Imagine a cold evening enveloped in the warmth of your home, the air filled with the inviting aroma of Cream Cheese Chicken Chili gently simmering away.
Picture the vibrant orange of diced sweet potatoes, the striking contrast of black beans, and the creamy white of melted cream cheese coming together in a symphony of colors and textures.
This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a cozy retreat from the chill outside, a comforting embrace in a bowl.
I remember one hectic week when this hearty chili brought my family together around the table, providing a much-needed pause from our busy schedules.
Whether it’s a bustling weeknight or a leisurely Sunday supper, this dish fits seamlessly into your routine, offering both convenience and satisfaction.
Ready? Let’s cook!
Why You’ll Love It
- Delivers bold flavor with a perfect blend of spices and creaminess.
- Uses pantry staples such as canned beans and tomatoes for convenience.
- Provides a hearty and satisfying meal for the whole family.
- Offers flexibility to customize spice levels to suit your taste.
- Freezes beautifully for easy meal prep and future use.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts — verify they’re fresh for best flavor.
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed — canned beans are convenient and quick.
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained — use sweet corn for a touch of sweetness.
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies — adds a spicy kick.
- 1 cup chicken broth — prefer low-sodium to control salt content.
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced — adds natural sweetness and texture.
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix — enhances flavor with herbs and spices.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder — adjust to taste for desired heat level.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin — gives a warm, earthy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder — adds a subtle garlic aroma.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder — enhances savory depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt — season to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper — freshly ground is best.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed — let it come to room temperature for easy melting.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional for garnish) — adds freshness and color.
Step-by-Step Method
Layer the Ingredients
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies over the chicken.
Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker evenly. Make certain that the liquids cover the ingredients to promote even cooking.
Add Sweet Potatoes
Add the diced sweet potato on top of the mixture. Ensure the pieces are spread evenly to cook uniformly.
The sweet potato will add a subtle sweetness and extra texture to the chili.
Season the Mixture
Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the ingredients.
Distribute the spices evenly to ensure a balanced flavor profile throughout the dish.
Cook Slowly
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for six hours.
This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender.
Shred the Chicken
After cooking, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker.
Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Shredding the chicken helps it incorporate back into the chili seamlessly.
Melt the Cream Cheese
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Add the cubed cream cheese and stir until it’s melted and well combined with the chili. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to facilitate melting.
Rest Before Serving
Let the chili rest for ten minutes before serving.
This resting time allows the flavors to set and the chili to thicken slightly.
Garnish and Serve
Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
Serve the chili warm, enjoying the creamy, spicy flavors with a balance of sweetness from the sweet potato. Adjust garnishes according to personal taste preferences.
Ingredient Swaps
- For a dairy-free version, swap the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or use coconut cream.
- Substitute the chicken breasts with boneless skinless chicken thighs for a more budget-friendly option.
- Replace the black beans with kidney beans or pinto beans if they’re more readily available in your region.
- Use fresh diced tomatoes and green chilies instead of canned for a fresher taste.
You Must Know
1. Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, make certain your chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder are fresh.
Spices lose their potency over time, so using fresh spices will enhance the taste of your chili.
2. Let Cream Cheese Reach Room Temperature: Before adding the cream cheese to the slow cooker, verify it’s at room temperature.
This will help it melt more smoothly and evenly into the chili, preventing clumps.
3. Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder, cumin, and other spices to suit your personal taste preference.
If you like a spicier chili, consider adding more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
4. Reduce Broth for Thicker Chili: If you prefer a thicker consistency, reduce the amount of chicken broth used in the recipe.
This will create a heartier chili that clings more to each bite.
5. Use a Slow Cooker Liner: For an easier cleanup, consider using a slow cooker liner.
It prevents the ingredients from sticking to the sides of the cooker, making cleanup quick and hassle-free.
Serving Tips
- Serve with warm crusty bread or cornbread for a hearty meal.
- Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado slices for added richness.
- Pair with a simple green salad to balance the flavors.
- Serve in bread bowls for a fun, edible presentation.
- Accompany with tortilla chips for a crunchy texture contrast.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Cream Cheese Chicken Chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
It freezes well for up to 3 months, making it a convenient make-ahead meal.
Ensure it’s stored in airtight containers.
Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
To gently reheat Cream Cheese Chicken Chili, use the microwave on low power.
Alternatively, use the oven at 300°F in a covered dish, or a stovetop on low heat, stirring occasionally.
Cultural Significance of Chili
While chili might seem like just a comforting dish to cozy up with on a chilly evening, it actually holds a rich cultural tapestry woven through American history.
From its origins in Texas, chili has long been a symbol of warmth, community, and adventure.
Imagine cowboys, cooking their nourishing pot of chili over an open fire, blending flavors that reflect the region’s diversity. It’s a dish that transcends borders, drawing from Mexican, Native American, and Spanish influences.
Chili cook-offs became popular in the 20th century, showcasing regional variations and sparking friendly rivalries. I love how each bowl tells a story, whether it’s a family’s secret recipe or a celebration of local ingredients.
Chili connects us to our roots while inviting endless creativity.
Final Thoughts
Give this Cream Cheese Chicken Chili with Sweet Potato a try for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare!
Feel free to tweak the spices to suit your taste and enjoy the rich, creamy goodness in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts in This Recipe?
Absolutely, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just increase the cooking time by an hour or so. I love how it simplifies meal prep, and the slow cooking makes the chicken tender and flavorful. Enjoy!
Is It Possible to Cook This Chili on High for Shorter Time?
Yes, you can! I’ve tried cooking it on high for about 3-4 hours, and it turned out delicious. Just make certain the chicken is cooked through, and the flavors meld perfectly. Enjoy the quicker, hearty meal!
What Are Some Alternative Garnishes to Cilantro?
I love experimenting with garnishes! Try topping your dish with sliced green onions, diced avocado, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese. If you’re feeling adventurous, crushed tortilla chips add a satisfying crunch. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Chili?
Absolutely, I’d love to add more vegetables! Bell peppers or zucchini would be fantastic additions. They’d add vibrant color and extra nutrients. Just toss them in with the other ingredients, and let the slow cooker work its magic!
How Spicy Is This Chili Compared to Traditional Chili Recipes?
I find this chili to be mildly spicy, with a gentle kick from the diced tomatoes with green chilies. It’s less intense than traditional chili, making it perfect if you prefer a balanced, flavorful warmth. Enjoy!
Cream Cheese Chicken Chili with Sweet Potato
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Measuring spoon
- 1 Mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can black beans 15 ounces, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn 15 ounces, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies 10 ounces
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 large sweet potato peeled and diced
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix 1 ounce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounce cream cheese cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies over the chicken.
- Pour chicken broth into the slow cooker.
- Add the diced sweet potato on top of the mixture.
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6 hours.
- After cooking, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Add the cubed cream cheese and mix until melted and well combined.
- Let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired and serve warm.
Notes
