Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
If you’re seeking the perfect cozy dish to warm your soul on a chilly evening, look no further than this incredible Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili. Packed with flavor, effortlessly easy to make, and downright satisfying, this dish embodies everything we love about comfort food. The combination of tender chicken, hearty beans, sweet corn, and creamy goodness creates a meal that’s destined to become a family favorite.
Why Make This Recipe
- Convenient Preparation: With a slow cooker, you can throw everything in, set it, and forget it.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: The creamy texture and depth of flavors make this chili perfect for cold nights or gatherings.
- Imagine coming home to a warm, savory aroma and a hot meal waiting for you.
Simple Way to Prepare Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Creating this amazing chili is a simple step-by-step process that anyone can master, whether you are a seasoned cook or a newbie in the kitchen. With a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can bring a delicious, hearty meal to the table. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you turn on your slow cooker, ensure that you have all your ingredients ready. Here’s what you need for this delectable dish:
- 2 pounds of chicken breast
- 1 can (15 oz) of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) of corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) of diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 package (8 oz) of cream cheese
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 2: Start with the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. This is the foundation for your chili, and using boneless, skinless chicken breasts allows for easy shredding once it cooks.
Step 3: Add the Beans and Corn
Next, toss in the black beans, kidney beans, and corn. These ingredients not only add protein and fiber but also contribute to the chili’s heartiness. Rinse the beans well to remove any excess sodium and ensure a clean flavor.
Step 4: Add the Flavorful Essentials
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, followed by the chicken broth. The broth provides a lovely base for your dish, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully. Don’t forget to add your chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. These spices will really bring your chili to life with warmth and depth.
Step 5: Mix It Up
With all those delightful ingredients in your slow cooker, give everything a gentle stir to combine. This ensures that every bite will be packed with flavor.
Step 6: Set It to Cook
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will deepen.
Step 7: Time for Creaminess
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add in the cream cheese. Stir it well until it is completely combined, lending that irresistibly creamy texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Step 8: Shred and Serve
Once the chicken is tender and cooked through, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Mix it back into the chili to distribute the meaty goodness throughout.
Storing Leftover Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to keep your chili at its best:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days at 40°F or below.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
- When reheating, make sure to check the chili temperature reaches at least 165°F before serving.
Best Ways to Serve Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
This chili is not just a meal; it’s an experience! Here are some delightful serving suggestions that enhance the dish:
- Festive Toppings: Consider topping your chili with shredded cheese, diced avocados, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor and color.
- Crunchy Additions: Serve with tortilla chips or homemade cornbread on the side for a satisfying crunch.
- Fill Your Bowls: For a family-friendly approach, let everyone customize their bowl! Set out toppings and let your guests create their perfect bowl of chili.
- Pair with a Salad: A fresh green salad with a zesty dressing will complement the hearty nature of the chili beautifully.
Quick Tips to Make Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
- Prep Ahead: Chop your veggies or measure out your ingredients the night before to save time in the morning.
- Adjust Spices: Don’t hesitate to adjust the chili powder and cumin to fit your heat preference.
- Check Temperature: Invest in a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken cooks to the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Variations or Substitutions
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with textured vegetable protein (TVP) or chickpeas. This swap provides a fantastic protein source while keeping the dish flavorful.
- For a different flavor profile, try adding some fire-roasted tomatoes instead of regular diced tomatoes for a smoky twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this chili ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The flavors deepen as they meld, making leftovers even tastier. Simply prepare it a day or two in advance and store in the fridge.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Chicken thighs offer a more flavorful and succulent bite. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if necessary.
Q: How do I make it spicier?
- Add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers.
- Increase the amount of chili powder.
- Include a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
As you can see, the Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is a versatile dish that is not only simple to make, but also produces a comforting and hearty meal. Every ingredient comes together harmoniously in your slow cooker, resulting in a dish that’s both creamy and tantalizingly flavorful. Try it out the next time you’re in need of a delicious dinner option that the whole family will love. Enjoy discovering the perfect bowl of chili and watch as it becomes a staple in your meal rotation. The warmth of this dish is sure to create memories at the dinner table, making every bite worth savoring. Happy cooking!
Print
Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A warm and comforting chili made with chicken, beans, corn, and cream cheese, perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of chicken breast
- 1 can (15 oz) of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) of corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) of diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 package (8 oz) of cream cheese
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Add the black beans, kidney beans, and corn.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add cream cheese and stir until combined.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken and mix it back into the chili.
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 2 months.