Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

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 zesty flavors, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, you can easily customize it by adding your favorite toppings like cheese, avocado, or cilantro.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and cream cheese creates a rich, savory chili that warms you from the inside out.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or use it as a filling for wraps and tacos.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber from beans and chicken, this chili is both satisfying and nutritious.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Crock pot
• Measuring spoons
• Can opener
• Mixing spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Crock pot: The star of this recipe! It allows for slow cooking, which enhances flavors and tenderizes the chicken effortlessly.
• Mixing spoon: A sturdy mixing spoon ensures you can combine all ingredients evenly without damaging delicate items like cream cheese.

Ingredients

To prepare this delicious Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Base

• 1 15-oz. can black beans
• 1 15.25-oz. can corn (undrained)
• 1 10-oz. can Rotel tomatoes (undrained)

Seasonings

• 1 package ranch dressing mix
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1 Tbsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. onion powder

For Creaminess

• 1 8-oz package light cream cheese
• 2 chicken breasts

How to Make Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

1. Drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
2. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot.

Step 2: Add Base Ingredients

1. Pour in the entire can of corn (with liquid) over the chicken.
2. Add the undrained Rotel tomatoes on top.
3. Sprinkle the rinsed black beans over everything.

Step 3: Season It Up

1. Add all seasonings including ranch dressing mix, cumin, chili powder, and onion powder.
2. Stir gently to combine all ingredients together.

Step 4: Add Cream Cheese

1. Place the block of light cream cheese on top of everything in the crock pot.
2. Cover with a lid and set to cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Step 5: Final Touches

1. After cooking, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot.
2. Shred them using two forks and return to the chili mixture.
3. Stir well to combine everything before serving.

Enjoy your Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili with your favorite toppings!

How to Serve Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

This Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is warm, comforting, and perfect for any gathering. Here are some delicious ways to serve it.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of fresh baguette for dipping into the creamy chili.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Pairing with garlic breadsticks adds a flavorful twist.

Topped with Fresh Ingredients

• Chopped Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro brightens up the flavors.
• Sour Cream Alternative: Use a dairy-free sour cream as a creamy topping.

In a Bowl

• Traditional Bowl: Serve it in a deep bowl for a cozy meal.
• Bread Bowl Option: Hollow out a small round loaf of bread for an edible serving dish.

How to Perfect Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

To elevate your Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Seasoning Choices: Adjust spices like chili powder or cumin to match your heat preference.
• Cream Cheese Temperature: For easier melting, let the cream cheese sit at room temperature before adding.
• Add Vegetables: Toss in bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
• Use Homemade Broth: Substitute store-bought broth with homemade chicken broth for richer taste.
• Cook Time Flexibility: If you’re short on time, you can cook on high for 4 hours instead of low for 6-8 hours.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

Pair your Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili with these delicious side dishes to create a complete meal.

1. Cornbread: Sweet and savory cornbread complements the chili’s flavors beautifully.
2. Garden Salad: A fresh salad provides a crisp contrast to the rich chili.
3. Rice: Serve over fluffy rice for added texture and heartiness.
4. Guacamole and Chips: This classic combination adds creaminess and crunch to your meal.
5. Tortilla Chips: Great for scooping up the chili or enjoying on their own as a crunchy side.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with quinoa or rice make a colorful side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking can be tricky, especially with a dish like Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to add the ranch dressing mix and spices can lead to bland chili. Always measure and mix in the seasonings for full flavor.
• Not shredding the chicken properly: Leaving large chunks of chicken can affect the texture. Shred it finely after cooking for a better consistency.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Using canned items that are past their expiration or of poor quality can affect taste. Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients when possible.
• Not allowing enough cooking time: Rushing the cooking process may not fully develop the flavors. Be sure to cook on low for 6-8 hours for optimal results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Use within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring you label with date and contents.

Reheating Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake in a covered dish until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through, until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until heated.

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 directly in your crock pot. Just increase the cooking time slightly if needed.

How spicy is this Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili?

The spice level depends on your choice of chili powder and any additional spices you add. You can adjust it to your preference!

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or zucchini, or swap out beans based on what you have on hand.

What can I serve with Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili?

This chili pairs well with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips. It also makes a great filling for tacos!

Final Thoughts

This Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is a delicious and versatile recipe perfect for any family dinner. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it a hit! Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients or toppings to make it your own.