This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is the perfect fusion of spicy buffalo flavor and hearty chili. Made with ground chicken, white beans, corn, and a creamy base of cream cheese, this dish brings both heat and comfort in one bowl. It’s perfect for a cozy meal or for serving at a gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and Spicy: The combination of buffalo sauce and cream cheese creates a creamy, spicy base that’s full of flavor.
- Easy to Make: This slow cooker recipe requires minimal prep and allows you to let the slow cooker do all the work.
- Versatile: Serve it on its own or top it with your favorite toppings like blue cheese or cilantro for added flavor.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Kid-Friendly: The chili can be made less spicy by adjusting the buffalo sauce, making it suitable for everyone.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 15 oz canned white navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 14.5 oz can fire roasted tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried cilantro
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese
- Blue cheese crumbles (optional, for topping)
Directions
- Brown the Chicken: Brown the ground chicken in a skillet until fully cooked. Transfer it to the slow cooker.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the beans, fire roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing mix, corn, and seasonings to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
- Add Cream Cheese: Place the block of cream cheese on top of the mixture.
- Cook: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
- Stir & Serve: Once the cooking time is up, stir the cream cheese into the chili and adjust the buffalo sauce to taste. Serve topped with blue cheese crumbles if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 (about 1 cup each)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (on high) or 8 hours (on low)
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Add more buffalo sauce or cream cheese to adjust the texture if needed.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground turkey or even shredded chicken can work well in this recipe.
How spicy is this chili?
The spiciness depends on how much buffalo sauce you add. You can control the heat by starting with less and adding more to taste.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, cook the chicken and the other ingredients on the “sauté” function, then cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can use a non-dairy cream cheese alternative and skip the blue cheese crumbles for a dairy-free version.
How do I make this thicker?
For a thicker chili, add more cream cheese or use less broth.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can brown the chicken and prepare the ingredients the night before, then store them in the fridge and cook the next day.
What can I use as a topping?
Try sour cream, cilantro, shredded cheese, or jalapeños for a variety of toppings.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased ingredients.
How can I make this recipe milder?
Reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or replace it with a mild hot sauce to decrease the heat.
Can I add other vegetables?
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines the best of buffalo sauce and chili. Whether you’re serving it at a party, for a family dinner, or meal prepping for the week, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Print
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (high) or 8 hours (low)
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (about 1 cup each)
- Category: Soup, Chili, Slow Cooker
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili blends the heat of buffalo sauce with creamy cream cheese, creating a comforting and flavorful chili. With ground chicken, white beans, and corn, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal at your next gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 15 oz canned white navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 14.5 oz can fire roasted tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried cilantro
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese
- Blue cheese crumbles (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: Cook the ground chicken in a skillet until fully browned. Transfer it to the slow cooker.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the white beans, fire roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing mix, corn, and seasonings to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Add Cream Cheese: Place the block of cream cheese on top of the mixture.
- Cook: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
- Stir & Serve: Once done, stir in the cream cheese until fully blended. Adjust the buffalo sauce to taste. Serve with optional blue cheese crumbles on top.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or shredded chicken as a substitute for ground chicken.
- For a milder version, reduce the buffalo sauce or swap it for a mild hot sauce.
- Add more cream cheese or reduce the broth for a thicker consistency.
- This recipe can easily be doubled, just ensure your slow cooker is large enough.
- Use dairy-free cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Add veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *