Smoky Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe for Your Cozy Slow Cooker

Comfort meets zesty excitement in this slow cooker buffalo chicken chili that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Hearty and packed with robust flavors, this dish delivers a spicy kick that warms you from the inside out.

Tender chicken mingles with classic chili ingredients, creating a meal that’s both familiar and innovative.

Rich beans, vibrant vegetables, and a bold buffalo sauce blend perfectly in this one-pot wonder.

The slow cooker does all the hard work, melding together complex flavors while you go about your day.

Garnish with cool blue cheese crumbles or fresh green onions to balance the heat.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing chili that’s sure to become a new weeknight favorite.

Storing Buffalo Chicken Chili Made Easy

• Chili Batch Brilliance: Prepare double the recipe and freeze portions for quick future meals. Grab-and-heat dinners save time during busy weeks.
• Cold Storage Strategy: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Chicken chili stays fresh and maintains delicious flavor when sealed properly.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Keeps well for 2-3 months, providing convenient meal solutions anytime hunger strikes.
• Reheating Wisdom: Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then warm gently in microwave or stovetop. Add small splash of chicken broth to restore original creamy consistency and prevent dryness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s Inside Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

• Chicken: Provides hearty, tender protein that absorbs buffalo sauce beautifully; choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easier shredding.
• White Beans: Adds creamy texture and plant-based protein; look for low-sodium canned beans for better flavor control.

• Chicken Broth: Creates rich, savory foundation; opt for low-sodium versions to manage salt levels.
• Diced Tomatoes: Brings tangy brightness and moisture; fire-roasted varieties add extra depth.
• Buffalo Sauce: Delivers signature spicy kick; select your preferred heat level from mild to extra hot.
• Onion, Garlic: Builds aromatic base with deep, complex flavors; fresh ingredients provide more robust taste.

• Corn: Adds sweet crunch and subtle sweetness; frozen or canned work perfectly.
• Cream Cheese: Creates luxurious, creamy finish; let soften at room temperature for smoother melting.
• Cheddar Cheese, Cilantro, Green Onions: Provide fresh, vibrant toppings that enhance visual appeal and taste.
• Seasonings: Blend of spices that elevates overall flavor profile; check freshness for maximum impact.

Slow Cooker Tools For Buffalo Chicken Chili

• Slow Cooker: Essential for hands-off, tender chicken chili cooking.
• Forks: Perfect for effortlessly shredding cooked chicken.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately add ingredients for balanced flavor.
• Cutting Board: Prep space for chopping onions and garlic.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for clean, precise ingredient chopping.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients smoothly.

How To Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

• Slow Cooker Lineup

Toss all your delicious ingredients into the slow cooker – tender chicken, hearty white beans, zesty tomatoes, rich broth, and that signature buffalo kick. Let the magic begin as everything mingles together, creating a flavor party that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Low and Slow Transformation

Let the slow cooker work its wonder for several hours, gently breaking down the chicken and blending all those mouthwatering seasonings. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that promises pure comfort.

• Chicken Shredding Fiesta

Pull out the chicken and transform it into tender, juicy shreds using two forks. Return these delectable pieces back into the chili, ensuring every spoonful is packed with savory goodness.

• Creamy Finale

Swirl in velvety cream cheese, watching it melt and create a luxurious, silky texture. Top with a sprinkle of sharp cheddar, a handful of fresh green onions, or a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce for that perfect finish.

Tips To Max Flavor In Buffalo Chicken Chili

• Pro Slow Cooking Tricks: This buffalo chicken chili transforms from good to incredible with these expert tips!
• Spice Level Control: Adjust buffalo sauce quantity based on heat preference – less sauce means milder flavor, while more creates a fiery kick. Start conservative and taste before serving.
• Chicken Selection Hack: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for leaner results or chicken thighs for richer, more tender meat. Thighs provide deeper flavor and stay juicier during slow cooking.
• Texture Enhancement Technique: For thicker chili, remove lid during last 30 minutes of cooking or mash some beans slightly to create natural thickening. Alternatively, mix cornstarch slurry for instant density.
• Diet-Friendly Alternatives: Transform recipe for various dietary needs – use gluten-free buffalo sauce, substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese in low-fat versions, or replace chicken with plant-based protein for vegetarian adaptation.

Serve Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Warm

• Game Day Touchdown Platter: Pile the chili into a large serving dish surrounded by crispy tortilla chips, creating a crowd-pleasing nacho-style spread perfect for sports viewing parties.
• Comforting Chili Bowl Feast: Ladle the buffalo chicken chili over fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes, adding extra depth and heartiness to the meal for maximum satisfaction.
• Spicy Sandwich Remix: Transform leftovers into delicious sandwiches by spooning the chili onto toasted brioche buns, topping with melted pepper jack cheese and a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce for a zesty lunch option.
• Loaded Baked Potato Topper: Hollow out baked potatoes and fill them generously with the buffalo chicken chili, garnishing with sharp cheddar, green onions, and a dollop of cool sour cream to balance the heat.

Hearty Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker buffalo chicken chili delivers spicy comfort with tender chicken and bold southwestern flavors. Robust ingredients and easy preparation make this a perfect meal for chilly evenings you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 15 oz (425 g) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
• 15 oz (425 g) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust for spice level)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for serving, optional)
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh cilantro or green onions (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker, creating a flavorful foundation for the buffalo chicken chili.
2. Initial Mixing: Thoroughly blend chicken, white beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and buffalo sauce, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
3. Seasoning Integration: Fold in onions, garlic, corn, and selected seasonings, developing a harmonious flavor profile.
4. Slow Cooking: Seal the slow cooker and allow the mixture to simmer on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, developing deep, complex flavors.
5. Chicken Preparation: Extract chicken pieces, then meticulously shred using two forks until achieving a tender, pulled consistency.
6. Final Incorporation: Reintroduce shredded chicken to the chili, then gently melt cream cheese chunks throughout the mixture, creating a luxurious, creamy texture.
7. Serving: Transfer the chili to serving bowls, adorning with sharp cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, green onion slivers, and an optional buffalo sauce drizzle for an extra flavor kick.

Notes

• Chicken Shredding Technique: Use two forks to pull chicken apart while it’s still warm for easier, more uniform shredding that ensures tender, well-distributed meat throughout the chili.
• Cream Cheese Integration: Cut cream cheese into small cubes and let them sit in hot chili for a minute before stirring to help them melt smoothly and prevent clumping.
• Heat Level Control: Adjust buffalo sauce quantity based on personal spice tolerance; start with less sauce and gradually add more to achieve desired heat without overwhelming the dish.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This chili stores well in refrigerator for 3-4 days and freezes excellently for up to 3 months, making it perfect for batch cooking and quick weeknight meals.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg