This Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken thighs, creamy cheese, and a spicy kick from buffalo hot sauce. With minimal prep time, this recipe lets you set it and forget it while the slow cooker works its magic. Perfect for game day, family meals, or anyone craving a flavorful, spicy chili.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 (15-ounce) cans great Northern beans or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 (14.5-ounce) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes with garlic
• 1 cup frozen chopped yellow onion
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup Buffalo-style hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot®)
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup plain whole-milk strained (Greek-style) yogurt
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ranch dressing mix
• 6 ounces cream cheese, cubed and softened
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions
• Tortilla chips for serving (optional)

Directions:

1. Prepare the ingredients: In the bottom of your crockpot, add the drained and rinsed beans, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, chopped onion, red bell pepper, and garlic powder. Stir to combine.
2. Season and add the chicken: Add the Buffalo-style hot sauce, chili powder, and chicken thighs to the crockpot. Stir to coat the chicken and mix in the seasoning.
3. Cook the chili: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
4. Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
5. Add the creamy ingredients: Stir in the Greek yogurt, ranch dressing mix, and cubed cream cheese. Mix well until the cream cheese has melted and the chili becomes creamy and thick.
6. Serve: Top the chili with sliced scallions and serve with tortilla chips for an added crunch. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: Varies depending on portion size
• Fat: Varies based on cream cheese and yogurt
• Carbs: Varies (from beans and vegetables)
• Protein: Varies (from chicken)

Why Buffalo Chicken Chili?

Buffalo sauce has long been a favorite for adding bold flavor to everything from wings to sandwiches, and now it’s making its way into chili. The combination of spicy Buffalo sauce with the heartiness of chili creates a unique twist on a traditional dish, offering both heat and depth of flavor. The richness of the cream cheese and Greek yogurt balances out the spicy elements, making this chili creamy, comforting, and satisfying.

One of the main attractions of Buffalo Chicken Chili is its versatility. You can serve it as a hearty dinner or as an appetizer for game day or parties. It can easily be adjusted to your preferred spice level by adding more or less hot sauce, giving you the freedom to make the dish as mild or spicy as you like. The creamy texture also makes it a crowd-pleaser, as it appeals to a wide range of tastes.

The Ingredients That Make Buffalo Chicken Chili Special

1. Great Northern or Cannellini Beans
Beans form the base of this chili, providing a creamy and hearty texture that absorbs the flavors of the spices and sauce beautifully. Great Northern beans or cannellini beans are perfect choices, as they are mild in flavor and soft in texture, allowing the more robust ingredients like chicken, Buffalo sauce, and spices to shine through. Beans also provide a healthy source of fiber and protein, making the chili both satisfying and nutritious.

2. Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes
Using fire-roasted diced tomatoes adds a smoky depth of flavor to the chili. These tomatoes bring a slightly charred, savory taste that complements the heat from the Buffalo sauce. The garlic in the tomatoes enhances the overall flavor profile, making every spoonful of chili aromatic and robust.

3. Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are an excellent choice for slow-cooked dishes like chili. The meat is naturally tender and juicy, and when slow-cooked, it becomes incredibly easy to shred. Unlike chicken breasts, which can dry out if overcooked, chicken thighs remain moist and flavorful, adding richness to the dish. Their slightly fattier content also helps the chili achieve a savory, full-bodied taste that pairs beautifully with the creamy ingredients.

4. Greek Yogurt and Cream Cheese
One of the most satisfying components of this Buffalo Chicken Chili is its creamy base. Greek yogurt adds a tangy richness without being too heavy, while cream cheese provides a velvety texture and a mild, creamy flavor that helps tone down the heat from the Buffalo sauce. The combination of these two ingredients thickens the chili, creating a luxurious mouthfeel and making it a truly comforting dish.

5. Ranch Dressing Mix
The ranch dressing mix brings a familiar, herby flavor to the chili, acting as a perfect complement to the tangy yogurt and creamy cream cheese. It adds a cooling effect to balance out the spicy Buffalo sauce and makes the chili feel indulgent while still being savory. Ranch dressing mix is a secret ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile of the chili, providing depth and richness.

6. Scallions and Tortilla Chips
Topping the chili with freshly sliced scallions adds a burst of freshness and crunch, offering a contrast to the creamy base. The scallions also bring a mild onion flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. For extra texture and flavor, tortilla chips are often served alongside or crushed on top of the chili, adding a delightful crunch that makes each bite even more enjoyable.

Slow-Cooker Convenience

The beauty of this Buffalo Chicken Chili lies not only in its unique flavor but also in its convenience. By using a slow cooker, you can prepare the ingredients in the morning and let the crockpot work its magic, resulting in a tender, flavorful chili without having to constantly monitor the stovetop. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a dish that is rich and satisfying.

Crockpot meals are often a go-to choice for busy individuals and families, and this recipe is no exception. Once you’ve added the ingredients and set the crockpot to cook, there’s little else to do but let the cooker take over. When you return hours later, the chili will be ready to serve, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Customizing the Chili to Your Taste

One of the best parts about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some ways you can make it your own:

• Adjust the Spice Level: The amount of Buffalo sauce can be customized to suit your preference. If you like it spicier, feel free to add more hot sauce or even a dash of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce the amount of hot sauce or use a less spicy variety.
• Add More Veggies: If you want to increase the vegetable content, consider adding other ingredients like corn, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes. These vegetables would work well with the chili’s flavors and add extra nutrition.
• Use Different Proteins: While chicken thighs are the main protein in this recipe, you can substitute with chicken breasts or even turkey for a lighter version. Alternatively, you could use a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• Top with Other Garnishes: In addition to scallions and tortilla chips, consider topping the chili with shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado slices for added creaminess and texture.

Why You’ll Love Buffalo Chicken Chili

This dish combines the best of both worlds: the comfort and richness of a creamy, hearty chili, paired with the zesty heat of Buffalo sauce. It’s filling enough to be a stand-alone meal, but also works as a dip or appetizer when served with chips. The use of the slow cooker ensures that the chicken turns out tender and juicy, and the creamy sauce provides a satisfying richness without being overwhelming. It’s the kind of dish that can be made in bulk, stored in the fridge for leftovers, or even frozen for future meals.

Whether you’re hosting a game day party or simply craving something comforting and flavorful, Buffalo Chicken Chili will satisfy your hunger and leave you wanting more. The combination of bold flavors, tender chicken, and creamy texture makes this dish a crowd favorite that can be enjoyed by all. So go ahead, fire up the slow cooker, and let the deliciousness unfold!

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Chili is a unique and flavorful twist on traditional chili, offering a balance of heat, creaminess, and savory goodness. With its easy preparation, slow-cooking method, and endless customization options, it’s a dish that suits a variety of tastes and occasions. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy evening at home or serving it at a gathering, this chili is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the slow cooker, and get ready to indulge in a delicious, creamy, and spicy meal!