You will love this Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili Recipe! It’s my family’s favorite chili! This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and comforting without much fuss. With its creamy texture, zesty flavors, and wholesome ingredients, this chili is a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, game days, or cozy gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Just throw everything in the crock pot and let it work its magic while you go about your day.
- Flavorful Twist: The addition of cream cheese makes this chili rich and creamy, setting it apart from traditional recipes.
- Versatility: Enjoy it on its own, over rice, or with cornbread. It’s great for leftovers too!
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber from black beans and chicken, it’s a nutritious option for any meal.
- Family-Friendly: Kid-approved flavors ensure that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy every bite.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Can opener
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Allows for easy preparation and long cooking times, which enhances flavor development.
- Can opener: Ensures you can easily access canned ingredients without hassle.
- Cutting board & Knife: Essential for safely preparing fresh ingredients before adding them to the mix.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 1 15- oz. can black beans
– 1 15.25- oz. can corn (undrained)
– 1 10- oz. can Rotel tomatoes (undrained)
– 1 package ranch dressing mix
– 1 tsp. cumin
– 1 Tbsp. chili powder
– 1 tsp. onion powder
– 1 8- oz package light cream cheese
– 2 chicken breasts
How to Make Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Step 1: Prepare the Beans
Drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
Step 2: Layer Your Ingredients
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot.
Pour the entire can of corn (undrained) over the chicken.
Add the Rotel tomatoes along with their liquid.
Top with the rinsed black beans.
Step 3: Season It Up
Sprinkle all seasonings over the layered ingredients:
Add ranch dressing mix.
Include cumin, chili powder, and onion powder.
Stir everything together gently to combine.
Step 4: Add Cream Cheese
Place the block of cream cheese on top of the mixture without stirring it in yet.
Step 5: Cook It Slow
Cover with the lid and set your crock pot to cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Step 6: Shred & Serve
Once cooking is complete:
Remove chicken breasts from the crock pot.
Shred them using two forks or chop as desired.
Return shredded chicken to the chili and stir well before serving.
Now sit back and enjoy your delicious Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili!
How to Serve Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Serving your Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili can enhance the experience and make it even more enjoyable for you and your guests. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious chili.
With Toppings
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spices.
- Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack on top for a cheesy delight.
- Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a burst of flavor and freshness to each bowl.
In a Bread Bowl
- Crusty Bread: Serve the chili inside a hollowed-out bread bowl for a fun and edible presentation.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Pair with garlic breadsticks for dipping that will soak up every bite.
Over Rice or Quinoa
- Steamed Rice: Ladle the chili over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for added texture.
- Quinoa: For a healthier option, serve it over quinoa, which also adds protein.
As a Dip
- Tortilla Chips: Use it as a hearty dip with crunchy tortilla chips for a game day snack.
- Veggie Platter: Serve with fresh veggies like bell peppers and cucumbers for a healthy twist.
How to Perfect Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
To ensure your Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and spices can elevate the flavors significantly.
- Don’t Skimp on Seasoning: Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste; more chili powder can add heat.
- Cook on Low for Best Results: Cooking on low allows flavors to meld beautifully over time.
- Shred Chicken Well: Take time to shred the chicken into small pieces for better distribution in the chili.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Complementing your Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili with side dishes can make your meal even more delightful. Here are some top picks:
- Cornbread: Sweet and buttery cornbread pairs well with chili’s savory notes.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and croutons add freshness to balance the meal.
- Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes are perfect for topping with chili and cheese.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and contrast to the warm chili.
- Spanish Rice: Flavored rice complements the chili without overpowering its taste.
- Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies add color and nutrients, making your meal heartier.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili can be a breeze, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Skipping the rinsing: Always rinse your black beans first. This helps reduce sodium and improve flavor.
- Ignoring cooking time: Cooking on low for 6-8 hours is key. If you rush it, the chicken may not shred properly.
- Not stirring well enough: Make sure to mix in the seasonings and cream cheese thoroughly for even flavor distribution.
- Using frozen chicken: Frozen chicken can lead to uneven cooking. Always use thawed chicken for best results.
- Overloading with spices: Stick to the recommended amounts of spices. Too much can overpower the chili’s flavors.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- This chili can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for 20-25 minutes until hot.
- Microwave: Place chili in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you out!
How do I customize Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili?
You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Experiment with different beans too!
Can I use ground chicken instead of breasts?
Yes! Ground chicken works well but adjust cooking times accordingly.
What toppings work best with Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili?
Consider adding sour cream, shredded cheese, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or coconut cream.
How spicy is this chili?
This recipe has mild spice due to the chili powder and Rotel tomatoes. You can increase the spice by adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper if desired.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting spices according to your taste. Give this delicious recipe a try and enjoy a warm bowl of goodness that will surely satisfy everyone at your dinner table!
Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Experience the ultimate comfort with this Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili. Perfect for busy weeknights, this creamy and flavorful dish combines tender chicken, zesty spices, and wholesome ingredients that your family will love. Just toss everything into your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day. With an effortless preparation method and deliciously rich taste, this chili is an ideal choice for family dinners, game days, or cozy gatherings. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a warm bowl of goodness that will satisfy everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans
- 1 can (15.25 oz) corn (undrained)
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 package ranch dressing mix
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 package (8 oz) light cream cheese
- 2 chicken breasts
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the black beans.
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the crock pot.
- Add corn, Rotel tomatoes, and rinsed black beans on top.
- Sprinkle ranch dressing mix, cumin, chili powder, and onion powder over the layers; stir gently to combine.
- Place the block of cream cheese on top without stirring.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Once done, shred the chicken and return to the chili; stir well before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 352
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
