Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is the perfect meal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. This dish combines tender chicken, zesty spices, and wholesome ingredients into a comforting bowl of goodness. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also ideal for meal prepping and packed with protein. Whether you’re hosting game day or just looking for a hearty dinner, this chili will surely satisfy your cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Simply toss all the ingredients into your crockpot and let it do the work for you.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and Buffalo sauce creates a bold flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Healthy Ingredients: With lean chicken and beans, this chili is nutritious and filling without being heavy.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main dish or served with your favorite toppings, making it customizable for everyone.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for a quick meal later on!
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools can make cooking Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili even easier. Here’s what you need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Forks or hand mixer (for shredding chicken)
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This is essential for cooking the chili slowly to develop deep flavors while keeping the chicken tender.
- Mixing bowls: Useful for combining ingredients before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Measuring spoons: Helps ensure accurate measurements of spices for consistent flavor every time.
Ingredients
Crockpot buffalo chicken chili is a super simple one pot meal that uses whole ingredients, is packed with flavor, great for meal prepping, and full of protein.
For the 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)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by gathering all the ingredients listed above. This ensures you have everything ready to go.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker
Place all of the other ingredients (in order) except the cream cheese and cottage cheese into the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Step 3: Cook the Chili
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks or a hand mixer to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 5: Add Cream Cheese
Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. Add in the cream cheese and whisk it in until smooth without lumps. Cover again and cook on low for another 30 minutes.
Step 6: Stir in Cottage Cheese
Turn off the slow cooker and quickly stir in the blended cottage cheese for added creaminess.
Step 7: Taste and Serve
Taste your chili for seasoning adjustments as desired. Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy!
How to Serve Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili
Crockpot buffalo chicken chili is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you prefer it plain or loaded with toppings, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
Classic Toppings
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spice.
- Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for extra flavor and a gooey texture.
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions provide a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
Crunchy Additions
- Tortilla Chips: Serve with crunchy tortilla chips for scooping or as a side for added texture.
- Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread pairs perfectly, soaking up the chili’s rich flavors.
Fresh Garnishes
- Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness and complements the spices beautifully.
- Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over your chili for a zesty kick.
How to Perfect Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili
Perfecting your crockpot buffalo chicken chili is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.
- Use Quality Chicken: Start with fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the amount of Buffalo sauce according to your heat preference; add more for extra spice!
- Incorporate Vegetables: Adding bell peppers or diced onions can enhance flavor and nutrition.
- Allow Time to Simmer: Letting the chili cook longer allows flavors to meld together, creating a richer taste.
- Blend Cottage Cheese Well: Ensure the cottage cheese is blended smoothly to avoid lumps in your chili.
- Taste Before Serving: Always taste before serving and adjust seasonings as needed for perfect flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili
Pairing side dishes with crockpot buffalo chicken chili can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delicious options that complement this hearty dish perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: This classic side is perfect for dipping into the chili and adds a savory touch.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad provides freshness and crunch that balances the richness of the chili.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and contrasts nicely with the warm chili.
- Baked Potatoes: Serve baked potatoes topped with butter and chives alongside your chili for a filling combo.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf serves as a great base to soak up the flavorful broth.
- Stuffed Peppers: These delicious peppers can be filled with rice, beans, or cheese for an extra hearty bite.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili, avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your cooking experience and result in a tastier dish.
- Not seasoning adequately – Many forget to taste for seasoning. Always check the flavor before serving and adjust with salt or spices as needed.
- Using frozen chicken – If you place frozen chicken directly into the crockpot, it may not cook evenly. Thaw the chicken beforehand for better results.
- Ignoring cook times – Overcooking can dry out the chicken. Follow the recommended cook times closely to ensure juicy and tender meat.
- Skipping the cream cheese step – The cream cheese adds richness and creaminess. Don’t skip this step; whisk it in until smooth for the best texture.
- Forgetting toppings – Toppings elevate your chili’s flavor and presentation. Consider adding cheese, green onions, or sour cream for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in a baking dish covered with foil. Heat until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave – Place chili in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until hot (about 2-3 minutes).
- Stovetop – Pour chili into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until heated through (about 5-10 minutes).
Frequently Asked Questions
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is full of flavors and perfect for any occasion. Here are some common questions related to this recipe.
Can I make Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili spicy?
You can adjust the spice level by adding more buffalo sauce or including diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
What are some popular chili toppings?
Common toppings include shredded cheese, chopped green onions, sour cream, and avocado slices. Customize based on your preference!
How do I know when my chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before shredding the chicken.
Can I substitute other beans in this chili?
Yes! You can substitute cannellini beans with black beans or kidney beans based on your taste preference.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is a delightful meal that combines heat and heartiness in one pot. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various toppings or ingredients based on what you have on hand. Give it a try; you’ll love how simple and delicious it is!
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is your go-to dish for satisfying cravings on busy weeknights or during cozy gatherings. This hearty meal features tender chicken simmered in a zesty blend of spices, beans, and fire-roasted tomatoes, delivering a flavor explosion in every bite. Not only is it easy to prepare—just toss the ingredients into the crockpot—but it’s also perfect for meal prepping, packed with protein, and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re hosting game day or simply looking for a comforting dinner option, this chili is sure to please.
- Total Time: 43 minute
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 cans (10 ounces each) fire-roasted tomatoes and green chiles
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans
- 1/2 cup Frank’s Buffalo Sauce
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 4 ounces cottage cheese (blended)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients and place them (except cream cheese and cottage cheese) in a slow cooker.
- Stir thoroughly to mix the ingredients well.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
- Add cream cheese, whisk until smooth, then let it cook on low for an additional 30 minutes.
- Stir in blended cottage cheese before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Adjust spice level by adding more Buffalo sauce or diced jalapeños. For added nutrition, consider incorporating bell peppers or other vegetables. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
