Crockpot buffalo chicken chili is a delightful dish that brings together the bold flavors of buffalo sauce and hearty ingredients, making it perfect for any occasion. This one-pot meal is not only easy to prepare but also a fantastic option for meal prepping. It’s packed with protein, ensuring you stay full and satisfied. Whether you’re hosting a game night or looking for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: Just toss all the ingredients into your crockpot and let it do the work while you go about your day.
• Flavorful Fusion: The combination of spices and creamy cheese creates a rich, mouthwatering flavor that everyone will love.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for batch cooking, this chili can be easily stored in the fridge or freezer for future meals.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize your bowl with toppings like avocado, green onions, or tortilla chips to suit your taste.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from beans, this dish is both filling and healthy.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious crockpot buffalo chicken chili, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons
• Forks (for shredding chicken)

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is the heart of the recipe; it allows for hands-free cooking while infusing flavors over hours.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for combining ingredients before adding them to the slow cooker, ensuring an even mix.
• Measuring spoons: Precise measurements are key to achieving the perfect flavor balance in your chili.
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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.

Protein

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts

Spices

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

Vegetables & Beans

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

Liquids & Dairy

• 1/2 cup Franks 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 Your Ingredients

Begin by gathering all your ingredients. This ensures you have everything at hand when you start cooking.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker

1. Place all the ingredients into the slow cooker except for the cream cheese and blended cottage cheese.
2. Stir well to combine all the flavors.

Step 3: Cook the Chili

Cover with the lid and set your slow cooker:
– Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked through.

Step 4: Shred Chicken

1. Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker.
2. Use two forks or a hand mixer to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Incorporate Creamy Elements

1. Add the cream cheese into the slow cooker and whisk until smooth without lumps.
2. Return shredded chicken back into the pot. Cover again and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes.

Step 6: Final Touches

Turn off your slow cooker and quickly stir in the blended cottage cheese for added creaminess.
Taste your chili and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

Dish out your crockpot buffalo chicken chili into bowls. Top with your favorite garnishes if desired! Enjoy every flavorful bite!

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 serving it for a family dinner or a game day gathering, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal experience.

Toppings

• Avocado: Fresh avocado adds creaminess and balances the spiciness of the chili.
• Cheese: Shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, melts beautifully on top.
• Green Onions: Chopped green onions give a fresh crunch and pop of color.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop adds coolness and richness.
• Tortilla Chips: Use them for scooping or as a crunchy topping for extra texture.
• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro enhances flavor with its vibrant taste and aroma.

Serving Bowls

• Bread Bowls: Hollowed-out bread loaves make for an edible and fun serving option.
• Mason Jars: Individual servings in mason jars are perfect for parties or meal prep.

How to Perfect Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your crockpot buffalo chicken chili, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold spices: Don’t be shy with the spices; they bring out the richness of the dish.
• Quality chicken: Use fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for better flavor and texture.
• Customize heat level: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your spice tolerance.
• Layer flavors: Sauté onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker for deeper flavor.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables enhance the overall taste significantly.
• Let it rest: Allowing the chili to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Pair your delicious crockpot buffalo chicken chili with these complementary side dishes to create a well-rounded meal.

1. Cornbread: Sweet and fluffy cornbread perfectly complements the spicy chili.
2. Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens offers freshness and balance against the hearty chili.
3. Rice or Quinoa: Serve over rice or quinoa to soak up all that tasty broth.
4. Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw adds texture and a touch of sweetness to your meal.
5. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes provide a comforting base to enjoy with your chili.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies add a smoky flavor that pairs nicely with buffalo chicken chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is a delicious dish, but there are a few common mistakes that can impact your results. Here are some to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not using enough spices can lead to bland chili. Always measure your spices and adjust according to your taste.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Keep an eye on the cooking time and remove it as soon as it’s fully cooked.
• Ignoring the broth: Using low-quality or high-sodium broth can affect flavor. Opt for low sodium versions to control the saltiness of your dish.
• Not blending the cottage cheese: Adding cottage cheese without blending can result in lumps. Blend it thoroughly before mixing into the chili for a creamy texture.
• Failing to taste before serving: Not tasting your chili before serving means missing opportunities to enhance flavors. Always taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

• Freeze in portion-sized containers for easy meals later.
• It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place chili in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Pour chili into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili:

What is Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili?

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is a flavorful one-pot meal made with shredded chicken, beans, corn, and spicy buffalo sauce, all slow-cooked together.

Can I use other types of meat?

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

How spicy is this chili?

The spice level depends on the amount of buffalo sauce used. Adjust according to your preference for heat by adding more or less sauce.

What toppings go well with this chili?

Consider toppings like avocado, cilantro, or shredded cheese (if desired). These add freshness and depth of flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! To make it vegetarian-friendly, replace chicken with beans or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is not just easy to prepare; it’s also versatile and packed with flavor. You can customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting spice levels to suit your taste buds. Try it today for a hearty meal that’s perfect any day of the week!

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Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 7 minute
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is a flavorful, hearty dish that combines tender chicken with the bold zest of buffalo sauce and wholesome ingredients. This comforting one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, offering a satisfying blend of protein and fiber that keeps you feeling full longer. Ideal for meal prepping, this chili can be easily stored and reheated, making it a convenient choice for any occasion. Just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day. Top with fresh garnishes like avocado or green onions for an extra layer of flavor!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons 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 Frank’s Buffalo Sauce
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 4 ounces cottage cheese (blended)

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients to ensure ease of preparation.
2. In the slow cooker, combine chicken breasts, spices, corn, tomatoes, beans, buffalo sauce, and broth. Stir well.
3. Cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked.
4. Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
5. Whisk in cream cheese until smooth, then return shredded chicken to the pot and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes.
6. Stir in blended cottage cheese before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4–6 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker. Adjust the buffalo sauce according to your spice preference; add more for extra heat or less for a milder taste. To make it vegetarian-friendly, substitute chicken with lentils or beans and use vegetable broth.