Crockpot buffalo chicken chili is the ultimate comfort food that combines ease and flavor in one hearty dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this recipe packs a punch with spicy buffalo sauce and nourishing ingredients. With just a few simple steps, you can create a wholesome meal that’s both satisfying and protein-rich.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: Simply toss all your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of spices and buffalo sauce makes each bite bursting with taste.
Versatile Dish: This chili works well as a main course or even as a game-day appetizer.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a large batch to enjoy throughout the week, saving time on meal prep.
Nutrient-Rich: Loaded with protein from chicken and beans, this dish is both filling and healthy.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this flavorful recipe, gather your essential tools for an effortless cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Forks or hand mixer

Importance of Each Tool

Slow cooker: This appliance allows for hands-off cooking, ensuring your meal simmers to perfection while you go about your day.
Mixing bowl: A must-have for combining ingredients easily before adding them to the slow cooker.
Whisk: Ideal for blending cream cheese into the chili without any lumps, creating a creamy texture.
Forks or hand mixer: These tools help shred the chicken efficiently once it’s cooked.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Chili Base

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 cup frozen corn
2 – 10 ounce cans fire roasted tomatoes and green chiles
2 – 15 ounce cans cannellini beans
1/2 cup Franks Buffalo Sauce
2 cups low sodium chicken broth

For Creaminess

4 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
4 oz cottage cheese (blended)

How to Make Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients listed above. This preparation will ensure that you have everything ready to go when you start cooking.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Add all of the other ingredients (in order) except the cream cheese and cottage cheese to the slow cooker.
Stir everything together until well mixed.
Cover with the lid.

Step 3: Cook the Chili

Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken breasts are fully cooked through.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker using tongs.
Use two forks or a hand mixer to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Add Creamy Ingredients

Add the cream cheese into the slow cooker.
Whisk it in until there are no lumps remaining.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, cover with lid, and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes.

Step 6: Final Touches

Turn off the slow cooker and quickly stir in the blended cottage cheese.
Taste for seasoning and adjust as desired.

Step 7: Serve

Serve immediately in bowls, garnished with your favorite toppings if desired, and enjoy!

How to Serve Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Crockpot buffalo chicken chili is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in several delicious ways. Whether served on its own or accompanied by various toppings, this chili will satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul.

Toppings

Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the heat.
Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions provide a crunchy texture and a burst of flavor.
Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top for an extra layer of richness.
Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices offer a refreshing contrast to the spicy chili.
Crushed Tortilla Chips: Add some crunch with crushed tortilla chips for a delightful texture.

Serving Bowls

Bread Bowls: Serve your chili in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and edible presentation.
Rice or Quinoa Bowls: Spoon the chili over cooked rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.

How to Perfect Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

To make your crockpot buffalo chicken chili truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips:

Bold seasoning: Adjust the spices to your liking. More chili powder can heighten the flavor profile if desired.
Quality broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth for better control over saltiness in your dish.
Fresh ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables instead of frozen ones for enhanced flavor and texture.
Proper cooking time: Ensure you follow the recommended cooking times for tender chicken; avoid overcooking to keep it juicy.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Pairing side dishes with your crockpot buffalo chicken chili can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:

Cornbread: Sweet, fluffy cornbread complements the spiciness of the chili perfectly.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a healthy crunch and vibrant color to your meal.
Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad provides a crisp contrast to the rich flavors of the chili.
Baked Potatoes: Serve baked potatoes topped with butter as a filling side that pairs well with chili.
Guacamole and Chips: Creamy guacamole alongside crunchy tortilla chips adds an extra layer of flavor.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring warmth and depth to your dinner table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can affect the flavor and texture.

Using too much liquid – Adding excess broth or sauces can make your chili watery. Stick to the specified amounts for the best consistency.
Not shredding the chicken properly – Failing to shred the chicken into small pieces can result in uneven flavors. Use two forks or a hand mixer to ensure it’s well incorporated.
Overcooking or undercooking the chicken – Cooking times are crucial. Always check that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature before serving.
Skipping seasoning adjustments – Taste your chili before serving! Adjust spices and seasonings as needed for better flavor.
Not allowing time for flavors to meld – Rushing the cooking process can lead to bland results. Letting it cook longer develops richer flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Allow the chili to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Leave space at the top of the container for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in a covered dish for about 30 minutes.
Microwave – Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Stovetop – Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili.

What can I serve with Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili?

You can serve this chili with tortilla chips, cornbread, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Can I use other proteins besides chicken?

Yes! You can substitute turkey or even beef if desired. Just adjust cooking times as necessary.

Is Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili spicy?

The spice level depends on how much buffalo sauce you add. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat.

How do I store leftovers of Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice levels. This one-pot meal is perfect for busy days when you crave something hearty and comforting, so give it a try!