This Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili combines the tangy, spicy flavors of buffalo sauce with the comforting creaminess of slow-cooked chicken and beans. The result is a perfectly balanced chili with just the right amount of heat and a velvety texture, perfect for cozy dinners or game day gatherings. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, your slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a flavorful, hearty chili that’s ready to serve whenever you are. It’s a delicious, protein-packed meal that will warm you up on even the chilliest days.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot.
- Add black beans, white kidney beans, diced tomatoes, buffalo wing sauce, chicken broth, and the packet of ranch seasoning mix on top of the chicken.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper over the ingredients in the pot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the cubed cream cheese to the crockpot. Stir occasionally to melt the cream cheese into the chili.
- Once the cream cheese is fully incorporated, shred the chicken using two forks. Stir the chili again to mix all the ingredients.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions, shredded cheese, or a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) | Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili: The Perfect Comfort Food
Buffalo chicken is a fan-favorite for its bold, spicy, and tangy flavors, often enjoyed in the form of wings or sandwiches. But what if you could take that beloved Buffalo chicken flavor and turn it into a warm, comforting bowl of chili? Enter Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili — a hearty and flavorful dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make. This slow-cooked recipe brings together the zesty heat of Buffalo chicken with the richness of chili, creating a dish that’s perfect for cozy nights at home, game days, or gatherings with family and friends.
The Magic of the Crockpot
One of the best aspects of this Buffalo Chicken Chili is that it’s made in a slow cooker, also known as a Crockpot. Slow cookers are a game-changer in the kitchen, especially for busy households or anyone who wants to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours actively cooking. With a Crockpot, you can simply combine all your ingredients in one pot, turn it on, and let it do the work while you go about your day.
The low and slow cooking process allows the flavors to fully meld together, enhancing the taste and texture of the chili. The chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy, absorbing all the spices and hot sauce. The best part? You can set your Crockpot to cook on either high or low, depending on how much time you have, and the results will always be fantastic.
Why Buffalo Chicken Chili?
If you’re a fan of traditional chili, you might wonder why you should try this variation. The answer lies in the flavor profile. While traditional chili is often tomato-based with chili powder and ground beef, Buffalo Chicken Chili takes a different route. By incorporating Buffalo sauce, this dish brings a spicy, tangy twist to classic chili, offering a fresh take on a well-loved dish.
The heat from the Buffalo sauce is balanced by the creaminess of the Greek yogurt and cream cheese, creating a luscious, creamy texture that’s hard to resist. The shredded chicken adds a hearty bite, making the chili filling without being too heavy. For those who love a little extra crunch, serving this chili with tortilla chips on the side is a must. The chips add a fun, interactive element to the meal, perfect for dipping or scooping up all that delicious chili goodness.
Healthier Comfort Food
Comfort food is often associated with indulgent, heavy meals, but this Buffalo Chicken Chili strikes a balance between comforting and nutritious. By using boneless, skinless chicken breasts and Greek yogurt, this dish offers a good amount of lean protein without excessive fat. Greek yogurt, in particular, is a great substitute for sour cream in many recipes, providing the same creamy texture but with fewer calories and more protein.
The inclusion of cannellini beans also boosts the nutritional value of the dish. Beans are a great source of fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling fuller for longer. They also add some plant-based protein, making this chili a well-rounded meal that can satisfy a variety of dietary needs.
For those looking to cut down on carbs, you can skip the tortilla chips or serve the chili over a bed of leafy greens for a low-carb alternative. Additionally, the recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Versatility and Customization
One of the best things about this Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is how versatile it is. You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For example, if you prefer your chili on the milder side, you can reduce the amount of Buffalo sauce or choose a milder hot sauce. On the flip side, if you love extra heat, you can add more hot sauce or throw in some diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
You can also play around with the toppings. While the chili is delicious on its own, toppings like shredded cheese, avocado slices, cilantro, or a drizzle of ranch dressing can take it to the next level. If you’re hosting a game day party or casual dinner with friends, setting up a chili topping bar is a fun way to let everyone customize their bowl.
Game Day Favorite
Speaking of game day, this recipe is an excellent choice for feeding a crowd. Buffalo Chicken Chili combines the classic flavors of Buffalo wings with the ease and heartiness of chili, making it the ultimate game day food. Whether you’re watching football, basketball, or any other sport, this chili will keep everyone satisfied and energized throughout the event.
Since it’s made in a slow cooker, you can prepare everything ahead of time and let the chili cook while you entertain your guests or focus on the game. By the time halftime rolls around, the chili will be ready to serve, and you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the party.
This dish also travels well, so if you’re heading to a potluck or tailgate, simply pack up your Crockpot and bring it along. You’ll be the hit of the party with a dish that’s both delicious and unexpected.
Serving Suggestions
While the chili is a meal in itself, you can also serve it alongside some complementary sides for a full feast. Here are a few ideas:
- Cornbread: The slightly sweet flavor of cornbread pairs perfectly with the spicy, tangy chili.
- Tortilla Chips: As mentioned earlier, chips are great for dipping or adding a crunchy texture to the meal.
- Coleslaw: A cool, creamy coleslaw can help balance out the spiciness of the chili.
- Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy chili.
Conclusion: A New Comfort Food Staple
Whether you’re a fan of Buffalo chicken or looking for a fresh twist on traditional chili, Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is sure to become a new favorite in your household. It’s flavorful, filling, and easy to make, making it a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation or your next game day gathering. The slow-cooked chicken, spicy Buffalo sauce, and creamy finish create a bowl of chili that’s both comforting and exciting, blending classic flavors with a unique twist.
This dish is not only crowd-pleasing but also adaptable to various dietary preferences, making it a versatile recipe for any occasion. From its spicy kick to its creamy texture, this Buffalo Chicken Chili will quickly become a comfort food staple in your home. So, fire up your Crockpot and get ready to enjoy a bowl of this flavorful and hearty chili that will warm you from the inside out.