If you’re craving a cozy meal that’s bursting with creamy, spicy flavors, this White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s the perfect twist on traditional chili, blending tender chicken, smooth cream cheese, and zesty seasonings into a rich, comforting dish that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a flavorful dinner that warms you from the inside out, this recipe is sure to deliver all the deliciousness you want in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows five ingredients on a white marbled surface. In the center right, there is a white plate with three pieces of uncooked chicken with a pale pink and smooth texture. Above the plate, there is a white bowl filled with yellow corn kernels that have a soft and shiny look. To the left of the bowl, another white bowl is filled with dark black beans in some liquid, giving a glossy appearance. Below the beans, a block of cream cheese with a smooth, white surface is partly unwrapped from silver foil. To the right of the cream cheese, another white bowl contains bright red salsa, showing chopped tomato pieces in liquid. Near the bottom center, a blue packet of ranch dip mix and a yellow packet of taco seasoning mix lie side by side, adding color contrast. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients list. Each component plays a vital role in creating the bright, creamy texture and layered flavors that make this chili so unique. From the tender chicken breasts to the zesty Rotel tomatoes and velvety cream cheese, every item adds something special to the pot.

Chicken breasts: The heart of the chili, providing juicy, lean protein that shreds beautifully after slow cooking.
Taco seasoning: Adds a vibrant blend of spices to infuse the chili with bold Southwest flavors.
Ranch seasoning mix: A surprising twist that brings a herby, tangy kick to the rich base.
Canned black beans: Packed with fiber and texture, these beans add hearty substance and contrast.
Canned corn: Offers sweet bursts and a pleasant crunch that lightens the dish.
Canned Rotel tomatoes with green chiles: Brings vibrant color and a mild spicy heat that livens up the chili.
Cream cheese: Melts down into a luscious, velvety finish that rounds out the flavors.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crock Pot

Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your Crock Pot to ensure they cook evenly and soak up all the delicious flavors from the seasoning and other ingredients.

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Canned Ingredients

Next, layer on the taco seasoning, ranch seasoning mix, black beans (with liquid), corn (with liquid), and Rotel tomatoes with green chiles. These ingredients build the spicy, tangy, and hearty foundation of your chili.

Step 3: Top with Cream Cheese

Place the cream cheese on top of all the ingredients. As it melts during cooking, it will transform the chili into a creamy, dreamy delight you’ll want to dive right into.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Set your Crock Pot to LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Slow cooking tenderizes the chicken perfectly and allows the flavors to intermingle and deepen, resulting in the ultimate comfort food.

Step 5: Shred Chicken and Finish Chili

Once cooking is complete, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Stir the chili well to blend in the melted cream cheese, then add the shredded chicken back in, folding it gently to combine everything evenly.

Step 6: Add Your Favorite Toppings

Top your White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese Recipe with crunchy tortilla strips, shredded cheese, diced avocados, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and a sprinkle of cilantro for an irresistible finish.

How to Serve White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

Toppings elevate this chili from tasty to unforgettable. Fresh avocado adds a creamy contrast, lime juice brightens every spoonful, and cilantro brings a pleasant herbal note while tortilla strips give that perfect crunchy bite. Don’t forget some shredded cheese for melty goodness on top.

Side Dishes

Serve this chili with warm cornbread, simple green salad, or tortilla chips for a complete meal. The cornbread’s sweet, buttery flavor balances out the chili’s spice, making every bite harmonious and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, turn your White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese Recipe into loaded chili bowls, layering the chili over rice and topping with your favorite garnishes. You can also bake it in a casserole dish topped with crunchy tortilla chips and cheese for a bubbly, cheesy chili bake that’s perfect for gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This chili keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying later in the week. Store it in an airtight container to retain its fresh, creamy flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese Recipe in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve texture and taste.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to reincorporate the cream cheese and prevent the chili from drying out. Adding a splash of broth or water can help if it thickens too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay extra tender during slow cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed to ensure they are fully cooked.

Is this chili spicy?

This White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese Recipe offers a mild to medium spice level thanks to the taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes. You can easily adjust the heat by choosing mild or spicy Rotel varieties, or adding extra chili powder if you like it hotter.

Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?

Yes! Simply simmer all ingredients in a heavy pot over low heat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring often, until the chicken is cooked through and cream cheese is fully melted and mixed in.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

If you want a lighter alternative, try using sour cream or Greek yogurt added at the end of cooking. They’ll lend creaminess without the full richness of cream cheese but still keep the chili delicious.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make the chili dairy-free, skip the cream cheese and instead blend in some canned coconut milk or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for that creamy texture without dairy.

Final Thoughts

This White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese Recipe is such a fantastic find for anyone who loves cozy meals with a little zesty flair and rich creaminess. It’s simple to prepare yet impressively flavorful, and it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience just how comforting and mouthwatering this dish truly is!

White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.4 from 9 reviews

This creamy and comforting White Chicken Chili is slow-cooked to perfection with tender chicken breasts, black beans, corn, and a blend of taco and ranch seasoning. The addition of cream cheese creates a rich, velvety texture, making it an ideal hearty meal for chilly days or casual gatherings. Ready in about six hours using a slow cooker, this easy recipe offers a flavorful twist on traditional chili.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Soup/Chili
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Meat

2 chicken breasts (thawed and trimmed of fat)

Seasoning

1 ounce taco seasoning (1 packet or 2–3 tablespoons)
1 ounce ranch seasoning mix (1 packet)

Canned Goods

15 ounces canned black beans (undrained)
15 ounces canned corn (undrained)
10 ounces canned Rotel tomatoes with green chiles (undrained)

Dairy

8 ounces cream cheese

Instructions

Prepare Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts on the bottom of a Crock Pot or slow cooker to ensure even cooking and to infuse the chili with the chicken’s juices.
Add Ingredients: Pour the black beans with their liquid, canned corn, Rotel tomatoes with green chiles, taco seasoning, and ranch seasoning mix over the chicken. Finally, place the cream cheese on top to melt gradually during cooking.
Cook the Chili: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the chili and shred them using two forks.
Mix the Chili: Stir the chili thoroughly to incorporate the melted cream cheese and blend the flavors, then add the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and mix well.
Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and add desired toppings such as tortilla strips, shredded cheese, avocado slices, a squeeze of lime juice, and fresh cilantro to enhance flavor and texture.

Notes

For a spicier chili, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce before cooking.
Use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut to reduce cooking time; add the chicken later just to warm through.
Substitute cream cheese with sour cream for a tangier finish if preferred.
Serve with cornbread or over rice for a fuller meal.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.