There is nothing quite like walking through the front door after a long day to the savory aroma of dinner already cooked. That is the magic of using a slow cooker. You toss a few simple ingredients into the pot in the morning, head out for your day, and return to a meal that tastes like it simmered for hours. If you are on the hunt for reliable Crockpot Soup Recipes that the whole family will enjoy, this creamy chicken chili is about to become a new favorite in your rotation.
This dish balances the line between a hearty soup and a thick stew. It is packed with tender chicken, beans, corn, and a rich, creamy broth that warms you from the inside out. Unlike many other Crockpot Soups And Stews that require browning meat or sautéing onions beforehand, this recipe is a true dump and go meal. It is designed for real life when you have zero extra time to stand over a stove.
We all need a collection of Easy Crockpot Meals that do not sacrifice flavor for convenience. This chili is mildly spiced, making it approachable for kids, yet it has enough depth from cumin and chilies to satisfy adults. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or hosting a casual gathering, this dish fits the bill perfectly.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You are going to fall in love with how effortless this meal is. The beauty of great Crockpot Soup Recipes lies in their simplicity. There is no chopping complicated vegetables or watching a pot to make sure it does not boil over. You literally place raw chicken and vegetables into the vessel and let the heat do the work. It is stress free cooking at its finest.
Another reason this stands out among Healthy Crockpot Meals is the texture. The addition of cream cheese at the very end transforms the broth into something velvety and luxurious without being overly heavy. It gives you that restaurant quality richness right at home. Plus, it is incredibly customizable. You can swap beans, adjust the spice level, or add extra veggies based on what you have in your pantry.
Finally, this chili is a budget friendly option. It uses staple ingredients like canned beans, corn, and tinned tomatoes. You can stretch a few chicken breasts to feed a large group, making it economical without feeling cheap. It is the kind of warm, hearty food that brings everyone to the table with a smile.
Ingredients
To make one of the best Crockpot Soup Recipes, you need a mix of fresh produce and pantry staples. Here is what you need to get started.
- 2 cans (14.5 ounce) petite diced tomatoes, drained (or one 28 ounce can)
- 1 can (15 ounce) tomato sauce
- 2 large skinless boneless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup chicken broth (reduced sodium works well)
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 ounce) corn, rinsed and drained (or frozen corn)
- 1 can (15 ounce) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 jalapeño, minced (seeds and ribs removed for less heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano or Italian seasoning blend
- 2 teaspoons chili powder (use 1 teaspoon for mild flavor)
- 1 Tablespoon ground cumin
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 ounces brick style cream cheese, full fat or light, softened
Step By Step Instructions
Making Easy Crockpot Meals should never be complicated. Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful dinner with minimal effort.
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Get your 6 quart or larger slow cooker ready. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken breasts, chicken broth, onion, bell pepper, corn, black beans, jalapeño, salt, oregano, chili powder, cumin, and minced garlic. Do not add the cream cheese yet. Stir everything gently to mix the spices with the liquids and vegetables. Cover the pot with the lid. Cook on low heat for 7 hours or on high heat for 3 hours.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Place them on a cutting board or a large plate. Use two forks to shred the meat apart. It should be very tender and fall apart easily. If you prefer chunks, you can cut it into bite sized pieces instead. Place the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker.
Step 3: Add Creaminess
Now it is time to add the cream cheese. Stir it into the hot mixture until it has completely melted and incorporated into the sauce. This turns the broth into a creamy delight. Taste the chili carefully. You can add a little more salt or seasoning if you think it needs it.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Cover the slow cooker one last time and let it cook for another 10 to 15 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together. Ladle the warm chili into bowls. Top with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve it alongside warm cornbread for a complete meal.
How To Store Leftovers
One of the best things about Crockpot Soup Recipes is that they often taste even better the next day. This chili stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep lunches.
Refrigerator: Allow the chili to cool down completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to one week. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole batch on the stove over medium heat.
