This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is creamy, hearty, and packed with the tangy heat of buffalo sauce. Made with tender shredded chicken, white beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and cream cheese, this easy crockpot chili is perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or a cozy dinner at home.
Jump to RecipePrep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings
What Is Buffalo Chicken Chili?
Buffalo chicken chili is a flavorful twist on traditional chili that combines the spicy, tangy taste of buffalo chicken with the hearty ingredients of classic chili. This version uses shredded chicken breast and white beans instead of ground beef and kidney beans.
Buffalo sauce adds a bold kick, while fire-roasted tomatoes provide a smoky depth of flavor. Cream cheese brings everything together, creating a rich, creamy broth that balances the heat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy slow cooker meal: Add the ingredients to your crockpot and let it cook while you go about your day.
- Creamy and flavorful: Cream cheese creates a rich texture that balances the tangy buffalo sauce.
- A spicy twist on classic chili: Buffalo sauce, garlic, dill, paprika, and chili powder give every bite plenty of flavor.
- Hearty and satisfying: Chicken and white beans make this a filling meal.
- Perfect for game day: Serve it with tortilla chips, Fritos, shredded cheese, and sour cream for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast: 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- White beans: 2 (15 oz) cans, drained and rinsed. Cannellini or Great Northern beans work well.
- Fire-roasted tomatoes: 2 (15 oz) cans for smoky flavor.
- Chicken broth: 4 cups chicken stock or broth.
- Buffalo sauce: 3/4 cup buffalo sauce or hot sauce for tangy heat.
- Cream cheese: 8 oz for a rich, creamy finish.
- Dried chives: 2 tsp.
- Garlic powder: 1½ tsp.
- Dried dill: 1 tsp.
- Onion powder: 1 tsp.
- Paprika: 1 tsp.
- Chili powder: 1 tsp.
- Kosher salt: 1 tsp.
- Cilantro: ¼ cup chopped, for serving.
Optional toppings
- Sour cream
- Avocado slices
- Lime wedges
- Tortilla chips
- Fritos corn chips
- Shredded cheese
How to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
Step 1: Add the Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Place the chicken breasts, drained and rinsed white beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, buffalo sauce, chives, garlic powder, dill, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, and kosher salt into the slow cooker.
Stir to distribute the seasonings, then cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Carefully remove the lid and transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a clean cutting board. Use two forks to pull the chicken apart into small, bite-sized pieces.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well so it absorbs the flavorful chili broth.
Step 3: Stir in the Cream Cheese
Add the cream cheese to the slow cooker and stir until it melts into the chili. For the smoothest texture, cut the cream cheese into smaller cubes before adding it.
Allow a few extra minutes for the cream cheese to melt completely, stirring as needed. Taste and adjust the seasoning or buffalo sauce to your preference.
Step 4: Serve and Add Toppings
Ladle the hot chili into bowls and top with chopped cilantro. Add sour cream, avocado slices, shredded cheese, a squeeze of lime, tortilla chips, or Fritos for extra flavor and crunch.
Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Pro Tips
- Adjust the heat: Start with less buffalo sauce if you prefer mild chili. You can always stir in more before serving.
- Soften the cream cheese: Let it sit at room temperature before cooking, or cut it into cubes so it melts more easily.
- Shred the chicken while warm: It’s easier to shred immediately after cooking while the chicken is tender.
- Make it thicker: If the chili is thinner than you prefer, leave the lid off for a short period after adding the cream cheese. Stir occasionally.
- Avoid overcooking: Check the chicken toward the six-hour mark. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and shred easily.
- Finish with fresh toppings: Cilantro, lime juice, and shredded cheese add freshness and balance the creamy, spicy broth.
What to Serve With Buffalo Chicken Chili
- Cornbread: A slightly sweet side that balances the spicy buffalo flavor.
- Tortilla Chips or Fritos: Perfect for dipping and adding crunch.
- Baked Potatoes: Spoon the chili over a baked potato for an extra hearty meal.
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad helps balance the richness of the cream cheese.
- Garlic Bread: Great for soaking up the creamy broth.
- Celery and Carrot Sticks: A classic buffalo chicken pairing that adds a refreshing crunch.
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
Course: Main CourseCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings550
kcalIngredients
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 (15 oz) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
2 (15 oz) cans fire-roasted tomatoes
4 cups chicken stock or broth
3/4 cup buffalo sauce or hot sauce
2 tsp dried chives
1½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried dill
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp kosher salt
8 oz cream cheese
¼ cup chopped cilantro
Optional toppings: sour cream, lime wedges, avocado slices, tortilla chips, Fritos, and shredded cheese
Directions
- Add the chicken, beans, tomatoes, broth, buffalo sauce, chives, garlic powder, dill, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, and salt to a slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F and is tender.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and shred it with two forks. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir.
- Add the cream cheese and stir until completely melted and incorporated.
- Serve hot, topped with cilantro and your favorite optional toppings.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is a delicious way to enjoy the bold flavors of buffalo chicken in a warm, comforting bowl of chili. With tender shredded chicken, hearty white beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a creamy finish, it’s an easy recipe that delivers plenty of flavor without requiring much hands-on cooking.
Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or game day, this chili is easy to customize with your favorite toppings and preferred spice level. Serve it with cornbread or crunchy Fritos, and you’ve got a satisfying meal the whole family can enjoy.
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