Instant Pot Cream Cheese Chili Recipe (2024)

I love how easy and delicious this recipe is. You can just throw your frozen chicken breasts and other ingredients into your Instant Pot and you will have an amazing dinner in a matter of minutes!

Instant Pot Cream Cheese Chili Recipe (1)

This Instant Pot Cream Cheese Chili is the perfect soup on a cold day! We would have it for dinner every single Halloween and it’s a tradition we’ve kept with our own families. You can also make this chili on the stove top or slow cooker!

What is an Instant Pot?

Haven’t jumped on theInstant Potbandwagon yet? Well, you may want to consider it just for this recipe alone!

Instant Potis a seven-in-one multi-cooker that works as an electric pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, warmer, and sauté pan all in one.

Sounds a little too good to be true, but we promise it’s worth every penny! I haven’t used my slow cooker in weeks, which is saying a lot for this 3-4 times a week slow cooking girl!

Check out the reviews on the Instant Pot on Amazon and join the 1000’s of people who LOVE it! You can read about itHERE.

Instant Pot Cream Cheese Chili Recipe (2)

Our sister Kristen is the QUEEN of Instant Pot – she has TONS of recipes on our YouTube channel where she shows you how to make pretty much anything in your Instant Pot (including these5 soups that are perfect for beginners!).

Looking for more soups to make in the Instant Pot? Try our Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup!

Instant Pot Cream Cheese Chili, A Family Tradition

Does your family have any recipes that were staples in your house growing up? ThisInstant Pot Cream Cheese Chilihas been around our family for as long as I can remember.

Every year on Halloween, my mom would whip up a pot of chili. Whether it be this Cream Cheese Chili or her Classic Chili. It would cook all day in the slow cooker and the smell of the chili would fill the entire house.

But now, you can make it in the Instant Pot in a matter of minutes.

Even today when I smell chili cooking, it takes me back to my childhood and having a warm, full belly before heading out to go trick-or-treating, or the night before Thanksgiving.

Before we get into the recipe, you’re going to need an Instant Pot! We love the 6 quart Lux or Duo. You can make this in the 8 quart, 6 quart or 3 quart. If you are using the 3 quart, just be sure to half the recipe!

You will also love this easy recipe for Instant Pot Cashew Chicken. It’s so easy and your family will love it. Click HERE.

Looking for more Instant Pot soup recipes? Click here for our top100 Instant Pot Soups, Chilis, and Stew recipes!

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Instant Pot Cream Cheese Chili Recipe (3)

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Let us give you your time back. With the Six Sisters’ Meal Plans, we do the dinner planning, grocery ordering, and then all you have to do is decide whether to pick them up or have them delivered. With thousands of recipes right at your fingertips, you will find so many delicious dishes that your family can enjoy together.


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Tricks to Making Instant Pot Chili

If this is your first time making chili, or any soup for that matter in the Instant Pot, we have a few suggestions to make sure it turns out perfect every single time.

1. Drain and Rinse Your Beans

Avoiding this step could be detrimental to your chili! We’ve listed which cans need to be drained in this recipe, but you can almost always assume that beans in any recipe will be drained and oftentimes rinsed (especially black beans!).

Without draining your beans, your chili will be turn out runny and a little too “soupy” to be considered chili. We know it’s an extra step, but it’s definitely worth it.

2. Add Enough Liquids

While draining some ingredients is important, it’s also important to make sure you have enough liquid in your Instant Pot so it will pressurize.

The best part about this Instant Pot Chili is the delicious flavors that combine together. The liquid from the diced tomatoes, the Worcestershire sauce, and the water should be enough to keep those flavors infusing all day long.

Don’t have an Instant Pot? No problem! You can make our Cream Cheese Chili in the slow cooker and on the stove top! Get the slow cooker recipeHERE.

How to Make Instant Pot Cream Cheese Chili Into a Freezer Meal

We get asked how to turnChiliinto a freezer meal a lot. Here’s how you do it!

  1. In a large Zip-Loc or freezer safe bag, combine all ingredients.
  2. Place laying flat in your freezer to save the most space. We like to label our bags before hand so we know what’s in the bag. If you’re anything like us, in a months time you’ll forget what freezer meals you’ve stuck in the freezer.
  3. Place freezer bag in the refrigerator the night before cooking to allow it to partially thaw.
  4. Cook according to the directions in original recipe. It’s that easy!

Looking for more freezer meals just like this? Click here for our top100 Instant Pot Freezer Meals!

Looking for more Chili Recipes?! Try our Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Chili!

Have you heard about our newest cookbook, Copycat Cooking? We took over 100 of our favorite restaurant recipes and simplified them so that you can make them right at home!

Instant Pot Cream Cheese Chili Recipe (4)

Every recipe has a beautiful mouth-watering photo and has been picky-eater approved. The directions are simple, easy to follow, and do not require any strange ingredients.Thiscookbook includes copycat recipes from Wingers, Texas Roadhouse, Starbucks, Panera, Cheesecake Factory, Kneaders, and so much more. We have you covered from drinks, to dessert and everything in-between.

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Watch How To Make Instant Pot Chicken Chili

Did you know we have a Youtube Channel? We post a new Instant Pot Video every single Monday and we share other delicious recipes too!

How to turn this into a freezer meal:

  • Place all the ingredients except for the water and cream cheese into a gallon-sized freezer bag. Place freezer bag into freezer and it will last up to 90 days.
  • When ready to use, dump ingredients from bag into Instant Pot and add 1/2 cup of water in with the frozen food. Place the lid on top, move the valve to SEALING, and press the MANUAL button. Set timer for 25 minutes. Follow the rest of instructions as written.

What To Serve With Instant Pot Chili

We love to serve our chili with homemade bread and green salad. Here’s a few we’d suggest:

  • Olive Garden Breadsticks
  • Easy Homemade Rolls
  • Seven Layer Green Salad
  • Italian Fresh Green Salad

In conclusion, our Instant Pot cream cheese chili recipe is a great option for a creamy and flavorful meal that the whole family will love. With minimal effort and a fraction of the time compared to traditional stovetop cooking, this recipe delivers a delicious and satisfying bowl of creamy white chicken chili.

To start, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil using the Instant Pot’s sauté function. Add boneless chicken breasts or thighs to the pot and brown them for added flavor. Then, add chicken broth, white beans such as cannellini or Great Northern beans, green chilies, salsa verde, ground cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. These ingredients create the perfect combination of flavors for a creamy and slightly spicy chili.

Seal the Instant Pot and set it to high pressure for the cooking time specified in the recipe card. Once the cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally for tender, juicy chicken. Shred the cooked chicken using two forks, or you can use pre-cooked chicken like rotisserie or leftover chicken for even quicker preparation.

After shredding the chicken, turn the Instant Pot back on the sauté function and add cream cheese to the chili. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, giving the chili its creamy texture and rich flavor. Adjust the seasoning if needed and add a squeeze of lime juice for a refreshing kick.

When serving, top the creamy white chicken chili with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, fresh cilantro, tortilla strips, or lime wedges. These additions add brightness, texture, and a burst of flavor to the dish.

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe container for future enjoyment. The flavors of the chili tend to develop and intensify over time, making it a great option for the next day or as a freezer meal for busy weeknights.

In summary, our Instant Pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe is a great thing to have in your repertoire. With its creamy texture, tender chicken, and delicious flavors, this homemade chili is a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it on game day or as a comforting meal for busy weeknights, this creamy white chicken chili made in the Instant Pot is the perfect option. So grab your ingredients from the grocery store and get ready to enjoy a bowl of this cheesy, flavorful chili that will warm your soul and become your new go-to recipe.

Instant Pot Cream Cheese Chili Recipe (5)

Serves: 6

Instant Pot Cream Cheese Chili Recipe

4.67 from 3 votes

Just throw your frozen chicken breasts and other ingredients into your Instant Pot and you will have an amazing dinner in a matter of minutes!

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Pressurize Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

PrintPin

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 15 ounce can black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 15 ounce can corn (do not drain)
  • 1 10 ounce can Rotel Tomatoes and Green Chiles (do not drain)
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 1 ounce packet dry ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 Tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 8 ounce package cream cheese

Instructions

  • Place chicken in bottom of your Instant Pot. Combine beans, corn, tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, ranch seasoning, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, and water and pour over chicken.

  • Close the lid and cook, turn the knob to SEALING, push the MANUAL button and cook for 20 minutes if the chicken is thawed and 25 if it is frozen.

  • When it is done, do a quick release. Shred the chicken and stir in cream cheese. Stir together and serve.

