You will love this Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili Recipe! It’s my family’s favorite chili! This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners, game nights, or meal prep. The combination of creamy texture and robust flavors makes it a standout. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to prepare, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade chili with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it!
- Creamy goodness: The addition of cream cheese creates a rich and velvety texture that elevates the chili.
- Versatile meal: Great on its own or served with rice, tortillas, or cornbread.
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for gatherings and sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
- Healthy ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber from beans and chicken.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, letting flavors meld beautifully over hours.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping and prepping ingredients.
- Knife: Essential for cutting chicken and any additional toppings you might want to add later.
Ingredients
To make this Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili, gather the following ingredients:
Pantry Staples
- 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
Main Ingredients
- 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. This helps remove excess sodium.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Place the chicken at the bottom of the crock pot. Then pour in the entire can of corn (undrained), followed by the Rotel tomatoes, and black beans on top of the chicken.
Step 3: Add Seasonings
Top everything with seasonings like cumin, chili powder, onion powder, and ranch dressing mix. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
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 Low & Slow
Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking allows all flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Shred Chicken & Serve
After cooking time is complete, carefully take out the chicken breasts from the crock pot. Shred them using two forks and then add them back into the chili mixture. Stir together until fully combined. Enjoy your warm bowl of Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili!
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. You can serve it in various ways to suit your family’s preferences or the occasion.
With Tortilla Chips
- Enjoy the chili as a dip by serving it with crispy tortilla chips. The crunchiness pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of the chili.
Over Rice
- Serve the chili over a bed of fluffy rice for a hearty meal. This adds an extra layer of flavor and makes it more filling.
In a Bread Bowl
- For a fun twist, serve the chili in a hollowed-out bread bowl. This makes for an impressive presentation and adds a delicious bread element to your meal.
Topped with Cheese
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each bowl before serving. This enhances the creaminess and adds delightful flavor.
With Sour Cream
- A dollop of sour cream on top can balance the spice and enrich the taste of your chili, making each bite even more enjoyable.
How to Perfect Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
To make your Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili even better, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and quality spices enhance flavor significantly.
- Adjust Spice Level: Customize the heat by adding jalapeños or using spicy Rotel tomatoes.
- Let It Sit: Allowing the chili to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps develop flavors.
- Garnish Creatively: Fresh cilantro or green onions can add freshness and color when serving.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Pairing side dishes with your Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the chili’s flavors and adds a delightful texture.
- Side Salad: A fresh garden salad offers a crisp contrast and balances out the meal.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole provides richness and pairs well with the chili’s spices.
- Rice Pilaf: Flavored rice pilaf can be an aromatic base that enhances your dining experience.
- Grilled Vegetables: Smoky grilled veggies bring additional flavor that complements the chili nicely.
- Baked Potatoes: Serve loaded baked potatoes as a filling side that can soak up all those delicious flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
- Skipping the rinsing step – Not rinsing the black beans can lead to a salty and overly thick chili. Always drain and rinse them before adding.
- Overcooking the chicken – If you leave the chicken in too long, it can become dry. Stick to the recommended cooking time for juicy results.
- Neglecting spices – Forgetting to add spices may result in bland chili. Don’t skip the cumin, chili powder, and ranch dressing mix for flavor.
- Not shredding chicken properly – Failing to shred the chicken well can leave large chunks that may not blend with the chili. Shred thoroughly for an even texture.
- Ignoring storage tips – Improper storage can affect freshness. Make sure to store your leftovers in airtight containers for longer shelf life.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
- Freeze in individual portions or family-sized servings using freezer-safe containers.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through.
- Microwave – Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop – Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili?
Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is a delicious and creamy chili made with chicken, cream cheese, beans, and spices, all cooked together in a slow cooker.
How long does it take to cook Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili?
It takes about 6-8 hours on low heat in your crock pot for this chili to cook thoroughly and develop its rich flavors.
Can I customize my Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili?
Absolutely! You can add other ingredients like bell peppers, jalapeños, or different types of beans according to your taste preferences.
Is it possible to make this recipe without chicken?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with tofu or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version of Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili.
What should I serve with my Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili?
This chili pairs well with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over rice for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
The Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it with various ingredients and spices according to your family’s taste. Give this delightful dish a try; it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings!
Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Discover the ultimate comfort dish with this Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili! This creamy and robust chili is a family favorite, perfect for cozy dinners, game nights, or meal prep. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can easily set it in your slow cooker and let the flavors meld beautifully over hours. The addition of cream cheese adds a rich texture that makes each bite indulgent. Enjoy it on its own or paired with rice, tortillas, or cornbread for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
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
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the black beans.
- Layer chicken at the bottom of the crock pot; add corn, Rotel tomatoes, and black beans.
- Sprinkle spices and ranch dressing mix over the layers; stir gently.
- Place the cream cheese block on top without stirring.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
- Shred cooked chicken and stir back into chili before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
