Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Crockpot buffalo chicken chili is a delightful dish that combines bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, gatherings, or meal prepping, this chili is not only easy to make but also packed with protein. With its creamy texture and spicy kick, it stands out as a must-try recipe for any chili lover.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
• Flavorful: The blend of spices and buffalo sauce creates a deliciously zesty flavor in every bite.
• Versatile: Serve it as a main dish or use it as a topping for nachos or baked potatoes.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from beans, it’s a healthy option for dinner.

Tools and Preparation

Cooking this crockpot buffalo chicken chili is straightforward with the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Forks or hand mixer
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: This is essential for evenly cooking your ingredients over several hours, allowing flavors to meld perfectly.
• Mixing Bowl: Use this for easily combining ingredients before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Forks or Hand Mixer: These are great for shredding the chicken quickly and efficiently once it’s cooked.

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 Chili Base

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp 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 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 Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients before starting. This ensures an efficient cooking process.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker

1. Add all the ingredients except the cream cheese and cottage cheese into the slow cooker.
2. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Cook the Chili

1. Cover with the lid.
2. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken breasts are fully cooked.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

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

Step 5: Incorporate Creamy Ingredients

1. Add the room temperature cream cheese into the slow cooker.
2. Whisk it in until smooth with no lumps remaining.
3. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and cover again. Cook on low for another 30 minutes.

Step 6: Final Touches

1. Turn off the slow cooker.
2. Quickly stir in the blended cottage cheese until fully incorporated.
3. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed.

Step 7: Serve

Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy your delicious crockpot buffalo chicken chili!

How to Serve Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Crockpot buffalo chicken chili is a versatile dish that can be served in numerous ways. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

Toppings

• Sour Cream: A dollop adds creaminess and balances the heat of the chili.
• Chopped Green Onions: Fresh and crunchy, these add a burst of flavor.
• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack melts beautifully on top for extra richness.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the spicy chili.
• Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of cilantro provides a refreshing herbaceous note.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: Sweet and buttery cornbread complements the spiciness of the chili wonderfully.
• Tortilla Chips: Serve alongside for a crunchy texture that enhances each bite.
• Rice: A bed of rice can help soak up the chili, making it even more satisfying.

How to Perfect Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Making the perfect crockpot buffalo chicken chili is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh chicken and quality spices enhance the overall flavor of your chili.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder version.
• Experiment with Beans: While cannellini beans are great, feel free to mix in black beans or kidney beans for variety.
• Let It Sit: Allowing the chili to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together even more.
• Serve Hot: For the best experience, serve your chili hot right after cooking to enjoy its full flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Pairing side dishes with your crockpot buffalo chicken chili can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted bread with garlic butter is perfect for dipping into the chili.
2. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds a fresh contrast to the warm and spicy chili.
3. Quinoa Salad: Light and healthy, quinoa salad adds texture and nutrition alongside your dish.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables can round out your meal with added nutrients and flavor.
5. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes provide a comforting base that pairs well with chili toppings.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Fill peppers with rice or grains as a hearty side that compliments the main dish nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili, it’s easy to overlook some key aspects that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Not seasoning adequately: Failing to season your chili properly can lead to a bland dish. Always taste and adjust salt and spices before serving.
• Overcooking chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry. Set a timer and check for doneness after the minimum cook time.
• Skipping the cream cheese: Omitting cream cheese will result in a less creamy texture. Make sure to incorporate it for that rich, velvety finish.
• Ignoring toppings: Toppings enhance flavor and presentation. Don’t skip out on adding your favorite chili toppings like green onions or avocado.
• Using low-quality broth: Low-quality broth can negatively impact the overall flavor of your chili. Opt for low sodium, high-quality chicken broth for better taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container.
• Best consumed within 3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing and storing Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili.

Can I use other meats in Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili?

You can substitute chicken with turkey or even beef if you prefer a different protein option.

What are some great toppings for my chili?

Popular toppings include sliced avocados, shredded cheese, green onions, and tortilla chips for added crunch.

How spicy is Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili?

The spiciness level depends on how much buffalo sauce you add. Adjust according to your preference!

How do I make this chili vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, replace chicken with beans such as black beans or additional cannellini beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I meal prep this chili?

Absolutely! This chili is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and tastes even better the next day.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the spice level. Give this recipe a try; it’s bound to become a go-to dish!