Freezer: This meal freezes well for up to 3 months. Place the cooled chili in a freezer safe container or heavy duty freezer bag. To serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or place the sealed bag in a sink of warm water. Once thawed, reheat it in a large pot on the stove for about 30 minutes or until heated through.
Tips
Creating delicious Crockpot Soups And Stews is easy, but a few small tricks can make your meal even better. Here are some helpful pointers for this recipe.
Warming Cream Cheese: Cold cream cheese can sometimes clump when added to hot liquid. To avoid this, unwrap your cream cheese and place it on a microwave safe plate. Heat it for 15 to 20 seconds before stirring it into the chili. This helps it blend smoothly and quickly.
Spice Control: The spice level in this dish comes mainly from the chili powder and the jalapeño. If you are sensitive to spice or cooking for young children, reduce the chili powder to one teaspoon and ensure you remove all seeds and white ribs from the jalapeño. For more heat, leave the seeds in or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
Stovetop Method: If you do not have a slow cooker, you can still enjoy this. Chop raw chicken into bite sized pieces. Cook onion, peppers, and spices in a large pot with oil until soft. Add the chicken and cook until done. Add the rest of the ingredients (except cream cheese) and simmer covered for 30 minutes. Stir in the cream cheese at the end and cook for 5 more minutes uncovered.
Vegetarian Option: To make this one of your vegetarian Healthy Crockpot Meals, simply skip the chicken. Replace it with 3 cups of diced, peeled sweet potato and add an extra can of beans (kidney or white beans work great). Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken chili proves that Crockpot Soup Recipes can be both easy and incredibly satisfying. It checks all the boxes for a comforting dinner: minimal prep, robust flavor, and a creamy texture that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you are a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned home cook looking for a hassle free night, this recipe is sure to deliver.
Give this recipe a try next time you need a meal that cooks itself while you handle the rest of your day. It is one of those Easy Crockpot Meals that you will find yourself coming back to again and again. Enjoy the warmth and flavor of a homemade dinner with none of the stress.
FAQ
Can I Make This Gluten Free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten free as long as your ingredients are certified. Double check your taco seasoning or chili powder blends, as some brands use wheat as a filler. Also, ensure your chicken broth is gluten free.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken?
It is generally recommended to thaw chicken before adding it to a slow cooker to ensure safe and even cooking. Adding frozen meat keeps the temperature of the pot in the danger zone for too long. Thaw your chicken in the fridge overnight before using it in Crockpot Soup Recipes.
Can I Use Ground Meat Instead?
Absolutely. You can substitute the chicken breasts with ground beef or ground turkey. However, you must brown the ground meat on the stove first. Drain the excess fat and then add the cooked meat to the slow cooker with the other ingredients.
Can I Make It Dairy Free?
Yes. To keep this dairy free, you can omit the cream cheese entirely for a brothier soup. Alternatively, you can use a dairy free cream cheese alternative or stir in some coconut milk at the end for richness, though this will slightly alter the flavor profile.
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Chili
This creamy, protein-packed Slow Cooker Chicken Chili is a simple ‘dump and go’ recipe that delivers comforting flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a family-friendly dish that tastes even better the next day.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken breasts, chicken broth, diced yellow onion, chopped green bell pepper, rinsed and drained corn, drained and rinsed black beans, minced jalapeño, minced garlic cloves, salt, dried oregano, chili powder, and ground cumin to your slow cooker.
- Stir to combine all ingredients well. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken and then return it to the chili.
- Add the room temperature brick-style cream cheese to the slow cooker. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, making the chili creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Taste and adjust seasonings before serving, as flavors can mellow during slow cooking.
While fresh ingredients are recommended, frozen chopped onions or bell peppers can be used for convenience without sacrificing much flavor.
Chicken breasts are ideal for shredding, but boneless, skinless thighs can be substituted if you prefer dark meat.
This chili makes excellent leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors deepen in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
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