranch dressing mix evenly across the top, using hands to ensure comprehensive seasoning coverage.
- Position cream cheese block atop the mixture, allowing it to gradually dissolve and create a luxurious, velvety texture throughout the chili.
- Configure slow cooker to low temperature setting and cook for 6-8 hours. Alternatively, use high setting for 3-4 hours if time is limited, understanding that slower cooking develops deeper flavor complexity.
- Extract chicken using tongs or forks, shredding meat effortlessly due to tender consistency. Reintegrate shredded chicken into the chili mixture, ensuring uniform distribution.
- Thoroughly incorporate melted cream cheese by stirring vigorously, creating a harmonious blend of ingredients. Serve immediately for optimal taste and temperature.
Notes
- Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and ranch mix for milder or bolder flavors without overwhelming the dish.
- Enhance protein content by using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter, protein-packed alternative that maintains creamy texture.
- Prepare vegetarian version by swapping chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute, ensuring similar texture and cooking method.
- Make meal prep friendly by storing leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify in refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hour (on high) or 8 hours (on low)
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg