Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Chili
Why This Cheesy Chicken Chili Works
This Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Chili is a fantastic dish that combines comfort and flavor. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with protein, making it a perfect meal for busy weekdays or cozy weekends. The slow cooker does all the hard work for you, blending the flavors beautifully while you go about your day.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Chili
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 cans Rotel tomatoes with green chilis
- 2 cans black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can corn
- 32 oz chicken broth
- 1 packet dry ranch seasoning
- 8 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
- 8 oz cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- Extra cheese, Fritos, and Hot Sauce (for serving)
Directions:
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add all remaining ingredients except for the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and toppings.
- Set the temperature to low and cook for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Halfway through cooking, add the cream cheese.
- Once it’s cooking time is done, shred the chicken and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted.
- Serve hot with your choice of toppings like extra cheese, Fritos, or a dash of hot sauce.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Chili
This chili is best served warm. Ladle it into bowls, and top with extra shredded cheese, Fritos for crunch, and a splash of hot sauce if you like some heat. It pairs wonderfully with cornbread or tortilla chips for a satisfying meal.
How to Store Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Chili
To store leftovers, let the chili cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. When ready to enjoy again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Chili
- For extra flavor, consider adding diced onions or bell peppers to the mix.
- If you like it spicy, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute the chicken breasts with ground chicken or turkey for a different texture.
Variations
Feel free to switch up the beans! Black beans can be replaced with pinto or kidney beans. You can also use different types of cheese, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a unique twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time.
2. Can I make this chili on the stovetop?
Absolutely! Just simmer the ingredients in a large pot for about 30-40 minutes until everything is heated through and the chicken is cooked.
3. How can I make this chili vegetarian?
Remove the chicken and bacon, and replace with additional beans or vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian option.
Cheesy Chicken Chili
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces chicken breasts Can use frozen; add an extra hour to cooking time.
- 2 cans Rotel tomatoes with green chilis
- 2 cans black beans (drained and rinsed) Can substitute with pinto or kidney beans.
- 1 can corn
- 32 oz chicken broth
- 1 packet dry ranch seasoning
- 8 slices cooked and crumbled bacon For a vegetarian version, omit.
- 8 oz cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Can substitute with other types of cheese.
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
Serving Toppings
- to taste Extra cheese For sprinkling on top.
- to taste Fritos For added crunch.
- to taste Hot Sauce Optional, for extra heat.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add all remaining ingredients except for the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and toppings.
Cooking
- Set the temperature to low and cook for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Halfway through cooking, add the cream cheese.
- Once cooking time is done, shred the chicken and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted.
Serving
- Serve hot with your choice of toppings like extra cheese, Fritos, or a dash of hot sauce.
