If you’ve been craving something warm, creamy, and just a little bit sassy (aren’t we all?), this Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is about to become your new “I can’t believe dinner was this easy” favorite. As a busy mom, professional, or just someone who refuses to spend all evening standing over the stove—trust me, you’re in good company—this recipe is basically a hug that cooks itself.
I’ve leaned on this meal more times than I can admit. On weeks when life feels like one giant to-do list, the slow cooker becomes my best friend, and this chili? My saving grace. It’s rich, comforting, and loaded with flavor—but requires almost zero effort. Truly, it’s slow-cooker magic at its finest.
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Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Let’s be honest: there are days when all you want is for dinner to just figure itself out. That’s exactly why this Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili shines.
Here’s what makes it the hero of hectic weeknights:
- Set it and forget it — the crock pot does all the heavy lifting while you’re conquering life.
- Creamy, cozy flavors that taste like you spent hours fussing… even though you didn’t.
- Simple pantry ingredients (hello, canned beans and veggies!) that don’t require an emergency grocery trip.
- Picky-eater approved — the creamy chicken goodness wins every time.
- Perfect for leftovers — lunch the next day becomes a treat instead of a chore.
This is the kind of meal you put on in the morning, come home to in the evening, and think: Wow, look at me… thriving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything required to bring this beautiful bowl of comfort to life:
- 1 (15-oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15.25-oz.) can corn, undrained
- 1 (10-oz.) can Rotel tomatoes, undrained
- 1 package ranch dressing mix
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 (8-oz.) block light cream cheese
- 2 chicken breasts
Just nine ingredients—because weeknights don’t need to be complicated.
How to Make Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
This recipe is so simple it almost feels unfair to other dinners.
Step 1 — Build the Base
Drain and rinse your black beans first. Then place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crock pot. Pour the undrained corn, undrained Rotel tomatoes, and black beans right over the top. You’re already halfway to dinner and haven’t even broken a sweat.
Step 2 — Season Like You Mean It
Sprinkle in the ranch dressing mix, cumin, chili powder, and onion powder. Give everything a gentle stir—not too vigorous; we’re keeping things easy here.
Step 3 — The Cream Cheese Moment
Place the block of cream cheese right on top. Don’t mix it yet! Let it sit like a cozy little pillow as it slowly melts throughout the day.
Step 4 — Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours. Try not to lift the lid unless absolutely necessary. The slow cooker is like a teenager—you get the best results when you let it do its thing.
Step 5 — Shred, Stir, and Serve
Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and return the meat to the chili. Give everything a good stir, making sure the cream cheese melts fully into the mixture.
At this point, your kitchen will smell like a warm, cozy hug from your grandma.
Enjoy it as-is, or serve it over rice, with tortilla chips, in a bowl with shredded cheese, or even wrapped in a tortilla. This chili plays well with others.
Recipe Tips for Foolproof Success
- If your chili looks a little thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk. Think of it as adjusting your chili’s comfort-level sweater.
- Prefer more heat? Add extra chili powder, a diced jalapeño, or use hot Rotel.
- Forgot to soften the cream cheese? No worries—the crock pot doesn’t judge, and it all melts eventually.
- Want it extra creamy? Stir in a tablespoon of sour cream at the end.
- Cooking for picky eaters? The cream cheese and ranch mix work their magic—kids love it.
This dish once saved me on a week where my schedule was so packed I considered declaring cereal “dinner.” The slow cooker stepped in, took the wheel, and delivered a meal that felt like I had my life together… even if I didn’t.

Serving Ideas to Make Dinner Even Better
Because great chili deserves options:
- Top with shredded cheddar, cilantro, or green onions
- Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips, or warm flour tortillas
- Spoon it over baked potatoes for a hearty twist
- Add rice for a “burrito bowl” vibe
FAQs About Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Many busy cooks use frozen chicken in this recipe. Just be sure to cook on LOW and allow enough time for it to reach a safe internal temperature.
Can I substitute the black beans?
Absolutely. Pinto beans or kidney beans work wonderfully too.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I make this chili spicier?
Of course! Add jalapeños, hot Rotel, or extra chili powder to amp up the heat.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes—just make sure your crock pot is large enough. This recipe disappears quickly, so doubling is never a bad idea.
Make This Cozy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili Tonight
This Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili isn’t just a recipe—it’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary day into something warmer and easier. It’s creamy, flavorful, and comforting in all the right ways. And best of all? It gives you back precious time so you can focus on living your life, not babysitting the stove.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for a busy week, or simply craving a bowl of something soul-soothing, this chili is ready to step up.
Whenever you need a meal that practically cooks itself, remember this Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili—your weeknight hero, weekend comfort, and all-around reliable friend in a bowl.
More Cozy Recipes You’ll Love
If this Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili warmed your heart (and your kitchen!), here are a few more comforting, no-stress dinners your family will absolutely devour. These are the kind of dishes that make weeknights easier, kitchens happier, and bellies very, very satisfied:
- If you adore creamy chicken recipes with big flavor, you’ll fall for this deliciously simple Crockpot Ranch Chicken.
- Craving another cozy bowl moment? Try this smooth and comforting Crockpot White Chicken Chili—it’s a reader favorite for a reason.
- For something hearty, wholesome, and super easy, this family-friendly Crock Pot Chicken and Rice is always a hit.
- And if you’re in the mood to explore even more flavor-packed bowls, this classic Chili Crockpot recipe is the perfect next stop.
Feel free to dive into any of these next—your slow cooker is just getting warmed up!
Print
Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is a cozy, creamy, flavor-packed recipe made with tender shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and Rotel. A true set-it-and-forget-it meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and always a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15.25 oz) can corn, undrained
1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes, undrained
1 packet ranch dressing mix
1 tsp cumin
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 (8 oz) block light cream cheese
2 chicken breasts
Instructions
Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the crock pot.
Add the drained black beans, undrained corn, and Rotel tomatoes on top of the chicken.
Sprinkle in the ranch dressing mix, cumin, chili powder, and onion powder, then gently stir.
Place the cream cheese block on top of the mixture.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours.
Once cooked, remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the crock pot.
Stir everything together until creamy and well combined. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Add a splash of chicken broth if you prefer a thinner chili.
For extra heat, use hot Rotel or add diced jalapeños.
Leftovers keep well for up to 3–4 days in the fridge or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
