I remember the first time I craved a cozy, flavorful meal that would warm me up after a long workday—something easy, satisfying, and perfect for sharing. That’s when I created this buffalo chicken chili. It’s a dump-and-go crockpot recipe that saves time but never skimping on bold, comforting flavors. You’re going to love how simple and delicious this buffalo chicken chili is!
Table of Contents
Why This is the Best Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe
- Foolproof and simple, perfect for busy weeknights or game day gatherings.
- Ideal balance of creamy and spicy; the cream cheese mellows the heat just right.
- Easily customizable to suit your taste, including the amount of buffalo wing sauce.
- Tips included to prevent common pitfalls like watery chili or curdled cream cheese.
Key Ingredients and Their Roles
Fire-Roasted Tomatoes add a smoky depth that brings complexity to the chili’s flavor. Their slight char gives the dish a subtle richness that pairs beautifully with the spicy buffalo sauce.
Ranch Seasoning contributes a tangy, herby note that complements the buffalo wing sauce perfectly. It also adds layers of flavor without the need for fresh herbs, keeping things quick and effortless.
Cream Cheese is the secret to this chili’s ultimate creamy texture. It softens the heat, rounds out flavors, and makes the chili smooth and comforting without heaviness.
Ground Chicken cooks quickly and provides a tender, light protein base. It blends well with the spices and sauces for a chili that feels hearty but not overly dense.
Essential Equipment
- 6-quart Slow Cooker or Crockpot
- Large Dutch Oven or Stockpot (for stovetop version)
Buffalo Chicken Chili Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 15 oz canned white navy beans (drained and rinsed)
- 14.5 oz can fire roasted tomatoes (drained)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (start with 1/4 cup and add more at end if needed)
- 1 package ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried cilantro
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese
- Blue cheese crumbles (optional)
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Chili (Step-by-Step)
Slow Cooker Method
- Brown the ground chicken until fully cooked, then place it in the crockpot.
- Add remaining ingredients except for the cream cheese and blue cheese; stir to combine.
- Add the block of cream cheese on top and cover the crockpot.
- Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
- Stir to incorporate the cream cheese and add extra wing sauce if desired.
- Top with blue cheese crumbles when serving, if you like.
Stovetop/Dutch Oven Method
- Brown ground chicken in the Dutch oven over medium heat until fully cooked.
- Add all remaining ingredients except cream cheese and blue cheese; stir well.
- Simmer the chili uncovered on low-medium heat for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Adjust seasoning and wing sauce to taste.
- Serve topped with blue cheese crumbles if desired.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chili Every Time
- Prevent Clumpy Cream Cheese: Cube cream cheese and let it soften before adding, or stir in softened cream cheese at the end rather than cooking it on top.
- Achieve Richer Flavor: After browning chicken, briefly toast dry spices in the pot to deepen their aroma before adding liquids.
- Thicken Your Chili: Let chili simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to reduce, or whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) at the end.
Customizations & Variations
Ground Chicken vs. Shredded Chicken
Ground chicken cooks faster and blends smoothly into the chili for a quick weeknight meal. For a classic texture, use two whole chicken breasts instead. Add raw breasts to the crockpot, cook, shred with forks, then return chicken to pot and stir in cream cheese last.
Dietary Modifications (Keto, Low-Carb & Dairy-Free)
| Original Ingredient | Keto/Low-Carb Swap | Dairy-Free Swap |
|---|---|---|
| White Navy Beans | Cauliflower florets | Cauliflower florets |
| Cream Cheese | Cream cheese (regular) | Dairy-free cream cheese |
| Ranch Dressing Mix | Low-carb ranch seasoning | Dairy-free ranch seasoning |
| Blue Cheese Crumbles (optional) | Omit or use keto-friendly cheese | Dairy-free blue cheese alternative |
Build the Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Chili Topping Bar
Make game day extra special with a topping bar featuring:
Creamy & Cool: Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, sour cream, sliced avocado
Crunchy & Salty: Crushed tortilla chips, Fritos, bacon bits
Fresh & Spicy: Fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, diced red onion
Providing options lets everyone customize their bowls just how they like.
Serving and Storage Instructions
Serving Suggestions
Serve your buffalo chicken chili with classic sides like warm cornbread, crunchy tortilla chips, or a simple green salad for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Cool chili completely before freezing for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat to keep textures creamy and fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions about Buffalo Chicken Chili
How can I adjust the spice level?
Start with 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce and add more to taste after cooking. For less heat, use mild wing sauce or reduce quantity.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but expect a slightly less creamy texture. It still works well for a lighter version.
My chili is too watery, how do I fix it?
Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to reduce liquid or stir in a cornstarch slurry to thicken quickly.
Can I make this without beans?
Absolutely. Substitute beans with extra corn or chopped veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.
What’s a good substitute for fire-roasted tomatoes?
Use regular diced tomatoes mixed with a teaspoon of smoked paprika for smoky flavor.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Your Turn
This buffalo chicken chili is any night of the week. If you try it, I’d love to know: What’s your must-have topping for buffalo chicken chili? Share your favorites in the comments below, and let’s keep the kitchen fun and flavorful together!
Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more recipes @aisharecipes
buffalo chicken chili
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown ground chicken until fully cooked, place in crock (or brown ahead of time and store in fridge until ready to assemble).
- Add remaining ingredients except for cream cheese and blue cheese and stir to combine.
- Add block of cream cheese on top and cover.
- Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8.
- Stir to incorporate cream cheese and add additional wing sauce as desired.
- Top individual bowls with blue cheese crumbles if desired.
