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 cozy nights, family gatherings, or meal prep throughout the week. Its creamy texture and flavorful ingredients make it a standout choice for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: Simply toss all ingredients into the crock pot and let it do the work for you.
Creamy Texture: The addition of cream cheese creates a rich, velvety broth that elevates traditional chili.
Flexibility: Customize your toppings and sides to suit any occasion, from casual dinners to game day parties.
Nutrient-Dense: Packed with protein and fiber, this chili is satisfying and nutritious.
Leftover Friendly: It stores well, making it perfect for lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make preparing your crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe even easier. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

Crock pot
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Crock pot: The star of the show! It allows for slow cooking, ensuring flavors meld beautifully over time.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping your veggies and prepping ingredients efficiently.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

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

Vegetables & Spices

1/2 onion (chopped)
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Broth & Cream Ingredients

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 the Ingredients

Chop the onion and measure out all ingredients. Drain and rinse the black beans.

Step 2: Combine in the Crock Pot

Add all ingredients to the crock pot except for the cream cheese and cilantro. Stir gently to combine.

Step 3: Cook

Cover the crock pot with its lid. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is cooked through.

Step 4: Shred Chicken

After cooking, remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot. Shred them using two forks, then return shredded chicken back into the pot.

Step 5: Add Cream Cheese

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: Serve

Stir well to combine all ingredients. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro or your favorite toppings like avocado or tortilla chips.

Enjoy your delicious crock pot cream cheese chicken chili!

How to Serve Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe

Serving your Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili is a delightful experience that can be tailored to suit your taste. Whether you prefer it hearty and spicy or light and refreshing, there are numerous ways to enjoy this creamy chili.

Top with Fresh Ingredients

Chopped Cilantro – Adds a burst of freshness and enhances the flavor of the chili.
Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream provides a tangy contrast to the spice.
Shredded Cheese – Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top for extra creaminess and flavor.

Serve with Crunchy Sides

Tortilla Chips – Great for dipping, these chips add a satisfying crunch.
Cornbread – A slice of warm cornbread complements the chili perfectly.
Pico de Gallo – Fresh pico de gallo offers a zesty flavor that brightens each bite.

Pair with Beverages

Lemonade – A chilled lemonade balances the heat with its sweet and tart flavors.
Iced Tea – Unsweetened iced tea is a refreshing option that won’t overpower the chili.

How to Perfect Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe

Perfecting your Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili is easy with a few tips. Follow these suggestions to enhance the flavor and texture of your dish.

Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs will elevate the overall taste of your chili.
Adjust Spice Levels – Feel free to add more cumin or spices based on your heat preference.
Cook Low and Slow – Cooking on low for 6-8 hours allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Experiment with Toppings – Try different toppings like avocado or jalapeños for added variety.

Best Side Dishes for Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe

Complementing your Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili with side dishes can enhance the meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

Guacamole – Creamy and flavorful, guacamole pairs beautifully with the spicy chili.
Rice – Serve white or brown rice on the side to soak up all that delicious broth.
Salad – A fresh green salad adds crunch and balances out the richness of the chili.
Baked Potatoes – Fluffy baked potatoes can be topped with leftover chili for a filling meal.
Coleslaw – Tangy coleslaw provides a crunchy contrast that complements the soft texture of the chili.
Stuffed Peppers – Fill bell peppers with rice and beans as a hearty side dish that matches well with your main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe even better. Here are some to watch out for:

Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality ingredients can affect the flavor. Always opt for fresh chicken and high-quality canned beans or tomatoes for the best results.
Overlooking cooking times: Cooking too long on high can dry out the chicken. Stick to the recommended cooking times for juicy, tender meat.
Skipping the seasoning: Failing to properly season can lead to bland chili. Be generous with spices like cumin and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Not shredding the chicken: Shredding allows it to absorb more flavors from the broth. Make sure to shred before adding cream cheese for a creamy finish.
Forgetting toppings: Toppings enhance flavor and texture. Don’t skip garnishes like cilantro, cheese, or avocado when serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Label your container with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until hot.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until heated through.
Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe.

How do I make the Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe spicier?

To add heat, include chopped jalapeños or use spicy salsa verde. Adjust according to your spice preference.

Can I substitute different beans in this Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe?

Yes! Feel free to swap black beans or great northern beans with pinto beans or kidney beans based on what you have on hand.

What toppings go well with the Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe?

Toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, or fresh cilantro complement this chili well.

How long does it take to cook the Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe?

Cooking time is about 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Adjust based on your schedule!

Final Thoughts

This Crock pot cream cheese chicken chili recipe offers a creamy twist on traditional chili that everyone will love. Its ease of preparation makes it perfect for busy nights. Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or spices to make it uniquely yours!