Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe

Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe is a delightful twist on traditional chili, featuring a creamy broth that adds richness and comfort to every bowl. This dish is perfect for cozy gatherings or busy weeknights, as it requires minimal prep and lets the slow cooker do all the work. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or enjoying it on a chilly day, this recipe is sure to impress with its savory flavors and satisfying texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Rich and Creamy Flavor: The addition of cream cheese transforms the chili into a luscious dish that your taste buds will adore.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize this chili by adding your favorite beans or vegetables for added nutrition and flavor.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week, saving time on busy days.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for parties or family gatherings, this chili satisfies both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather your essential tools before starting the crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe. Having everything ready ensures you can focus on creating a delicious meal.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Crock pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Crock pot: The star of this recipe; it allows for slow cooking, enhancing flavors while making your meal easy to prepare.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients while keeping your workspace organized.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes prep work faster and more efficient, ensuring even cuts for better cooking.

Ingredients

For the crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe, gather these ingredients:

Chicken and Beans

• 3 boneless chicken breasts
• 1 can black beans (15 oz – drained and rinsed)
• 1 can great northern beans (15 oz – not drained)

Vegetables and Broths

• 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilis (10 oz can)
• 1 cup salsa verde
• 1/2 onion (chopped)

Seasonings

• 1 pkg Ranch Seasoning Packet
• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper

Dairy and Garnish

• 1 cup Chicken Broth
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro

How to Make Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the onion and rinse the black beans to ensure they are clean.

Step 2: Load the Crock Pot

Add all the ingredients to the crock pot, except for the cream cheese and cilantro.
– Place the chicken breasts at the bottom.
– Layer in the black beans, great northern beans, diced tomatoes, salsa verde, ranch seasoning packet, chopped onion, cumin, garlic, salt, pepper, and chicken broth.

Step 3: Cook

Cover the crock pot with its lid. Set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking process allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Shred Chicken

After cooking time is complete, remove the chicken from the crock pot. Shred it using two forks before returning it back into the pot.

Step 5: Add Cream Cheese

Now add in the cream cheese. Cover again and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes or high for 15 minutes until melted.

Step 6: Stir and Serve

Stir everything together until well combined. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like cilantro or avocado. Enjoy!

How to Serve Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe

Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with various toppings and sides. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

Toppings

• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and brightens up the dish.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream balances the spice and adds creaminess.
• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully on top, providing extra richness.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado complements the chili and adds healthy fats.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice can enhance the flavors, giving it a refreshing twist.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: Sweet and fluffy cornbread makes for a perfect side to soak up the chili.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips offer a great texture contrast and serve as a fun dipping option.
• Rice: White or brown rice makes for a hearty base to enjoy the chili over.
• Salad: A light green salad can provide a crisp, refreshing contrast to the hearty chili.

How to Perfect Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe

To ensure your crock pot cream cheese chicken chili turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices enhance flavors significantly compared to dried ones.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving; feel free to add more salt, pepper, or spices based on your preference.
• Cook low and slow: Cooking on low for longer yields more tender chicken and deeper flavors in the chili.
• Shred chicken well: Shredding the chicken evenly helps it blend with the other ingredients for better texture.
• Experiment with beans: Feel free to mix different types of beans for varied textures and flavors.
• Store leftovers properly: Keep any leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Best Side Dishes for Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe

Pairing side dishes with your crock pot cream cheese chicken chili can elevate your meal. Here are some tasty options that complement this dish well.

1. Cornbread: This sweet bread is ideal for soaking up delicious chili broth.
2. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip adds richness and flavor that pairs perfectly with spicy dishes.
3. Mexican Rice: Flavored rice enhances every bite with added zest from spices like cumin and coriander.
4. Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, creamy chili.
5. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes serve as an excellent base for serving chili over them.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Seasoned grilled veggies add color and nutritional value while balancing out richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe turns out perfectly.

• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken for too long can make it dry. Always follow the recommended cooking times and check for doneness.
• Not Rinsing Beans: Not rinsing canned beans can lead to excess sodium in your dish. Be sure to drain and rinse black beans before adding them to the crock pot.
• Skipping Seasonings: Under-seasoned chili can lack flavor. Use the full amount of spices and consider tasting before serving.
• Ignoring Cream Cheese Temperature: Adding cold cream cheese can cool down your chili. Allow it to come to room temperature before mixing it in for a smoother texture.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: The quality of ingredients affects the final taste. Choose fresh herbs, good broth, and high-quality canned goods for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow chili to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered baking dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot, about 2-3 minutes.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this delicious chili.

What can I serve with the Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe?

You can serve it with tortilla chips, cornbread, or over rice for a hearty meal.

Can I customize the spice level of my Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe?

Yes! Adjust the amount of salsa verde or add diced jalapeños to increase spiciness.

How do I store leftover Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze them for later use.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with plant-based protein like lentils or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be prepared ahead of time. Simply assemble all ingredients except cream cheese and store them in the fridge overnight. Add cream cheese when ready to cook.

Final Thoughts

This Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different beans or spices based on your preference. Give this comforting dish a try, and enjoy its creamy richness on a chilly day!