Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili: The EASIEST Game Day Recipe!

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili? Sì, you heard right! Three Italian Nonnas making buffalo chicken chili! Who knew? But trust us, once you try this, you’ll understand. This isn’t your nonna’s traditional Sunday gravy, but it’s got the same love and comfort baked right in. This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is a hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly simple dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a game day gathering. 

Our inspiration for this recipe came from our grandkids! They LOVE buffalo chicken anything, and we wanted to create something that brought that flavor to a warm bowl of chili. This recipe transforms it into an easy slow cooker chili that is bursting with flavor. It’s a little bit spicy, a little bit creamy, and a whole lotta delicious!

Why You Will Love This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe

This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili recipe is a game changer, cara mia! It’s packed with all the flavors of your favorite Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe, but in a hearty, comforting chili. Imagine tender chicken, a creamy, spicy sauce, and the ease of a slow cooker. Who could ask for more?

What we love most is how simple it is. You just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do its magic. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a delicious, home cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s easily customizable to your spice preference. Need inspiration for another easy recipe? Try our Buffalo Chicken Sliders 2!

This recipe will bring everyone running to the table:

• Comfort Food: A warm, comforting bowl of chili is perfect for any time of year.
• Easy and Convenient: The slow cooker does all the work!
• Flavorful and Delicious: Buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and chicken combine for a taste explosion.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level to your liking.
• Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for game day, potlucks, or family dinners.

Ingredients Needed for This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing dish. Don’t worry, you likely already have most of it in your pantry. Remember, good ingredients make good food!

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
• 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (we prefer Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch dressing mix
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, blue cheese crumbles

How to Make This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe

Follow these easy steps to create a chili that everyone will rave about. Remember, cooking is an act of love, so put your heart into it!

1. 1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.

1. 2. Add the kidney beans, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and diced tomatoes with green chilies to the slow cooker.

1. 3. Pour the buffalo wing sauce and chicken broth over the ingredients. Sprinkle with the ranch dressing mix.

1. 4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.

1. 5. Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.

1. 6. Add the cubed cream cheese to the slow cooker. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and fully incorporated, creating a creamy texture. This is what brings this crockpot buffalo chili to life!

1. 7. Serve hot, topped with your favorite chili toppings. Time to mangia!

How to Serve This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe

Serving is just as important as the cooking, cara! A pretty presentation adds to the enjoyment of the meal.

• Serve it in bowls: Ladle the chili into bowls and let everyone add their own toppings.
• Topping Ideas: Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, a dollop of Greek yogurt, chopped green onions, diced avocado, blue cheese crumbles, or a drizzle of ranch dressing are all excellent choices.
• Side Dishes: Serve with tortilla chips, cornbread, or crusty bread for dipping.
• Make it a Meal: Offer some garden salad beside it.
• Consider making our Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe alongside this recipe for an even better meal!

How to Store This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe

Proper storage is essential for leftovers. Nobody wants to waste a good meal!

• Refrigeration: Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Transfer the cooled chili to freezer safe containers or zip top bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions until heated through. If you find this recipe as a great alternative to Buffalo Chicken Dip, Follow us on Pinterest for other inspiring dishes.

Tips to Make This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe

Here are some of our Nonna approved tips for success:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce to control the spice level. For a milder chili, use less buffalo sauce. For a spicier chili, add more or use a hotter variety.
• Chicken: You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Beans: Feel free to substitute other types of beans, such as great northern beans or pinto beans.
• Cream Cheese: Make sure to use full fat cream cheese for a richer, creamier chili.
• Don’t overcook: Overcooking the chicken can make it dry. Check it after 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high.

Helpful Notes for This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe

Here are some important clarifications and extra details to help you along the way.

• Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but feel free to use your favorite brand.
• Ranch Dressing Mix: This adds a tangy flavor that complements the buffalo sauce.
• Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies: Rotel is a popular brand, but any similar product will work.
• Slow Cooker Size: We recommend using a 6 quart or larger slow cooker for this recipe.
• Check our link to similar ingredients to use in this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili, Buffalo Chicken Sliders 2!

Variation of This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe

Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations to try!

• Creamy Buffalo Chicken Chili Soup: Add more chicken broth for a soupier consistency.
• Instant Pot Version: Cook in an Instant Pot for a faster meal. Follow your Instant Pot instructions for chili or soup.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with cauliflower florets or more beans for a vegetarian version.
• Add Vegetables: Add diced celery, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and flavor.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili as much as our families do! It’s a surefire way to warm up on a cold day or spice up your next game day gathering. So, grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready for a flavor explosion! This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili will warm your hearts and fill your bellies. Let us know what you think in the comments below!

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