When you think of comfort food that warms you from the inside out, chili is probably one of the first dishes that comes to mind. Now imagine taking the bold, zesty flavor of buffalo sauce and blending it with the creaminess of white chicken chili. That is exactly what this Buffalo Chicken Chili delivers. It’s creamy, spicy, tangy, and hearty all at once, making it a dish that you’ll want to come back to again and again. This recipe is a game changer for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game day spreads.
Why We Love This Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe
There’s so much to love about this Buffalo Chicken Chili. It’s not just another chili; it’s a flavor-packed experience that checks all the boxes. First, the heat level is customizable. You can keep it mild for the family or turn up the spice for those who crave an extra kick. Second, it’s incredibly creamy thanks to cream cheese and cheddar cheese, yet it doesn’t feel too heavy. The balance of broth, beans, and chicken keeps it satisfying without being overwhelming.
Another reason to love it is how fast it comes together. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of about 25 minutes, you can have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table in under an hour. That makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want to sacrifice flavor for convenience. Plus, this dish is versatile—you can enjoy it as a main course, serve it with bread, or even spoon it over rice for a complete meal.
Most importantly, this chili is a crowd-pleaser. The buffalo flavor is familiar yet exciting, the creaminess makes it approachable, and the toppings give everyone the chance to customize their own bowl. Once you serve it, don’t be surprised if people start asking you for the recipe.
Ingredients about Buffalo Chicken Chili
To make Buffalo Chicken Chili, you’ll need a few staple ingredients and some flavor-boosting additions. Each plays an important role in giving the chili its signature taste and texture.
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 large jalapeno, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- 3/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (or pepper jack/Colby Jack)
- 3 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 1 can (11 ounces) white beans, rinsed
- 1/4 cup cilantro
- Salt to taste
Garnishes: green onions, cheese, cilantro, sour cream, extra buffalo sauce
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Chili Directions
Making Buffalo Chicken Chili is easier than you might think. The recipe involves layering flavors step by step to ensure that every spoonful is rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Start by preparing your base. Place a large pot over medium heat and melt the butter. Once it’s hot, add the chopped onion and let it cook for 7 to 8 minutes. This step helps the onion soften and release its sweetness, which forms a balanced foundation for the chili. Next, stir in the diced jalapeno. Allow it to cook for 3 to 4 minutes, which brings out its flavor without making it overly spicy.
When the onion and jalapeno are fragrant, add the garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, but be careful not to let it burn since burnt garlic can taste bitter. Immediately after, pour in the chicken broth. This stops the garlic from cooking further and blends all the flavors together. Season the broth with salt, pepper, paprika, and the buffalo sauce. Let the mixture simmer for around 10 minutes so the spices can infuse into the broth.
Now comes the creamy element. Cut the cream cheese into small chunks and add them to the pot. Smaller pieces melt faster, giving you a smooth and velvety base. If you want an extra creamy consistency, you can use an immersion blender at this stage to combine the cream cheese fully into the broth before adding other ingredients.
Next, stir in the rinsed white beans and chunks of sharp cheddar cheese. The cheese will slowly melt into the broth, thickening it and adding richness. Once the cream cheese and cheddar are completely melted, add in the shredded chicken. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, make sure it’s shredded into bite-sized pieces so it incorporates easily. Let the chili simmer for a few more minutes until the chicken is heated through. Finally, stir in fresh cilantro right before serving for a pop of brightness.
To finish, ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with toppings like sliced green onions, a sprinkle of cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, and a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce. The toppings not only make the dish look appealing but also let you adjust the flavor with each bowl.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Chili
You can serve Buffalo Chicken Chili in several ways, and each one brings out a different quality of the dish. The most classic option is to enjoy it in a deep bowl with garnishes on top. The contrast of creamy soup, spicy sauce, and fresh toppings makes for a satisfying presentation. Pair it with crusty bread, garlic toast, or even a buttery dinner roll so you can scoop up every last drop.
