Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili : when it’s cold outside, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili to make you feel cozy and comforted. One of the best ways to enjoy chili is with a creamy twist. That’s where this Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili comes in. It’s delicious, easy to make, and perfect for those chilly evenings. You simply throw all the ingredients into your crockpot and let it do the work. With tender chicken, flavorful spices, and a rich cream cheese base, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There are many reasons to love this Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. If you have a busy schedule or don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for you. You just toss the ingredients in the crockpot and let it cook.
Secondly, the flavors are amazing. The combination of cream cheese, chicken, and savory spices creates a wonderful taste that is sure to please everyone in your family. It’s rich and creamy, yet still packed with flavor.
Lastly, this chili is very versatile. You can serve it on its own, or pair it with rice, tortillas, or bread. You can also customize it to your liking by adding your favorite toppings. With so many options, you will never get bored with this recipe!
How to Prepare Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Preparing this chili is simple and requires just a few steps. Follow along, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Ingredients:
To make the Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) of black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) of corn, drained
- 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (10 oz) of diced tomatoes
- 1 package (8 oz) of cream cheese
- 3 cups of chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro
Instructions:
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to cook! Follow these simple steps:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. You can cut them into smaller pieces if you prefer.
- Add the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic on top of the chicken. The onion and garlic will add great flavor.
- Add the Canned Ingredients: Next, pour in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and diced tomatoes. Don’t forget to add the chicken broth!
- Season the Chili: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.
- Add the Cream Cheese: Finally, place the block of cream cheese on top of the mixture. Don’t stir it in just yet; let it melt during cooking.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chili is done cooking, take two forks and shred the chicken inside the crockpot.
- Mix It Together: Stir everything together until the cream cheese is fully blended into the chili. It should be creamy and smooth.
- Taste and Adjust: Give your chili a taste, and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference.
- Serve: Your Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is ready to serve!
How to Serve Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
There are many ways to enjoy your Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili. Here are some ideas:
- In a Bowl: Serve it hot in a bowl as is, perfect for a comforting meal.
- With Rice: Serve the chili over a bed of rice for a filling dish.
- With Tortillas: Use tortillas to scoop up the chili, adding a fun twist.
- With Cornbread: Pair it with warm cornbread for a delightful combination.
Toppings
Don’t forget about the toppings! Here are some popular options:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Avocado slices
- Chopped cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips
Drinks
To complement your chili, you can serve it with a nice cold drink. Some good options are iced tea, lemonade, or even a light beer.
How to Store Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely because it’s so good!), you can store them for later. Here’s how:
- Cool Down: Let the chili cool completely before storing it.
- Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the chili into airtight containers. This will help keep it fresh.
- Refrigerate: You can store the chili in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Freeze for Later: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the chili. Place it in freezer-safe containers and it will keep for about 2 to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat them in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.
Tips for Preparing Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your chili turns out perfect:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients will give your chili the best flavor. If you have fresh herbs like cilantro, add them in for an extra kick.
- Adjust the Spice: If you like your chili spicy, feel free to add jalapeños or more chili powder. If you prefer it milder, reduce the spices.
- Let It Simmer: If you have time, let the chili simmer longer. This will make the flavors meld even more.
- Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers, consider doubling the recipe. Just make sure your crockpot is big enough!
Variation (If Applicable)
While this recipe is fantastic as is, there are plenty of ways to mix it up:
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with additional beans, lentils, or chopped vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
- Use Different Meats: You can substitute the chicken with ground beef or turkey for a different flavor.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach for added nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be aware that it may take a little longer to cook, especially if you’re using the low setting.
2. What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you want a healthier option, you can use Greek yogurt or reduced-fat cream cheese. These will give you a similar creamy texture with fewer calories.
3. How spicy is this chili?
The heat level of the chili can be easily adjusted based on the amount of chili powder and diced tomatoes with green chilies you use. Start with less and add more if you want it spicier!
4. Can I make this chili in advance?
Yes! This chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer. It’s perfect for meal prep or for serving to guests!
5. How long can I store the leftovers?
You can store leftovers in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or freeze them for 2 to 3 months for later enjoyment.
Conclusion
In summary, Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is a delightful dish that is easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or something special to share with friends, this recipe is a winner. Give it a try, and enjoy the warmth and comfort of a delicious bowl of chili!
