Perfect Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Experience the perfect blend of buffalo chicken and hearty chilli with Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili. This easy slow cooker recipe combines tender shredded chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, beans, corn, and chilli spices for a comforting, flavorful dish. Ideal for busy weeknights or game days, it’s a simple crowd-pleaser to make and full of bold, satisfying flavours.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to prepare this savoury dish, from the best ingredients to step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and how to customize the recipe to suit your preferences.

Why Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili?

Using a crockpot (or slow cooker) for this dish offers multiple advantages:

Hands-off Cooking: Once you add your ingredients to the crockpot, the appliance does the hard work for you. There is no need to stand over a stove or worry about timing—simply set the slow cooker and go about your day.
Perfectly Tender Chicken: Slow cooking makes the chicken incredibly tender, making it easy to shred and helping all the flavours infuse beautifully into the meat.
Rich Flavor Development: Slow cooking for several hours deepens the flavours of the buffalo sauce, chilli spices, and vegetables, creating a more complex, delicious chilli.

Ingredients for Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need:

Core Ingredients:

Chicken breasts (2-3 large pieces): Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well for this recipe. They shred easily once cooked, absorbing the buffalo and chilli flavours.
Buffalo wing sauce (1/2 to 1 cup): The heart of the buffalo flavour. Feel free to modify the quantity based on your preferred level of spiciness.
Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): These provide a rich base for the chilli.
Chicken broth (2 cups) keeps the chilli saucy and helps blend the flavours.
Cannellini or navy beans (1 can): Adds creaminess and heartiness.
Black beans (1 can): Another layer of texture and nutrition.
Corn (1 cup, frozen or canned): Adds sweetness and balance to the spice.
Ranch dressing mix (1 packet): A unique seasoning enhances the buffalo flavour.
Cream cheese (4 oz): To add creaminess to the chilli.
Chilli powder (1-2 tablespoons): Adds depth and a classic chilli spice flavour.
Garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin: For added seasoning and complexity.

Optional Toppings:

Sour cream: An excellent topping that balances the spice.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds richness and melts perfectly over the warm chilli.
Chopped green onions: For a fresh, crunchy garnish.
Tortilla chips: Serve alongside the chilli for a crunchy contrast.

Step-by-Step Preparation of Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, gather all the ingredients. Drain and rinse the beans, chop the chicken if needed, and set up the crockpot on a sturdy surface.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot

Begin by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Then, add the buffalo wing sauce and chicken broth. Toss the diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, black beans, and corn. Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix, chilli powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder over the top. Gently stir to combine, but it’s OK if all the ingredients aren’t thoroughly mixed.

Step 3: Cook on Low for 6-8 Hours

Set your crockpot to cook on low for 6-8 hours. Slow cooking at this temperature makes the chicken tender, and the flavours meld together without rushing. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 4-5 hours, but the low-and-slow method yields the best results.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the chilli is done cooking, remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and place them on a cutting board. Employ two forks to shred the chicken, which should come apart effortlessly. Add the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix it into the chilli.

Step 5: Add Cream Cheese

Dice the cream cheese into cubes and add them to the crockpot. Stir well, allowing the cream cheese to melt into the chilli, creating a rich, creamy texture. This step adds a lovely balance to the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasonings

Taste your Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili at this point. If you want more heat, you can stir in additional buffalo sauce. A bit more cream cheese or a handful of shredded cheddar can add extra richness. Adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the chilli into bowls and serve with your favourite toppings. Sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, and tortilla chips are classic choices that complement the flavours beautifully.

Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Chili

Control the Heat: If you dislike spice, start with a more minor buffalo sauce (1/2 cup) and taste the chilli before adding more. You can also choose a mild buffalo sauce or mix it with regular hot sauce for a balanced heat level.
Texture Variations: You can add diced bell peppers or carrots for a chunkier chilli at the start of cooking. For a smoother, creamier chilli, stir in extra cream cheese or even a bit of heavy cream toward the end of cooking.
Protein Swap: Chicken breasts are a popular choice to substitute boneless chicken thighs for a juicier, richer flavour. You can even use ground chicken for a different texture altogether.
Make It Vegetarian: If you want a meatless version, swap the chicken for additional beans, such as kidney or pinto beans. You can also incorporate additional vegetables, such as zucchini or cauliflower, for added substance.

Storage and Reheating the Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Buffalo Chicken Chili stores well and makes for fantastic leftovers. Store the chilli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—perfect for meal prepping or when you need a quick, comforting meal.

Warm it in the microwave or over the stove until heated. After refrigeration, you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water if the chilli thickens too much.

Pairing Ideas with Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and drinks:

Cornbread: A sweet, fluffy cornbread on the side helps balance the spiciness.
Side Salad: A light, refreshing salad with ranch dressing complements the buffalo flavours.
Beer or Cider: A crisp beer, especially a pale ale or lager or a sweet apple cider, pairs wonderfully with the rich, spicy flavours of the chilli.

Conclusion

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is an easy, delicious dish perfect for those who love the bold, spicy flavours of buffalo chicken wings but want the heartiness of traditional chilli. With minimal prep and a few hours in the slow cooker, you’ll have a flavorful, comforting meal ready to enjoy. Whether you feed a crowd on game day or make a cosy family dinner, this chilli will become a regular in your meal rotation.

Try it out today, and don’t forget to customize the recipe to make it your own. With endless variations, this Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili will always keep things exciting!