White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese Recipe

Published: December 30, 2025

by Vanessaa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Prep Time: With just 5 minutes of prep, you’ll have this meal on the way without spending hours in the kitchen.
Creamy Texture: The addition of cream cheese gives this chili a rich and velvety texture that everyone will love.
Versatile Toppings: Customize your chili with toppings like avocado and cilantro for added freshness and flavor.
Feeding a Crowd: This recipe serves 8, making it perfect for gatherings or meal prep.
Easy Cleanup: Cooking in a Crock Pot means less mess and easier cleanup after dinner.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese, you’ll need a few essential tools to help you along the way.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Crock Pot
Measuring cups
Mixing spoons
Forks (for shredding chicken)
Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

Crock Pot: This slow cooker allows for hands-free cooking while infusing flavors throughout the dish.
Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements ensure consistent flavor every time you make this chili.
Forks: Ideal for shredding chicken quickly and easily once it’s cooked.

Ingredients

This White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese is made from simple ingredients that come together beautifully.

For the Chili Base

2 chicken breasts, thawed and trimmed of fat
1 ounce taco seasoning (1 packet or 2-3 tablespoons)
1 ounce ranch seasoning mix (1 packet)
15 ounces canned black beans, undrained
15 ounces canned corn, undrained
10 ounces canned Rotel tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
8 ounces cream cheese

For Garnish

Tortilla strips
Shredded cheese
Avocados, sliced
Lime juice, to taste
Cilantro, chopped

How to Make White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Place the trimmed chicken breasts at the bottom of the Crock Pot. Cover them with the canned black beans, corn, and Rotel tomatoes—all undrained. Sprinkle taco seasoning and ranch seasoning mix evenly over everything. Finally, place the cream cheese on top without mixing.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Chili

Set your Crock Pot to cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. Allow time for the chicken to cook through while all flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the Crock Pot. Use two forks to shred them into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Mix in Cream Cheese

Stir the chili thoroughly to incorporate the melted cream cheese. This step creates a creamy texture throughout your chili that makes it so comforting.

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients

Return the shredded chicken to the Crock Pot. Mix everything well to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.

Step 6: Serve Your Chili

Ladle the chili into bowls and top each serving with your choice of tortilla strips, shredded cheese, sliced avocados, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro for an extra burst of flavor!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese Recipe

Serving White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese is a delightful experience. This creamy chili can be enjoyed in various ways, allowing you to customize each bowl to your taste. Here are some serving suggestions that enhance both flavor and presentation.

Classic Toppings

Tortilla Strips – Add a crispy texture by sprinkling crunchy tortilla strips on top.
Shredded Cheese – Melted cheese elevates the creaminess and adds rich flavor.
Avocados – Sliced or diced avocados add a fresh and creamy element to the dish.

Fresh Herbs

Cilantro – Chopped cilantro brings brightness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Green Onions – Sliced green onions offer a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.

Flavor Boosters

Lime Juice – A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens up the chili and adds zesty flavor.
Hot Sauce – For those who like heat, a dash of your favorite hot sauce can spice things up.

How to Perfect White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese Recipe

To ensure your White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips. They will help you achieve the best flavor and texture for this comforting dish.

Choose Quality Ingredients – Fresh chicken and high-quality canned products can significantly impact the final taste.
Adjust Seasoning – Taste before serving and adjust salt or spices based on your preference.
Don’t Rush Cooking – Allowing enough cooking time helps flavors meld together beautifully.
Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese – For a richer, creamier texture, opt for full-fat cream cheese instead of reduced fat.

Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your White Chicken Chili enhances the meal experience. Here are some great options that complement this creamy chili beautifully.

Cornbread – Sweet or savory cornbread provides a wonderful contrast to the chili’s richness.
Green Salad – A light salad with mixed greens offers freshness and balances the meal.
Rice – Serve over white or brown rice for added heartiness and texture.
Grilled Vegetables – Charred veggies like zucchini or bell peppers make a tasty accompaniment.
Baked Potatoes – Fluffy baked potatoes can soak up the chili’s creamy goodness nicely.
Nachos – Crispy nachos topped with cheese make for an exciting side that pairs well with chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

Skipping the Seasoning: Failing to add taco and ranch seasoning can result in bland chili. Always ensure you season your ingredients well for maximum flavor.
Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Follow the recommended cooking times to keep your chicken tender and juicy.
Not Using Enough Liquid: If you don’t use enough canned ingredients, the chili may become too thick. Make sure all canned items are undrained for a creamy consistency.
Ignoring the Cream Cheese: Adding cream cheese at the start makes it hard to incorporate. Place it on top without mixing initially to achieve that perfect creamy texture.
Forgetting Fresh Toppings: Skipping fresh toppings like lime juice and cilantro can limit flavor. Always add these at the end for a burst of freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
White Chicken Chili will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Let the chili cool to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.

Freezing White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese Recipe

Divide into portions and store in freezer-safe containers.
The chili can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Leave some space in containers for expansion during freezing.

Reheating White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warm.
Microwave: Transfer desired portions into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Pour the chili into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, approximately 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I serve with White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese?

You can pair this chili with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.

How can I customize my White Chicken Chili?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition. You can also adjust spice levels by adding jalapeños or using spicy Rotel tomatoes.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts; just increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours on low heat.

Is this recipe healthy?

Yes! This White Chicken Chili is packed with protein from chicken and beans while being lower in calories compared to traditional beef chili.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version of this chili, substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and skip any shredded cheese toppings.

Final Thoughts

This White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese is not only comforting but also versatile. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, you can easily customize it to suit your taste. Give it a try and enjoy the creamy goodness topped with your favorite fresh ingredients!

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