If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful meal that warms you up on chilly days, then Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is your answer. This dish combines the zesty, spicy flavors of buffalo chicken with the comforting essence of chili. You can easily prepare it in your slow cooker, perfect for busy days or casual gatherings. With tender chicken, creamy textures, and a delightful kick, it’s a recipe that brings comfort and satisfaction to your table effortlessly.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe
This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili isn’t just another meal; it’s an experience. The blend of spices and ingredients creates a dish that excites the taste buds. You’ll love how easily everything comes together, letting you enjoy the day while your slow cooker does all the work. Whether you’re home alone or entertaining friends, this chili serves as a delightful centerpiece. Plus, it’s versatile enough for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or prefer milder flavors, you can adjust the recipe to your liking. The combination of tender chicken, creamy elements, and zesty flavors makes it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
To create this scrumptious chili, you’ll need the following ingredients:
List of Ingredients with Measurements
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken breasts
- 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 (15-ounce) cans fire-roasted tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken stock or broth
- 1 cup buffalo or hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons dried chives
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon each of dried dill, onion powder, paprika, and kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 8 ounces cream cheese (or Greek yogurt)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Toppings to taste (sour cream, shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, etc.)
How to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Directions
Making this buffalo chicken chili is straightforward, allowing you to focus on other tasks while it cooks to perfection. Begin by gathering all your ingredients and prepping your slow cooker.
- Start with your slow cooker. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they lay flat at the bottom. Next, pour in the two cans of drained and rinsed white beans along with the two cans of fire-roasted tomatoes. The tomatoes will add a rich flavor and texture to your chili.
- Now it’s time to add the liquid. Pour in four cups of chicken stock or broth, which will provide the necessary moisture for the dish. Then, take your cup of buffalo or hot sauce and mix it in. This is where the heat and flavor come into play.
- To enhance the tastes, sprinkle in the dried chives, garlic powder, dried dill, onion powder, paprika, kosher salt, and chili powder. Each spice adds its unique touch, contributing to an overall harmonious flavor profile.
- Once everything is in the slow cooker, close the lid securely. If you’re in a hurry, set your slow cooker to high and cook for about four hours. Alternatively, for deeper flavors, set it to low for 6-8 hours.
- After the cooking time, carefully remove the lid. You’ll notice the enticing aroma wafting through your kitchen. Using two forks, shred the chicken breasts on a clean cutting board. This step is essential to get that delicious chicken mixed throughout the chili.
- Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, stirring well to combine with the other ingredients. This ensures each bite is packed with flavor.
- Finally, add the cream cheese or Greek yogurt to the pot. Stir until it melts and mixes into the chili, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- As a finishing touch, sprinkle your chopped cilantro into the slow cooker and give it one last stir. This adds a fresh, herbal note that elevates the dish.
- Serve the chili hot and enjoy. Pair it with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, and crushed tortilla chips for a delightful crunch.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
When it comes to serving your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili, presentation can enhance the dining experience. Start by ladling the chili into bowls or deep plates. You want to make it inviting and warm. Next, consider your toppings: a generous dollop of sour cream can cut through the spice, while shredded cheese adds richness. Crushed tortilla chips provide a fantastic crunchy contrast, making each bite more enjoyable.
For a complete meal, consider offering some warm bread or cornbread on the side. It’s perfect for dipping into the chili. If you’re hosting a gathering, set up a topping bar so guests can personalize their bowls. Offer sour cream, shredded cheddar, diced green onions, and perhaps some extra hot sauce for those who crave additional heat. The idea is to make each serving as exciting as possible.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
To ensure your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips:
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to heat, consider reducing the amount of buffalo sauce or choosing a mild version. You can always add more spice afterward.
- Using Fresh Chicken: For the best results, use fresh chicken breasts rather than frozen ones. They cook more evenly and shred beautifully.
- Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to tweak the spice blend to fit your taste. Whether it’s increasing the garlic powder or adding your favorite spices, make it your own.
- Check for Consistency: If the chili is too thick once it’s done, you can always add a bit more chicken stock to thin it out.
- Make it Ahead: This chili is perfect for meal prep. You can make a large batch and store it for easy meals later in the week.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on the cilantro or toppings. They can greatly enhance the dish’s flavor and presentation.
