Save this
I gotta tell you about my family's go-to comfort meal - Addictive Chicken Chili! It blends creamy cheese with juicy chicken, black beans, and a perfect punch from ranch mix. Your slow cooker handles everything while filling your home with amazing smells.
What Makes This Special
This chili really hits the spot. It's rich and creamy but still nutritious and loaded with protein. I'm crazy about how easy it comes together—just what you need for hectic evenings or watching sports with friends. It's also great if you're doing keto.
Ingredient List
- Chicken Broth: Use four cups for our tasty foundation.
- Southwest Corn: Grab one can with peppers and keep all the liquid.
- Rotel: One can adds just enough spice.
- Ranch Mix: One packet works as our hidden flavor gem.
- Chicken: About two or three lean breasts will do.
- Black Beans: One can, make sure to drain and rinse them.
- Cream Cheese: Get eight ounces, don't go for low-fat.
- Cheese: You'll want one and a half cups of freshly shredded Colby Jack.
- Bacon: Cook four slices until crisp, then crumble them up.
Save this
Cooking Steps
- Mix Your Liquids
- Combine broth, corn, Rotel, and seasonings until well blended.
- Stack Everything
- Put chicken on the bottom, then add beans, pour in the broth mixture, sprinkle bacon, and place cream cheese on the very top.
- Cook It Slow
- Set for high about 4 hours or low around 6—this makes everything tender and full of flavor.
- Break Up Chicken
- Take out the chicken, shred it, return to pot, and watch that cream cheese start melting in.
- Add Cheese
- Mix in your hand-grated cheese until completely melted. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve it up.
Cooking Tricks
Always go with full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest results. Shred cheese yourself instead of buying pre-shredded bags. Want it spicier? Throw in more chili powder or spicy Rotel. Tastes fantastic over fresh cornbread, fluffy rice, or with crunchy chips.
Switch Things Up
Swap in chicken thighs or use leftover rotisserie chicken to cut down prep time. Toss in extra peppers for more kick. Top with fresh avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, and crispy tortilla strips for something extra special.
Storage Info
You can keep it in your fridge for about 5 days. It freezes really well too—up to 3 months if you portion it out. Warms up quickly on the stovetop or in your microwave when you're craving something warm and satisfying.
Save this
Fan Favorite Features
The velvety cheese base with crunchy bacon bits just can't be beat. You can tweak the spices and toppings to suit anyone's taste. It's awesome for family dinners or when you've got lots of hungry guests.
Serving Ideas
Scoop it into hollowed bread bowls or pile it onto hot baked potatoes. Add a fresh salad or warm garlic bread alongside. Scatter some chopped green onions and extra cheese on top to make each serving extra tempting.
Total Satisfaction
This chili never disappoints. The prep is super simple, flavors are amazing, and it makes your kitchen smell incredible. Try one bowl and you'll understand why we call it Addictive Chicken Chili.
Save this
Common Questions
- → Can I use precooked chicken?
- Sure thing, rotisserie or any leftover chicken works great. Just toss it in during the final cooking hour so it warms up nicely.
- → Why cube the cream cheese?
- Cutting it into smaller pieces lets the cream cheese melt more smoothly and mix through the chili better.
- → Can I freeze this chili?
- You can, but creamy dishes might look a bit separated after thawing. Just warm it slowly and stir it well to bring it back together.
- → Can I make this on the stovetop?
- Absolutely, just let it bubble gently for around 1 hour or until your chicken gets tender enough to pull apart easily.
- → Why use ranch seasoning?
- The ranch mix brings a special blend of herbs and spices that really works well with both the chicken and the bacon flavors.