why make this recipe

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is a delightful dish that brings together the zing of buffalo sauce and the hearty goodness of chili. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a game day gathering, this recipe is great because it requires minimal hands-on time. Simply toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker, and let it do the work for you!

The unique combination of beans, chicken, and vegetables makes this chili full of protein and flavor. Plus, using a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a savory and comforting meal that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re a buffalo sauce enthusiast or just looking for a warm and satisfying dish, this chili is sure to hit the spot.

how to make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

Making Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is straightforward and requires just a little bit of preparation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create this delicious dish.

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 (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions and cheese for serving (optional)

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Directions :

Begin by placing the boneless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. This will be the base for your chili, and it will become tender and easy to shred as it cooks.
Next, pour in the drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans. These beans add a wonderful texture and protein to your chili.
Add the can of diced tomatoes along with their juices. The juices will add moisture and depth to the dish.
Toss in the chopped celery, bell peppers, and onion. These vegetables not only give color but also incorporate essential nutrients and flavors into the chili.
Pour in chicken broth and buffalo sauce. The broth helps create a nice, soupy consistency, while the buffalo sauce brings that famous tangy kick.
Sprinkle in garlic powder, cumin, and season with salt and pepper to taste. These spices amp up the flavors and make the chili aromatic.
Stir everything together with a spoon until all the ingredients are well mixed and coated.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. If you’re short on time, the high setting works just fine!
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, take a couple of forks and shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. This will make the chicken pieces easier to enjoy in each bite.
Serve your chili hot, topped with chopped green onions and cheese, if desired. These toppings add an extra layer of flavor and make the dish even more appealing!

how to serve Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

Serving this chili is as easy as ladling it into bowls. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal:

Garnish: Top each bowl with chopped green onions for a fresh crunch and sprinkle some shredded cheese, such as sharp cheddar or mozzarella, for extra creaminess.
Accompaniment: Pair the chili with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple side salad to balance the rich flavors.
Containers: Consider serving the chili in individual ramekins for a fun twist, especially if you’re hosting a gathering.

This dish is truly versatile, and you can serve it as an appetizer, a main course, or even as part of a potluck spread.

how to store Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

If you have leftovers, storing them is simple:

Cool Down: Allow the chili to cool to room temperature first.
Storage Containers: Transfer the chili into airtight containers. Glass containers with lids work especially well as they keep food fresh and do not stain.
Refrigeration: Store the containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, freeze the chili. Place individual portions in freezer bags or containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

tips to make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your chili turns out perfectly:

Chicken: You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor. Thighs are generally more tender and juicy.
Spice Level: If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce, or choose a mild version. You can also add a dollop of sour cream when serving to tone down the heat.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables you have on hand. Corn, zucchini, or even carrots can be great additions.
Beans: If you’re not a fan of black beans or kidney beans, you can substitute them with pinto beans or chickpeas.
Serving Options: Instead of cheese, try topping your chili with Greek yogurt or avocado for a healthier alternative.

variation

If you’re looking to mix things up, here are a few variations to consider:

Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with a mix of different beans or lentils. Increase the amount of vegetables, using diced carrots, corn, and perhaps some chopped kale for added nutrients.
Southwestern Twist: Add a can of green chiles and some diced jalapenos for a spicier kick and a bit of Southwest flair.
Cheesy Buffalo Variation: Stir in some cream cheese near the end of cooking for an ultra-creamy chili. This will elevate the texture and add a rich depth of flavor.

FAQs

Can I cook this chili on the stovetop instead?

Yes, you can! Simply sauté the vegetables in a pot, then add the remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, and shred the chicken once it’s cooked through.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add frozen chicken directly to the slow cooker. However, you may need to increase the cooking time to ensure the chicken cooks through thoroughly.

Is it healthy?

This chili is relatively healthy, packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients from the beans and vegetables. You can adjust the recipe by using low-sodium chicken broth and reducing the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your dietary preferences.

How can I make this chili ahead of time?

You can prepare all the ingredients the night before, store them in the refrigerator, and place everything in the slow cooker in the morning. This way, you’ll have a warm meal ready in the evening!

What can I do with leftovers?

Leftover chili can be enjoyed as is, or you can use it as a filling for tacos or burritos. It also makes a great topping for baked potatoes or nachos for a quick and easy meal!

Following these simple steps and tips, you’ll have a comforting and zesty bowl of Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili that everyone will love. Enjoy the warm flavors, the ease of preparation, and the satisfaction of a hearty meal!

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

Author: zoubirlahcen
Total Time: 255 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful combination of buffalo sauce and hearty chili, perfect for cozy dinners or game day gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

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 (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions and cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

Begin by placing the boneless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Next, pour in the drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans.
Add the can of diced tomatoes along with their juices.
Toss in the chopped celery, bell peppers, and onion.
Pour in chicken broth and buffalo sauce.
Sprinkle in garlic powder, cumin, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Stir everything together with a spoon until well mixed.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
About 30 minutes before serving, shred the chicken right in the slow cooker.
Serve hot, topped with chopped green onions and cheese, if desired.

Notes

This versatile dish can be served as an appetizer, main course, or part of a potluck.

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: 600mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: buffalo chicken, chili, slow cooker, game day, comfort food