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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and place them into the slow cooker, creating a robust base for the buffalo chicken chili.
- Mix the raw chicken, white beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and buffalo sauce thoroughly, ensuring each ingredient is evenly distributed.
- Incorporate diced onions, minced garlic, corn kernels, and selected seasonings into the mixture, blending the flavors comprehensively.
- 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.
- After cooking, carefully remove the chicken pieces from the slow cooker using tongs or a slotted spoon.
- Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken into tender, bite-sized pieces, breaking down the meat into fine strands.
- Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, ensuring it is evenly reincorporated into the chili.
- 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.
- 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