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! Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep, this dish is packed with flavor and is incredibly easy to make. The combination of creamy cheese and tender chicken creates a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it.
• Flavorful Ingredients: This chili bursts with flavors from spices, cream cheese, and fresh ingredients.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course, or serve it with rice, tortillas, or over a salad.
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the creamy texture and mild spices.
• Easy Cleanup: Cooking in a crock pot means fewer dishes to wash afterward!

Tools and Preparation

To make this Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Having the right equipment on hand makes the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Can opener

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: This is the heart of your recipe. It allows for hands-off cooking while infusing flavors over hours.
• Cutting Board: Provides a safe surface for cutting chicken and prepping veggies if you choose to add them later.
• Can Opener: Essential for opening canned ingredients like beans and tomatoes quickly and safely.

Ingredients

For the Base

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

For the Seasoning

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

For the Creaminess

• 1 8- oz package light cream cheese

For Protein

• 2 chicken breasts

How to Make Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

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

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Seasonings

1. Pour the entire can of corn (undrained) over the chicken.
2. Add the Rotel tomatoes along with their juices on top of the corn.
3. Sprinkle in the drained black beans.
4. Top everything with ranch dressing mix, cumin, chili powder, and onion powder.
5. Stir gently to combine all ingredients without disturbing the chicken too much.

Step 3: Add Cream Cheese

1. Place the block of cream cheese on top of your mixture without mixing it in just yet.

Step 4: Cook

1. Cover your crock pot with its lid.
2. Set it to cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours until the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 5: Shred Chicken

1. Once cooking time is complete, carefully remove chicken breasts from the crock pot.
2. Shred them using two forks and return them back into the chili mixture.
3. Stir well to combine everything together 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 a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to suit your family’s taste. Whether you want it as a main course or paired with sides, there are plenty of options to enhance your meal.

In a Bowl

• Serve the chili warm in bowls, allowing everyone to enjoy it as a hearty main dish. You can top it with shredded cheese or fresh cilantro for added flavor.

With Tortilla Chips

• Pair the chili with crunchy tortilla chips. The combination of creamy chili and crispy chips creates a delightful texture contrast that’s perfect for snacking.

Over Rice

• Spoon the chili over a bed of fluffy rice. This adds a filling element to your meal and absorbs the flavors of the chili beautifully.

As Tacos

• Use taco shells to create delicious chicken chili tacos. Add toppings like lettuce, tomato, and avocado for a fun twist on traditional tacos.

How to Perfect Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

Making this Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is simple, but there are tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality canned goods enhance the overall flavor.
• Adjust Spiciness: Feel free to add more chili powder or fresh jalapeños if you prefer extra heat.
• Don’t Skip the Shredding: Shredding the chicken after cooking helps distribute the flavors throughout the chili.
• Experiment with Toppings: Add toppings like sour cream or diced avocado for added creaminess and flavor depth.

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 suggestions:

1. Cornbread: A sweet cornbread complements the spicy flavors of the chili perfectly.
2. Guacamole: This creamy dip adds richness and pairs well with tortilla chips.
3. Garden Salad: A light salad provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty chili.
4. Rice Pilaf: Flavored rice pilaf enhances the meal while soaking up excess chili broth.
5. Baked Potatoes: Serve baked potatoes as a filling option; they can be topped with chili for extra heartiness.
6. Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or carrots provide a healthy side that balances out the meal’s richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes can enhance your cooking experience. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for when making Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili.

• Using canned ingredients without rinsing: Always drain and rinse black beans before adding them to your chili. This removes excess sodium and improves flavor.
• Not seasoning properly: Don’t skip the seasonings! Properly measure out cumin, chili powder, and onion powder to ensure a balanced taste.
• Overcooking the chicken: While it’s a crock pot recipe, cooking the chicken too long can dry it out. Stick to the recommended cooking time for juicy chicken.
• Skipping the cream cheese step: Placing the cream cheese on top is crucial. It allows it to melt evenly throughout the chili, creating that creamy texture you desire.
• Ignoring leftovers: If you have extra chili, don’t let it go to waste. Store it properly for future meals or snacks.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili in an airtight container.
• It will last in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

• Divide the chili into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It 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, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili?

Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is a flavorful dish made with chicken, cheese, beans, and spices cooked slowly in a crock pot.

How long does it take to cook this chili?

The total cooking time for this chili is between 6-8 hours on low heat.

Can I customize Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili?

Absolutely! You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.

What sides pair well with Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili?

Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh salad for a delightful meal combination.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe stores well and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily adapt the ingredients based on what you have at home or personal preferences. Give this recipe a try; your family will love its creamy texture and bold flavors!