Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Crockpot buffalo chicken chili is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and wholesome ingredients into a comforting one-pot meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this recipe showcases the ease of slow cooking while delivering a hearty and satisfying chili. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress with its savory taste and protein-packed goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it!
• Flavorful & Satisfying: The combination of spices and sauces creates a deliciously bold flavor profile that everyone will love.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch in advance for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize with your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, or fresh herbs for added flavor and texture.
• Protein-Packed: With chicken and beans as key ingredients, this chili provides a healthy dose of protein.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather these essential tools before you start. Having the right equipment ensures everything runs smoothly while preparing your delicious crockpot buffalo chicken chili.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Forks or hand mixer

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: The heart of this recipe! It allows for hands-free cooking and melds flavors beautifully over time.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients before adding them to the slow cooker, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements are key in achieving the perfect balance of spices in your chili.

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 Chicken 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

For the Vegetables and Beans

• 1 cup frozen corn
• 2 – 10 ounce cans fire roasted tomatoes and green chiles
• 2 – 15 ounce cans cannellini beans

For the Sauce

• 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 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 combined.

Step 2: Cook

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

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

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

Step 4: Add Creaminess

Add the cream cheese into the slow cooker. Whisk it in until there are no lumps remaining. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot, cover, and cook on low for another 30 minutes.

Step 5: Finish Up

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

Step 6: Serve

Serve immediately and enjoy your hearty bowl of crockpot buffalo chicken chili!

How to Serve Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Crockpot buffalo chicken chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or simply enjoying a cozy night at home, here are some delicious serving suggestions.

Serve with Tortilla Chips

• Crunchy tortilla chips complement the chili’s creaminess and add texture to each bite.

Top with Avocado

• Creamy avocado slices enhance the flavors and provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy chili.

Garnish with Fresh Cilantro

• Chopped cilantro adds a fresh herbaceous note that brightens up the dish and balances the spices.

Add Shredded Cheese

• A sprinkle of shredded cheese melts beautifully over the hot chili, adding richness and flavor.

Pair with Sour Cream

• A dollop of sour cream provides a cool contrast to the heat, making each spoonful even more enjoyable.

Serve in Bread Bowls

• For a fun twist, serve the chili in hollowed-out bread bowls for an edible container that’s perfect for dipping.

How to Perfect Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Creating an exceptional crockpot buffalo chicken chili requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

• Choose Quality Chicken – Using fresh, high-quality chicken breasts ensures maximum flavor and tenderness in your chili.
• Adjust Spice Levels – Feel free to modify the amount of buffalo sauce based on your spice tolerance; start small and add more as needed.
• Use Low-Sodium Broth – Opting for low-sodium chicken broth helps control the sodium levels while still providing rich flavor.
• Mix Well – Properly mixing all ingredients before cooking ensures that flavors meld together during the slow-cooking process.
• Shred Chicken Thoroughly – Shredding the chicken finely allows it to soak up more of the chili’s flavors, enhancing every bite.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning – Always taste your chili before serving; adjust spices or add salt and pepper as needed for optimal flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

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

1. Cornbread – Sweet cornbread complements the spicy chili perfectly; serve warm with butter for added richness.
2. Garden Salad – A fresh garden salad with crisp greens and vegetables offers a light contrast to the hearty soup.
3. Coleslaw – Crisp coleslaw adds crunch and tang, balancing out the richness of the chili beautifully.
4. Rice – Serving over fluffy rice helps absorb extra sauce while adding heartiness to your meal.
5. Pickled Jalapeños – For those who love extra heat, pickled jalapeños provide a zesty kick that pairs well with buffalo flavors.
6. Guacamole – Smooth guacamole adds creaminess and fresh flavors that enhance the overall dish experience.
7. Vegetable Sticks – Raw veggie sticks like carrots or celery can offer a refreshing crunch alongside your warm bowl of chili.
8. Pita Bread – Soft pita bread is perfect for scooping up chili, adding another layer of flavor and texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili can be easy, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Overcooking the chicken: If you leave the chicken in too long, it can dry out. Stick to the recommended cooking times for juicy chicken.
• Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough spices can lead to bland chili. Make sure to measure your spices accurately for maximum flavor.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Cheap or expired ingredients can ruin the taste. Always choose fresh and high-quality items for the best results.
• Not shredding the chicken properly: If you don’t shred the chicken well, it won’t mix evenly with the rest of the ingredients. Use two forks or a hand mixer for even shreds.
• Neglecting cream cheese blending: Failing to blend in the cream cheese thoroughly can result in lumps. Whisk it in well after adding.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

• Allow chili to cool completely before freezing.
• Freeze in portions using freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power until hot, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will still provide delicious flavor.

How spicy is Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili?

The spice level depends on your buffalo sauce choice. Adjust the amount based on your preference.

Can I add vegetables to this chili?

Absolutely! Feel free to toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or any veggies you enjoy.

What are some good toppings for this chili?

Consider avocado, green onions, or shredded cheese for added flavor and texture.

How do I store leftover Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili?

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

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is not only easy to prepare but also versatile and flavorful. It’s perfect for meal prepping and can easily be customized with your favorite toppings or additional vegetables. Give this recipe a try; you may find it quickly becomes a family favorite!