Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
If you’re looking for a warm, hearty meal that requires minimal effort, you’re in the right place. The Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is one of those recipes that makes dinner feel like a comforting hug. It’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for busy days when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and a trusty crockpot, you can create a dish that will satisfy the whole family.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There are many reasons to love this Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili. First, it’s incredibly easy to make. You only need to chop a few vegetables, toss them in the crockpot with some chicken and spices, and let it do all the work. Secondly, the combination of cream cheese and chicken creates an amazing creamy texture that is both rich and satisfying. You won’t believe how good it tastes when it’s finished!
Another great reason to love this recipe is that it is very flexible. You can customize it based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Whether you serve it with tortillas, rice, or by itself, this chili is sure to be a hit.
How to Prepare Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Preparing this delicious chili is simple and straightforward. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.
Ingredients:
To make Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili, you will need:
- 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, cilantro, avocado, sour cream
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken: Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. You can use fresh or frozen chicken; it will cook perfectly in the slow cooker.
Add the Vegetables: Next, add the chopped bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic to the crockpot. These ingredients will add flavor and nutrition to your chili.
Incorporate the Beans and Corn: Add the drained black beans and corn. These ingredients will give the chili a nice texture and added protein.
Add Tomatoes and Spices: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, and sprinkle the taco seasoning over the top. The spices will give your chili that delicious flavor we all love.
Pour in Chicken Broth: Add the cup of chicken broth to the mixture. This will ensure that your chili has the perfect consistency.
Cream Cheese Time: Finally, cube the cream cheese and place it on top of the other ingredients. As it cooks, it will melt and create a rich, creamy sauce.
Cook: Cover the crockpot and set it on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. When you’re ready to eat, shred the chicken with two forks and stir everything together.
Serve: Once the chicken is shredded and everything is mixed, it’s ready to serve!
How to Serve Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Serving this chili is just as easy as making it! You can dish it out in bowls and let everyone top it to their liking. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve hot with a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top.
- Add some chopped cilantro for a fresh flavor kick.
- Slice some avocado and place it on top for creaminess.
- A dollop of sour cream can add a nice touch of coolness to balance the heat.
You can pair it with tortilla chips, cornbread, or even over rice if you want to fill it out more. It’s a flexible dish, so feel free to be creative in how you serve it!
How to Store Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
If you have leftovers (if you’re lucky!), you’ll want to store them properly. Here’s how:
- Cool It Down: Let the chili cool to room temperature before storing.
- Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the chili to airtight containers. You can separate them into smaller portions for easy reheating.
- Refrigerate or Freeze: Store the containers in the fridge if you plan to eat it within a few days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
When you want to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot. If it’s frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Tips for Preparing Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Use Quality Chicken: For the best flavor, try to use good-quality chicken breasts. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, you can use that too!
Adjust the Spice Level: If you like your chili spicy, feel free to add chopped jalapeños or additional chili powder to the mix. On the other hand, if you prefer it milder, skip the spicy ingredients.
Variations in Beans: You can substitute black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans based on what you have on hand.
Make It Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, you can skip the chicken and use more beans or add lentils.
Watch the Consistency: If the chili seems too thick when you get closer to the end of the cooking time, you can add a little more chicken broth to help thin it down.
Variations
There are many ways to customize your Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili to suit your tastes:
- Add Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Switch Up the Dairy: If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use sour cream or even some heavy cream. Just make sure to mix them in well before serving.
- Top It Differently: Instead of the usual toppings, consider serving with crushed tortilla chips, diced jalapeños, or even some lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to increase the cooking time to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
2. Can I make this chili on the stovetop?
Absolutely! To make it on the stovetop, sauté the vegetables and garlic in a pot, add the rest of the ingredients, and let everything simmer for about 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
3. How long does this chili last in the fridge?
When stored in airtight containers, it can last about 3-4 days in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep!
Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is more than just a meal; it’s a way to bring comfort and joy to your dinner table. With its creamy texture and delicious flavor, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!
