Hearty Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe for Game Day

Simmering with bold flavors, this slow cooker buffalo chicken chili brings serious heat to your meal planning.

Tender shredded chicken swimming in a spicy broth that promises to wake up your taste buds.

Weekend comfort meets zesty excitement in every single bite of this hearty dish.

Forget complicated cooking techniques – this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Minimal ingredients combine to create something truly spectacular for hungry crowds.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing chili that packs a punch.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those moments when simple, delicious meals matter most.

Why Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Is A Cozy Favorite

• Unleash Effortless Flavor Fusion: This slow cooker buffalo chicken chili transforms mundane meal prep into a hands-off culinary adventure, letting busy home cooks enjoy bold, restaurant-quality flavors without standing over a hot stove.
• Customize Your Comfort Bowl: The recipe offers incredible flexibility with toppings like cheddar cheese, cilantro, and green onions, allowing each person to personalize their chili experience and create a perfect meal that suits individual taste preferences.
• Packed with Protein-Powered Goodness: Combining tender shredded chicken, hearty white beans, and creamy cream cheese, this chili delivers a nutritious one-pot meal that satisfies hunger and provides balanced nutrition without complicated cooking techniques.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Winner: With minimal prep and simple ingredients that cook themselves in a slow cooker, this buffalo chicken chili becomes a stress-free solution for families seeking delicious, comforting meals during busy weeknights.

Ingredients For Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

• Chicken Breast: Tender, lean protein that absorbs the buffalo sauce flavor and provides hearty texture.
• White Beans: Adds protein, creamy texture, and extra nutrition to the chili.

• Chicken Broth: Creates the base liquid for the chili, adding depth and moisture.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides acidity, moisture, and chunky texture to the dish.
• Buffalo Sauce: Delivers signature spicy and tangy flavor that defines the chili.

• Onion, Garlic: Builds foundational flavor and adds aromatic depth to the chili.
• Corn: Brings sweetness, color, and additional texture to the dish.
• Cream Cheese: Adds richness, creaminess, and helps bind the chili together.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts and adds sharp, creamy flavor to the top of the chili.
• Cilantro, Green Onions: Fresh herbs that provide brightness and additional flavor contrast.

How To Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker Magic

• Boneless chicken breasts
• White beans
• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Buffalo sauce
• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Corn kernels
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything together until well combined. Cover and let the slow cooker work its magic. Cook on Low setting for 6-8 hours or High setting for 3-4 hours. Your kitchen will smell incredible!

Step 2: Transform Chicken into Tender Perfection

When cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and stir.

Step 3: Create Creamy Comfort

Add cream cheese to the chili. Stir gently until the cream cheese melts completely and blends into the chili, creating a rich and velvety texture.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced green onions
• Extra buffalo sauce

Enjoy your hearty and spicy buffalo chicken chili!

Pro Tips For Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to control spiciness, making the chili mild or extra hot according to your preference.
• Protein Swap Option: Replace chicken with ground turkey or lean beef for variety while maintaining the dish's delicious buffalo-style flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Substitute cream cheese with coconut cream or cashew cream to create a lactose-free version that's equally creamy and satisfying.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, allowing you to prepare large batches and enjoy convenient, quick meals later.
• Quick Thickening Trick: If the chili seems too liquid, leave the lid off during the last 30 minutes of cooking to help reduce and concentrate the sauce naturally.

How To Store Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the chili fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
• Reheat Stovetop: Transfer chili to a saucepan, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying, and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Microwave: Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Best Pairings For Buffalo Chicken Chili

• Craft Zesty Beer Pairing: Grab a crisp pale ale or hoppy IPA to complement the spicy buffalo kick, cutting through the richness with its refreshing carbonation and balancing the chili's heat.
• Crunch Cool Side Salad: Prepare a light ranch-dressed coleslaw with crisp cabbage and carrots, offering a tangy, crunchy contrast to the warm, creamy chili and providing a refreshing palate cleanser.
• Boost Bread Companion: Serve with buttery garlic bread or cornbread, allowing these carb-rich sides to soak up the spicy sauce and provide a satisfying texture that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Drizzle Creamy Topping: Add a dollop of cool sour cream or blue cheese dressing on top, creating a smooth counterpoint to the buffalo sauce's heat and adding extra depth to each spoonful.

Easy Ways To Switch Buffalo Chicken Chili

• Spicy Ranch Remix: Replace buffalo sauce with ranch dressing and add jalapeños for an extra kick of heat. Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles on top for a tangy finish.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Swap chicken with plant-based protein like black beans and quinoa. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a hearty meatless version.
• Mediterranean Fusion Chili: Trade buffalo sauce for harissa paste and add chickpeas. Top with crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
• Smoky Southwest Transformation: Incorporate smoked paprika and chipotle peppers. Replace white beans with kidney beans and garnish with crispy tortilla strips and avocado slices.

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili FAQs

• What makes this buffalo chicken chili different from traditional chili?

This recipe combines the classic chili concept with spicy buffalo chicken flavors, creating a unique twist that brings together the comfort of chili and the kick of buffalo wings in one delicious dish.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. If you’re sensitive to spice, use a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount. You can always add more heat later with extra sauce or hot peppers.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just ensure you use a gluten-free buffalo sauce and chicken broth. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy recipe to adapt for gluten-sensitive diets.

• How can I make this chili less creamy if I want a thinner consistency?

If you prefer a thinner chili, simply reduce the amount of cream cheese or omit it entirely. You can also add a bit more chicken broth to achieve your desired thickness.

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker buffalo chicken chili delivers spicy comfort with zesty southwestern flair. Packed with tender chicken, bold buffalo sauce, and rich beans, this chili promises a warming meal that satisfies hungry diners.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

Beans and Vegetables:

• 1 can (15 ounces) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained

Spices, Liquids, and Dairy:

• 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust for spice level)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for serving, optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or green onions (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients and place them into the slow cooker, creating a robust base for the buffalo chicken chili.
2. Mix the raw chicken, white beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and buffalo sauce thoroughly, ensuring each ingredient is evenly distributed.
3. Incorporate diced onions, minced garlic, corn kernels, and selected seasonings into the mixture, blending the flavors comprehensively.
4. Cover the slow cooker and allow the ingredients to simmer and meld together on LOW temperature for 6-7 hours or on HIGH temperature for 3-4 hours.
5. After cooking, carefully remove the chicken pieces from the slow cooker using tongs or a slotted spoon.
6. Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken into tender, bite-sized pieces, breaking down the meat into fine strands.
7. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, ensuring it is evenly reincorporated into the chili.
8. Cut the cream cheese into smaller chunks and gently fold them into the hot chili, stirring until completely melted and creating a rich, creamy texture.
9. Ladle the buffalo chicken chili into serving bowls and garnish with sharp cheddar cheese, freshly chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and an optional drizzle of additional buffalo sauce for extra heat.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting buffalo sauce quantity for mild or extra spicy preferences.
• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for richer, more tender meat that holds up beautifully during slow cooking.
• Create a low-carb version by replacing white beans with additional vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower for reduced carbohydrate content.
• Enhance meal preparation by prepping ingredients night before and storing in refrigerator, allowing quick morning assembly for hands-off cooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 75mg