Another way to serve it is over rice or quinoa. This stretches the meal further and makes it even more filling. You can also spoon it over baked potatoes or sweet potatoes for a fun twist on a chili-stuffed spud. If you’re hosting a gathering, set up a chili bar where everyone can customize their bowl with toppings like extra cheese, jalapenos, sour cream, tortilla chips, and fresh herbs.
This chili also pairs well with a fresh salad, which balances out the richness of the broth. A simple green salad with lemon dressing can provide a refreshing contrast. However you serve it, the key is to let the bold buffalo flavor shine while providing sides and toppings that complement its creaminess.
Expert Tips: Buffalo Chicken Chili
- Shred your chicken well: Make sure the chicken is pulled apart into small pieces so it blends smoothly into the chili without clumping together.
- Adjust spice carefully: The buffalo sauce adds heat, but you can reduce the jalapeno or choose a milder pepper if you prefer a less spicy version.
- Add cream cheese gradually: Cutting the cream cheese into small cubes helps it melt evenly without clumps.
- Don’t skip the beans: White beans add body and texture to the chili, making it heartier while soaking up the flavors of the broth.
- Toppings make a difference: Garnishes aren’t just decorative—they balance flavors and give each bite something extra.
These small details elevate the dish and ensure that your Buffalo Chicken Chili turns out flavorful, creamy, and satisfying every time.
How to Store Buffalo Chicken Chili
Buffalo Chicken Chili keeps well, making it a great option for meal prep. Let the chili cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat. You may need to add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the texture, as it can thicken in the fridge.
For longer storage, you can freeze the chili. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion. Frozen chili will stay fresh for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm it on the stove until heated through.
Variation of Buffalo Chicken Chili
This recipe is flexible, and you can make several variations to suit your taste. If you want a milder version, swap the jalapeno for a poblano pepper or skip it altogether. You can also adjust the buffalo sauce by adding less for a subtle flavor or more if you crave a bolder kick.
For a different protein, try using ground chicken or turkey instead of shredded chicken. This changes the texture slightly but still works beautifully with the creamy broth. If you’re vegetarian, you can skip the chicken and add extra beans or even chickpeas. The creaminess of the soup makes it satisfying even without meat.
Another variation is experimenting with cheese. While sharp cheddar provides a classic flavor, pepper jack brings heat, and Colby Jack gives a milder, melty finish. You can also add corn kernels for sweetness or diced bell peppers for extra crunch and color. The best part about this recipe is that it invites creativity—you can adjust it to your preferences and still end up with a comforting, flavorful meal.
FAQ about Buffalo Chicken Chili
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Chili ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when needed. The flavors actually deepen after sitting overnight.
What type of chicken works best for Buffalo Chicken Chili?
Rotisserie chicken is the easiest choice since it’s already cooked and flavorful. However, poached or baked chicken breasts also work well.
Is Buffalo Chicken Chili very spicy?
The spice level depends on how much buffalo sauce and jalapeno you use. You can make it mild by reducing the buffalo sauce or omitting the jalapeno seeds.
What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Chili?
It pairs perfectly with bread, rice, baked potatoes, or a fresh salad. Toppings like green onions, cheese, and sour cream also enhance the dish.
Buffalo Chicken Chili
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 large jalapeno diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp. pepper
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 6 oz cream cheese
- 3/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese or pepper jack/Colby Jack
- 3 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 1 can white beans (11 ounces, rinsed)
- 1/4 cup cilantro
- Salt to taste
- Garnishes green onions, cheese, cilantro, sour cream, extra buffalo sauce
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 7-8 minutes until soft.
- Add diced jalapeno and cook for 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and buffalo sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add cream cheese in small chunks and stir until melted. Optionally, use an immersion blender for a smoother texture.
- Stir in rinsed white beans and chunks of cheddar cheese. Once melted, add shredded chicken and simmer until heated through.
- Stir in fresh cilantro before serving. Ladle into bowls and garnish with toppings.
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