I think sometimes finding a good recipe is a miracle.
This recipe is one of those miracles.
It's a miracle because:
a) It's super easy with very little hassle AND
b) my husband told me I could make it every week and he'd be happy
Yeah. It's that good. And, while Ben isn't really a picky eater, he can be kind of particular when it comes to food. Unfortunately for me, his mom is an excellent cook, and I live in a state of constant distress hoping that I'll some day live up to her potential.
Just kidding. I don't do that.
I know I'll never reach her level :)
But really, it is difficult to find a recipe that Ben loves. And to find one he tells me to make every week? Yeah. Kind of a big deal.
Here's another reason why I love it:
This recipe is one of those miracles.
It's a miracle because:
a) It's super easy with very little hassle AND
b) my husband told me I could make it every week and he'd be happy
Yeah. It's that good. And, while Ben isn't really a picky eater, he can be kind of particular when it comes to food. Unfortunately for me, his mom is an excellent cook, and I live in a state of constant distress hoping that I'll some day live up to her potential.
Just kidding. I don't do that.
I know I'll never reach her level :)
But really, it is difficult to find a recipe that Ben loves. And to find one he tells me to make every week? Yeah. Kind of a big deal.
Here's another reason why I love it:
It uses a crockpot! Which always makes me happy. I got my crockpot as a wedding gift, and I thought, "I'm going to have to have 7 kids before I can justify using that monster!" Cause it is huge...but I use it ALL the time. And we've yet to have food go to waste.
Anyhow, let's get on with the cooking, shall we?
First you start with some frozen chicken breasts. They don't have to be frozen. Mine were.
Turns out frozen chicken isn't very photogenic. Oh well.
Anyhow, let's get on with the cooking, shall we?
First you start with some frozen chicken breasts. They don't have to be frozen. Mine were.
Turns out frozen chicken isn't very photogenic. Oh well.
Then put in some tomatoes. I usually throw mine into the pot and then use a knife to cut them into smaller pieces.
I'm not much of a tomato kind of girl. But I don't mind it if it's small.
I'm not much of a tomato kind of girl. But I don't mind it if it's small.
Next put in some corn. Don't drain it!
And some beans. The recipe calls for black beans...just use what's on hand.
I always put in a couple cans of water. And then put in your spices.
And then the best part: The cream cheese.
Forget about it for a few hours while it cooks. And then, just before you're ready to eat, shred your chicken.
Until it's all nice and...well, shredded...
Then give it a good stir. See how creamy that gets?
You will probably end up with some small chunks of cream cheese that won't blend in. As long as they aren't too big, they're not a problem. Unless you don't enjoy creamy bursts of deliciousness. Then it might be.
You will probably end up with some small chunks of cream cheese that won't blend in. As long as they aren't too big, they're not a problem. Unless you don't enjoy creamy bursts of deliciousness. Then it might be.
Then pull out a mug that reminds you of your alma mater.
Mine was the best (sorry, but it's true).
Go T-Birds!
Mine was the best (sorry, but it's true).
Go T-Birds!
And scoop yourself some of the tastiness.
I mean the chili.
Sorry, sometimes I mix up my words.
Feel free to top with chips or some extra cheese, but it's definitely delish on its own.
I mean the chili.
Sorry, sometimes I mix up my words.
Feel free to top with chips or some extra cheese, but it's definitely delish on its own.
The Recipe (adapted from plainchicken.com):
CREAMY CHICKEN CHILI
2 chicken breasts
1 can tomatoes
1 can corn (undrained)
1 can beans (drained and rinsed)
1-2 cans water
1 package Ranch dressing mix
1 T. cumin
1 t. chili powder
1 t. onion powder
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese.
Combine all ingredients in crockpot, placing cream cheese on top. Let cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high 3-4 hours. Right before serving, shred chicken. Then stir to combine, making sure to break up all the pieces of cream cheese.
May serve with tortilla chips and shredded cheese, if desired.
**This recipe is really adaptable. If you're feeding fewer people, feel free to omit the extra water for a creamier chili. But if you need to feed a large group, add extra water and feel free to add extra chicken, tomatoes and/or beans. I've done it both ways, and, while the creaminess changes, it's always delicious.
CREAMY CHICKEN CHILI
2 chicken breasts
1 can tomatoes
1 can corn (undrained)
1 can beans (drained and rinsed)
1-2 cans water
1 package Ranch dressing mix
1 T. cumin
1 t. chili powder
1 t. onion powder
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese.
Combine all ingredients in crockpot, placing cream cheese on top. Let cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high 3-4 hours. Right before serving, shred chicken. Then stir to combine, making sure to break up all the pieces of cream cheese.
May serve with tortilla chips and shredded cheese, if desired.
**This recipe is really adaptable. If you're feeding fewer people, feel free to omit the extra water for a creamier chili. But if you need to feed a large group, add extra water and feel free to add extra chicken, tomatoes and/or beans. I've done it both ways, and, while the creaminess changes, it's always delicious.