Why Make This Recipe
Are you looking for a comforting meal that is easy to prepare and bursting with flavor? Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is your answer! This dish combines the rich taste of chili with the spicy kick of Buffalo sauce, providing a delightful twist on traditional chili recipes. The slow cooker does all the hard work for you, making it perfect for busy days or when you want to enjoy a delicious meal without much fuss. Plus, it’s a fantastic recipe for gatherings, game days, or a hearty family dinner. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this satisfying and appetizing dish!
How to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
Making Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is simple and requires minimal effort. Just gather your ingredients and follow these easy steps:
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, green onions, sour cream
Directions
Start by preparing your ingredients. Chop the bell peppers and onions into small pieces. Mince the garlic cloves to release their flavor.
In the slow cooker, combine the following ingredients: boneless chicken breasts, kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chopped bell peppers, chopped onions, minced garlic, buffalo sauce, chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Stir everything together well to ensure all ingredients are mixed evenly. The colors of the vegetables along with the spices should create a mouthwatering sight!
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or you can choose the high setting and cook for 3-4 hours. The longer you cook, the more the flavors will meld together.
Once cooking time is up, check that the chicken is fully cooked. It should be tender and easy to shred. Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker.
Stir the shredded chicken into the chili to combine it with the other ingredients. This is where the magic happens – the chicken absorbs all that spicy and savory goodness!
Serve the chili hot. Enjoy it as is or add your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for a creamy touch.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is best served warm, right out of the slow cooker. You can ladle individual servings into bowls and let everyone add their preferred toppings. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread, tortilla chips, or even over rice to soak up all that delicious flavor. It is ideal for cozy evenings, and its bold flavors will make it a hit among your family and friends.
How to Store Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
If you have any leftovers (which might be unlikely given how tasty it is!), you can easily store them. Let the chili cool to room temperature. Transfer the cooled chili into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Pour the chili into freezer-safe bags or containers and keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and heat it up on the stove or in the microwave until hot.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
Choosing Chicken: While boneless chicken breasts work perfectly, you can also use boneless chicken thighs for a richer flavor and juicier texture.
Adjust the Spiciness: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with less buffalo sauce, like 1/4 cup, and taste as you go. You can always add more later!
Adding Vegetables: Feel free to add more veggies. Chopped zucchini, corn, or even carrots can enhance the chili’s texture and nutrition.
Serving Size: This recipe makes a generous amount of chili. It’s ideal for leftovers or meal prep, keeping your meals easy throughout the week.
Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with a mix of your favorite beans or lentils, and adjust the broth accordingly to keep it hearty and satisfying.
Variation
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is versatile. You can easily switch things up to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Bean Variety: Try using different beans like pinto beans, chickpeas, or even lentils for a unique twist.
- Extra Spices: Add more spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce if you enjoy extra heat.
- Creamy Version: Stir in some cream cheese or sour cream at the end of cooking for a creamy texture that balances the spice.
- Taco Style: Serve it over tortilla chips as a Buffalo Chicken Chili nacho platter. Top with cheese, jalapeños, and drizzles of sour cream.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker, but they might take a bit longer to cook. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili?
This chili goes well with a variety of sides. You can serve it with crusty bread, rice, tortilla chips, or even baked potatoes. Add some cornbread for a classic pairing!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients listed are gluten-free, making this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Always check labels when buying canned goods to ensure they meet gluten-free standards.
How can I adjust the thickness of my chili?
If you prefer a thicker chili, you can remove the lid halfway through the cooking process to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, use less chicken broth to start with.
Can I make this chili on the stovetop instead?
Absolutely! You can make it on the stovetop. Simply follow the same steps but cook it in a large pot over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and the flavors meld together.
Enjoy preparing and savoring this delightful Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili — it’s sure to become a favorite in your household!
Print
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A comforting and flavorful chicken chili with a spicy twist, perfect for busy days and hearty family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, green onions, sour cream
Instructions
- Chop the bell peppers and onions into small pieces. Mince the garlic cloves.
- In the slow cooker, combine chicken breasts, kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, bell peppers, onions, garlic, buffalo sauce, chili powder, cumin, and salt and pepper.
- Stir well to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken in the slow cooker with two forks.
- Stir the shredded chicken into the chili.
- Serve hot with optional toppings like shredded cheese, green onions, or sour cream.
Notes
For a twist, use boneless chicken thighs or add extra vegetables like zucchini or corn.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg