As I stirred the bubbling pot of Cream Cheese Chicken Chili, a wave of warmth enveloped me, a reminder of cozy evenings spent with loved ones. This slow cooker delight is not just any chili; it’s a creamy, hearty concoction packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a hint of spice that dances on your palate. Perfect for those chilly nights when you crave comfort without the fuss, this dish delivers both flavor and convenience—prep it in minutes and let your crock pot do the magic! And don’t worry about leftovers; it’s freezer-friendly, ensuring you have a delightful meal ready to go whenever hunger strikes. Are you ready to discover how this creamy chili can transform your weeknight dinners?
Why is this chili the perfect comfort food?
Creamy, Hearty Goodness: This Cream Cheese Chicken Chili combines a velvety base with tender chicken and crispy bacon for unmatched comfort.
Effortless Prep: Throw everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic—perfect for busy weeknights!
Versatile Delight: Pair it with warm cornbread or over rice for a complete meal, satisfying any craving.
Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy delicious leftovers; it stores beautifully for up to two months!
A Crowd-Pleaser: Serve it at gatherings or cozy nights in; everyone will adore this rich, flavorful dish.
Cream Cheese Chicken Chili Ingredients
For the Chili
- Bacon – Adds a smoky flavor and crispy texture. Substitution Note: Can use turkey bacon for a lighter version.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs/Breast – Main protein source providing richness. Can use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- Chicken Broth/Stock – Provides depth and richness to the chili. Choose low-sodium for better control of saltiness.
- Salsa Verde – Incorporates tanginess and spices. Substitution Note: Any preferred salsa can be used.
- White Beans – Adds heartiness and fiber to the dish. Substitution Note: Great Northern or navy beans work well.
- Sweet Corn – Contributes sweetness and texture. Can substitute with frozen corn if desired.
- Yellow Onion – Enhances the flavor base with sweetness when cooked. Substitution Note: Shallots can be used for a milder taste.
- Green Chiles – Adds mild heat and flavor. Substitution Note: Jalapeños can provide extra spiciness.
- Garlic – For depth of flavor. Substitution Note: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- Jalapeño – Provides fresh heat. Optional to remove seeds for a milder version.
- Cumin & Chili Powder – Seasoning blend essential for chili flavor. Substitution Note: Use taco seasoning for convenience.
- Oregano & Smoked Paprika – Adds herbal notes and a hint of smokiness.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning. Adjust according to taste.
For the Creamy Base
- Cream Cheese – Creates a creamy, rich base. Dairy-free cream cheese can be substituted for a vegan option.
- Half and Half – Adds richness to the creaminess. Substitution Note: Use milk or dairy alternatives as needed.
This Cream Cheese Chicken Chili recipe is a cozy, creamy favorite that’s easy to enjoy any night of the week!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Step 1: Fry the Bacon
Begin by dicing the bacon into bite-sized pieces and frying them in a skillet over medium-low heat for about 8–10 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and avoid burning. Once done, transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, and set aside for later.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker, combine 4 cups of chicken broth, 2 cups of salsa verde, and 2 cans of drained white beans. Add 1 cup of sweet corn, 1 chopped yellow onion, and 1 can of green chiles. Toss in 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 diced jalapeño (with seeds for extra heat), mixing everything well until fully combined. The base of your Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is ready!
Step 3: Season the Mixture
Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of cumin, 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of oregano, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika over the mixture in the slow cooker. Add kosher salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring the flavors meld together nicely. Stir the seasoning into the mixture until evenly distributed, enhancing the chili’s rich flavor profile.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Bacon
Next, carefully add the crispy bacon bits into the slow cooker mixture. Place 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts over the top of the mixture. This will allow the chicken to soak in all those flavorful juices as it cooks. Make sure the chicken is nestled well within the other ingredients to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Add Cream Cheese
Cut 8 ounces of cream cheese into small cubes and place them on top of the chicken. This will melt into the chili during cooking, creating a creamy base. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot; it’ll blend in wonderfully with the other ingredients for that signature Cream Cheese Chicken Chili richness.
