Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is a game-changer for chili lovers! This hearty dish combines the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with the comforting elements of chili, creating an irresistible meal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, preparing a cozy family dinner, or looking for meal prep ideas, this recipe fits perfectly. It’s simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser due to its unique flavor profile and creamy texture.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it!
• Flavor Packed: The blend of buffalo wing sauce and ranch seasoning creates a rich, zesty taste.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main dish or served with sides like bread or rice.
• Crowd Favorite: Great for gatherings; everyone loves the spicy twist on traditional chili.
• Customizable: Adjust spice levels by adding more or less buffalo sauce according to your preference.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, you’ll want to gather your essential tools. Having the right kitchen equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, making it easy to prepare meals while you go about your day.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient portions for perfect flavor balance every time.

Ingredients

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is delicious, simple and award winning! This is the go-to when you are tired of boring chili recipes!

For the Chili Base

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 15 oz canned white navy beans (drained and rinsed)
• 14.5 oz can fire roasted tomatoes (drained)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 – 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (start with 1/4 cup)
• 1 package ranch dressing mix
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels

Seasonings

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried cilantro
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Creamy Finish

• 8 oz cream cheese
• Blue cheese crumbles (optional)

How to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground chicken until fully cooked.
2. Once browned, transfer it to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

1. Add all remaining ingredients except for the cream cheese and blue cheese crumbles.
2. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Add Cream Cheese

1. Place the block of cream cheese on top of the mixture.
2. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.

Step 4: Cook It Up

1. Set your slow cooker to cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.

Step 5: Stir in Cream Cheese

1. Once cooking time is up, stir the mixture well to incorporate the melted cream cheese.
2. Taste and add more buffalo wing sauce if desired.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Ladle into bowls and top with optional blue cheese crumbles, if using.
2. Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will elevate your chili experience.

With 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 vibrant color.
• Avocado Slices – Creamy avocado enhances flavor and adds healthy fats.
• Fresh Cilantro – Sprinkle cilantro for a refreshing touch that brightens the dish.

As a Dip

• Serve with Tortilla Chips – Use crispy tortilla chips to scoop up the chili for a fun twist.
• With Celery Sticks – For a healthier option, serve alongside celery sticks for dipping.

In a Bread Bowl

• Hollowed-Out Bread Rolls – Serve the chili in hollowed-out bread rolls for an edible bowl that’s perfect for soaking up every bite.

Over Rice or Quinoa

• Steamed Rice – Spoon the chili over steamed rice to create a hearty meal.
• Quinoa – Replace rice with quinoa for a protein-packed alternative.

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How to Perfect Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

For an even more delicious Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili, consider these helpful tips.

• seasoning choices – Don’t shy away from extra spices; they can enhance the flavor profile significantly.
• Use high-quality buffalo sauce – The sauce is key to the dish; select one that aligns with your taste preferences.
• Experiment with proteins – Try using shredded rotisserie chicken or turkey for different textures and flavors.
• Adjust cream cheese amount – Depending on your preference, you may want to use more or less cream cheese for creaminess.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Cornbread – Sweet and buttery cornbread complements the spice of the chili perfectly.
2. Garlic Bread – Toasted garlic bread is great for dipping into the chili.
3. Caesar Salad – A crisp Caesar salad adds freshness and balances out the richness of the chili.
4. Coleslaw – Crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm chili.
5. Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges make for hearty sides that absorb chili flavors well.
6. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is a simple yet flavorful dish. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of when making this recipe.

• Not Browning the Chicken: Failing to brown the ground chicken can result in a less flavorful chili. Always brown the chicken first for the best taste.
• Ignoring the Cream Cheese: Skipping the cream cheese means missing out on a creamy texture. Make sure to add it on top during cooking for richness.
• Overloading on Spices: Adding too many spices can overpower the dish. Stick to the recipe’s spice amounts for balanced flavor.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap ingredients can affect the overall taste. Opt for high-quality chicken and broth for a better chili experience.
• Not Adjusting Spice Levels: Everyone has different spice tolerances. Start with less buffalo sauce, then adjust according to your heat preference at the end.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Make sure the chili is completely cooled before refrigerating.

Freezing Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers, as liquid expands when frozen.

Reheating Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between each interval.
• Stovetop: Place chili in a pot over medium heat, stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili.

How spicy is Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili?

The spice level can vary based on how much buffalo sauce you use. Start with 1/4 cup and add more if desired.

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or beef if preferred, but this will alter the flavor profile slightly.

Is Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili healthy?

This chili is packed with protein from chicken and beans while remaining low in calories compared to traditional chilis.

What toppings go well with this chili?

Blue cheese crumbles are a popular choice, but avocado, cilantro, or sour cream also make great toppings!

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is a delightful twist on traditional chili recipes. It’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients or toppings. Try it today for a cozy meal that everyone will love!

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Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

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Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the bold and zesty flavors of buffalo chicken with the hearty warmth of chili. Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s game day, a cozy night in, or meal prepping for the week—this dish is both simple to prepare and consistently a crowd favorite. With a creamy finish from cream cheese and a customizable spice level, it’s an irresistible meal that satisfies cravings while delighting taste buds.

• Author: Noura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: High for 4 hours / Low for 8 hours
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 15 oz canned white navy beans (drained and rinsed)
• 14.5 oz can fire roasted tomatoes (drained)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 – 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
• 1 package ranch dressing mix
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 8 oz cream cheese

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Instructions

1. Brown the ground chicken in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add navy beans, tomatoes, chicken broth, buffalo wing sauce (start with 1/4 cup), ranch dressing mix, and corn to the slow cooker. Stir until combined.
3. Place cream cheese on top of the mixture, cover, and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
4. Once cooked, stir to incorporate melted cream cheese and adjust buffalo sauce for desired spice level.
5. Serve hot with optional toppings like blue cheese crumbles or sour cream.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 80mg