Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe

When you want a warm, filling meal, chili is always a great choice. Now picture classic chili with a bold and tangy Buffalo chicken twist. That’s exactly what this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili delivers.

This chili is hearty, full of flavor, and very easy to make. You add everything to the slow cooker, let it cook low and slow, then shred the chicken at the end. The result is a thick, protein-packed chili that tastes like it cooked all day—because it did.

Whether you’re planning a game day menu, prepping meals for the week, or feeding a hungry family, this Buffalo chicken chili fits every situation.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

This recipe keeps things simple but never boring. It needs very little prep and gives you big, bold flavor every time.

  • Easy dump-and-go slow cooker recipe
  • Bold Buffalo chicken flavor with adjustable heat
  • High in protein and very filling
  • Great for meal prep, game day, or busy weeknights
  • Family-friendly and perfect for feeding a crowd

If you enjoy slow cooker meals that are easy but full of flavor, this is a recipe you’ll make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together for rich flavor.

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • White beans, black beans, or kidney beans
  • Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
  • Onion and garlic for deeper flavor
  • Celery for a light savory crunch
  • Chicken broth
  • Chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper

You can easily control the spice level by choosing a mild or hot Buffalo sauce or adding more at the end.

How to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

This recipe could not be easier. The slow cooker does almost all the work.

  1. Add the chicken, beans, tomatoes, onion, garlic, celery, seasonings, Buffalo sauce, and chicken broth to the slow cooker.
  2. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
  4. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and place it back into the slow cooker.
  5. Stir well and let the chili rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.

You’ll get a thick, hearty chili with tender shredded chicken and bold Buffalo flavor in every bite.

Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Chili

These simple tips help you get the best flavor and texture every time.

  • Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness and richness
  • Add Buffalo sauce slowly and adjust the heat near the end
  • For a creamier chili, stir in cream cheese or Greek yogurt before serving
  • Let the chili rest so the flavors blend well
  • Taste and adjust seasoning right before serving

Small changes can make a big difference.

Topping Ideas and Serving Suggestions

Toppings add extra flavor and texture to this Buffalo chicken chili.

  • Crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream or ranch dressing
  • Sliced green onions or fresh herbs
  • Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips, or crusty bread

Leftovers also taste great on baked potatoes, nachos, or wrapped in tortillas for a quick lunch.

Storage, Freezing, and Meal Prep

This chili stores and reheats very well, making it perfect for meal prep.

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
  • Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months
  • Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little broth if needed

The flavors deepen over time, so leftovers taste even better the next day.

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe

Course: Main CourseCuisine: American
Servings

5

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

6

hours 
Calories

360

kcal
Total time

6

hours 

10

minutes

This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is an easy, hearty comfort meal packed with bold flavor. It features tender shredded chicken, beans, and tangy Buffalo sauce for a satisfying bowl of chili everyone will love. With very little prep and hands-off slow cooking, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, game day parties, or weekly meal prep.

You can easily adjust the spice level and texture to fit your taste. This chili brings big, bold flavor with minimal effort, making it a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

  • 1 cup Buffalo sauce

  • 1 can (15 oz) white beans drained and rinsed

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans drained and rinsed

  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes

  • 1 small onion diced

  • 2 cloves garlic minced

  • 2 celery stalks chopped

  • 1 cup chicken broth

  • 1 tbsp chili powder

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • ½ tsp salt adjust to taste

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • Optional add-ins:
  • 4 oz cream cheese for a creamy version

  • Extra Buffalo sauce for more heat

  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese

  • Crumbled Cojita Cheese or blue cheese

Instructions

  • Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Add the beans, crushed tomatoes, onion, garlic, celery, chicken broth, Buffalo sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  • Stir gently to mix everything together, keeping the chicken whole.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
  • Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
  • Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well.
  • If using cream cheese, add it now and stir until melted and smooth.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning or Buffalo sauce as needed.
  • Let the chili rest for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to come together.

FAQs

Can I make this chili creamy?

Yes. Stir in cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or sour cream at the end for a creamy texture.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes. Add a little extra cooking time and make sure the chicken is fully cooked before shredding.

Can I freeze Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili?

Absolutely. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

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