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 dinners, gatherings with friends, or busy weeknights. The creamy texture combined with bold flavors makes it a standout option for any occasion. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to enjoy delicious chili without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Prep Time: With just 10 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it!
- Flavorful: The combination of spices and cream cheese creates a rich and satisfying flavor.
- Versatile: Serve it as a main dish or as a hearty side during gatherings.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber, it’s as nutritious as it is tasty.
- Family Favorite: Everyone loves this chili, making it ideal for family dinners.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Can opener
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This is the heart of the recipe, allowing you to cook slowly for maximum flavor.
- Can opener: A must-have for easily opening canned ingredients without mess.
Ingredients
For your Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili, gather the following ingredients:
Base Ingredients
- 1 15- oz. can black beans
- 1 15.25- oz. can corn (undrained)
- 1 10- oz. can Rotel tomatoes (undrained)
- 2 chicken breasts
Seasonings and Creaminess
- 1 package ranch dressing mix
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 8- oz package light cream cheese
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 the crock pot.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
- Pour the entire can of corn (undrained) over the chicken.
- Add the undrained Rotel tomatoes on top of that.
- Add the rinsed black beans next.
- Sprinkle in the ranch dressing mix, cumin, chili powder, and onion powder.
- Stir everything together gently to combine.
Step 3: Add Cream Cheese and Cook
- Place the block of cream cheese on top of all ingredients in the crock pot.
- Cover with the lid and set to cook on low for about 6-8 hours.
Step 4: Final Touches
- Once cooking time is complete, carefully remove chicken breasts from the crock pot.
- Shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the chili mixture.
- Stir everything together well before serving.
Enjoy your delicious 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 delicious on its own, but serving it with the right accompaniments can elevate your meal even further. Here are some tasty serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
Top with Fresh Ingredients
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spice.
- Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a burst of flavor and color.
- Sliced Jalapeños: For those who love heat, jalapeños provide an extra kick.
Pair with Crunchy Sides
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips are perfect for scooping up the chili.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the flavors of the chili beautifully.
- Crackers: Simple saltines or flavored crackers add a satisfying crunch.
Offer Extra Toppings
- Shredded Cheese: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts perfectly on top.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado adds a rich texture and flavor contrast.
How to Perfect Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
To make this Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili even better, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Frozen Chicken: You can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the crock pot for convenience; just increase cooking time slightly.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the chili powder or cumin to suit your taste preferences.
- Add More Veggies: Incorporate bell peppers or diced onions for added nutrition and flavor.
- Make It Ahead: This dish freezes well, so consider making a larger batch for future meals.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Adding side dishes can turn this hearty chili into a complete meal. Here are some great options that pair well with your Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili.
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices complements the chili’s flavors nicely.
- Guacamole: This creamy dip enhances the chili’s taste and adds freshness.
- Garden Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the warm chili.
- Baked Potatoes: Serve baked potatoes as a base for your chili for a comforting twist.
- Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw offers texture and balances the richness of the dish.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa can brighten up each bite of chili with its zesty flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using canned beans without rinsing: This can make your chili too salty. Always drain and rinse black beans before adding them to the pot.
- Skipping the seasoning: Seasonings enhance flavor. Don’t forget to add cumin, chili powder, and ranch dressing mix for the best taste.
- Not shredding chicken after cooking: Leaving the chicken whole doesn’t let the flavors meld. Shred the chicken after cooking for a more integrated dish.
- Overcooking the cream cheese: If you cook cream cheese too long, it may become grainy. Add it in during the last hour of cooking for a smooth texture.
- Ignoring personal preferences: Everyone’s taste is different. Adjust spices and ingredients based on what your family enjoys for a personalized meal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover chili in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bags.
- The chili can be frozen 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 and cover with foil. Heat for about 30 minutes or until warm.
- Microwave: Pour into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra hour of cooking time on low.
How spicy is this Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili?
The spice level is mild due to the ranch dressing mix and chili powder. You can add jalapeños or hot sauce if you prefer more heat.
Can I substitute other beans?
Absolutely! Feel free to use pinto beans or kidney beans instead of black beans for different flavors and textures.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this chili is gluten-free as long as you ensure that your ranch dressing mix is certified gluten-free.
How can I customize this recipe?
You can customize by adding bell peppers, corn, or even cheese toppings according to your preference!
Final Thoughts
The Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. You can easily modify ingredients and spices to cater to your family’s preferences. Give it a try, and enjoy a warm, comforting meal any night of the week!
Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili, a dish that promises to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. This delightful chili features tender chicken, creamy cheese, and a medley of spices, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it while it cooks away, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings with friends and family. The rich texture and bold flavors make this chili a crowd-pleaser that everyone will adore. Enjoy it on its own or top it with your favorite garnishes for an elevated dining experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main Dish
- 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
- Drain and rinse the black beans.
- Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Layer corn and Rotel tomatoes over the chicken.
- Add rinsed black beans on top, then sprinkle with seasoning mix.
- Place cream cheese on top of all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Shred chicken after cooking and stir back into the chili before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
