If you are on the hunt for a comforting, flavorful, and utterly addictive meal, the Crack Chicken Chili Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite. This dish perfectly balances creamy, cheesy richness with a touch of smoky bacon and a gentle kick from chili spices, all slow-cooked to tender perfection. It’s the kind of chili that hugs you from the inside and makes every spoonful feel like a warm, cozy celebration. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting friends, this recipe is both hearty and crowd-pleasing in the best way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crack Chicken Chili Recipe lies in its straightforward, approachable ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color, ensuring every bite is satisfying and memorable.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The hearty protein base that soaks up all those rich flavors.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth to the slow-cooked chili.
- 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans (drained and rinsed): Creamy beans for body and a subtle nuttiness.
- 15 ounces can corn (drained): Sweet bursts of color and texture throughout.
- 2 (10-ounce) cans Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies): Perfect balance of acidity and mild heat.
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled): Smoky, crispy texture that elevates the overall richness.
- 8 ounces tomato sauce: Smooth base for the chili’s tomatoey goodness.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened): For that signature creamy, dreamy texture only cream cheese can provide.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tang and luscious creaminess.
- 2 packets ranch seasoning mix: Infuses the chili with a subtle herbaceous kick.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Provides warmth and a mild spicy note.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Earthy, smoky undertones that deepen the overall flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances every ingredient’s taste to bring harmony.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: A gentle heat to round out the seasoning.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully into the chili for extra gooey goodness.
- Sliced green onions (for garnish): Bright, fresh contrast and a pop of color when serving.
How to Make Crack Chicken Chili Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Vegetables
Place your chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a solid protein foundation. Pour in the chicken broth, allowing it to gently envelop the chicken and set the stage for tender results. Next, add the white beans, corn, Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, crumbled bacon, and tomato sauce on top. This combination will marry beautiful textures and flavors as it cooks low and slow.
Step 2: Add the Creamy and Seasoning Ingredients
Now, it’s time to introduce the creaminess and seasoning magic. Dollop in the softened cream cheese and sour cream, sprinkle the two packets of ranch seasoning, chili powder, ground cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to combine the ingredients, but don’t worry if it looks a little uneven — it will all blend perfectly as it cooks.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Chili
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. This slow cooking ensures that the chicken becomes meltingly tender and the flavors fully develop, melding into a rich, hearty chili that’s bursting with savory goodness.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces — this step transforms the chili, making it cozy and easy to enjoy in every spoonful. Return the shredded chicken back to the chili and stir it in.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chili and stir it diligently until the cheese is fully melted and integrated. This step is what truly makes this Crack Chicken Chili Recipe decadently cheesy and silky smooth.
Step 6: Final Tasting and Serving
Give the chili a taste and adjust seasoning if needed with a pinch more salt or pepper. Then serve it hot for the ultimate comforting meal experience.
How to Serve Crack Chicken Chili Recipe
Garnishes
The best way to elevate your bowl of Crack Chicken Chili Recipe is with thoughtful garnishes. A handful of extra shredded cheddar cheese adds richness, a dollop of sour cream contributes refreshing creaminess, and sliced green onions provide a crisp, bright finish that cuts through the chili’s hearty notes perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serving this chili alongside some warm, crusty bread or tortilla chips is a total win for soaking up the flavorful broth. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables also pair wonderfully if you want to balance the meal with something light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or meal prep, consider serving Crack Chicken Chili Recipe in small mason jars or colorful bowls topped with garnishes. You can even turn it into a chili bar with different toppings and sides for everyone to customize their own bowls and have fun with flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crack Chicken Chili Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making leftovers even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep some for later, freeze the chili in portions using freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. It freezes beautifully for up to three months, so you always have a comforting meal ready to go.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover chili gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, or microwave in a microwave-safe bowl stirring halfway through. If the chili seems thick after refrigeration or freezing, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a little extra richness and stay juicy, making your Crack Chicken Chili Recipe even more flavorful. Just adjust cooking times if needed, especially if using bone-in pieces.
Is this recipe spicy?
This chili has a gentle kick from the Rotel tomatoes with green chilies and chili powder, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can always add extra chili powder or hot sauce to spice it up according to your taste.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! You can adapt this Crack Chicken Chili Recipe to an Instant Pot by using the sauté function to cook the bacon first and then pressure cooking on high for about 15 minutes, followed by a quick release. Stir in the cheese afterward.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use sour cream or Greek yogurt as a substitute, though the texture will be slightly different — the cream cheese adds a uniquely creamy and velvety finish.
How can I make this chili dairy-free?
To enjoy a dairy-free version, omit the cream cheese and sour cream and use non-dairy cheese substitutes or simply serve it without cheese and sour cream toppings. Coconut milk can add creaminess if you want to experiment.
Final Thoughts
This Crack Chicken Chili Recipe is one of those special dishes that feels like a warm hug in bowl form. It’s simple to prepare yet incredibly rewarding, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. I truly hope you give it a try and discover just how fast it becomes a beloved classic in your kitchen, too.
Print
Crack Chicken Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours (high) or 6 hours (low)
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (high) or 6 hours 15 minutes (low)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crack Chicken Chili is a creamy, cheesy, and hearty slow-cooked chili featuring tender shredded chicken, white beans, corn, and Rotel tomatoes with green chilies. Infused with ranch seasoning and warming spices like chili powder and cumin, it’s a comforting dish perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners. The addition of cream cheese and cheddar creates a rich texture, while garnishes like sour cream and green onions add freshness.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 15-ounce can corn, drained
- 2 (10-ounce) cans Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 packets ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
- Dollop of sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth to provide moisture and flavor for the chicken as it cooks.
- Add Vegetables and Bacon: Add the drained and rinsed white beans, drained corn, canned Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, crumbled cooked bacon, and tomato sauce to the slow cooker, spreading evenly over the chicken and broth.
- Mix Creamy and Spicy Ingredients: Add softened cream cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning packets, chili powder, ground cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Cook the Chili: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender enough to shred.
- Shred Chicken: Once cooking time is complete, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and mix well.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it completely melts and blends into the chili, enhancing richness and flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chili and adjust with additional kosher salt or black pepper if needed to achieve desired flavor balance.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the chili hot. Garnish each bowl with extra shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and sliced green onions for added texture and freshness.
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep as it tastes even better the next day.
- To make it spicier, add chopped jalapeños or extra chili powder.
- Use a fat-free or low-fat cream cheese and sour cream for a lighter version.
- Bacon can be substituted with turkey bacon or omitted for a lower-fat option.
- If you don’t have a slow cooker, you could adapt this recipe to a stovetop method by simmering gently, but slow cooking yields the best tenderness and flavor.
- Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips to complement the chili.
