Description

As the leaves start to change and the air takes on a crisp coolness, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili to comfort the soul. My fall favorite, Hearty Chicken Chili, is not just a meal; it’s a bowl of cozy warmth that brings together the hearty goodness of chicken and beans with the rich, creamy texture of cream cheese. Perfect for a lazy weekend, a family dinner, or meal prep for the week, this crockpot recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Here’s how to bring this comforting dish into your home.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds of chicken breast
2 cans of Rotel (undrained)
2 cans of corn (undrained)
2 cans of pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
2 cans of black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 large onion, chopped
2 cups of chicken broth
2 tablespoons of chili powder
1 tablespoon of cumin
2 teaspoons of salt
1 teaspoon of pepper
2 packets of ranch seasoning
16 ounces of cream cheese (2 bricks)

Instructions

Prepare Your Crockpot: Begin by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. This allows them to cook evenly and soak up the flavors of the chili.
Add the Ingredients: To the crockpot, add the undrained cans of Rotel and corn, drained and rinsed cans of pinto and black beans, and the chopped onion. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the mixture has enough liquid to meld the ingredients together without drying out.
Season: Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and ranch seasoning packets over the top. These seasonings are key to giving your chili its rich and comforting flavor.
Cream Cheese: Cut the cream cheese into smaller blocks and place them evenly over the top of the chili mixture. As the chili cooks, the cream cheese will melt, creating a wonderfully creamy texture.
Cook: Set your crockpot to cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to deeply meld together and the chicken to become perfectly tender.
Shred and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot, shred them with two forks, and stir them back into the chili. The shredded chicken not only absorbs the chili flavors but also contributes to the dish’s hearty texture.

Notes

Serving Suggestions: Serve this Hearty Chicken Chili with a side of cornbread, over rice, or with tortilla chips for dipping. Garnish with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado slices for added flavor and texture.
Customization: Feel free to adjust the level of spice by adding more chili powder or a diced jalapeño for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Storage: This chili stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and freezes well for up to 3 months, making it a fantastic option for meal prep.

Conclusion:

There’s something undeniably special about a dish that not only fills your stomach but also warms your heart. This Hearty Chicken Chili is just that—a delicious, comforting, and satisfying meal that embodies the essence of fall. Whether you’re gathering around the table with family or enjoying a quiet, cozy evening alone, this chili is sure to become a cherished part of your autumn tradition.