Why Make This Recipe
Crockpot White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese is a fantastic dish that brings both comfort and excitement to your dinner table. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, as it allows you to set it and forget it. With its creamy texture and packed flavor, it’s a dish that will satisfy the whole family. Whether you are feeling under the weather, hosting a gathering, or simply craving a hearty meal, this chili is a great choice. Plus, using a crockpot means less clean-up and more time to enjoy the flavors of your creation.
How to Make Crockpot White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese
Ingredients:
- Shredded boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Cream cheese
- Corn
- Black beans
- Diced tomatoes
- Savory seasonings (cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, etc.)
- Broth (chicken or vegetable)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Combine Ingredients: In a crockpot, combine the shredded chicken, corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, and all the seasonings. These ingredients mingle together to create a robust flavor.
Add Broth: Pour in the broth of your choice and stir the mixture well to combine everything. This step is crucial as the broth helps to cook the chicken and infuse the dish with moisture.
Cook: Set your crockpot on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. If you’re short on time, the high setting will speed up the process, but if you have the luxury, low and slow will deepen all the flavors nicely.
Incorporate Cream Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, add the cream cheese to the crockpot. Stir until it melts and becomes fully incorporated. This step is what creates the creamy goodness that makes this chili so special.
Serve and Enjoy: Once done, ladle the chili into bowls, serve warm, and enjoy the comforting flavors. You can garnish it with some fresh cilantro, cheese, or a squeeze of lime for added freshness.
How to Serve Crockpot White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese
Crockpot White Chicken Chili is great on its own or paired with various options. Serve it with:
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips offer a great contrast to the creamy chili.
- Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread on the side is perfect for soaking up the chili.
- Fresh Avocado: Diced avocado adds freshness and creaminess to each bite.
- Cheese: Shredded cheese on top can add an extra layer of richness.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice brightens the flavors beautifully.
Feel free to mix and match your sides to create a meal that suits your taste!
How to Store Crockpot White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese
If you have leftovers or plan to make a big batch, storing this chili is easy:
- Refrigerate: Allow the chili to cool down before transferring it to an airtight container. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the chili. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and make sure to remove as much air as possible. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
Tips to Make Crockpot White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese
Use Good Quality Chicken: Choosing good quality chicken can make a big difference in taste. Look for fresh, organic options if available.
Adjust Spice Level: If you enjoy spicy food, feel free to add jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the mix. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of chili powder.
Experiment with Toppings: Adding different toppings can change the dish entirely. Try sour cream, hot sauce, or even chopped onions.
Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley before serving can enhance the flavors and add a fresh touch.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: If you plan to use frozen chicken, make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Overcooking can lead to dry chicken.
Variation
You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are some variations:
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with cubed tofu or skip the protein entirely. You could also add more beans for extra protein and fiber.
Different Beans: Instead of black beans, you could use pinto beans or white beans, depending on your taste.
Add Vegetables: For more nutrients, consider adding diced zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for added color and health benefits.
Spicy Kick: Mix in diced green chiles or use a spicy salsa to kick up the heat.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in the crockpot?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure it cooks all the way through. It may require a bit more cooking time.Can I make this chili on the stove instead?
Absolutely! You can sauté the ingredients in a large pot, add broth, and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.Is it necessary to add cream cheese?
While cream cheese adds a rich and creamy texture, you can leave it out if you prefer a lighter chili. Consider adding a dollop of sour cream when serving as a substitute.Can I reheat leftover chili?
Yes, you can reheat leftover chili on the stove or in the microwave. Make sure to heat it slowly to avoid splattering.How can I thicken the chili?
If you want a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans or add a cornstarch slurry (mixing equal parts cornstarch and water) to the crockpot about 30 minutes before it’s done.
Crockpot White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese is a versatile dish that brings warmth and flavor to your dining experience. Whether you enjoy it alone or with friends and family, it’s bound to be a hit!
Print
Crockpot White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A creamy and flavorful white chicken chili made effortlessly in the crockpot, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- Shredded boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Cream cheese
- Corn
- Black beans
- Diced tomatoes
- Savory seasonings (cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, etc.)
- Broth (chicken or vegetable)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the shredded chicken, corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, and seasonings in a crockpot.
- Pour in the broth and stir the mixture well.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cream cheese until melted and incorporated.
- Ladle the chili into bowls and serve warm, optionally garnished with cilantro, cheese, or lime.
Notes
You can serve this chili with tortilla chips, cornbread, fresh avocado, shredded cheese, or lime wedges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