- Use Leftovers Creatively: If you have extra chili, consider using it to top baked potatoes, nachos, or as a filling for quesadillas.
How to Store Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
If you happen to have leftovers or want to prepare the dish ahead of time, storing your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is simple. Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. This will help preserve its flavors and prevent it from becoming soggy.
For short-term storage, you can keep the chili in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
If you want to store it for a longer time, consider freezing it. Place the cooled chili in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving a little extra space as it might expand. This way, you can enjoy this delightful dish for up to three months straight from your freezer.
When you’re ready to eat it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Variation of Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
There are countless ways to customize your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili to keep things exciting. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Add Vegetables: Incorporating veggies can enhance the nutrition and flavor of your chili. Consider adding bell peppers, corn, or zucchini. Just chop them up and add them to the slow cooker with the other ingredients.
- Different Proteins: If chicken isn’t your favorite, you could experiment with other proteins. Ground turkey or beef can easily replace chicken. Just adapt the cooking time slightly based on the protein you choose.
- Spicy Version: If you want an extra kick, consider chopping up fresh jalapeños or adding diced green chilies to the mix. Fresh herbs like parsley or green onions can also add freshness and depth.
- Creamy Options: Instead of cream cheese, you can use a dairy-free alternative if you want to keep it lighter or accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Flavor Experiments: Try different sauces aside from buffalo sauce — teriyaki or BBQ sauce can create unique flavors that alter the entire dish.
- Cheesy Twist: For cheese lovers, you can stir some shredded cheese directly into the chili as you finish cooking to create a melty, indulgent texture.
- Southwest Style: Incorporate black beans instead of white beans, and top your chili with avocado for a Southwest twist.
FAQ
What is Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili?
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is a comforting dish combining shredded chicken, beans, tomatoes, and spices with a flavorful buffalo sauce. It’s easy to prepare in a slow cooker, making it perfect for busy days.
How spicy is the Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili?
The spiciness can be adjusted based on your preference by altering the amount of buffalo sauce you use. You can make it mild or fiery, depending on your taste.
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
While fresh chicken is ideal for optimal shredding and cooking, you can use frozen chicken. Just remember it may extend the cooking time.
How long can I store leftovers of Buffalo Chicken Chili?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days. You can freeze chili for up to three months for longer storage.
What toppings can I use for Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili?
Popular toppings include sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, diced green onions, and crushed tortilla chips. You can adapt your toppings based on your preferences.
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and use a plant-based alternative, such as jackfruit or additional beans, and adjust the cooking time as needed.
How do I thicken the chili if it’s too soupy?
If your chili is too thin, you can add a bit more cream cheese or let it simmer uncovered for a while to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, mixing in a cornstarch slurry can also help thicken it.
Is there a way to make this chili ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare it a day in advance, refrigerate it overnight, and reheat it before serving. It also freezes well for meal prepping.
What can I serve alongside Buffalo Chicken Chili?
Serve your chili with cornbread, warm tortillas, or even a simple green salad for a complete meal experience that your guests will love.
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts Use fresh chicken for better shredding
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed 15-ounce cans
- 2 cans fire-roasted tomatoes 15-ounce cans
- 4 cups chicken stock or broth
- 1 cup buffalo or hot sauce Adjust to taste for spice level
- 8 oz cream cheese or Greek yogurt For creaminess
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro For garnish
Spices
- 2 teaspoons dried chives
- 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
Toppings
- to taste sour cream For serving
- to taste shredded cheese For serving
- to taste crushed tortilla chips For serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients and prep your slow cooker.
Cooking
- Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker, laying them flat at the bottom.
- Add the drained and rinsed white beans and fire-roasted tomatoes to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the chicken stock or broth followed by the buffalo sauce.
- Sprinkle in the dried spices: chives, garlic powder, dill, onion powder, paprika, kosher salt, and chili powder.
- Close the lid securely and set the slow cooker to high for about 4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
- After the cooking time, use two forks to shred the chicken on a cutting board.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well to combine.
- Add the cream cheese or Greek yogurt and stir until melted and mixed into the chili.
- Sprinkle the chopped cilantro into the slow cooker and give it one last stir.
Serving
- Serve the chili hot, garnished with toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, and crushed tortilla chips.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!