Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Crockpot buffalo chicken chili is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors with wholesome ingredients. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Packed with protein and bursting with taste, it’s a versatile meal that you can serve on its own or customize with your favorite toppings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Simple Preparation: Just toss in the ingredients and let your slow cooker do the work.
• Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of spices and buffalo sauce creates a deliciously spicy kick.
• Nutrient-Packed: With chicken, beans, and vegetables, this chili is loaded with protein and fiber.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Customizable Toppings: Serve it plain or dress it up with your favorite garnishes like cheese, avocado, or green onions.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This allows for hands-free cooking, letting flavors meld beautifully over time.
• Mixing bowls: Great for preparing ingredients before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures precise spice measurements for consistent flavor.
• Forks or hand mixer: Perfect for shredding chicken quickly and easily.

Ingredients

Crockpot buffalo chicken chili uses whole ingredients to create a filling and flavorful meal.

For the Base

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 2 teaspoon 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)

How to Make Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Measure out spices and open cans to have everything ready for cooking.

Step 2: Combine in Slow Cooker

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

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 cooked through.

Step 4: 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 5: Add Creamy Ingredients

Add the cream cheese into the slow cooker, whisking until there are no lumps remaining. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot.

Step 6: Final Cooking Phase

Cover with the lid again and cook on low for another 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 7: Stir in Cottage Cheese

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

Step 8: Serve

Serve immediately in bowls, garnished with your choice of toppings if desired. Enjoy your hearty bowl of crockpot buffalo chicken chili!

How to Serve Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Crockpot buffalo chicken chili is a versatile dish that can be served in many delicious ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal experience.

With Toppings

• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spice.
• Shredded Cheese – Use cheddar or Monterey Jack for an extra cheesy touch.
• Green Onions – Chopped green onions add freshness and a mild onion flavor.
• Avocado Slices – Creamy avocado complements the chili’s flavors perfectly.

In a Bread Bowl

• Bread Bowl – Hollow out a sourdough loaf and fill it with chili for an edible serving dish.

Over Rice or Quinoa

• Rice – Spoon the chili over white or brown rice for a hearty meal.
• Quinoa – For a protein-packed option, serve it over quinoa instead of rice.

With Tortilla Chips

• Tortilla Chips – Serve with crispy tortilla chips for dipping; they add crunch and texture.

How to Perfect Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

To ensure your crockpot buffalo chicken chili turns out delicious every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and spices enhance the flavor profile of your chili.
• Adjust Spice Levels – Control the heat by adding more or less buffalo sauce according to your taste.
• Let It Rest – Allowing the chili to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors.
• Experiment with Beans – Try using different beans like black beans or kidney beans for variety.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

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

1. Cornbread – This sweet and crumbly bread pairs wonderfully with chili.
2. Garden Salad – A fresh salad adds crunch and lightness to the meal.
3. Coleslaw – The tangy flavor of coleslaw complements the spiciness of the chili.
4. Grilled Vegetables – Charred veggies provide a smoky taste that balances out the heat.
5. Baked Potatoes – Serve baked potatoes as a filling side; they can also be topped with chili!
6. Garlic Breadsticks – Soft, buttery breadsticks are perfect for dipping into any leftover chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Using frozen chicken breasts – Frozen chicken can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure you use thawed, boneless skinless chicken breasts for the best results.
• Skipping the seasoning – Neglecting to add enough spices can dull flavors. Follow the recipe closely and consider adjusting spices to suit your taste.
• Ignoring cooking times – Overcooking or undercooking can ruin your chili. Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165°F, and stick to the recommended cooking times.
• Not shredding the chicken properly – Leaving large chunks of chicken will affect texture. Shred thoroughly with forks or a hand mixer for uniformity.
• Forgetting about toppings – Toppings enhance flavor and presentation. Don’t skip adding your favorite chili toppings like avocado, cilantro, or cheese!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Allow the chili to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion as it freezes.

Reheating Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F and place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop – Heat over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili.

Can I use other meats for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute turkey or beef for chicken if you prefer a different flavor profile.

How spicy is Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili?

The spice level can vary based on the buffalo sauce used. Start with less sauce if you’re sensitive to heat and adjust according to taste.

What are some good toppings for this chili?

Popular toppings include avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, skip the cream cheese and cottage cheese or use plant-based alternatives.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe can be doubled easily; just ensure your slow cooker has enough capacity.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is not only simple but also deliciously versatile. You can customize it with various proteins and toppings based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for meal prep or cozy dinners!

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Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is a deliciously satisfying dish that brings together the zest of buffalo sauce and the heartiness of a classic chili. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe allows you to enjoy a protein-packed meal with minimal effort. Simply toss in wholesome ingredients like tender chicken, beans, and vibrant veggies into your slow cooker, and let them meld together for hours. The result is a flavorful and creamy chili that can be served on its own or customized with your favorite toppings. Great for meal prep, this versatile dish is sure to become a family favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cans fire roasted tomatoes and green chiles
• 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
• 4 oz cottage cheese (blended)
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 2 – 15 ounce cans cannellini beans

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients and measure spices.
2. Add chicken, tomatoes, corn, beans, spices, buffalo sauce, and chicken broth to the slow cooker; stir well.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is cooked through.
4. Remove chicken, shred it using two forks or a hand mixer.
5. Mix in cream cheese until smooth, then return shredded chicken to the pot.
6. Cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to meld flavors.
7. Stir in blended cottage cheese before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 80mg