Notes

How to turn this into a freezer meal:

  • Place all the ingredients except for the water and cream cheese into a gallon-sized freezer bag. Place freezer bag into freezer and it will last up to 90 days.
  • When ready to use, dump ingredients from bag into Instant Pot and add 1/2 cup of water in with the frozen food. Place the lid on top, move the valve to SEALING, and press the MANUAL button. Set timer for 25 minutes. Follow the rest of instructions as written.

Nutrition

Calories: 363 kcal · Carbohydrates: 39 g · Protein: 20 g · Fat: 16 g · Saturated Fat: 8 g · Cholesterol: 66 mg · Sodium: 569 mg · Potassium: 734 mg · Fiber: 9 g · Sugar: 6 g · Vitamin A: 1156 IU · Vitamin C: 9 mg · Calcium: 84 mg · Iron: 3 mg

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Recipe Details

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

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Join The Discussion

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  1. Madeline says:

    How long do I cook it in the instant pot? The recipe says 6 hours

  2. Andrea says:

    I think your instructions didn’t get changed from the slow cooker instructions.

  3. Janelle says:

    Please change your instructions to the instant pot version. I'm trying to make this for dinner. I could guess, but knowing my luck I'd just mess it up and that's the last of my chicken! 😕😊

  4. Carolyn L Mills says:

    Absolutely delicious. You can use different beans. I didn't have Rotel tomatoes with chilies so used diced tomatoes and a can of diced mild chilies.

  5. Emily says:

    Up above it references Worcestershire sauce, but it isn't in the ingredients or steps...?

  6. Cyd says:

    Just add it in with all of the other ingredients.

  7. Debra says:

    It says 20 min thawed25 if chicken is frozen or it least does on my web page

  8. Debra says:

    It has the Instant Pot recipe after the freezing instructions

  9. Mandy says:

    How much Worcestershire sauce should be added? Or should it be added at all?

  10. Joan Hurd says:

    Someone mentioned Worcestershire sauce. Is this put in the recipe and if so how much? I don't see it in the recipe above. Also, when is it added? Thank you.

  11. Cyd says:

    Thanks for catching that. We added it.

  12. Cyd says:

    We added about 2 teaspoons.

  13. Lana says:

    Made this tonight. It was really good! Even my teenager liked it!

  14. Colleen says:

    If I double the recipe how long should it cook? New to IP and I love it!!!!

  15. Ryan says:

    Do you know about how many servings it makes?

  16. Ryan says:

    I just read that apparently you leave the time as it was for the original. Everything will cook the same for this particular recipe. It will just take longer for the pot to pressurize. You can Google rules for doubling instant pot recipes.

  17. Alisha says:

    When making as a freezer meal do you leave out the cream cheese? I feel like you would because you stir it in last.

  18. Patti says:

    This was fabulous! So easy and quick.....and tasty!

  19. Kenzie says:

    Do you add water? It says so in the “add liquids” section but it doesn’t mention it in the recipe or instructions.

  20. Angel says:

    Is this just a stock photo or one you actually took? What is the green garnishment? Did I miss that in the ingredients and instructions?

  21. Cyd says:

    We often throw a little garnish on for the photograph. We like to use cilantro and fresh parsley.

  22. Cyd says:

    Hi Kenzie. Add 1/2 cup water to the instant pot before putting the lid on. I made the change to the recipe. Thanks for catching that.

  23. Alexis Rucker says:

    So I only have cooked chicken for this recipe. How will the instant pot work without cooking the chicken?

  24. Loren Sturm says:

    I made the instant pot cream cheese chili this evening. It is now my favorite. Was so easy and quick to make. Keep up the great recipes.

  25. Cyd says:

    Thanks for stopping by Loren. We are so glad you love this instant pot chili. Have a great weekend.

  26. Krystal says:

    Igor long of using frozen chicken breast?

  27. Krystal says:

    How long if you are doing frozen chicken breast?

  28. Tara says:

    If I don't have ranch powder mix, what can I substitute?? Ranch dressing and half the cream cheese or some other herbs/spices?

  29. Cyd says:

    Yes, you can easily add in ingredients to get the flavor you want.

  30. Sheri says:

    I have used a variation of this recipe for years in the slow cooker. I am looking forward to making it in the instant pot using your recipe with the addition of worstershire! Love, love, love ALL Six Sisters recipes!!

  31. Catrina says:

    This looks so delicious! Can I use sour cream in place of the cream cheese??

  32. Amanda says:

    When it says cook manual. Does mean pressure cook? And high or low?

  33. Momma Cyd says:

    Yes, depending on your Instant pot. Manual/pressure cook are the same thing.

