Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Published: December 26, 2025

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Preparation: Just toss the ingredients into your crockpot and let it do the work while you relax or tackle other tasks.
Flavorful and Hearty: The combination of spices and creamy textures creates a deliciously satisfying meal that warms you up from the inside out.
Versatile Meal: Perfect for game days, family gatherings, or cozy nights in, this chili fits any occasion.
Healthy Ingredients: Made with wholesome chicken and beans, this recipe is nutritious without sacrificing taste.
Easy Leftovers: This chili stores well in the fridge, making it great for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother. Here are some essential items you’ll need to prepare your crockpot buffalo chicken chili efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker
Mixing bowl
Forks or hand mixer
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Slow cooker: The star of this recipe! It allows for hands-off cooking, letting flavors meld beautifully over low heat.
Mixing bowl: Great for combining ingredients before adding them to your slow cooker, ensuring an even mix.
Forks or hand mixer: Essential for shredding the cooked chicken quickly and effortlessly 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.

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 Veggies and Beans

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

For Flavor and Creaminess

1/2 cup Frank’s 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

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. Cover with the lid.

Step 2: Cook the Chili

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 Creamy Elements

Add the cream cheese into the slow cooker. Whisk it in until there are no lumps. Then, return the shredded chicken back into the pot. Cover with the lid again and cook on low for another 30 minutes.

Step 5: Final Touches

Turn off the slow cooker. Quickly stir in the blended cottage cheese to add creaminess to your chili.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste for seasoning and adjust as desired before serving immediately. Enjoy your delightful crockpot buffalo chicken chili!

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 hosting a gathering or just enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your chili experience.

Top with Fresh Garnishes

Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh crunch and mild onion flavor.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a burst of herbaceousness that complements the spices.
Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado adds richness and balances the heat of the chili.

Pair with Crunchy Toppings

Tortilla Chips: Use crispy tortilla chips for dipping or sprinkling on top for added texture.
Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack melts beautifully over hot chili.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream offers creamy contrast and cools down the spiciness.

Serve with Bread

Crusty Bread: A slice of hearty bread is perfect for soaking up every bit of flavorful broth.
Cornbread: Sweet cornbread adds a delightful touch that pairs wonderfully with spicy chili.

How to Perfect Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

For the best results with your crockpot buffalo chicken chili, keep these tips in mind. They will help enhance flavors and ensure perfect texture every time.

Bold seasoning: Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to your taste. More chili powder or cumin can intensify the flavor.
Quality chicken: Use high-quality, fresh chicken breasts for better taste and texture after cooking.
Layer ingredients properly: Add ingredients in layers to promote even cooking and flavor distribution.
Monitor cooking time: Cooking it too long can dry out the chicken, so keep an eye on the time based on your slow cooker settings.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Pairing side dishes with crockpot buffalo chicken chili can enhance your meal’s overall flavor profile. Here are some excellent options to consider:

Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up leftover chili; its buttery garlic flavor complements the dish well.
Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and a slight tang that contrasts beautifully with the spiciness of the chili.
Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf serves as a great base to balance the bold flavors of the chili.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a healthy, colorful side that pairs well with rich dishes.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with vegetables offers a nutritious addition without overpowering flavors.
Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes are another great option to soak up extra sauce while adding heartiness to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the best Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili, steer clear of these common pitfalls.

Using too much liquid – Adding excess broth or sauces can make your chili watery. Stick to the ingredient amounts for a perfect consistency.
Skipping the seasoning – Failing to measure spices accurately can lead to bland flavors. Always follow the recipe for optimal taste.
Not shredding the chicken properly – Leaving large chunks of chicken can affect texture. Shred it finely for even distribution throughout the chili.
Overcooking the cream cheese – If you cook cream cheese too long, it may curdle. Add it towards the end of cooking and stir gently.
Ignoring storage guidelines – Improper storage can lead to spoilage. Make sure to store leftovers correctly for future meals.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili in an airtight container.
It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
It can be kept for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe dish in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until hot.
Stovetop – Reheat over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries about Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili.

What can I serve with Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili?

You can pair this chili with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Can I make it spicy?

Absolutely! Adjust the heat by adding more hot sauce or including diced jalapeños for extra kick.

How do I customize my Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also substitute beans based on your preference.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This chili is perfect for meal prepping as it stores well and tastes great reheated.

What other toppings go well with this chili?

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

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients and toppings. Perfect for meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try today!

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