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 its creamy texture and robust flavors, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, you can enjoy it with your favorite toppings or as a comforting meal on its own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation – Simply toss all the ingredients into the crock pot and let it do the work!
- Creamy Texture – The cream cheese adds a rich creaminess that elevates traditional chili.
- Versatile Serving Options – Serve it with rice, tortillas, or your choice of toppings like cheese or avocado.
- Family-Friendly – A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy!
- Healthy Ingredients – Packed with protein and fiber, making it a wholesome choice for dinner.
Tools and Preparation
To create this Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili, you’ll need a few essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker (crock pot)
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker (crock pot) – The star of the show! It allows for hands-off cooking while infusing flavors over several hours.
- Measuring spoons – Ensure accuracy in seasoning for the best flavor balance.
- Can opener – A must-have for opening canned ingredients quickly and easily.
Ingredients
Main 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.
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
- Pour in the entire can of corn (undrained), followed by the Rotel tomatoes and black beans on top of the chicken.
- Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix, cumin, chili powder, and onion powder evenly over everything.
Step 3: Add Cream Cheese
- Place the block of cream cheese on top of the layered ingredients without mixing it in.
- Cover the slow cooker with a lid.
Step 4: Cook
- Set your crock pot to low heat and cook for 6 to 8 hours until the chicken is tender.
Step 5: Finish Up
- Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot.
- Shred them with two forks and return to the chili mixture.
- Stir everything together until well combined, then serve warm!
This Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is not just easy to make; it’s also packed with flavor and nutrition! Enjoy this delightful dish any night of the week!
How to Serve Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
This Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is not only delicious but also versatile in how you can serve it. Here are some creative serving ideas to enhance your meal experience.
Serve with Tortilla Chips
- Crunchy tortilla chips pair perfectly with the creamy chili, adding a delightful texture.
Top with Fresh Cilantro
- A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and a touch of color to your dish.
Accompany with Avocado Slices
- Creamy avocado slices provide a rich contrast to the chili’s spices and creaminess.
Offer Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds extra creaminess and balances the heat from the chili.
Pair with Cornbread
- Warm cornbread is a classic side that complements the chili’s richness perfectly, making for a hearty meal.
How to Perfect Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Perfecting your Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili can make it even more enjoyable. Here are some helpful tips to elevate your dish.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables enhance the flavor profile of your chili, making it taste homemade.
Adjust Spices: Feel free to tweak the spices according to your taste. Add more chili powder for extra heat or reduce it for a milder flavor.
Experiment with Beans: Try using different beans like kidney or pinto beans for variety and added nutrition.
Shred Chicken Properly: For the best texture, shred the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces before returning it to the pot.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
To round out your meal, consider these delightful side dishes that pair well with Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili.
- Cornbread
Sweet and fluffy cornbread is a classic choice that complements the chili beautifully.
Garden Salad
A fresh garden salad provides a crisp contrast and balances the richness of the chili.
Rice
Serve over white or brown rice to soak up all the delicious flavors of the chili.
Grilled Veggies
Grilled veggies add a smoky flavor and colorful presentation to your meal.
Guacamole
This creamy avocado dip adds richness and enhances every bite of chili you take.
Stuffed Peppers
- Stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa make an exciting addition that’s both nutritious and filling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a delicious dish.
- Using undrained beans: Always drain and rinse canned beans before adding them to your chili. This reduces excess sodium and helps control the texture.
- Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to add the ranch dressing mix and spices! These ingredients elevate the flavor of your chili, making it more enjoyable.
- Not shredding the chicken: After cooking, take the chicken out to shred it before returning it to the pot. This ensures even distribution of flavors throughout the chili.
- Overcooking or undercooking: Stick to the recommended cooking time of 6-8 hours on low. Overcooking can make chicken dry, while undercooking can lead to safety concerns.
- Ignoring ingredient quality: Use fresh ingredients when possible. Fresh spices and high-quality cream cheese will enhance your chili’s taste significantly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Make sure it has cooled down completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bags for up to 2-3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of containers for expansion during freezing.
Reheating Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl; heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Place in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about this Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili recipe.
Can I use different proteins in Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey, beef, or lamb according to your preference.
How spicy is this Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili?
The spice level can be adjusted by adding more or less chili powder. Feel free to customize it based on your taste!
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, use plant-based protein instead of chicken and vegetable broth instead of any meat-based broth.
What toppings go well with Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili?
Consider adding shredded cheese, avocado slices, or chopped cilantro as tasty toppings!
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is not only a family favorite but also a versatile dish that you can customize with various proteins or toppings. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and gatherings alike. Give it a try and enjoy its creamy goodness!
Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Indulge in the comforting goodness of Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili, a beloved family favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. This creamy and flavorful dish combines tender chicken with hearty black beans and sweet corn, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. The rich cream cheese elevates the traditional chili experience, making it an absolute delight for everyone at the table. Customize it with your favorite toppings like avocado slices or fresh cilantro for a touch of freshness. Whether served on its own or paired with crunchy tortilla chips, this dish is sure to impress!
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Ingredients
- 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 cream cheese (8 oz)
- 2 chicken breasts
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly.
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Layer in the corn, followed by Rotel tomatoes and black beans.
- Sprinkle ranch dressing mix, cumin, chili powder, and onion powder evenly over the top.
- Place the block of cream cheese on top without mixing it in.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken with two forks and stir back into the chili mixture before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg