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Easy Crockpot Comfort

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

This slow cooker chili combines chicken, bacon, and ranch seasoning with cream cheese and vegetables for a rich, creamy comfort food that practically cooks itself.
Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:10:01 GMT
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A bowl of creamy chicken soup with black beans, corn, bacon bits, and garnished with cilantro and sour cream, next to a slow cooker displaying cooking time. Pin it
A bowl of creamy chicken soup with black beans, corn, bacon bits, and garnished with cilantro and sour cream, next to a slow cooker displaying cooking time. | cookingwithcasey.com

Let me share our family's favorite comfort food - Crack Chicken Chili! It's this amazing blend of creamy cheesy goodness with tender chicken, black beans, and just the right kick from ranch seasoning. The slow cooker does all the work, making your house smell incredible.

Why You'll Love This

This chili is pure magic. Creamy, rich, but still good for you and packed with protein. I love how quick it is to throw together—perfect for busy nights or game day parties. Works great for keto folks too.

What You'll Need

  • Chicken Broth: Four cups make our flavorful base.
  • Southwest Corn: One can with those peppers; don't drain it.
  • Rotel: One can brings that perfect kick.
  • Ranch Mix: One packet, the secret flavor booster.
  • Chicken: Two or three breasts, nice and lean.
  • Black Beans: One can, drained and rinsed.
  • Cream Cheese: Eight ounces, full fat, please.
  • Cheese: One and a half cups, freshly grated Colby Jack.
  • Bacon: Four slices, crispy and crumbled.
A close-up of a black bowl filled with creamy chicken soup topped with shredded chicken, corn, bacon, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream, alongside a separate bowl of shredded cheese. Pin it
A close-up of a black bowl filled with creamy chicken soup topped with shredded chicken, corn, bacon, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream, alongside a separate bowl of shredded cheese. | cookingwithcasey.com

Let's Make It Together

Start The Base
Mix broth, corn, Rotel, and seasonings until smooth.
Layer It Up
Chicken goes in first, then beans, broth mix, bacon, and cream cheese on top.
Let It Cook
Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6—lets everything get tender and flavorful.
Shred and Mix
Pull that chicken apart, mix it back in, and watch the cream cheese melt.
Cheese Time
Stir in the freshly grated cheese until melty. Top with cilantro—ready to serve.

My Best Tips

Full-fat cream cheese makes it extra rich. Grate your own cheese—it melts better than pre-shredded. Need more heat? Add extra chili powder or hot Rotel. Great over cornbread, rice, or with chips.

Mix It Up

Try chicken thighs instead, or use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. Add extra peppers if you like heat. Avocado, sour cream, and tortilla strips on top make it special.

Keep It Fresh

Stays good for 5 days in the fridge. Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months in portions. Quick to reheat on the stove or microwave when you need comfort food fast.

A bowl of creamy chicken soup with black beans, corn, shredded chicken, topped with sour cream, bacon bits, and fresh cilantro, surrounded by sides of shredded cheese and fresh herbs. Pin it
A bowl of creamy chicken soup with black beans, corn, shredded chicken, topped with sour cream, bacon bits, and fresh cilantro, surrounded by sides of shredded cheese and fresh herbs. | cookingwithcasey.com

Why Everyone Loves It

That creamy, cheesy base with smoky bacon just works. Easy to adjust spices and toppings—makes everyone happy. Perfect for family dinner or feeding a crowd.

Serve It Up

Try it in bread bowls or over baked potatoes. Add a salad or garlic bread on the side. Green onions and extra cheese on top make every bowl special.

Pure Comfort

This chili just hits right every time. Easy prep, amazing flavor, and makes the whole house smell good. One bowl, and you'll see why we call it Crack Chicken Chili.

A close-up view of a creamy chicken soup in a black slow cooker, topped with corn, black beans, bacon, and cilantro, stirred with a wooden spoon. Pin it
A close-up view of a creamy chicken soup in a black slow cooker, topped with corn, black beans, bacon, and cilantro, stirred with a wooden spoon. | cookingwithcasey.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use precooked chicken?
Yes, you can use rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken. Add it in the last hour of cooking to heat through.
→ Why cube the cream cheese?
Cubing helps the cream cheese melt more evenly and incorporate better into the chili.
→ Can I freeze this chili?
Yes, though cream-based dishes may separate slightly when thawed. Reheat gently and stir well to recombine.
→ Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes, simmer on low for about 1 hour or until chicken is cooked through and tender enough to shred.
→ Why use ranch seasoning?
Ranch seasoning adds a unique flavor profile combining herbs and spices that complement both the chicken and bacon.

Crack Chicken Chili

Creamy slow cooker chili combining chicken, bacon, and ranch flavors with beans and corn for a rich and satisfying meal.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
240 Minutes
Total Time
250 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (10 1-cup servings)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 2 1/2 cups chicken broth.
02 15.25 ounce can southwest corn with peppers, undrained.
03 10 ounce can Rotel tomatoes and chilies, undrained.
04 1 ounce packet ranch seasoning mix.
05 1 tablespoon onion powder.
06 1 tablespoon chili powder.
07 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
08 1 teaspoon black pepper.
09 3 medium chicken breasts.
10 15.25 ounce can black beans, drained.
11 1 1/4 cups crumbled bacon.
12 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed.
13 2 cups Colby-jack cheese, shredded.
14 1 1/2 tablespoons cilantro for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Spray crockpot with cooking spray or use liner.

Step 02

Combine broth, corn, Rotel, ranch mix, and seasonings.

Step 03

Place chicken, then beans, broth mixture, bacon, and cream cheese in crockpot.

Step 04

Cook on high 4 hours or low 6 hours.

Step 05

Remove and shred chicken, stir cream cheese into broth.

Step 06

Add shredded cheese and chicken back, garnish with cilantro.

Notes

  1. Don't drain corn or tomatoes.
  2. Can cook on high or low.
  3. Serve hot.

Tools You'll Need

  • 5-7 quart crockpot.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream cheese, cheese).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 438
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
  • Protein: 25 g