Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Crockpot buffalo chicken chili is an easy one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. With its bold flavors and wholesome ingredients, this dish is not only satisfying but also a fantastic option for meal prepping. Packed with protein and rich in nutrients, it offers the warmth of comfort food while being simple to prepare. Whether you’re serving family or hosting friends, this chili will surely impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simplicity: This recipe requires minimal prep work, making it ideal for those hectic days when you need a hearty meal without the fuss.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and buffalo sauce creates a deliciously spicy and savory flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize your chili with a variety of toppings like avocado, cheese, or green onions to suit everyone’s preferences.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch ahead of time; it stores well and can be reheated effortlessly for quick lunches or dinners.
• Protein-Packed: With chicken breasts and beans, this chili is loaded with protein to keep you full and energized throughout the day.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is essential. These tools will help you whip up this delicious crockpot buffalo chicken chili effortlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Forks (for shredding chicken)
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This tool is perfect for slow-cooking meals like chili, allowing flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day.
• Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients before adding them to the slow cooker, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
• Forks: Two forks are handy for shredding cooked chicken quickly and efficiently without creating a mess.
• Whisk: A whisk helps blend in the cream cheese smoothly, ensuring a creamy texture in your chili without lumps.

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

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts

For the Spices

• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For the Vegetables

• 1 cup frozen corn
• 2 – 10 ounce cans fire roasted tomatoes and green chiles

For the Beans

• 2 – 15 ounce cans cannellini beans

For the Sauce

• 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 Your Slow Cooker

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

Step 2: Set Cooking Time

Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours or 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.

Step 4: Add Cream Cheese

Add the cream cheese into the slow cooker and whisk it in until there’s no lumps. Add the shredded chicken back in and cover with the lid. Cook on low for another 30 minutes.

Step 5: Mix in Cottage Cheese

Turn off the slow cooker and quickly stir in the blended cottage cheese.

Step 6: Final Touches

Taste for seasoning and adjust as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Crockpot buffalo chicken chili is a versatile dish that can be served in numerous ways to enhance its delicious flavors. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night at home, here are some creative serving suggestions.

Top with Fresh Ingredients

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle fresh green onions on top for a burst of color and mild onion flavor.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess that balances the spice.
• Shredded Cheese: Melted cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese creates a rich topping that complements the chili.

Pair with Crunchy Sides

• Tortilla Chips: Serve alongside tortilla chips for dipping, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.
• Cornbread: A warm slice of cornbread is perfect for soaking up the chili and adds sweetness.
• Vegetable Sticks: Fresh veggie sticks like carrots and celery provide a crisp contrast to the warm chili.

Create a Chili Bar

• Diverse Toppings: Set up a chili bar with toppings like jalapeños, avocado slices, and hot sauce, allowing guests to customize their bowls.
• Rice or Quinoa Base: Serve over rice or quinoa for a hearty meal that stretches the servings further.

How to Perfect Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Achieving the perfect crockpot buffalo chicken chili involves attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these suggestions for an even tastier dish.

• Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your spices are fresh for maximum flavor. Older spices can lose potency over time.
• Shred Chicken Well: For a better texture, make sure to shred the chicken thoroughly before mixing it back into the chili.
• Adjust Spice Level: Control the heat by varying the amount of buffalo sauce according to your preference.
• Add More Vegetables: Incorporate additional veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the chili to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
• Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Pairing side dishes with your crockpot buffalo chicken chili enhances the meal experience. Here are some excellent options you can consider.

1. Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread is great for dipping into your chili and adds rich flavor.
2. Salad Greens: A light salad with vinaigrette provides freshness that balances out the hearty chili.
3. Cheesy Rice Casserole: Creamy cheese rice complements the spicy notes of the chili wonderfully.
4. Baked Potatoes: Serve baked potatoes as another filling base option; they absorb flavors well.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables add nutrition and textural variety to your meal.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with quinoa or rice make an eye-catching side that’s also nutritious.
7. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad offers crunch and coolness against the warmth of the chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili can be easy, but there are common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to use enough spices can lead to a bland chili. Always measure your spices carefully and adjust them according to your taste.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry. Follow the cooking times closely and check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Not shredding properly: If you don’t shred the chicken well, it may not absorb all the flavors. Use two forks or a hand mixer for even shredding.
• Neglecting to blend cottage cheese: Using unblended cottage cheese can result in a lumpy texture. Always blend it until smooth before adding it to the chili.
• Ignoring adjustments: Every ingredient’s flavor can vary, so always taste before serving. Adjust seasonings as needed for the best taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Will keep for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container.
• Can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through (about 20-30 minutes).
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between until heated.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

You can use frozen chicken breasts; however, you may need to increase the cooking time by an hour or so for thorough cooking.

What can I serve with Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili?

It pairs well with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over rice for a complete meal.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spiciness level depends on the amount of buffalo sauce used. Adjust it according to your preference!

Can I customize this Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili?

Absolutely! You can add different beans, vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or adjust spices to match your taste.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is not only flavorful but also versatile and perfect for any occasion. You can customize this dish easily by adding more veggies or adjusting spice levels. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to delight everyone at your table!