Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe

Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe has everything you love about classic chili but with a delicious cream broth. This dish is perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, offering a creamy texture and rich flavor that everyone will enjoy. It’s an easy-to-make meal that stands out for its use of cream cheese, creating a unique twist on traditional chili.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Prepare: Simply toss all the ingredients into the crock pot and let it do the work for you.
  • Creamy and Flavorful: The addition of cream cheese gives this chili a rich, velvety texture that elevates every bite.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as is or top it with your favorite garnishes like cilantro or avocado.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes six servings, so it’s ideal for leftovers or meal prepping for the week.
  • Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day or a cozy night in, this chili fits perfectly into any setting.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather your essential tools. Having the right kitchen equipment can enhance your efficiency and improve your results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Crock pot
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing spoon

Importance of Each Tool

  • Crock pot: Allows for hands-off cooking, making it easy to prepare meals without constant monitoring.
  • Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop vegetables and prepare ingredients efficiently.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements, which is key to achieving the best flavor balance in your chili.
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Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for the Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe:

  • 3 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 can black beans (15 oz – drained and rinsed)
  • 1 can great northern beans (15 oz – not drained)
  • 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilis (10 oz can)
  • 1 cup salsa verde
  • 1 pkg Ranch Seasoning Packet
  • 1/2 onion (chopped)
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 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: Add Ingredients to Crock Pot

  • Begin by placing all the ingredients into the crock pot except for the cream cheese and cilantro.

Step 2: Cook Your Chili

  • Cover the crock pot with its lid.
  • Set it to cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Step 3: Shred Chicken

  • Once cooking time is complete, remove the chicken from the pot.
  • Shred the chicken using two forks and then return it back to the crock pot.

Step 4: Add Cream Cheese

  • Add in the cream cheese to the hot mixture.
  • Cover again and cook on low for another 30 minutes or high for about 15 minutes until melted.

Step 5: Serve

  • Stir everything together until well combined.
  • Serve hot with any toppings of your choice. Enjoy!

How to Serve Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe

Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer a simple bowl or a more elaborate serving, there are plenty of options to enhance your meal.

Toppings

  • Chopped Cilantro – Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and color.
  • Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream provides creaminess and balances the spices.
  • Shredded Cheese – Add shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack for extra richness.
  • Avocado Slices – Creamy avocado complements the chili beautifully.

Accompaniments

  • Cornbread – Sweet cornbread is perfect for soaking up the chili.
  • Tortilla Chips – Crunchy tortilla chips make for a fun side to scoop up the chili.
  • Rice – Serve over white or brown rice for a heartier meal.

Garnishes

  • Lime Wedges – Squeeze fresh lime juice over your chili for added zest.
  • Jalapeño Slices – Fresh jalapeños give an extra kick if you enjoy heat.

How to Perfect Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe

To make your crock pot cream cheese chicken chili even better, consider these helpful tips.

  • Bold Flavors: Use fresh ingredients like garlic and onions to enhance the overall taste.
  • Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of cumin and pepper based on your preference for heat.
  • Texture Matters: For a thicker chili, let it cook longer with the lid off towards the end.
  • Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables in advance to save time during preparation.
  • Store Leftovers: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge.

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 experience. Here are some great options:

  1. Garlic Bread – Perfectly toasted garlic bread complements the creamy broth well.
  2. Mexican Rice – Flavorful Mexican rice adds another layer of taste and texture.
  3. Grilled Vegetables – Seasoned grilled veggies provide a healthy and colorful side.
  4. Coleslaw – Crunchy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the warm chili.
  5. Quesadillas – Cheesy quesadillas are great for dipping into your creamy chili.
  6. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad can refresh your palate after rich flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe, it’s easy to encounter a few pitfalls. Here are common mistakes to avoid for a perfect dish.

  • Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry and tough. Stick to the recommended cooking times for juicy, tender chicken.
  • Not shredding the chicken properly: If you don’t shred the chicken well, it may not blend with the other ingredients. Use two forks to shred thoroughly before returning it to the pot.
  • Ignoring seasoning adjustments: The flavors can vary based on your salsa verde or beans. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for a balanced flavor.
  • Skipping the cream cheese addition step: Adding cream cheese too early can lead to clumping. Wait until after shredding the chicken for a smooth consistency.
  • Using canned beans without rinsing: Not rinsing canned beans can add excess sodium and affect flavor. Always drain and rinse black beans before adding them.
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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store leftover chili in an airtight container.
  • It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe

  • Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
  • It can be stored for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe

  • Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through.
  • Microwave: Heat in short increments, stirring in between, until hot.
  • Stovetop: Cook over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe.

What can I serve with crock pot cream cheese chicken chili?

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

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by about 1-2 hours on low.

How spicy is this crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe?

The spiciness largely depends on your choice of salsa verde. You can choose mild or spicy varieties according to your preference.

How do I customize this crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or switch out beans based on what you have at home.

Final Thoughts

This Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with various toppings and sides to suit your taste. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to please everyone. Try it out today!

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Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe

Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili


  • Author: Claire
  • Total Time: 13 minute
  • Yield: Serves 6

Description

Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili is a delightful take on traditional chili, featuring a rich and creamy broth that elevates every bite. This recipe combines tender shredded chicken with hearty beans, zesty salsa verde, and a smooth finish from cream cheese, making it the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this dish is easy to prepare—just toss everything in the crock pot and let it simmer to flavorful perfection. Whether you enjoy it topped with fresh cilantro and avocado or served alongside cornbread, this chili is sure to impress.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 can black beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 can great northern beans (15 oz, not drained)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilis (10 oz)
  • 1 cup salsa verde
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 pkg Ranch Seasoning Packet
  • 1/2 onion (chopped)
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients except cream cheese and cilantro to the crock pot.
  2. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
  3. Once cooked, remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
  4. Stir in cream cheese until melted and combined; cook on low for another 30 minutes or high for 15 minutes.
  5. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6–8 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 830mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 9g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Customize by adding bell peppers or zucchini. Adjust spice levels according to your salsa verde choice. Make meal prep easier by chopping vegetables ahead of time.

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