why make this recipe

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is perfect for anyone looking for a hearty, flavorful dish without spending too much time in the kitchen. This recipe is a great combination of spicy buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and nutritious beans and vegetables. It’s easy to prepare, thanks to the slow cooker, which does all the heavy lifting for you. Whether you are hosting a game day party, feeding a busy family, or simply craving a comforting bowl of chili, this dish is a fantastic way to serve up warmth and flavor.

Buffalo chicken chili is not just another ordinary chili; it brings the exciting taste of buffalo wings to a nutritious meal. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying dish. Plus, everyone loves a bowl of chili, and this version will surely be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

how to make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

Making Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is a straightforward process. Just follow these steps to create a delicious meal that will warm you up from the inside out.

Ingredients :

1 lb boneless chicken breasts
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions and cheese for serving (optional)

Directions :

Place the Chicken
Start by placing the boneless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. This will be the base of your chili, and the chicken will absorb all the upbeat flavors from the ingredients you’ll add next.
Add the Beans
Pour in the drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans. These beans will add protein and fiber to your chili, making it hearty and filling.
Add the Diced Tomatoes
Next, add the can of diced tomatoes along with their juices. The tomatoes will create a rich and tasty sauce that will soak into the chicken and beans.
Add the Vegetables
Toss in the chopped celery, bell peppers, and onion. These vegetables not only add flavor but also provide great texture and nutrition to your dish.
Pour in the Liquids
Next, carefully add the chicken broth and buffalo sauce. The buffalo sauce is what gives this chili its unique kick, so make sure to choose a brand you love!
Add the Spices
Sprinkle the garlic powder, cumin, and season with salt and pepper to taste. These spices will enhance the flavors of the chili even further.
Stir Everything Together
Use a large spoon to gently stir and mix all of the ingredients in the slow cooker. You want everything to be well combined.
Cook
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This long cooking time allows the flavors to merge perfectly, and the chicken will become incredibly tender.
Shred the Chicken
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, carefully shred the chicken right in the slow cooker using two forks. This will make it easier to mix into the chili.
Serve
Ladle the chili into bowls while it’s hot. You can top it with chopped green onions and cheese if desired. This adds a nice finishing touch to your dish.

how to serve Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

Serving Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is simple yet appealing. Spoon the chili into individual bowls, and let your guests or family members add their own toppings. Chopped green onions and shredded cheese are popular choices.

For a complete meal, consider serving this chili with some crusty bread or warm tortillas on the side. You might also want to provide a salad or some fresh fruit to balance the meal. This dish also pairs beautifully with some crunchy tortilla chips.

When you are serving at a gathering, it’s a good idea to place your chili in a big serving bowl and allow people to serve themselves. This way, you can enjoy time with your guests without being stuck in the kitchen.

how to store Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

If you have leftovers, you’re in luck! Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili stores very well in the refrigerator and can also be frozen for longer storage. Here’s how to properly store it:

In the Refrigerator

Allow the chili to cool down to room temperature before storing.
Transfer the leftover chili into an airtight container and seal it tightly.
Refrigerate and use within 3-4 days for the best flavor and quality.

In the Freezer

To freeze, make sure the chili is completely cooled first.
Place it in a freezer-safe container or use a zip-top freezer bag.
Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Label and date the container, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until completely warmed through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water if the chili thickens too much while stored.

tips to make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

Choosing the Right Chicken: Use boneless chicken breasts for a leaner option. If you prefer, you can also use boneless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Adjusting Spice Level: The buffalo sauce varies in heat. If you prefer a milder chili, use a milder buffalo sauce or reduce the amount of sauce you add.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add additional vegetables like corn, zucchini, or carrots to sneak in more nutrition.
Make it Creamy: If you like a creamier chili, consider stirring in a small amount of cream cheese or sour cream just before serving.
Taste Testing: Spice levels can be subjective, so make sure to taste your chili before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, or spices to suit your personal taste.

variation (if any)

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili can be easily modified based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few variations you might want to try:

Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with extra beans or textured vegetable protein (TVP) and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Different proteins: Instead of chicken, you can use ground turkey or beef for a different texture and taste.
Creamy Buffalo Chili: Add cream cheese or heavy cream just before serving for a rich and creamy texture.
Spicy Kick: Toss in diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper if you like a spicier chili.

FAQs

Can I make this chili in advance?

Yes, this chili can be made ahead of time. It reheats well and the flavors continue to develop after it sits, making it great for meal prep.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just note that you may need to increase the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Chili?

Toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions are great. You can also serve it with bread, tortilla chips, or even over rice.

Is Buffalo Chicken Chili healthy?

This chili can be a healthy meal option, as it is packed with protein from the chicken and beans, along with plenty of vegetables. Just be mindful of the buffalo sauce, as it can add extra sodium.

How spicy is this chili?

The spice level depends on the brand of buffalo sauce you use. You can always adjust the amount according to your preference for heat.

Using this basic and simple recipe, you can easily create a delightful meal that everyone will enjoy. Enjoy your cooking!

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

Author: everly
Total Time: 255 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and flavorful Buffalo Chicken Chili made in a slow cooker, combining spicy buffalo sauce with tender chicken and nutritious beans.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless chicken breasts
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions and cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

Place the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans.
Add the can of diced tomatoes along with their juices.
Add the chopped celery, bell peppers, and onion.
Pour in the chicken broth and buffalo sauce.
Add the garlic powder, cumin, and season with salt and pepper.
Stir everything together gently.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Shred the chicken before serving.
Serve hot, topping with green onions and cheese if desired.

Notes

Great for meal prep; this chili can be made ahead of time and reheats well.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 240 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 10g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: chili, buffalo chicken, slow cooker, comfort food, easy recipe