Chicken Chili

This Chicken Chili is the ultimate comforting, easy-to-make meal. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or a casual get-together with friends and family. With tender shredded chicken, a mix of beans, spices, and a creamy finish, it’s packed with flavor but requires minimal effort thanks to the crockpot. Just toss everything in, let it cook low and slow, and you’ll be rewarded with a hearty and satisfying dish that everyone will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Chili

• Effortless Cooking: Using a crockpot means you can prep everything in minutes and let it cook while you go about your day.
• Creamy and Flavorful: The addition of ranch seasoning and cream cheese takes this chili to the next level, adding richness and tang to the traditional chili flavors.
• Hearty & Nutritious: Packed with protein from the chicken and beans, plus a good dose of veggies, it’s as filling as it is delicious.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This chili reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep.

Ingredients for Chicken Chili

• 2 pounds chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts will shred perfectly after slow cooking.
• 2 cans Rotel (undrained): Adds a touch of spiciness and tomatoes to the mix. No need to drain them—you’ll want all that flavor!
• 2 cans corn (undrained): The natural sweetness of the corn balances out the spices in the chili.
• 2 cans pinto beans (drained & rinsed): Adds heartiness and extra protein.
• 2 cans black beans (drained & rinsed): Another layer of texture and flavor.
• 1 large onion: Adds a savory, aromatic base to the chili.
• 2 cups chicken broth: Keeps the chili moist and flavorful, while helping everything cook down beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons chili powder: Adds that classic chili kick.
• 1 tablespoon cumin: Provides warmth and depth of flavor.
• 2 teaspoons salt: Balances out the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper: For a touch of spice.
• 2 packets ranch seasoning: A surprising twist that adds creaminess and tang, making this chili irresistible.
• 16 ounces cream cheese (2 bricks): The secret to a rich, creamy texture that makes this chili extra comforting.

Step-by-Step Directions for Chicken Chili

1. Prep Your Ingredients

Before getting started, drain and rinse your cans of beans (both pinto and black beans). You don’t need to drain the Rotel or corn you want all the juices from those to go into your chili.

2. Add Everything to the Crockpot

Place the 2 pounds of chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Add in the 2 cans of Rotel (undrained), 2 cans of corn (undrained), 2 cans of pinto beans (drained and rinsed), and 2 cans of black beans (drained and rinsed).

Next, toss in 1 large diced onion for flavor. Pour in the 2 cups of chicken broth to keep everything moist and simmering.

3. Season the Chili

To season your chili, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of cumin, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Finally, add the 2 packets of ranch seasoning to amp up the creamy, tangy flavor that will set this chili apart.

4. Add the Cream Cheese

Place the 2 bricks (16 ounces) of cream cheese on top of the other ingredients. Don’t worry about stirring it in just yet; it will melt down as the chili cooks.

5. Cook Low and Slow

Cover the crockpot and set it to high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. During this time, the chicken will cook through, absorb all the delicious flavors, and the cream cheese will melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.

6. Shred the Chicken

Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, giving everything a good stir to combine the cream cheese and distribute the chicken evenly.

7. Serve & Enjoy!

Your Chicken Chili is ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or tortilla chips for extra crunch.

Tips for Success

• Cream Cheese Tip: To make sure the cream cheese melts evenly, you can cut it into cubes before adding it to the crockpot.
• Shredding the Chicken: If you want to save time, you can use a hand mixer to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot!
• Customize the Spice Level: If you like more heat, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper when adding the seasonings.

Customizations and Variations

• Make it Spicier: For those who love heat, throw in some diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
• Swap the Beans: You can use kidney beans, chickpeas, or even white beans if you prefer.
• Add More Veggies: Bulk it up with diced bell peppers or zucchini.
• Lighter Version: You can swap the cream cheese for Greek yogurt or reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter version without losing the creamy texture.

Storing and Reheating

• Fridge: Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: This chili freezes beautifully! Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat.
• Reheat: Warm up in the microwave or over the stove on low heat, stirring occasionally.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Chili is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it’s even better with a few side options:

• Cornbread: A slice of sweet, buttery cornbread on the side is the perfect complement.
• Tortilla Chips: Scoop up your chili with crunchy tortilla chips for added texture.
• Side Salad: A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the chili.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~450 kcal per serving
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 20g

Final Thoughts

This creamy, tangy, and savory Chicken Chili will quickly become a go-to recipe in your crockpot rotation. It’s loaded with protein and flavor, with just the right amount of spice, and the ranch seasoning and cream cheese add an indulgent touch that makes it irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a game day crowd, a family dinner, or meal-prepping for the week, this chili is guaranteed to impress. Happy cooking and enjoy! 😋