Creamy Black Bean Chicken Delight
This Creamy Black Bean Chicken Delight is an easy-to-make crock pot dish that brings together tender chicken, hearty black beans, and zesty salsa, all enveloped in a luscious cream sauce. The combination of Neufchatel cheese and spices creates an irresistible flavor profile that is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for a crowd. Simply load your ingredients into the crock pot, let it simmer to perfection, and enjoy over rice, tortilla chips, or wrapped in your favorite tortilla. Ideal for family gatherings or casual entertaining, this dish is sure to become a beloved favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless chicken breasts
6 (cut into 1 - 2 inch cubes)
canned corn
2 (15 ounce) cans (drained)
canned black beans
2 (15 ounce) cans (rinsed and drained)
salsa
2 cups
Neufchatel cheese
8 ounces (cut into cubes)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
cumin
2 teaspoons
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Start by cutting the boneless chicken breasts into 1-2 inch cubes and place them in the crock pot.
2
Add the drained corn, rinsed and drained black beans, and salsa into the pot. Mix everything gently to combine.
3
Mince the garlic cloves and sprinkle them over the mixture, along with the cumin. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4
Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and thoroughly cooked.
5
Once cooked, carefully stir in the Neufchatel cheese cut into cubes. Turn off the heat, cover the pot again, and let it sit for 20-30 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
6
After the resting period, stir the mixture well to fully incorporate the creamy cheese into the dish.
7
Serve the Creamy Black Bean Chicken Delight over cooked rice, with tortilla chips, or wrapped in tortillas for a delicious meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Black Bean Chicken Delight?
It is an easy-to-make crock pot dish featuring tender chicken, black beans, corn, and salsa in a creamy Neufchatel cheese sauce.
How many chicken breasts are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 boneless chicken breasts.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken breasts should be cut into 1 to 2 inch cubes before being placed in the crock pot.
Do I need to drain the corn?
Yes, the 2 cans of corn should be drained before adding them to the pot.
Should the black beans be rinsed?
Yes, the black beans should be both rinsed and drained.
How much salsa is required?
You will need 2 cups of salsa for this recipe.
What kind of cheese makes the sauce creamy?
The creaminess comes from 8 ounces of Neufchatel cheese, cut into cubes.
How many garlic cloves should I use?
The recipe requires 4 minced garlic cloves.
What spices are used in this dish?
The main spices are cumin, salt, and pepper.
How long does it cook on the low setting?
It should cook on low for approximately 8 hours.
How long does it cook on the high setting?
It can be cooked on high for 4 hours.
When do I add the Neufchatel cheese?
Add the cheese after the initial cooking time is complete and the chicken is tender.
Do I keep the heat on when adding the cheese?
No, turn off the heat before stirring in the cubed cheese and letting it sit.
Why must the dish sit for 20-30 minutes after cooking?
Allowing it to sit covered ensures the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth sauce.
How should I serve Creamy Black Bean Chicken Delight?
It is delicious served over rice, with tortilla chips, or wrapped in tortillas.
Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
Yes, it is specifically mentioned as being ideal for meal prepping for a crowd.
How many cans of corn are used?
You will need two 15-ounce cans of corn.
How many cans of black beans are needed?
The recipe calls for two 15-ounce cans of black beans.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is cutting the chicken into cubes and placing them in the crock pot.
Can I use a different type of bean?
While black beans are specified, you could likely substitute with pinto or kidney beans, though it will change the flavor profile.
What does Neufchatel cheese add to the recipe?
It creates a luscious, creamy texture and adds a mild, tangy flavor to the sauce.
Is this a spicy dish?
The spice level depends on the type of salsa you choose to use; you can make it mild or hot.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 4 cloves of minced garlic.
What size should the cheese cubes be?
The recipe simply suggests cutting the 8 ounces of Neufchatel cheese into cubes for easier melting.
How much cumin is added?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of cumin.
Is this dish suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as being ideal for family gatherings and casual entertaining.
Can I add extra salt?
Yes, salt and pepper should be added according to your personal taste.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
Should I stir the mixture after adding the cheese?
Yes, after the 20-30 minute resting period, stir the mixture well to fully incorporate the cheese.
Can I use frozen corn?
While the recipe specifies canned corn, frozen corn can be used as a substitute if thawed and drained.