Description
This creamy and mildly spiced slow cooker chicken chili is a comforting and easy meal perfect for busy days. Made with tender shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and a blend of spices, this chili is finished with cream cheese for a rich and smooth texture. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that requires minimal prep and yields a hearty dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Chili Ingredients
- 2 (14.5-ounce/411g) cans petite diced tomatoes, drained (or 1 28-ounce/794g can)
- 1 (15-ounce/425g) can tomato sauce
- 2 large skinless boneless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs/680g)
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth (reduced-sodium recommended)
- 1 cup (130g) diced yellow onion
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15-ounce/425g) can corn, rinsed and drained or 1 package frozen corn
- 1 (15-ounce/425g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 jalapeño, minced (seeds and ribs removed)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano or Italian seasoning blend
- 2 teaspoons chili powder (reduce to 1 teaspoon for milder flavor)
- 1 Tablespoon ground cumin
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 ounces (113g) full-fat or light brick-style cream cheese, at room temperature
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Add all ingredients except the cream cheese into a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Stir everything together until thoroughly combined.
- Cook the Chili: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7 hours or on high for 3 hours, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to become tender.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and transfer to a cutting board or plate. Using two forks, shred the tender chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Return Chicken and Add Cream Cheese: Place the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. Add the cream cheese and stir until it has fully melted and blended into the chili, creating a creamy texture.
- Final Cooking: Cover the slow cooker again and cook for an additional 10–15 minutes to fully incorporate the cream cheese and heat through.
- Serve: Serve the chili warm topped with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and/or sour cream. It pairs wonderfully with cornbread or cornbread muffins.
- Store Leftovers: Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 1 week. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Notes
- This slow cooker chicken chili is flavorful, mildly spiced, and creamy, making it a favorite for repeated dinners.
- It freezes well for future meals and is very customizable with your preferred veggies or spice levels.
- No pre-cooking of chicken or complicated prep is needed, truly a ‘set it and forget it’ recipe.
- If you prefer, this chili can be adapted for stovetop cooking by simmering all ingredients until chicken is cooked through, about 45 minutes.
- Use reduced-sodium broth and canned goods to better control salt content if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg