The gentle simmer of a slow cooker can transform ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili—a sumptuous blend of creamy goodness with a spicy kick that’s bound to warm your soul. This dish not only fills the belly but also caters to busy weeknights; it requires minimal prep time and lets the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. Perfect for a casual family dinner or a game-day gathering, this chili is hearty, comforting, and truly a game-changer for anyone tired of the same mundane meals. Are you ready to dive into a bowl of this deliciousness? Why Is This Chili So Special? Creaminess is the star of the show, with a luscious blend of cream cheese creating a dreamy texture that sets it apart from your typical chili. Easy Prep means you can throw everything in the slow cooker and carry on with your day, making this the perfect solution for busy schedules. Spicy Kick from the buffalo wing sauce offers a delightful zing that jazzes up every spoonful. Versatile Ingredients make it simple to swap out any components, like using rotisserie chicken or adding extra veggies as in the Tzatziki Chicken Veggie recipe. Lastly, it’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, just like our delicious Buffalo Chicken Tacos. Get ready to impress your friends and family! Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Ingredients Discover the simple ingredients that make this recipe a winner! For the Chili Base Ground Chicken – A lean protein that keeps the dish light but filling. Canned White Navy Beans – Adds creaminess and fiber; great northern beans can be a substitute. Fire Roasted Tomatoes – Infuses a smoky flavor into the mix; fresh diced tomatoes work too for a lighter taste. Chicken Broth – The essential liquid that gives depth; vegetable broth is a lighter option. Buffalo Wing Sauce – Delivers a spicy kick; start with 1/4 cup and adjust according to your heat preference. Ranch Dressing Mix – Provides creamy, tangy notes to the chili; feel free to use homemade seasoning instead. For Extra Flavor Frozen Corn Kernels – Offers sweetness and a satisfying crunch; canned corn is an alternative but should be drained. Onion Powder – Adds a savory depth of flavor; can be replaced with fresh onions if preferred. Garlic Powder – Enhances the aroma and taste; fresh minced garlic could substitute for a stronger punch. Celery Salt – Complements the overall seasoning profile; regular salt can also be used in its place. Dried Cilantro – Provides a hint of freshness; swap with fresh cilantro for an even brighter taste. For Creaminess Cream Cheese – The secret ingredient that makes this chili creamy and rich; Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative after cooking. Optional Garnish Blue Cheese Crumbles – A tangy finish to your servings; feel free to skip if you’re not a fan. With these ingredients, your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili will soon become a favorite on your dinner table! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Step 1: Brown the Chicken In a large skillet, brown 1 pound of ground chicken over medium heat until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. This step enhances the flavors before adding it to the slow cooker. If you prefer a time-saver, you can skip this and place the raw chicken directly into the slow cooker instead. Step 2: Combine the Ingredients Transfer the browned ground chicken to your slow cooker. Add in 2 cans of white navy beans, 1 can of fire-roasted tomatoes, 2 cups of chicken broth, and 1/4 cup of buffalo wing sauce. Sprinkle in the ranch dressing mix, 1 cup of frozen corn, and your seasonings: onion powder, garlic powder, celery salt, and dried cilantro. Stir until everything is well mixed. Step 3: Add Cream Cheese For that creamy texture in your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili, place a block of cream cheese on top of the ingredients without stirring it in just yet. This allows the cream cheese to melt slowly during cooking, adding a rich flavor. Cover the slow cooker with its lid, ensuring a tight seal to trap the heat. Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection Set your slow cooker to cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours. As it simmers, the flavors meld beautifully while the cream cheese becomes luscious. Keep an eye on it during the last hour, and enjoy the delicious aromas filling your kitchen. Step 5: Stir and Taste Once the cooking time is up, remove the lid and stir the chili well to incorporate the melted cream cheese. The chili should have a creamy consistency and savory aroma. Taste and adjust the heat by adding more buffalo sauce if desired, based on your spice preference. Step 6: Serve and Garnish Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot. For an extra touch, sprinkle blue cheese crumbles on top if you like a tangy finish. Pair with crusty bread or over rice for a hearty meal that’s perfect for cozy evenings or game-day gatherings. Enjoy your flavorful Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili! How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow the chili to cool before refrigerating to maintain its creamy texture. Freezer: This chili can be frozen for up to a month. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring to leave space for expansion. Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. Stir well to recombine the creamy texture. Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for an easy, comforting meal whenever the craving strikes! Make Ahead Options These Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili options are excellent for busy weeknights, making meal prep a breeze! You can prepare the chili ingredients, except for the cream cheese, up to 24 hours in advance. Simply brown the ground chicken and combine it with the beans, tomatoes, chicken broth, buffalo wing sauce, corn, and seasonings in the slow cooker. Cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to enjoy, add the cream cheese on top without mixing in, and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. This method ensures the chili retains its delicious flavor and creamy texture, so you can savor restaurant-quality results with minimal effort! Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Ingredient Swap: If you’re short on time, use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground chicken for an even quicker meal. Ideal Heat Level: Start with a cautious amount of buffalo wing sauce, as it’s easier to add more spice than to tone it down later. Cook Time Caution: Monitor your cooking time carefully; overcooking can lead to mushy beans, compromising the chili’s texture. Thicker Chili: If you prefer a thicker consistency, blend a portion of the beans before adding them to the slow cooker. Flavor Boost: Consider adding fresh herbs like oregano or parsley for an extra layer of flavor in your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili. Storage Reminder: Store leftovers in an airtight container; the chili can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer enjoyment. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Variations Feel free to let your culinary creativity shine while making this delicious chili—each twist enhances the flavor experience! Shredded Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground chicken for a quicker prep. This adds convenience and flavor. Veggie Boost: Toss in diced bell peppers or green onions for added texture and nutrition. They bring a fresh crunch to every bite. Different Beans: Swap white navy beans for black beans or pinto beans for a unique flavor profile. Each option offers a delightful twist! Cheese Change: Substitute cream cheese with a blend of shredded cheddar and cream for a new cheesy goodness. It adds a delightful richness to the chili. Heat Level Adjustment: For extra heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. It’ll give your chili a fiery kick that spicy food lovers will adore. Fresh Herbs: Replace dried cilantro with fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of freshness right before serving. This simple addition elevates the dish beautifully. Corn Variation: If you want a touch of sweetness, roast the corn before adding it to the chili. This caramelization enhances the flavor and gives a lovely crunch. Serving Style: Serve the chili over rice or stuffed in baked sweet potatoes for a delicious twist. This makes for a heartier, comforting meal! For more satisfying recipes, try our Grilled BBQ Chicken or indulge in some Marry Chicken Pasta. Enjoy experimenting! What to Serve with Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Looking to create a comforting meal around your delicious chili? Here are some mouthwatering ideas that will elevate your dining experience. Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping, a warm loaf adds a satisfying crunch that balances the creamy chili beautifully. A bit of garlic butter brushed on top takes it to another level! Cornbread Muffins: Soft, sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful contrast to the spiciness of the chili. Their tender texture soaks up all that rich flavor you’ll want every bite to be memorable. Creamy Coleslaw: Fresh, crunchy slaw serves as a refreshing side. The tangy dressing and crisp veggies provide a nice balance, making it a delightful palate cleanser amid the chili’s heat. Cilantro Lime Rice: Light and zesty, this rice dish adds a burst of flavor to your plate. The cilantro and lime brighten the meal, providing a perfect counterpoint to the richness of the chili. Spicy Pickles: A zingy side that packs a punch! The tanginess of pickles complements the spicy kick of the chili and brings an exciting contrast to the creamy texture. Ranch Dressing Dip: Pair it with veggies for a fresh, crunchy side. The creamy ranch enhances the palate and ties in beautifully with the ranch seasoning in your chili. Blue Cheese Wedges: If you love blue cheese in your chili, serve some alongside. The bold, tangy flavors elevate each bite, enriching the overall experience. Apple Pie: End the meal on a sweet note with warm apple pie. The cinnamon apple filling acts as a soothing counterbalance to the chili’s heat, making it a perfect finish. Let your imagination soar with these pairings, and enjoy the cozy charm that your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili brings to your table! Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe FAQs What type of ground chicken should I use? You can use lean ground chicken for a lighter option, which also provides a milder flavor. If you’re looking for convenience and flavor, shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic alternative that saves time! How do I store Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili? After cooking, allow your chili to cool completely. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chili in freezer-safe containers for up to a month. Just make sure to leave some space for expansion! Can I freeze this chili? Absolutely! To freeze your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili, transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers after it has cooled. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until bubbly, stirring to recreate its creamy texture. Why is my chili too watery? If your chili turns out watery, it may be due to using too much broth or not letting it simmer long enough. To fix this, you can let it cook longer uncovered to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, blend a portion of the beans to thicken the chili without losing its creaminess. Can I adjust the spice level in the chili? Very! If you prefer a milder chili, start with a 1/4 cup of buffalo wing sauce and gradually adjust to your taste. You can also balance the heat by adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt when serving, which will provide a cooling effect. Is this chili safe for my dog to eat? Feeding your dog human food can be tricky. While the main ingredients may not be harmful, avoid giving your pet anything seasoned or with ranch dressing mix. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods into your dog’s diet. Creamy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili for Cozy Nights A delicious blend of creamy ingredients and spicy Buffalo flavor perfect for busy nights. Experience the warmth of Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 4 hours hrsTotal Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: ChickenCuisine: AmericanCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chili Base1 pound Ground Chicken Lean protein2 cans White Navy Beans Can substitute with great northern beans1 can Fire Roasted Tomatoes Smoky flavor; fresh diced tomatoes can be used2 cups Chicken Broth Vegetable broth can be a lighter option1/4 cup Buffalo Wing Sauce Adjust according to heat preference1 packet Ranch Dressing Mix Homemade seasoning can substituteFor Extra Flavor1 cup Frozen Corn Kernels Canned corn should be drained1 teaspoon Onion Powder Can be replaced with fresh onions1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can substitute1 teaspoon Celery Salt Regular salt can be used1 teaspoon Dried Cilantro Use fresh cilantro for a brighter tasteFor Creaminess8 ounces Cream Cheese Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternativeOptional Garnish1/2 cup Blue Cheese Crumbles Skip if not a fan Equipment Slow Cooker Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a large skillet, brown the ground chicken over medium heat until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.Transfer the browned chicken to slow cooker. Add navy beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, buffalo sauce, ranch mix, corn, and seasonings. Stir well.Place the cream cheese on top without stirring. Cover the slow cooker.Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.Stir the chili well to incorporate the melted cream cheese, adjust seasonings if needed.Ladle into bowls and garnish with blue cheese crumbles if desired. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 8gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 3.5mg NotesFor faster prep, use shredded rotisserie chicken. Monitor cooking time to avoid mushy beans. Blend beans for thicker chili. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
