Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Crockpot buffalo chicken chili is a delightful dish that brings bold flavors to your table with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or cozy gatherings, this easy one-pot meal is sure to impress. Loaded with protein and wholesome ingredients, it embodies comfort food at its finest while being simple enough to prepare for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, dinner is ready without the fuss.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of spices and buffalo sauce brings a spicy kick that elevates traditional chili.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week, making it ideal for meal prepping.
Versatile Toppings: Customize each bowl with your favorite toppings for added flavor and texture.
Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with lean chicken and beans, it’s a nutritious option that satisfies cravings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker
Mixing bowls
Measuring spoons
Forks or hand mixer

Importance of Each Tool

Slow cooker: This is the star of the show! It allows you to cook your chili low and slow, enhancing flavors without constant supervision.
Mixing bowls: These are perfect for prepping and combining ingredients before they go into the slow cooker.
Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements ensure your chili has the perfect balance of spices.

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 Flavoring

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 the 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 mixed.

Step 2: Cook on Low or High

Cover with the lid. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours or 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. Then add back in the shredded chicken.

Step 5: Final Cooking Phase

Cover with the lid again and cook on low for another 30 minutes.

Step 6: Incorporate Cottage Cheese

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

Step 7: Serve

Serve immediately in bowls, topped with your favorite garnishes if desired, and enjoy!

How to Serve Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Crockpot buffalo chicken chili is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a hearty dinner, there are plenty of serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Fresh Toppings

Sliced Avocado: Adds creaminess and balances the heat.
Chopped Cilantro: A fresh herb that enhances flavors.
Diced Red Onion: Provides a crunchy and sharp contrast.
Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully on top, adding richness.

As a Soup

Serve in Bowls: Enjoy it as a soup with crusty bread on the side.
Top with Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can cool down the spice.

In Wraps or Tacos

Use Tortillas: Spoon the chili into tortillas for a fun twist.
Add Lettuce and Tomatoes: Fresh veggies add crunch.

Over Rice or Quinoa

Serve on a Bed of Rice: Pairs well with fluffy white rice or brown rice.
Quinoa Option: For a protein boost, serve over cooked quinoa.

How to Perfect Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Perfecting your crockpot buffalo chicken chili involves paying attention to ingredients and cooking times. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality spices enhance flavors significantly.
Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer milder chili, reduce the buffalo sauce or add more beans.
Shred Chicken Well: Ensure the chicken is shredded finely for better texture throughout.
Incorporate Broth Gradually: Add broth slowly if you prefer a thicker consistency.
Let It Rest: Allowing the chili to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving can improve flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Pairing side dishes with your crockpot buffalo chicken chili can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options to consider:

Cornbread: A sweet and buttery addition that complements the chili’s flavors.
Garden Salad: Fresh greens with a light vinaigrette offer a refreshing contrast.
Garlic Breadsticks: Perfect for dipping into the chili, providing satisfying crunch.
Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice with herbs adds texture and depth to your meal.
Steamed Vegetables: Lightly seasoned mixed veggies bring color and nutrients to your plate.
Baked Potatoes: Serve chili over baked potatoes for a filling twist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to keep your dish perfect.

Not seasoning enough – Failing to season your chili can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Overcooking the chicken – Cooking chicken for too long can dry it out. Aim for the recommended cooking times to keep it juicy.
Forgetting to shred the chicken – Shredding the chicken is crucial for even distribution in the chili. Make sure to do this step after cooking.
Skipping the cream cheese – Omitting cream cheese can result in a less creamy texture. Don’t skip this ingredient for that velvety finish.
Using regular broth – Regular broth may contain too much sodium. Opt for low-sodium varieties to control salt levels in your dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Allow chili to cool before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
Label containers with date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot, about 2-4 minutes total.
Stovetop – Warm slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili.

Can I use different types of beans in my Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili?

Yes! You can substitute with black beans or kidney beans if you prefer.

How spicy is this Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili?

The spice level depends on the brand of buffalo sauce used. You can adjust by adding more or less sauce according to your preference.

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with chickpeas or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I thicken my Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili?

You can add more cream cheese or blend in some cornmeal for a thicker consistency.

What toppings go well with Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili?

Consider toppings like avocado, cilantro, shredded cheese, or tortilla chips for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level. Give this recipe a try—you’ll enjoy its hearty flavors, and it’s perfect for meal prep!