You will love this Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili Recipe! It’s my family’s favorite chili! This dish is the perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, game days, or cozy nights in. With minimal prep time and the ability to let your crock pot do all the work, you’ll find this recipe both convenient and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy preparation: With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can have a hearty meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Creamy texture: The cream cheese adds a rich creaminess that elevates traditional chili to the next level.
- Flavorful spices: The combination of ranch dressing mix, cumin, and chili powder creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile serving options: Serve this chili on its own or with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips for added fun.
- Meal prep friendly: This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili, you will need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Crock pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener
Importance of Each Tool
- Crock pot: The star of this recipe; it allows for slow cooking that enhances flavors while you go about your day.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures quick chopping and slicing of ingredients.
- Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the right flavor balance in your chili.
Ingredients
Main 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
How to Make Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Step 1: Prepare the Beans
Drain and rinse the black beans. Place chicken at the bottom of the crock pot, then pour out the whole can of corn (undrained), Rotel tomatoes, and black beans on top of chicken.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Top with seasonings and ranch dressing mix. Stir together gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Add Cream Cheese
Place cream cheese block on top of the mixture. Cover with lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Step 4: Shred Chicken
After cooking time is over, take chicken breasts from crock pot. Shred them using two forks and add back to the chili mixture. Stir together until well combined.
Enjoy your delicious Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili!
How to Serve Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Serving Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is a delightful experience. This creamy and flavorful chili can be enjoyed in various ways, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
With Toppings
- Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top for added flavor and creaminess.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can balance the spice and add a cool touch.
- Avocado Slices: Fresh avocado can enhance the dish with its creamy texture and healthy fats.
- Chopped Cilantro: For a fresh flavor, garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
In a Bread Bowl
- Bread Bowls: Serve the chili in hollowed-out bread rolls for a fun and edible presentation.
As a Dip
- With Tortilla Chips: Use the chili as a dip for crunchy tortilla chips during game nights or parties.
Over Rice
- Serve with Rice: Spoon the chili over cooked rice for a more filling meal, adding texture and flavor.
How to Perfect Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
To make your Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili even better, consider these tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh chicken breasts and high-quality canned goods to enhance flavor.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Tailor the chili’s heat by adding more or less chili powder according to your preference.
- Experiment with Beans: Feel free to mix different beans, like kidney or pinto beans, to create unique flavors.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and color in your chili.
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. Here are some great options:
- Cornbread: A sweet cornbread complements the spiciness of the chili perfectly.
- Salad: A light garden salad with vinaigrette offers freshness that balances the richness of the dish.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf serves as a great base, soaking up all the delicious chili flavors.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the chili.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and contrasting flavors that enhance the overall meal.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasoned grilled veggies add smoky notes that pair well with the creamy chili.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili, avoid these common errors to ensure you get the best results.
- Not rinsing the beans – Failing to rinse canned black beans can lead to a gritty texture. Always drain and rinse your beans before adding them to the crock pot.
- Skipping the seasoning – Neglecting seasonings can make your chili bland. Use the recommended spices and ranch dressing mix for maximum flavor.
- Overcooking or undercooking the chicken – Cooking chicken for too long can make it dry. Follow the suggested cooking time of 6-8 hours on low for juicy chicken.
- Ignoring ingredient quality – Using low-quality ingredients can affect taste. Choose fresh, high-quality products for the best flavor in your chili.
- Not shredding the chicken properly – Leaving large chunks of chicken may prevent even distribution in the chili. Shred the chicken thoroughly before mixing it back in.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It lasts up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
- Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 25-30 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave – Transfer chili to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
- Stovetop – Pour chili into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about this Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili recipe, here are some answers:
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an additional hour to cooking time if using frozen.
What toppings go well with Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili?
Consider toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture.
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute chicken with tofu or more beans and skip the cream cheese for a delicious vegetarian version.
How spicy is this chili?
This recipe has mild spice from the chili powder and Rotel tomatoes. For more heat, consider adding jalapeños or extra chili powder.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice levels to match your taste preferences. Give this comforting dish a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Discover the comforting delight of Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili, a family favorite that’s perfect for cozy dinners or game day gatherings. This creamy and flavorful chili combines tender chicken, hearty beans, and a medley of spices, all cooked to perfection in your crock pot. With minimal prep time and the convenience of slow cooking, you can savor this dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Top it off with cheese, sour cream, or fresh avocado for an extra touch of indulgence. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 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)
- 2 chicken breasts
Instructions
- Drain and rinse black beans. Place chicken at the bottom of the crock pot.
- Add corn and Rotel tomatoes on top of the chicken.
- Sprinkle seasonings and ranch dressing mix over the ingredients; stir gently to combine.
- Place cream cheese block on top. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- After cooking, shred chicken using two forks and stir back into the chili mixture until well combined.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
