Warm up your evening with this flavorful Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe, a perfect mix of spicy, tangy, and comforting all in one bowl. This easy-to-make dish transforms simple ingredients into a hearty chili with a buffalo twist, ideal for any night when you crave something bold without the fuss. Whether you’re a fan of spicy chicken or just love a crockpot meal that fills the house with irresistible aromas, this recipe is your new go-to for cozy dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless preparation: Simply toss everything into your slow cooker and come back to a delicious meal.
Burst of bold flavors: The buffalo sauce brings a spicy kick balanced by creamy elements.
Comfort with a twist: Classic chili meets juicy shredded chicken with a zesty buffalo flair.
Family-friendly option: Customize the heat to suit everyone’s taste buds.
Perfect for busy days: Let your crockpot do the work while you focus on other things.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe is delightfully simple, yet each component plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From tender chicken to spicy sauce and hearty beans, the combination makes each bite satisfying and rich.

Chicken breasts or thighs: Provides tender, juicy protein that soaks up all the vibrant flavors.
Buffalo hot sauce: Adds that signature spicy and tangy buffalo taste.
Cream cheese: Gives the chili a creamy texture and helps mellow the heat.
Black beans and kidney beans: Boosts protein and fiber while adding hearty texture.
Diced tomatoes: Brings brightness and a mild acidity to balance the chili.
Onions and garlic: The flavor backbone that adds depth and aroma.
Chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and infuses savory notes throughout the chili.
Chili powder and cumin: Spices that enhance the warmth and complexity of the dish.

Variations for Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak and personalize. No matter your taste preferences or dietary needs, you can adjust ingredients to make it just right for you.

Spicy kick up: Add extra cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for those who crave more heat.
Lower spice level: Use mild buffalo sauce or reduce hot sauce for a gentler flavor.
Vegetarian version: Substitute shredded chicken with jackfruit or extra beans.
Dairy-free: Replace cream cheese with coconut cream or cashew cream for creaminess.
Extra veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for added color and nutrition.

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe to Try Tonight

How to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by rinsing and draining the beans, dicing the onion and garlic, and setting aside the chicken breasts or thighs. Having everything prepped means you’ll get to bask in the wonderful aromas sooner.

Step 2: Combine in the Slow Cooker

Layer the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, chili powder, and cumin in your slow cooker. Place the chicken breasts on top and pour the buffalo hot sauce over everything.

Step 3: Slow Cook on Low

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The long, slow cooking tenderizes the chicken and allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

Step 4: Shred Chicken and Add Cream Cheese

Once cooked through, shred the chicken right in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir in the cream cheese until melted and completely mixed in for that smooth, creamy finish.

Step 5: Final Taste and Adjustments

Taste your chili and adjust seasoning if needed. Add salt, pepper, or more hot sauce to hit your perfect balance. Then, it’s ready to serve and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh onion and garlic will elevate your chili’s flavor.
Slow cooker size matters: A 4-6 quart slow cooker is ideal to avoid overfilling and ensure even cooking.
Shred chicken carefully: Shred the meat directly in the cooker for minimal cleanup and more soaking of flavors.
Adjust cream cheese timing: Adding cream cheese at the end preserves its creamy texture without curdling.
Layer flavors: Toasting spices lightly before adding can boost their aromatic qualities.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe

Garnishes

Top your chili with cool, crunchy garnishes like chopped green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, or a dollop of sour cream to balance the heat and add texture.

Side Dishes

Pair your buffalo chicken chili with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve chili in small bread bowls, over rice, or even stuffed in baked potatoes to mix things up at your dinner table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chili in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Freezing

This chili freezes beautifully. Store portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to three months for easy grab-and-go meals.

Reheating

Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave individual servings until piping hot.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can start with frozen chicken, but increase the cooking time to ensure it thoroughly cooks and reaches a safe temperature.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The heat level depends on the buffalo sauce used. You can easily adjust the spiciness by choosing milder sauces or adding less hot sauce.

Can I make this recipe in an instant pot instead of a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Use the pressure cook function for about 20 minutes and then shred the chicken before adding cream cheese and finishing with the sauté feature.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can swap cream cheese for sour cream, Greek yogurt, or dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream to keep the chili creamy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, naturally. Just make sure your buffalo sauce and broth are labeled gluten-free, as ingredients may vary by brand.

Final Thoughts

Trying this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe is like inviting warmth and bold flavor to your dinner table with minimal fuss. It’s simple to prepare, versatile to customize, and satisfying to eat, making it the perfect cozy meal for any night. Give it a go and discover your new favorite chili that brings a delightful buffalo twist to classic comfort food!

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe

Print Recipe

Warm up your evening with this flavorful Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili, a perfect blend of spicy buffalo sauce, tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and hearty beans. This easy slow cooker recipe delivers bold, comforting flavors with minimal effort — ideal for cozy dinners and customizable to suit your heat preference or dietary needs.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs

Vegetables and Beans

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce

Dairy

4 oz cream cheese

Spices

1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin

Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients: Rinse and drain the black beans and kidney beans. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Set aside the chicken breasts or thighs.
Combine in the Slow Cooker: Layer the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, diced onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, chili powder, and cumin in the slow cooker. Place the chicken breasts on top, then pour the buffalo hot sauce evenly over everything.
Slow Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Shred Chicken and Add Cream Cheese: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir in the cream cheese until it melts completely and blends smoothly into the chili.
Final Taste and Adjustments: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed by adding salt, pepper, or more hot sauce to reach your desired flavor and heat level. Serve warm.

Notes

Use fresh onion and garlic to elevate the chili’s flavor.
A 4-6 quart slow cooker is ideal to ensure even cooking and avoid overfilling.
Shred the chicken directly in the cooker to soak in more flavor and reduce cleanup.
Add cream cheese at the end to maintain a creamy texture without curdling.
Lightly toasting chili powder and cumin before adding can boost their aromatic qualities.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 800 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 7 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: buffalo chicken chili, slow cooker chili, buffalo sauce recipe, crockpot chicken chili, spicy chicken chili, gluten free chili