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This creamy slow-cooker chili mixes chicken, ranch, and bacon with veggies and cream cheese for an easy, cozy meal.
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By Sophie Parker Sophie Parker
Updated on Sat, 15 Mar 2025 01:28:57 GMT
A creamy chicken chili bowl with beans, corn, crunchy bacon, sour cream, and cilantro, placed next to a slow cooker timer. Save
A creamy chicken chili bowl with beans, corn, crunchy bacon, sour cream, and cilantro, placed next to a slow cooker timer. | tastybysophie.com

Experience a hearty bowl of Classic Chicken Ranch Chili, a comforting blend featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and black beans enhanced with zesty ranch seasoning. This slow-cooker recipe delivers deep flavors while practically cooking itself.

Recipe Highlights

This rich, protein-packed chili strikes the perfect balance between creamy and savory. The preparation is straightforward, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. The recipe is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly.

Essential Ingredients

  • Chicken Broth: 4 cups form the savory foundation
  • Southwestern Corn: 1 can with peppers, liquid included
  • Diced Tomatoes with Chiles: 1 can for heat and acidity
  • Ranch Seasoning: 1 packet provides signature flavor
  • Chicken Breasts: 2-3 pieces, boneless and skinless
  • Black Beans: 1 can, drained and washed
  • Cream Cheese: 8 oz block, full-fat variety
  • Colby Jack: 1½ cups freshly shredded
  • Bacon: 4 slices, crisped and broken up
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. Save
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. | tastybysophie.com

Preparation Method

Create Base
Combine broth, corn, tomatoes, and seasonings thoroughly.
Add Ingredients
Place chicken first, followed by beans, liquid mixture, bacon pieces, and cream cheese blocks.
Slow Cook
Set to high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours until chicken is tender.
Finish Chicken
Remove chicken, shred thoroughly, return to pot and incorporate.
Final Steps
Incorporate fresh cheese until melted. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Professional Tips

Select full-fat cream cheese for optimal richness. Fresh-grated cheese melts more smoothly than packaged varieties. Adjust heat level with additional chile powder or spicier tomatoes. Excellent served over fresh cornbread or steamed rice.

Variations

Consider chicken thighs for richer flavor, or incorporate pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Customize heat levels with additional peppers. Garnish with fresh avocado, Mexican crema, or crispy tortilla strips.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate for up to 5 days in sealed containers. Portions freeze well for 3 months. Reheat gently on stovetop or in microwave until heated through.

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. Save
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. | tastybysophie.com

Recipe Success

The combination of creamy textures and smoky bacon creates universal appeal. Adaptable seasoning levels ensure satisfaction for various preferences. Ideal for family meals or casual gatherings.

Serving Suggestions

Serve in hollowed sourdough bowls or atop baked russet potatoes. Accompany with garden salad or warm crusty bread. Finish with sliced scallions and additional cheese.

Final Notes

This satisfying chili delivers consistent results with minimal effort. The preparation simplicity combined with rich flavors creates an inviting aroma throughout the kitchen.

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. Save
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. | tastybysophie.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I add pre-cooked chicken to this?
Definitely! You can toss in some rotisserie or leftover chicken during the last hour of cooking to warm it up.
→ Why is it better to chop the cream cheese into cubes?
Cutting it into pieces makes the cream cheese melt smoothly and blend perfectly into the chili.
→ Is it okay to freeze this chili?
Sure, though creamy dishes like this may separate slightly when thawed. Just reheat slowly, stirring until it blends back together.
→ Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
Yes! Cook it on low heat for about an hour or until the chicken is cooked and soft enough to shred.
→ What does ranch seasoning add to this recipe?
The mix of herbs and spices in ranch seasoning brings a flavorful zing that pairs wonderfully with the chicken and bacon.

Chicken Ranch Chili

Slow-cooked chicken chili with ranch spices, bacon, cream cheese, corn, and beans for a crowd-pleasing, flavorful dish.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
240 min
Total Time
250 min
By Sophie Parker: Sophie Parker

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (10 1-cup servings)

Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 2 1/2 cups chicken stock.
02 A 15.25 oz can of southwest corn with peppers—don’t drain.
03 A 10 oz can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, keep the liquid.
04 One ranch dressing seasoning packet, 1 oz.
05 A tablespoon of chili seasoning.
06 A tablespoon of onion seasoning.
07 1 teaspoon fine sea salt.
08 1 teaspoon ground black pepper.
09 Three medium chicken breast pieces.
10 15.25 oz can of black beans, drained of liquid.
11 1 1/4 cups crispy bacon pieces.
12 8 oz cream cheese, cut into small cubes.
13 2 cups of shredded Colby-Jack blend cheese.
14 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro, for sprinkling on top.

Steps

Step 01

Coat crockpot with non-stick spray or use a disposable liner.

Step 02

Stir together the chicken broth, corn (with liquid), Rotel, ranch seasoning, and spices.

Step 03

Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Add black beans, pour in the broth mixture, then top with bacon and cream cheese.

Step 04

Turn to high for 4 hours or set to low for 6 hours.

Step 05

Remove chicken, shred it with forks, and whisk the broth to mix the cream cheese smoothly.

Step 06

Add the shredded chicken and Colby-Jack cheese back to the crockpot, mix well, and sprinkle cilantro on top before serving.

Notes

  1. Don’t drain the corn or Rotel; leave all the liquid in.
  2. Choose between cooking on high or low settings.
  3. It’s best served hot.

Required Tools

  • Crockpot, 5 to 7 quarts in size.

Allergy Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese, Colby-Jack cheese).

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

These details are provided for informational purposes and aren't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 438
  • Fats: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Proteins: 25 g