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 weeknights or cozy gatherings. With minimal prep time and a deliciously creamy flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your home. The combination of chicken, beans, and spices creates a comforting meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: It only takes 10 minutes of prep work before the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.
- Rich Flavor: The cream cheese adds a delightful creaminess that balances the spices perfectly.
- Versatile Dish: Great as a main course or served with rice, tortillas, or cornbread.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this chili, making it ideal for family dinners.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers store well, making it easy to enjoy later in the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment can streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener
- Mixing spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow Cooker: This is the star of the show! It allows for hands-off cooking that infuses flavors over several hours.
- Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate measurements for spices so you get the perfect balance in flavor.
- Can Opener: A must-have for easily opening canned ingredients without mess.
- Mixing Spoon: Necessary for combining all the ingredients thoroughly.
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 Ingredients
- Drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot.
Step 2: Layer Your Ingredients
- Pour the entire can of corn (undrained) over the chicken.
- Add the undrained Rotel tomatoes next.
- Finally, add the rinsed black beans on top.
Step 3: Add Seasonings
- Sprinkle cumin, chili powder, onion powder, and ranch dressing mix over the layered ingredients.
- Stir gently to combine everything while keeping the chicken at the bottom.
Step 4: Add Cream Cheese
- Place the block of light cream cheese on top of all other ingredients without stirring.
Step 5: Cook Your Chili
- Cover with a lid and set your slow cooker to low heat.
- Cook for 6–8 hours until chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 6: Shred Chicken and Serve
- Once cooking time is complete, carefully remove chicken breasts from the crock pot.
- Shred chicken with two forks and return it back into the chili mixture.
- Stir everything together until well combined and enjoy your delicious Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili!
How to Serve Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Serving this Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is simple and enjoyable. You can customize it with various toppings and sides that elevate the dish while adding flavor and texture.
Toppings
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and a tangy flavor.
- Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for a melty, savory touch.
- Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro brings a fresh, herby note that brightens each bite.
- Avocado: Sliced or diced avocado provides a creamy texture and rich flavor.
Accompaniments
- Tortilla Chips: Serve with crunchy tortilla chips for dipping; it adds a delightful crunch.
- Rice: A side of white or brown rice absorbs the chili’s flavors and makes the meal heartier.
- Crusty Bread: Pair with crusty bread to soak up the chili, enhancing the dining experience.
How to Perfect Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
To ensure your Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili turns out amazing every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in flavor. Opt for fresh chicken and quality canned goods.
- Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to tweak the chili powder or cumin according to your spice preference for a milder or spicier dish.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cooking on low heat allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a richer taste.
- Don’t Skip the Shredding Step: Shredding the chicken back into the chili enhances its texture and allows it to absorb more flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Pairing side dishes with your Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:
- Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread complements the chili’s flavors perfectly.
- Garden Salad: A light salad with fresh greens balances out the richness of the chili.
- Guacamole: This creamy dip adds richness and pairs well with tortilla chips alongside your chili.
- Coleslaw: The crunch and tang of coleslaw provide a delightful contrast to the warm chili.
- Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes can be topped with chili for a filling combo.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color, flavor, and extra nutrients to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here’s how to avoid them.
- Skipping the rinsing step: Always drain and rinse your black beans. This removes excess sodium and prevents your chili from being overly salty.
- Not layering ingredients properly: Place chicken at the bottom of the crock pot. This ensures it cooks evenly and stays moist throughout the cooking process.
- Ignoring cooking time: Cooking for less than 6 hours may leave your chicken undercooked. Stick to the recommended cooking time for best results.
- Forgetting to shred chicken: After cooking, shredding the chicken is essential for blending flavors. Stir it back into the chili for a delicious finish.
- Not tasting before serving: Always taste your chili before serving. Adjust seasonings if needed to enhance flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short increments, stirring in between, until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I serve with Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili?
You can serve this chili with rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
Can I customize Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
To add heat, include diced jalapeños or increase the amount of chili powder according to your spice preference.
Is Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili healthy?
Yes! This recipe is packed with protein from chicken and fiber from beans while being relatively low in calories.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it based on your preferences by adding veggies or adjusting spices. Give it a try; it might just become your new favorite family meal!
Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Indulge in the comfort of Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili, a family-favorite dish that combines tender chicken, hearty beans, and a creamy, flavorful sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this recipe requires just 10 minutes of prep time before the slow cooker works its magic. With a delightful blend of spices and the richness of cream cheese, this chili is guaranteed to be a hit at your dinner table. Serve it with your choice of toppings like sour cream or fresh cilantro for an extra touch, making it a versatile meal that everyone will enjoy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 servings
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 can black beans (15 oz)
- 1 can corn (15.25 oz), undrained
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes (10 oz), undrained
- 1 package ranch dressing mix
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 package light cream cheese (8 oz)
Instructions
- Rinse and drain black beans. Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot.
- Layer in corn and Rotel tomatoes without draining.
- Add rinsed black beans on top.
- Sprinkle cumin, chili powder, onion powder, and ranch dressing mix over layers; stir gently.
- Place the block of cream cheese on top without stirring.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours until chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken, shred it with forks, and return to the pot; stir to combine.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
