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Cream Cheese Chicken Chili Recipe

Name: Cream Cheese Chicken Chili Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 360 min
Total time: 375 min
Ingredients: 2 chicken breast (frozen or thawed); 10 ounce can Rotel tomatoes; 15 ounce can whole kernel corn, do not drain; 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 package Ranch dressing mix or (3 Tablespoons); 1 Tablespoon cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 onion (chopped or (1/3 cup minced onion)); 8 ounce package cream cheese, cubed; 1 cup chicken broth (optional for slow cooker, encouraged for instant pot)

4.85 / 5 ( 13 Reviews )

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A rich, creamy, and flavorful twist on traditional chili! That’s easy to make in the Instant Pot or slow cooker, making it the perfect meal for busy nights.

Feb 28, 2025 The links in the post below may be affiliate links. Read the full disclosure

Creamy White Chicken Chili

Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is a creamy and comforting twist on traditional chili, combining tender shredded chicken, beans, corn, and a flavorful mix of spices. Adding cream cheese creates a rich, velvety texture, making this dish stand out. It’s a simple, one-pot meal perfect for busy nights, meal prepping, and cozy gatherings with family and friends.

Ingredients and Supplies to Make Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

Ingredients

Chicken breasts
Rotel tomatoes
Whole kernel corn
Black beans
Ranch dressing mix
Ground Cumin
Chili powder
Onion, chopped
Cream cheese, cubed
Chicken broth

Ingredient Variations

Looking to change things up? These variations can cater to different dietary needs, such as vegetarian or low-carb options. Try these substitutions and add-ins:

Cheese Alternatives:

Greek Yogurt – A healthier, tangy substitute for cream cheese.
Sour Cream – Adds creaminess with a slightly tart flavor.
Heavy Cream – Creates a rich, velvety texture without the tanginess.
Cheddar or Pepper Jack Cheese – For a cheesier, gooier chili.

Different Beans to Use:

Red Kidney Beans – A heartier option with a firm texture.
Pinto Beans – Adds a creamy consistency.
White Beans (Great Northern or Cannellini) – A milder, softer bean alternative.
Chickpeas – A unique twist with added texture and protein.

Supplies

Slow cooker or Instant Pot
Mixing spoon
Cutting board and knife

How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken Chili in the Instant Pot or Slow Cooker

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker or Instant Pot. Add Rotel tomatoes (undrained), corn, black beans, Ranch dressing mix, cumin, onion, and chili powder.

Instant Pot Only: Pour in 1 cup chicken broth to prevent burning.

Step 2: Cook

Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on Low for 4–6 hours or until the chicken is tender enough to shred.

Instant Pot: Seal the lid and cook on High Pressure for 20 minutes (or 40 minutes if using frozen chicken). Let it natural release for 5 minutes, then do a quick release of the remaining pressure.

Step 3: Add Cream Cheese

Slow Cooker: Add the cubed cream cheese during the last 45 minutes of cooking. Stir occasionally until thoroughly melted.

Instant Pot: After releasing the pressure, add the cubed cream cheese and stir until melted.

Step 4: Shred & Serve

Remove the tender chicken breasts, shred them into bite-sized pieces with two forks, then return the chicken to the chili. Give everything a final stir before serving.

Freezer and Leftover Instructions

Storing Leftovers:

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
Reheat in a pot over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring frequently.

Freezing Instructions:

Combine all ingredients except cream cheese and broth in a freezer-safe bag.
Lay flat and freeze for up to 3 months.

Cooking From Frozen:

Slow Cooker: Place frozen ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the cream cheese in the last 45 minutes.

Instant Pot: Add 1 cup of broth, then cook from frozen on high pressure for 40 minutes. Stir in cream cheese after cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I thicken up white chicken chili?

Mash Some Beans – Puree a portion of the beans and stir them back into the chili.
Add Cornstarch or Flour – Mix with a small amount of water before stirring it into the pot.
Simmer Longer – Allow the chili to reduce and thicken naturally.
Use Less Liquid – Reduce the amount of broth or tomatoes for a thicker consistency.

Is chicken chili healthy?

Yes! This chili is packed with lean protein, fiber, and nutrients. Compared to traditional beef chili, this version is lower in saturated fat while still being rich and satisfying.

Using chicken and beans provides a hearty texture without the heaviness of red meat. To make it even healthier, you can reduce the cream cheese or use a lower-fat alternative like light cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese.
Opt for low-sodium beans and broth.
Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.

What are some good toppings for chicken chili?

Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija)
Sliced avocado
Chopped fresh cilantro
Crushed tortilla chips
Squeeze of lime juice

Final Thoughts

Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, hearty, and bursting with flavor. Whether you prefer a milder taste or enjoy a spicy kick, this dish can easily be adapted by adjusting the amount of chili powder or adding ingredients like jalapeños or hot sauce to suit your spice preference.

The flavors deepen and meld together as they simmer, making leftovers taste even better the next day. Pair it with warm cornbread, a side salad, or tortilla chips for a complete and satisfying meal. Whether you make it in the Instant Pot for a quick dinner or let it simmer in the slow cooker for an easy meal, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, you can easily customize it with so many variations to fit your preferences. Give it a try, and let us know your favorite way to serve it!

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