Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for any occasion, whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in. This delightful chili combines tender chicken with a medley of beans, corn, and spices, all enveloped in a creamy, flavorful base thanks to the addition of cream cheese. It’s not just a chili; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, ideal for cold nights or busy days when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili Recipe
There’s so much to love about this recipe. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to make. You can throw all the ingredients into your slow cooker in just a few minutes and let it do the work for you. The combination of black beans, kidney beans, and corn provides a robust texture, while the ranch dressing mix and spices add a burst of flavor that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, the creamy finish from the cream cheese takes this chili to the next level, making it rich and satisfying. It’s also highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite toppings and vary the spices to suit your taste. Whether served on a chilly evening or as a meal prep staple, this chili delivers comfort and taste with minimal effort.
Ingredients about Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) of corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) of diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet of ranch dressing mix
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 block (8 oz) of cream cheese
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili Directions
Making Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is a simple and straightforward process. Here’s how to do it step by step:
- Start by preparing your slow cooker. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. This forms the base for your chili and ensures even cooking.
- Next, add in the drained and rinsed black beans, kidney beans, and corn. This trio of ingredients offers both nutrition and texture, making your chili hearty and filling.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. The tomatoes add a slight sweetness while the chilies provide a gentle kick of heat.
- On top of these ingredients, sprinkle the ranch dressing mix, chili powder, and cumin. These seasonings are essential to bring out the flavors in your chili, making it savory and aromatic.
- Pour in the chicken broth, which will help cook the chicken and meld the flavors together. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as you see fit.
- Now it’s time for the star of the dish—the block of cream cheese. Place it gently on top of the other ingredients. As it cooks, it will melt and create a luscious creaminess that ties the chili together.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. The long cooking time allows the flavors to develop beautifully and ensures the chicken becomes tender and easy to shred.
- Once the cooking time is up, take two forks and shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Mix it back into the chili, making sure the cream cheese is well incorporated for that wonderful creamy texture.
- Serve your delicious Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, chopped green onions, slices of avocado, or a dollop of sour cream.
How to Serve Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Serving your Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is all about enhancing the experience. You have the option to enjoy it in bowls on its own, or you can turn it into a more substantial meal with various toppings. Shredded cheese is a must, as it melts beautifully into the warm chili. Chopped green onions add a fresh crunch and vibrant color, while slices of creamy avocado bring in a rich texture that complements the chili’s flavors. If you enjoy a bit of tanginess, a dollop of sour cream can finish it off perfectly.
For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside some crusty bread or warm tortillas to soak up all that delicious broth. You can also make it a part of a taco night by offering soft or hard taco shells, allowing everyone to build their own chili tacos. The versatility of this dish allows you to adapt it to any gathering or family dinner.
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
There are a few expert tips to keep in mind while preparing your Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili.
- While the recipe calls for chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs for even more flavor and tenderness. They hold up well during the slow cooking process.
- For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker. This simple step can elevate the taste significantly.
- If you prefer a spicier chili, feel free to add jalapeños or increase the amount of chili powder. You can always adjust the heat level according to your preferences.
- Don’t skip the cream cheese! It’s what makes this chili creamy and indulgent. If you’re concerned about calories, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt as a substitute, but the flavor may vary.
- If you want to add more vegetables, throw in some bell peppers, zucchini, or even carrots. Slow cookers can handle a variety of ingredients, so feel free to get creative.
How to Store Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Storing your Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is simple and convenient. Once the chili has cooled down, transfer it into an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the chili in individual portions. Make sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags, and it can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. The flavors will still be incredible, and you’ll appreciate having this meal ready to go on busy days.
Variation of Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
The beauty of Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is in its versatility. You can easily customize this dish to fit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few variations you might consider:
- For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and use a combination of beans and lentils for protein. You can also add extra vegetables, such as bell peppers or sweet potatoes, to keep it hearty.
- If you’re a fan of different kinds of meat, you might try adding shredded beef or turkey instead of the chicken for a completely different flavor profile.
- You can also change the beans; use pinto beans or chickpeas for a unique twist. Each type of bean will bring its flavor and texture to the dish.
- Experiment with different cheese options. Instead of cream cheese, you can stir in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese right before serving for added creaminess and flavor.
- For a healthier twist, you can substitute low-sodium chicken broth and organic beans. This helps keep it lighter but just as delicious.
FAQ
What is Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili? Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is a savory dish made with chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, and cream cheese that cooks slowly in a slow cooker to create a creamy and flavorful chili.
How do I make the chili spicier? To increase the spice level in your chili, you can add jalapeños, more chili powder, or even some hot sauce to suit your taste.
Can I prepare this chili in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Just layer them in the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook.
What can I use instead of cream cheese? If you want a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt or reduced-fat cream cheese, though it will slightly change the taste and texture.
How long will leftovers last? Leftovers of this chili can last in the fridge for about 4 days. If frozen, it can be stored for up to 3 months.
Is this chili suitable for meal prep? Yes! This chili is an excellent choice for meal prep as it stores well and is easy to reheat for quick meals during a busy week.
Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- to taste Salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare your slow cooker by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom.
- Add the drained and rinsed black beans, kidney beans, and corn.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix, chili powder, and cumin on top.
- Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the block of cream cheese on top of the other ingredients.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
- After cooking, shred the chicken with two forks and mix it back into the chili.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheese, chopped green onions, avocado slices, or sour cream.
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