Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe is a delightful twist on traditional chili, boasting a rich and creamy broth that elevates your chili experience. Perfect for cozy evenings or gatherings, this dish combines tender chicken with the vibrant flavors of beans and spices. It’s not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to enjoy it as a main dish or as a hearty side.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Just add ingredients to your crock pot and let it do the work!
- Creamy Comfort: The addition of cream cheese gives this chili a velvety texture that everyone will love.
- Flavorful Ingredients: A blend of spices and beans creates a satisfying flavor profile that’s sure to please any palate.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it on its own, or top it with your favorite garnishes for an extra touch.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes enough for leftovers, perfect for busy weekdays or lunch!
Tools and Preparation
For crafting the perfect crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe, having the right tools is essential. They help streamline the cooking process and ensure delicious results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Mixing spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: The heart of this recipe, allowing for slow cooking that enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Chopping board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients without mess.
- Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts, which is crucial for balanced flavors in your chili.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 can black beans (15 oz – drained and rinsed)
- 1 can great northern beans (15 oz – not drained)
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilis (10 oz can)
- 1 cup salsa verde
- 1 pkg Ranch Seasoning Packet
- 1/2 onion (chopped)
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the onion and measure out your spices. Drain and rinse the black beans.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot
Add all the ingredients to the crock pot except the cream cheese and cilantro:
* Place the chicken breasts at the bottom.
* Add both types of beans.
* Pour in diced tomatoes, salsa verde, ranch seasoning, onion, cumin, garlic, salt, pepper, and chicken broth.
Step 3: Cook the Chili
Cover the crock pot with its lid. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is tender.
Step 4: Shred Chicken
After cooking time is complete:
1. Remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot.
2. Shred them using two forks.
3. Return shredded chicken back into the crock pot.
Step 5: Add Cream Cheese
Add in the cream cheese:
* Cover and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes or high for 15 minutes until melted.
* Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Step 6: Serve
Spoon into bowls and top with chopped cilantro or any other desired toppings. Enjoy your delicious crock pot cream cheese chicken chili!
How to Serve Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe
Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you want a hearty meal or a light snack, this chili can be customized to fit your needs.
Toppings
- Chopped Cilantro – Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and color.
- Sour Cream – Creamy sour cream balances the spiciness and enhances richness.
- Shredded Cheese – Top with shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack for extra cheesiness.
- Sliced Avocado – Creamy avocado complements the flavors and adds healthy fats.
Accompaniments
- Cornbread – Sweet cornbread pairs perfectly with the creamy chili.
- Tortilla Chips – Crunchy chips make for a great scoop option and add texture.
- Rice – Serve over white or brown rice for a filling meal option.
- Salad – A fresh green salad can lighten up the meal and add nutrients.
How to Perfect Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe
Perfecting your crock pot cream cheese chicken chili is easy with a few simple tips. Here are some suggestions to enhance your cooking experience.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs boost flavor significantly.
- Adjust Spice Levels – Add more cumin or chili powder if you prefer a spicier kick.
- Experiment with Beans – Try different beans like pinto or kidney for variety in taste and texture.
- Let it Rest – Allow the chili to sit for 15 minutes before serving to deepen flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe
Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili pairs well with various side dishes that complement its rich and creamy texture. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for dipping into the chili, garlic bread adds delicious flavor.
- Coleslaw – A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm chili.
- Quesadillas – Cheese-filled quesadillas offer a cheesy, savory bite alongside the meal.
- Baked Potatoes – Fluffy baked potatoes can be topped with leftover chili for a filling dish.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn enhances the comfort food feel of this hearty meal.
- Fried Plantains – Sweet fried plantains bring an unexpected sweetness that balances spicy flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe can be simple, but some common mistakes can hinder your success.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cook the chicken just enough so it shreds easily. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough.
- Ignoring seasoning balance: Be sure to taste and adjust seasonings as you go. A lack of spices can make your chili bland.
- Skipping the cream cheese step: Adding cream cheese at the end creates a creamy texture. Don’t forget to incorporate it after shredding the chicken.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Opt for high-quality beans and tomatoes for better flavor. Using subpar ingredients can affect the overall taste of your chili.
- Not letting it rest before serving: Allowing the chili to sit for a few minutes enhances the flavors. Serving immediately may not give the best taste experience.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow the chili to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Freezing Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container, as liquids expand when frozen.
Reheating Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe?
A Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe is a flavorful dish that combines tender shredded chicken with beans, tomatoes, and a creamy broth made from cream cheese.
How can I customize my Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe?
You can customize this recipe by adding different beans, vegetables, or spices according to your taste preferences.
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by about an hour on low or 30 minutes on high.
How do I make this chili spicier?
To make your Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe spicier, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper according to your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
This Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe is a delicious blend of flavors that is perfect for any occasion. Its creamy texture and hearty ingredients make it a comforting meal. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or spices for added flair. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy and satisfying it is!
Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is a comforting dish that elevates traditional chili with its rich, creamy broth. This recipe brings together tender chicken, hearty beans, and a delightful blend of spices to create a satisfying meal perfect for cozy evenings or gatherings. The addition of cream cheese lends a velvety texture, making this chili both delicious and unique. Easy to prepare in your slow cooker, it’s the ideal choice for busy weeknights or meal prep. Serve it as a main dish or a flavorful side, and don’t forget to customize it with your favorite toppings!
- Total Time: 21 minute
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Ingredients
- 3 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 can black beans (15 oz)
- 1 can great northern beans (15 oz)
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilis (10 oz)
- 1 cup salsa verde
- 8 oz cream cheese
- Ranch seasoning packet
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Gather and chop the onions; rinse the black beans.
- Add chicken breasts, both bean types, tomatoes, salsa verde, ranch seasoning, onion, cumin, garlic, salt, pepper, and chicken broth to the crock pot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken; shred it with two forks and return it to the pot.
- Stir in cream cheese; cover and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes or high for 15 minutes until melted and combined.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added spice, incorporate jalapeños or cayenne pepper. Experiment with different bean varieties like pinto or kidney for unique flavors. Let the chili rest for about 15 minutes before serving to enhance the taste.