  34. Momma Cyd says:

    We haven't tried replacing the cream cheese, but it should work. The flavor of the soup will be different than what the recipe states.

  35. John Y says:

    I made this chili for my wife tonight. She loved it! She sometimes complains of my cooking, mostly when I deviate from the recipe.

  36. Angela Elizabeth says:

    Is it possible to replace the chicken with something vegetarian friendly? Or omitting the chicken altogether?

  37. Jennifer says:

    My husband LOOOOOVED this recipe! He had to stop himself from going back for THIRDS! I am curious, it says 6 servings but it doesn't say what a serving size is. 1/2 cup? 1 cup?

  38. Jennifer says:

    The top of the recipe says 6 servings but doesn't give a serving size

  39. Momma Cyd says:

    We just got about 6 servings from this pot of chili. It fed our little family of 6, some eat more than others. So I guess about a cup each.

  40. Cie says:

    This looks amazing. I do not have a insta pot. Suggestions for cooking in crockpot?

  41. Momma Cyd says:

    We also have a slow cooker cream cheese chili recipe. Here is the link - https://www.sixsistersstuff.com/recipe/slow-cooker-cream-cheese-chili-recipe/ They are very similar.

  42. Thefishman says:

    Just looked up online but doesn't say when to add water

  43. Momma Cyd says:

    I just added it myself. Add it right before putting on the lid.

  44. Kim G says:

    I have made this recipe three times now. I have an 8 quart Instant Pot so I have added a little extra water but I don't really know if that was necessary...I'm just scared to find out! I have reduced the cumin a little bit and I deleted the chili powder because I keep forgetting to buy it. Regardless, my 5 year old and husband both say this is one of the best recipes ever. I tend to go with reduced sodium beans and corn (or no salt) to cut back on the sodium. It's a hit and even without any toppings! This recipe is so easy to throw together and make from a lot of pantry ingredients. Thank you!

    Instant Pot Cream Cheese Chili Recipe (6)

  45. Bonny says:

    I don’t have an instant pot, but I do have a pressure cooker. Can I use the instant pot instructions?

  46. Momma Cyd says:

    Yes, an Instant Pot is a pressure cooker. The difference between a standard pressure cooker and the Instant Pot comes down to usability, technology and control. While old-time pressure cookers were often subject to explosion, causing mess and often injury, the Instant Pot is designed with safety mechanisms that make it much safer to use.

  47. Penny says:

    Awesome flavor and so cheesy!!!

    Instant Pot Cream Cheese Chili Recipe (7)

  48. Donna says:

    Just got an Instant Pot. This will be my first recipe. Looks delicious! Thank you Sisters for all the info.

  49. Momma Cyd says:

    This is so exciting! Let us know how it goes!!

  50. Janelle says:

    This recipe was absolutely delicious and so easy!!! Will definitely make this again! YUM!!!

    Instant Pot Cream Cheese Chili Recipe (8)

  51. Momma Cyd says:

    We have an Instant Pot Chicken Chili and you can follow it closely to convert this recipe to the instant pot. https://www.sixsistersstuff.com/recipe/instant-pot-white-chicken-chili-recipe/

  52. Kathy says:

    How many would this serve? I would love to make this for a quilt retreat.

  53. Momma Cyd says:

    It serves about 6.

  54. Stella M says:

    Can I sub chicken for ground turkey? Family not always a fan of shredded chicken? Also, can I use pinto beans instead of black?

  55. Momma Cyd says:

    Yes, this recipe is so easy to adapt to your tastes and liking.

Instant Pot Cream Cheese Chili Recipe (9)

About The Author:

Kristen Hills

Kristen lives in northern Utah with her husband, Ammon, and her four daughters. She’s the blog’s YouTube guru and she loves running in her spare time.

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Instant Pot Cream Cheese Chili Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you make chili less watery in an instant pot? ›

Mix in a scoop of cornstarch, all-purpose flour, or oats.

Rather than adding it directly to the chili (which can create clumps) make a slurry. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, then stir this into the pot of chili.

How do you thicken cream cheese chili? ›

The cream cheese really helps to thicken up this chili, and the longer it simmers, the thicker it will get. If it's still too watery or soupy, make a slurry (1 tbsp of cold water and 1 tbsp of flour or cornstarch) to stir in.

How does chili function on Instant Pot work? ›

What Is the Instant Pot Chili/Bean Setting? The bean/chili setting on the Instant Pot cooks at high pressure and can be set to "more," which is 30 minutes, or "less," which will cook for 25 minutes. You may choose the bean/chili setting and do a quick release after 15 minutes.

How to thicken up white chicken chili? ›

All-purpose flour and cornstarch are useful for thickening chili, as well as sauces, soups, and stews. However, you'll want to avoid adding these ingredients directly to your recipe, as this will result in clumps. Instead, create a slurry and add it slowly to help the thickener fully incorporate.

How to fix chili that is too watery? ›

If your chili is too watery, there are a few steps you can take to thicken it: Simmer Longer: Continue cooking the chili uncovered over low heat to allow excess liquid to evaporate. Add Thickeners: Mix a small amount of cornstarch or flour with cold water and add it to the chili. Cook while stirring until it thickens.

What is the best thickener for chili? ›

The good news is there are lots of easy ways to thicken up your chili with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry— flour, cornmeal, pureed beans, cornstarch, or even crushed tortilla chips will help do the job, along with some good old extra simmering time.

Will cream cheese make chili less spicy? ›

The science of creaminess: The cream cheese not only adds a rich texture but also balances the spicy undertones of the chili, offering a complex flavor profile.

Should chili be thick or soupy? ›

Chili should be thick and hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but sometimes there's just a bit more liquid than you want in the pot. While you can simply keep simmering the chili, that method risks overcooking softer ingredients like the beans, losing all your nice texture to mushy monotony.

How do you make cream cheese filling thicker? ›

If your frosting is runnier than you'd like, you have a few options for how to thicken it.
  1. Add more powdered sugar. Beat in a tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. ...
  2. Stick it in the fridge. The frosting will firm up as it chills.

Why is my Instant Pot burning my chili? ›

Lai says the most common cause for a burn notification is not adding enough liquid to the pot or using thick ingredients like a thick tomato sauce. "If you sauté prior to pressure cooking and you do not properly deglaze the bottom of the pot, food stuck to the bottom can cause the burn notification," says Lai.

Why is my Instant Pot not pressurizing chili? ›

SOLUTION: Open the Instant Pot and make sure there's enough liquid. If too much liquid has evaporated, the Instant Pot won't pressurize, so add more liquid if necessary.

Do you vent the Instant Pot when slow cooking? ›

Another tip, taken from an Instant Pot Facebook group, is to open the valve all the way on your Instant Pot lid when slow cooking. This allows some moisture and steam to release and keeps the Instant Pot from overcooking your slow cooker recipes.

What can I add to chili to make it more soupy? ›

In addition, broth, beer, and/ or water is usually added to produce the desired consistency in the pot of chili. I usually add one or two cups of beef broth. If you put tomatoes in the stew, this will also provide plenty of liquid.

Does tomato paste thicken chili? ›

Chili Recipes

Our traditional chili has all the classic ingredients and relies on tomato paste as a thickener. Simmer longer for a thick, hearty meal. If you're cooking for a crowd, make a big-batch recipe that cooks all day in the slow cooker.

Why didn't my chili thicken? ›

Common culprits of thin chili involve: Using too much broth or stock. Fresh tomatoes instead of canned. Not cooking the mixture long enough.

Can you reduce liquid in Instant Pot? ›

When a recipe turns out a little too saucy, you can ladle out some of the liquid, or cook it off using the “Sauté” or “Slow Cook” function. Then, the next time you make the recipe in an Instant Pot, reduce the liquid by ½ to 1 cup. This one's easy: Just add a little water or broth to adjust the consistency.

How do you thicken liquid in Instant Pot? ›

Since liquid doesn't evaporate as much in an Instant Pot®, you may need to thicken with a mixture of cornstarch or flour and broth or stock. Before serving, remove the lid and any large pieces of meat or vegetables and bring the liquid to a boil on the Sauté setting.

What happens if too much liquid is in an Instant Pot? ›

Using too much liquid.

Follow this tip: While at least 1/2 to 1 cup of liquid is essential to well-cooked food in the pressure cooker, too much liquid will pull the flavor out of foods. Unless otherwise specified in the recipe, use just enough liquid to bring the cooker to pressure.

Why is my Instant Pot not sealing chili? ›

SOLUTION: Open the Instant Pot and make sure there's enough liquid. If too much liquid has evaporated, the Instant Pot won't pressurize, so add more liquid if necessary. Close the Instant Pot and resume pressure cooking. If you have trouble closing the lid, move the steam release handle to the VENTING position.

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