Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Published: February 15, 2026

by Vanessaa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, you can set it and forget it while your slow cooker does all the work.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of spices and Buffalo sauce creates a rich, savory flavor that will have everyone coming back for more.
Versatile Meal: Serve it as-is, or dress it up with your favorite toppings for an exciting twist.
Healthy Ingredients: This recipe is loaded with wholesome ingredients, making it a nutritious choice for any meal.
Meal Prep Friendly: Cook a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week—perfect for busy schedules!

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Below are the key tools you’ll need to whip up this delicious crockpot buffalo chicken chili.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker
Knife
Cutting board
Measuring spoons
Mixing bowl
Forks (for shredding chicken)

Importance of Each Tool

Slow cooker: This is the heart of your dish; it allows for low and slow cooking, ensuring tender chicken and deep flavors.
Knife: A good knife makes chopping ingredients quick and easy, saving you time in preparation.
Mixing bowl: Use this to combine ingredients before adding them to the slow cooker, helping to distribute flavors evenly.

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 teaspoon 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 Creamy Texture

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. Measure out the spices and prepare the chicken by trimming any excess fat.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Add all of the ingredients (in order) except the cream cheese and cottage cheese to the slow cooker.
* Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Cook the Chili

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

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

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

Step 5: Add Creaminess

Add the cream cheese into the slow cooker. Whisk it in until there are no lumps. Then return the shredded chicken back into the pot. Cover with the lid and cook on low for another 30 minutes.

Step 6: Finish Up

Turn off the slow cooker. Quickly stir in blended cottage cheese to achieve a creamy texture.

Step 7: Serve

Taste for seasoning and adjust as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Crockpot buffalo chicken chili is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner or a game day gathering, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

Toppings

Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spiciness of the chili.
Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions provide a crunchy texture and a burst of flavor.
Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top for extra richness and flavor.
Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado complements the heat and adds healthy fats.
Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of cilantro gives a refreshing and aromatic touch.

Accompaniments

Cornbread: Serve warm cornbread on the side for a sweet contrast to the savory chili.
Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips are perfect for scooping up the chili.
Rice: Serve over rice for a hearty meal that absorbs the flavors beautifully.

How to Perfect Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

To ensure your crockpot buffalo chicken chili turns out amazing every time, follow these simple tips.

Use High-Quality Chicken: Opt for fresh, boneless skinless chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.
Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by adding more or less buffalo sauce based on your preference.
Let It Simmer Longer: For deeper flavors, let the chili cook longer on low heat if time permits.
Blend Cottage Cheese Smoothly: Blend cottage cheese until smooth to avoid lumps in your chili.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste before serving and adjust seasoning as needed for optimal flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

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

Garlic Bread: This buttery bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious chili.
Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad provides a crisp contrast to the warm chili.
Coleslaw: The crunchiness and tanginess of coleslaw complement the rich flavors of the chili.
Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes make an excellent base to top with the spicy chili.
Grilled Veggies: Colorful grilled vegetables add nutrition and vibrant flavors to your meal.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad offers a nutritious side with additional protein.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili, avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.

Skipping ingredient prep: Always measure and prepare your ingredients beforehand. This helps ensure even cooking and balanced flavors.
Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can lead to dryness. Check doneness and shred as soon as it reaches the right temperature.
Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste your chili before serving. Adjust seasonings to suit your preference; adding salt or spice can enhance flavor significantly.
Neglecting the cream cheese blend: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before adding. This prevents clumps in your chili and creates a smooth texture.
Not utilizing toppings: Don’t skip on toppings! Adding fresh herbs, cheese alternatives, or avocado can elevate your dish’s flavor and presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili in an airtight container.
It will last for up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
The chili can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to label with the date.

Reheating Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place chili in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
Stovetop: Pour chili into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili.

Can I use other meats in this recipe?

You can easily substitute chicken with turkey or beef if you prefer a different protein option while keeping the same delicious flavors.

How spicy is Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili?

The spiciness depends on the amount of buffalo sauce used. Feel free to adjust according to your heat preference!

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes! Replace chicken with beans like black beans or additional vegetables, and use vegetable broth for a hearty vegetarian version.

What are some great toppings for my chili?

Popular toppings include diced avocado, shredded cheese alternatives, green onions, or fresh cilantro for added flavor and freshness.

How do I thicken my Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili?

If you prefer a thicker consistency, let it cook uncovered for the last hour or add a plant-based thickening agent like cornstarch mixed with water.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is not only easy to prepare but also versatile and packed with flavor. You can customize it with various proteins and toppings to fit your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week!

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