Description
Crack chicken chili delivers a spicy comfort dish combining shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and zesty seasonings. Hearty ingredients meld together for a quick and satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Meat:
- 2 pounds chicken breasts, boneless skinless
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Vegetables and Beans:
- 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 1 can (14 ounces) fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) diced green chiles
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce (El Pato or regular)
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 packets ranch seasoning mix
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Arrange raw chicken breasts at the base of the slow cooker, creating an even layer.
- Pour in remaining ingredients, ensuring chicken is fully submerged in the mixture.
- Secure lid and set slow cooker to low temperature for 6-8 hours or high temperature for 4-5 hours, allowing ingredients to meld and chicken to cook thoroughly.
- Once cooking time completes, carefully extract chicken using tongs and transfer to cutting board.
- Utilize two forks to meticulously shred chicken into tender, bite-sized pieces.
- Return shredded chicken back into slow cooker, stirring gently to distribute evenly.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese across surface and fold into chili until completely integrated and cheese melts smoothly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to preference.
- Ladle chili into serving bowls, creating generous portions.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, squeeze of lime juice, dollop of sour cream, or additional preferred toppings to enhance flavor profile.
Notes
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer more tender, flavorful meat with higher moisture content.
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels and customize seasoning intensity for personal taste preferences.
- Make recipe gluten-free by verifying ranch seasoning mix ingredients and selecting certified gluten-free options.
- Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for quick meal prep, storing up to three months without losing texture or taste quality.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg