Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Crockpot buffalo chicken chili is a delicious and hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or simply want a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to please. With its rich flavors and protein-packed ingredients, it’s an easy one-pot dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Just toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it until mealtime.
• Flavorful: The combination of spices and buffalo sauce gives this chili a unique and zesty kick.
• Versatile: Enjoy it on its own or customize with your favorite toppings for a personalized touch.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Protein-Rich: Packed with chicken and beans, this chili is filling and nutritious.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. For this recipe, you’ll need a few essential kitchen gadgets to ensure smooth preparation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: The heart of this recipe, allowing for hands-off cooking while infusing flavors over time.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate amounts of spices are used for optimal flavor balance.
• Forks or hand mixer: Perfect for shredding chicken quickly after cooking.

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.

Main Ingredients

• 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
• 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
• 4 oz cottage cheese (blended)

How to Make Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Start by placing all the ingredients into your slow cooker except for the cream cheese and cottage cheese.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Stir all the ingredients in the slow cooker until well mixed. Ensure that everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: 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 fully 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 Creamy Elements

Add the cream cheese to the slow cooker and whisk until there are no lumps. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, cover again, and cook on low for another 30 minutes.

Step 6: Finish Up

Turn off your slow cooker. Quickly stir in the blended cottage cheese. Taste your chili for seasoning adjustments as needed before serving.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

Serve immediately while hot, impressing everyone around with this flavorful dish!

How to Serve Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Crockpot buffalo chicken chili is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to delight your taste buds. Whether you prefer it on its own or with toppings, there are plenty of options to elevate your meal.

Toppings

• Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle some cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top for a creamy texture.
• Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
• Avocado: Slices of avocado provide a rich, buttery flavor that complements the spice.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop adds creaminess and balances the heat.

Accompaniments

• Tortilla Chips: Serve with crunchy tortilla chips for added texture and fun.
• Cornbread: Pairing with warm cornbread makes for a hearty meal.
• Rice or Quinoa: Serving over rice or quinoa can make it more filling and nutritious.
• Salad: A light side salad can brighten up the meal and add freshness.

How to Perfect Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Making the perfect crockpot buffalo chicken chili is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to help you achieve that.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh veggies and herbs can enhance the overall flavor profile of your chili.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use mild varieties.
• Let It Simmer Longer: If time allows, cooking on low for 6 hours enhances the flavors as they meld together beautifully.
• Shred Chicken Properly: For even texture, shred the chicken finely, allowing it to absorb more sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Enjoying crockpot buffalo chicken chili is even better when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the chili’s rich broth.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds a nice crunch and contrast to the spiciness of the chili.
3. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes serve as an excellent base for spooning chili over them.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies offer a healthy side packed with flavor.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Filling bell peppers with rice or quinoa serves as a nutritious complement.
6. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts provide a deliciously crispy texture that pairs well with chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili can be a breeze, but some common mistakes can lead to less-than-ideal results. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Stick to the suggested cooking times and check for doneness.
• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Not tasting before serving can result in bland chili. Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end for maximum flavor.
• Skipping the Cream Cheese Step: Omitting cream cheese will affect the chili’s creamy texture. Make sure to whisk it in thoroughly after shredding the chicken.
• Using Regular Chicken Broth: Using high-sodium broth can make your chili too salty. Opt for low sodium chicken broth for a balanced flavor.
• Not Preparing Toppings in Advance: Waiting until serving time to prepare toppings can lead to last-minute stress. Gather all desired toppings beforehand for a smoother serving experience.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 3-5 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered chili in an oven-safe dish until warm throughout.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili that might help you out.

How spicy is Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili?

The spiciness depends on the type of buffalo sauce used. You can always start with less sauce and add more if you prefer more heat.

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes! Ground turkey works well as a substitute. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

What toppings go well with Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili?

Popular toppings include shredded cheese, green onions, sour cream, and tortilla strips for added crunch and flavor.

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with beans or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I thicken my chili?

If you prefer a thicker chili, let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes or add more beans or corn.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to suit your taste. This recipe is perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or game day gatherings. Give it a try and enjoy a hearty bowl of comfort!