Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare chicken and aromatics. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add diced onions, minced garlic, black beans, kidney beans, corn kernels, and diced tomatoes with green chilies, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2: Add chicken broth. Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Stir to combine, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection Cover the slow cooker and set it on low. Allow the chili to cook for 6–8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Step 4: Shred the chicken and prepare the cream cheese mixture. Shred the cooked chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks. In a separate bowl, mix softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.

Step 5: Add the cream cheese mixture. Add the cream cheese mixture to the slow cooker, stirring well to incorporate it into the chili. Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes on low heat.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Stir in chopped cilantro just before serving. Ladle the cream cheese chicken chili into bowls, garnishing with additional cilantro if desired.

Cook Notes:

• For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Customize the beans to your preference, opting for different varieties or a mix of your favorites.
• Adjust the thickness of the chili by adding more chicken broth, if needed.

Variations:

• Smoky Bacon Delight: *
• Cook and crumble the bacon, then sprinkle it over the chili just before serving for a smoky crunch.
• Veggie Explosion: *
• Enhance the nutritional profile by adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the last hour of cooking.
• Salsa Verde Sensation: *
• Substitute regular diced tomatoes with green chilies for salsa verde to elevate the chili’s flavor.

Keto-Friendly Version:

• Replace black beans and kidney beans with low-carb alternatives like black soybeans or additional veggies.
• Use almond flour or xanthan gum as a thickening agent instead of corn.

Low-Carb Version:

• Swap corn with diced bell peppers or green beans for a lower-carb alternative.
• Opt for low-carb tortilla chips or cheese crisps as a crunchy topping.
• Choose a lower-carb alternative for black beans, such as adzuki beans or black soybeans.

Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is more than a meal; it’s a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that dance on your taste buds. From the tender shreds of chicken to the creamy richness of the cream cheese mixture, each element comes together to create a chili that’s both comforting and indulgent. So, let the aroma fill your kitchen, embrace the convenience of slow cooking, and savor the joy of a well-crafted bowl of chili that promises to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Whether shared with friends at gatherings or enjoyed on a cozy evening, this chili invites you to celebrate the simple pleasure of good food and great company.

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