Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is the ultimate comfort food that combines rich flavors and healthy ingredients in one dish. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for busy weeknights, gatherings, or meal prep. With tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and hearty beans, this chili packs a punch while being nutritious and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it at a game day party or enjoying it on a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Simply add all the ingredients to the crockpot and let it do the work for you.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of spices and buffalo sauce creates a deliciously bold flavor.
• Meal Prepping Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Protein-Rich: Loaded with chicken and beans, it’s an excellent source of protein for your meals.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve with your favorite toppings or sides for a customizable experience.

Tools and Preparation

To ensure your Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili turns out perfectly, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

this recipe

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Perfect for slow cooking the chicken and blending flavors over time.
• Mixing bowl: Useful for blending cottage cheese until smooth before adding to the chili.

Ingredients

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is made with wholesome ingredients that contribute to its great taste and texture.

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 the Ingredients

Add all of the other ingredients (in order) except the cream cheese and cottage cheese to the slow cooker. Stir everything together to combine well.

Step 2: Cook the Chili

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 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 Cream Cheese

Add the cream cheese into the slow cooker. Whisk it in until there are no lumps remaining.

Step 5: Finish Cooking

Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. Cover with the lid again and cook on low for another 30 minutes.

Step 6: Stir in Cottage Cheese

Turn off the slow cooker. Quickly stir in the blended cottage cheese until well combined.

Step 7: Taste and Serve

Taste for seasoning and adjust as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili!

How to Serve Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Crockpot buffalo chicken chili is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or having a cozy family dinner, serving this chili with the right toppings and sides can elevate your meal to the next level.

Toppings for Your Chili

• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spice.
• Chopped Green Onions – Fresh green onions provide a nice crunch and vibrant color.
• Shredded Cheese – Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully over hot chili.
• Avocado Slices – Creamy avocado slices add richness and healthy fats.
• Crushed Tortilla Chips – For added texture, sprinkle crushed chips on top for crunch.
• Fresh Cilantro – A sprinkle of cilantro brings freshness and enhances flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• In a Bread Bowl – Serve the chili in hollowed-out bread rolls for a fun twist.
• With Rice or Quinoa – Spoon the chili over cooked rice or quinoa for extra heartiness.
• On Nachos – Use it as a topping for nachos, layered with cheese and jalapeños.
• As a Dip – Serve it warm as a dip with tortilla chips or pita bread on the side.

How to Perfect Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

To make sure your crockpot buffalo chicken chili turns out delicious every time, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance both flavor and texture, making this dish a favorite in your home.

• Use Quality Chicken – Choosing high-quality chicken breasts ensures better flavor and tenderness.
• Adjust Spice Levels – Modify the amount of buffalo sauce according to your heat preference.
• Let it Cook Low and Slow – Cooking on low allows flavors to meld perfectly, so try not to rush it.
• Blend Cottage Cheese Well – Blending cottage cheese helps it incorporate smoothly into the chili without lumps.
• Taste Before Serving – Always taste your chili before serving; adjust seasoning as needed for perfection.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Pairing side dishes with your crockpot buffalo chicken chili can enhance its flavors and create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delightful options that complement this hearty dish perfectly.

1. Cornbread – Sweet cornbread is an excellent match to soak up all the delicious chili broth.
2. Garden Salad – A fresh garden salad adds crispness and balances the richness of the chili.
3. Garlic Breadsticks – Soft garlic breadsticks offer a satisfying side perfect for dipping.
4. Coleslaw – Creamy coleslaw provides crunch and cooling contrast to the spicy chili.
5. Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned roasted veggies bring additional nutrients and textures to your meal.
6. Potato Chips – Crunchy potato chips serve as both a snack and an excellent side dish to enjoy alongside.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Using frozen chicken breasts: While it may seem convenient, cooking frozen chicken can lead to uneven cooking. Always thaw your chicken for even results.
• Overloading on spices: Adding too many spices can overpower the dish. Stick to the recommended amounts and taste as you go for balance.
• Neglecting the creaminess: Forgetting to add cream cheese or blending cottage cheese can make your chili less creamy. Ensure you mix in these ingredients well for the best texture.
• Skipping the broth: Not using enough chicken broth can result in a dry chili. Always measure correctly to achieve a perfect consistency.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust seasonings at the end can lead to bland chili. Don’t skip this step for maximum flavor!

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers because liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili?

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is a flavorful one-pot meal made with shredded chicken, beans, corn, and spicy buffalo sauce, cooked slowly for rich flavors.

How long does it take to cook Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili?

Cooking time varies; it typically takes 4-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Always ensure the chicken is fully cooked before serving.

Can I customize my Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili?

Yes! You can add different beans or vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of buffalo sauce used.

Is this recipe healthy?

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is packed with protein from chicken and beans while being relatively low in calories. Using low-fat cream cheese and cottage cheese also helps keep it healthy.

What toppings go well with Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili?

Popular toppings include shredded cheese, green onions, sour cream, or avocado slices. Feel free to get creative with your favorite toppings!

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is not just a meal; it’s an experience packed with flavor and warmth. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients and toppings based on preference or dietary needs. Try this recipe today and enjoy a hearty dish perfect for any occasion!

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Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

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• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 56 minute
• Yield: Serves about 6 people 1x

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Description

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is the perfect blend of hearty comfort and bold flavors, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or gatherings. This easy-to-make dish features tender chicken simmered in zesty buffalo sauce, combined with nutritious beans and vegetables for a satisfying meal. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to enjoy rich flavors without the fuss. Whether served on game day or during a cozy night in, this chili is sure to impress everyone at the table. With customizable toppings and a healthy profile, it’s a recipe that caters to various tastes and dietary needs.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 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
• 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
• 4 oz cottage cheese (blended)
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

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Instructions

1. Add all ingredients except cream cheese and cottage cheese to the slow cooker; stir to combine.
2. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is cooked through.
3. Remove chicken; shred using two forks or a hand mixer.
4. Mix in cream cheese until smooth, then return shredded chicken to the pot.
5. Cook on low for an additional 30 minutes.
6. Stir in blended cottage cheese until well incorporated.
7. Adjust seasoning if necessary; serve hot.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4–6 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: For added creaminess, ensure cream cheese is fully blended before adding it to the chili. Customize by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spice levels with more or less buffalo sauce. Serve with toppings like sour cream, avocado slices, or shredded cheese for extra flavor.