Step 6: Cook the Chili
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours. Allow the flavors to develop as the chicken becomes tender and the ingredients meld together. Towards the end of cooking, the aroma will waft through your kitchen, hinting at the comforting meal that awaits.
Step 7: Shred the Chicken
After cooking, carefully remove the chicken pieces from the slow cooker using tongs or a slotted spoon and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This step is essential for incorporating the chicken back into the creamy base of your Cream Cheese Chicken Chili.
Step 8: Blend in the Cream Cheese
Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, then whisk the melted cream cheese until smooth before stirring it into the chili mixture. This step ensures a creamy consistency throughout your chili without any lumps. Continue mixing gently until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 9: Add Half and Half
Pour in 1 cup of half and half, stirring it into the chili until fully combined. This addition enhances the creaminess and richness of the soup, complementing the flavors perfectly. If you prefer, you can use milk or any dairy alternatives to suit your needs.
Step 10: Serve the Chili
Once everything is fully combined and heated through, ladle the Cream Cheese Chicken Chili into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish with sliced jalapeños, fresh parsley, and crispy tortilla chips for added texture and flavor. Enjoy the comforting warmth of your homemade meal!
Make Ahead Options
This Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is perfect for meal prep and can save you precious time during busy weeknights! You can chop the vegetables and cook the bacon up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. Additionally, you can combine the other ingredients (excluding the cream cheese and chicken) and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. When it’s time to serve, just place everything into the slow cooker with the chicken and cream cheese and cook as directed. This way, you’ll still enjoy a hearty, creamy chili that tastes just as delicious while saving time!
Cream Cheese Chicken Chili Variations
Get ready to make this comforting dish uniquely yours—bring your personal touch to each bowl and explore new flavors!
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Turkey Bacon: Swap crispy bacon for turkey bacon for a lighter option, keeping that smoky flavor intact.
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Veggie Goodness: Replace chicken with chickpeas or lentils for a plant-based twist that’s hearty and satisfying. This transformation turns your chili into a protein powerhouse.
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Heat it Up: For an extra kick, use serrano peppers in place of jalapeños. Their vibrant heat elevates the chili while keeping it deliciously creamy.
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Colorful Crunch: Stir in diced bell peppers or carrots to introduce vibrant colors and added texture. It’s an easy way to incorporate more veggies into your meal!
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Spice Blend Switch: Use taco seasoning in place of cumin and chili powder for a flavorful shortcut that delivers a zesty touch.
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Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based half-and-half for a creamy vegan option without sacrificing flavor. Everyone deserves comfort food!
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Hearty Additions: Toss in some quinoa or farro to enhance the heartiness and create a filling meal that’ll keep you cozy.
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Herb Infusion: Fresh cilantro or parsley stirred in just before serving brightens the dish and adds a burst of freshness, taking your chili up a notch.
If you’re looking for more mouthwatering chicken recipes, check out my Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Comfort or bring an exciting twist with this High Protein Chicken dish!
What to Serve With Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Cozy up your dinner table and create a delightful spread that perfectly complements this creamy, hearty dish.
- Warm Cornbread: A classic pairing, its buttery sweetness contrasts beautifully with the chili’s savory flavor, making each bite a comforting experience.
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy and salty, they add texture and are perfect for dipping into the creamy chili, elevating the entire meal.
- Fresh Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado adds a fresh, cooling element that beautifully balances the spice and richness of the chili.
- Garden Salad: A light, refreshing salad with crisp greens and tangy vinaigrette complements the chili’s warmth and richness, invigorating the palate.
- Rice or Quinoa: Serving the chili over fluffy rice or hearty quinoa enhances its filling nature, creating a wholesome meal that satisfies hunger.
- Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack melted on top introduces an extra layer of creaminess and flavor to your bowl of chili.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop adds a delightful creaminess, tanginess, and cooling effect, creating a harmonious balance with the spiciness of the dish.
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: Refreshing beverages like iced tea or tangy homemade lemonade pair well, offering a cooling contrast to the hearty chili.
How to Store and Freeze Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Fridge: Store leftover chili in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to maintain creaminess.
Freezer: This Cream Cheese Chicken Chili freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Reheating: To reheat frozen chili, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm it on the stove, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a little half and half or broth if the texture becomes too thick.
Serve: For best flavor, enjoy your chili shortly after reheating. Garnish with fresh toppings like cilantro or crispy tortilla chips for an extra touch!
Expert Tips for Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
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Crispy Bacon: Ensure the bacon is well-cooked and crispy to maintain its texture in the chili; soggy bacon could ruin the dish.
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Smooth Creaminess: Whisk the cream cheese until smooth before adding it to the chili to avoid lumps, ensuring that your Cream Cheese Chicken Chili has a velvety finish.
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Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning levels throughout the cooking process. Always taste the chili before serving to enhance flavors based on personal preference.
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Proper Storage: Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container for freezing. This prevents ice crystals and maintains its creamy texture for future meals.
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Customization is Key: Feel free to adjust spice levels by adding more jalapeños or using a hotter salsa, tailoring the heat to suit your family’s taste.
Cream Cheese Chicken Chili Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe ingredients for this chili?
Absolutely! When selecting your ingredients, choose firm, vibrant jalapeños with a smooth skin for best flavor. For the onions, pick those that are heavy for their size and have a papery skin without dark spots. Fresh garlic should be firm and plump as well. If opting for canned beans, look for those with the lowest sodium content for a healthier choice.
How should I store any leftover chili?
Very easy! Leftover Cream Cheese Chicken Chili should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow the chili to cool to room temperature before sealing the container to prevent condensation, which can dilute the flavor.
Can I freeze Cream Cheese Chicken Chili?
You can! This chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy that cozy flavor anytime. To freeze, let the chili cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Be sure to leave some space in the container as the chili will expand when frozen. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove.
What should I do if my chili is too thick?
No need to worry! If your chili turns out too thick, simply add a splash of chicken broth or half and half while stirring it over low heat. This will help loosen up the texture while enhancing the creaminess. Always taste and adjust seasonings as needed to ensure balanced flavors.
Is this chili suitable for specific dietary needs?
Absolutely! For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily modify the recipe. Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative for a vegan option, and use turkey bacon if you’re looking for a lighter choice. This dish is also gluten-free, as long as all ingredients used, including the salsa, are verified to be gluten-free.
Are there any allergies I should be aware of?
Yes, keep an eye out for common allergens such as dairy from the cream cheese and half and half, as well as sodium from canned beans and bacon. If preparing for someone with a specific allergy, always check labels and prefer fresh ingredients to control what goes into your meal.
Cream Cheese Chicken Chili – Your Cozy Comfort Food Fix
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by dicing the bacon into bite-sized pieces and frying them in a skillet over medium-low heat for about 8–10 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, and set aside.
- In your slow cooker, combine chicken broth, salsa verde, and drained white beans. Add sweet corn, chopped yellow onion, and green chiles. Toss in minced garlic and diced jalapeño, mixing everything well until fully combined.
- Sprinkle cumin, chili powder, oregano, and smoked paprika over the mixture, adjusting with kosher salt and black pepper to taste, stirring to combine.
- Carefully add the crispy bacon bits and place chicken over the top, ensuring it's nestled well within the mixture.
- Cut cream cheese into small cubes and place them on top of the chicken.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours.
- After cooking, remove the chicken pieces and shred them into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and whisk the melted cream cheese until smooth before stirring into the chili mixture.
- Pour in half and half, stirring until fully combined.
- Once everything is combined and heated through, ladle into bowls and serve hot, garnished with sliced jalapeños, fresh parsley, and tortilla chips.
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