Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili: A Spicy, Flavor-Packed Delight

Buffalo chicken wings are a beloved American classic, and this Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili takes all those amazing flavors and transforms them into a hearty, comforting chili. This recipe is perfect for game day, potlucks, or simply a delicious weeknight meal. The beauty of using a slow cooker is that it allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a chili that’s packed with depth and a satisfying kick. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! Just dump the ingredients in, set it, and forget it. Get ready to enjoy a chili that will warm you from the inside out!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

* **Effortless Cooking:** The slow cooker does all the work, making it a hands-off recipe perfect for busy days.
* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing mix, and chili spices creates an irresistible flavor profile.
* **Customizable Heat:** Adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce to control the spiciness level.
* **Versatile:** Serve it as a chili, over baked potatoes, nachos, or even as a dip with tortilla chips.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** This chili is always a hit at parties and gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Chicken:** 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs will result in a richer flavor).
* **Canned Beans:** 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15-ounce) can great northern beans, drained and rinsed (you can substitute with your favorite beans).
* **Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained.
* **Tomato Sauce:** 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce.
* **Corn:** 1 cup frozen corn, or canned corn drained.
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, chopped.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves garlic, minced.
* **Buffalo Wing Sauce:** 1/2 cup to 1 cup, depending on your spice preference (Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice).
* **Ranch Dressing Mix:** 1 (1-ounce) packet dry ranch dressing mix.
* **Chili Powder:** 2 tablespoons.
* **Cumin:** 1 teaspoon.
* **Smoked Paprika:** 1 teaspoon.
* **Cayenne Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for extra heat).
* **Chicken Broth:** 1/2 cup (or more, if needed, to adjust consistency).
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.

Optional Toppings:

* Shredded cheddar cheese
* Sour cream or Greek yogurt
* Chopped green onions
* Crumbled blue cheese
* Avocado
* Tortilla chips
* Hot sauce
* Cilantro

Equipment Needed

* 6-quart or larger slow cooker (Crock-Pot).
* Large skillet (optional, for searing chicken).
* Cutting board and knife.
* Measuring cups and spoons.
* Can opener.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your delicious Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken (Optional)

While you can simply place the chicken breasts directly into the slow cooker, searing them first adds a deeper, richer flavor to the chili. This step is optional but highly recommended for the best results.

1. **Heat Olive Oil:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. **Sear Chicken:** Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear them for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. You don’t need to cook them all the way through at this point, just sear the outside.
3. **Transfer to Slow Cooker:** Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

1. **Add Beans:** Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans, black beans, and great northern beans to the slow cooker.
2. **Add Tomatoes and Sauce:** Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and tomato sauce.
3. **Add Corn:** Add the frozen or canned corn.
4. **Add Onion and Garlic:** Add the chopped onion and minced garlic.
5. **Add Buffalo Wing Sauce:** Pour in the buffalo wing sauce. Start with 1/2 cup for a milder chili and increase to 1 cup if you prefer a spicier flavor.
6. **Add Ranch Dressing Mix:** Sprinkle in the dry ranch dressing mix.
7. **Add Spices:** Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
8. **Add Chicken Broth:** Pour in the chicken broth. This will help to create a chili-like consistency. Add more broth if you prefer a thinner chili.

Step 3: Cook the Chili

1. **Cover and Cook:** Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking on low will result in a more tender and flavorful chili.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

1. **Shred Chicken:** Once the chicken is cooked through (it should easily shred with a fork), remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Alternatively, you can use an electric hand mixer on low speed to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Be careful not to over-shred it.
2. **Return Chicken to Slow Cooker:** Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine it with the other ingredients.

Step 5: Simmer and Adjust Seasoning

1. **Simmer:** Let the chili simmer for another 30 minutes to an hour to allow the flavors to meld together even further.
2. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, buffalo wing sauce, or chili powder to suit your taste.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. **Serve Hot:** Serve the Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili hot with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, crumbled blue cheese, avocado, and tortilla chips.

Tips and Variations

* **Spice Level:** Control the heat by adjusting the amount of buffalo wing sauce. For a milder chili, start with 1/2 cup and add more to taste. For a spicier chili, use up to 1 cup or even more.
* **Chicken:** You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Chicken thighs will result in a richer, more flavorful chili.
* **Beans:** Feel free to substitute the beans with your favorite types. Pinto beans or cannellini beans would also work well.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables such as diced bell peppers, celery, or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
* **Cream Cheese:** For a creamier chili, stir in 4 ounces of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Blue Cheese Crumbles:** Add blue cheese crumbles during the last 15 minutes of cooking, or as a topping, for an extra layer of buffalo wing flavor.
* **Make it Ahead:** This chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
* **Freezing:** Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
* **Instant Pot Version:** If you’re short on time, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot. Sear the chicken using the saute function. Then, add all the ingredients and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
* **Serving Suggestions:** This chili is delicious served as a main course with cornbread or a side salad. It’s also great as a topping for baked potatoes, nachos, or as a dip with tortilla chips.
* **For a Thicker Chili:** If you prefer a thicker chili, you can stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons of cold water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

* Calories: Approximately 350-450 per serving
* Protein: 35-45 grams
* Fat: 15-25 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams
* Fiber: 5-8 grams

How to Store Leftovers

* **Refrigerate:** Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to thin it out.
* **Freeze:** Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?**

*A: Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients during the last hour of cooking to heat it through.*

**Q: Can I make this chili spicier?**

*A: Absolutely! Add more buffalo wing sauce, cayenne pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to increase the heat level.*

**Q: Can I use different types of beans?**

*A: Yes, feel free to substitute the beans with your favorite types. Pinto beans, cannellini beans, or even white kidney beans would work well.*

**Q: Can I add other vegetables?**

*A: Yes, you can add diced bell peppers, celery, or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition. Add them to the slow cooker along with the other vegetables.*

**Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?**

*A: Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the chicken with plant-based chicken substitutes or extra beans and vegetables.*

**Q: My chili is too thick. How can I thin it out?**

*A: Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the chili and stir well until it reaches your desired consistency.*

**Q: My chili is too thin. How can I thicken it?**

*A: Stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons of cold water during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can mash some of the beans to help thicken the chili.*

**Q: Can I use a different type of wing sauce?**

*A: Yes, you can use your favorite type of wing sauce. Just be aware that different sauces will have different levels of heat and flavor.*

**Q: What are some other topping ideas?**

*A: Some other topping ideas include pickled onions, jalapenos, diced tomatoes, a dollop of guacamole, or a sprinkle of cotija cheese.*

Conclusion

This Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or simply looking for a comforting weeknight meal, this chili is sure to satisfy. The slow cooker makes it incredibly convenient, allowing you to set it and forget it. With its customizable heat level and endless topping options, you can create a chili that’s perfect for your taste. So gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and unforgettable bowl of Buffalo Chicken Chili!