Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili: Easy, Spicy Comfort in a Bowl
If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal with a little kick, this Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is your answer.
Packed with tender chicken, creamy broth, and just the right amount of heat, it’s a great dish for busy weeknights or game days.
Plus, it’s made entirely in the slow cooker, so you can set it and forget it, leaving plenty of time to relax while the flavors develop.
Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
For the Chili:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans (or your preferred beans like kidney or black beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted for extra flavor
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup chicken broth (or stock)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Optional for Creaminess (if you like a rich, creamy chili):
- 4 oz cream cheese (or sub with 1/2 cup sour cream or heavy cream)
Toppings (Optional but highly recommended):
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Green onions or cilantro
- Sour cream
Equipment
- Slow Cooker (6-quart works best for this recipe)
- Knife, cutting board, and spoon
- Forks for shredding chicken
Instructions
1. Prep Your Ingredients
- Dice the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Drain and rinse your beans. Set everything aside.
- If you’re using chicken breasts, cut them into 2-3 pieces to help them cook evenly.
2. Load the Slow Cooker
- Add the chicken (whole or in pieces), beans, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, bell pepper, chicken broth, and buffalo sauce to the slow cooker.
- Stir it all together to mix everything evenly.
3. Slow Cook
Set your slow cooker to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred by the end of cooking.
4. Shred the Chicken
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, take it out and shred it using two forks. It should fall apart easily. Add it back into the chili.
- If you’re adding cream cheese, throw it in now and stir until it melts and makes the chili extra creamy.
5. Taste & Adjust
Give the chili a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Want more heat? Add extra buffalo sauce. Too spicy? A dollop of sour cream on top can balance it out.
6. Serve It Up!
Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings. A sprinkle of shredded cheddar, a handful of green onions or cilantro, and a spoonful of sour cream are all great choices.
Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Chili
Bone-in Chicken: If you want extra flavor, try using bone-in chicken. The bones give the broth a richer taste; you can remove the skin and bones after cooking.
Spice Levels: Buffalo sauce can be as mild or as fiery as you want. Adjust the heat by adding more sauce or using a milder version if you’re sensitive to spice.
Make Ahead: This chili keeps well in the fridge for a few days and tastes even better the next day! You can also freeze leftovers for a future meal.
Vegetarian Option: Want to skip the chicken? Try swapping in cauliflower florets or tofu for a veggie-packed version that’s just as satisfying.
Variations You Can Try
- Add More Veggies: Toss in corn, spinach, or shredded carrots for extra nutrition and texture.
- Go Creamier: If you like ultra-creamy chili, substitute the cream cheese for heavy cream or sour cream stirred in at the end.
- Lower Calorie: Use reduced-fat cream cheese or skip the cheese and sour cream toppings for a lighter version.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect Pairings: This chili is great on its own, but for a heartier meal, serve it with a side of cornbread or garlic bread or over a bed of rice.
- Game Day Ready: It’s ideal for parties or casual get-togethers. Serve it with chips or crunchy veggies for dipping.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~300-350 (depending on your toppings and creaminess level)
- Protein: ~30g (from the chicken and beans)
- Fat: ~12g (mainly from the buffalo sauce and optional cream cheese)
- Carbs: ~30g (from the beans and tomatoes)
This is a great balanced meal for those looking for something filling, comforting, and a little bit spicy!
Conclusion
Slow-cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is one of those meals that everyone loves—comforting, easy to make, and packed with flavor.
Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a crowd on game day, it’s guaranteed to hit the spot. Customize it to your liking, and don’t forget the toppings! You can’t go wrong with this one-pot wonder.
Give it a try, and in the comments below, let me know how you like to make your buffalo chicken chili!
