There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili on a cold day, right? It wraps you up like a cozy blanket and fills your soul with comfort. And let me tell you, my slow cooker buffalo chicken chili is a game changer! The ease of throwing everything into the slow cooker and letting it do the magic while you go about your day is just unbeatable. I remember one chilly winter afternoon when I was feeling particularly lazy. I tossed everything in the slow cooker before heading out, and by the time I got back, my house smelled like heaven! The spicy, tangy buffalo flavor combined with tender chicken and hearty beans is just divine. Trust me, you’ll want to dive into this deliciousness as soon as you take that first warm spoonful. It’s perfect for family dinners, game nights, or just a comforting meal after a long day. So, let’s get into making this chili that’ll warm you from the inside out!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up my slow cooker buffalo chicken chili:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts – the star of the show, tender and juicy!
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed – for that hearty, protein-packed goodness.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed – adds a nice depth of flavor and texture.
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes – brings in some juicy freshness.
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce – this is where the magic happens! Adjust to your spice level.
- 1 onion, chopped – for that aromatic base that warms the heart.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – a must for that extra zing!
- 1 cup corn – sweet bursts of flavor that complement the spiciness.
- 1 tsp cumin – adds a lovely warm earthiness.
- 1 tsp chili powder – for an extra kick and depth of flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste – don’t forget to season to your liking!
Make sure you have everything on hand before you start; it makes the cooking process so much smoother and more enjoyable! Trust me, you’ll be glad you prepped everything in advance.
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this delightful chili! It’s super easy, and I promise you’ll feel like a culinary superstar by the end of it. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a comforting bowl of goodness waiting for you!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First things first, let’s get that chicken in the slow cooker. Place the 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts right at the bottom. You want them to be the foundation of all that glorious flavor. Make sure they’re not overlapping too much, as we want them to cook evenly. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even give them a little sprinkle of salt and pepper for good measure!
Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Beans
Next up, it’s time to layer in all those colorful veggies and beans! Start by adding the chopped onion and minced garlic on top of the chicken. Follow that with the drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans, and then toss in the can of diced tomatoes. Don’t forget the sweet corn; it adds such a nice contrast to the spice! Just throw everything in there—trust me, it’ll all come together beautifully.
Step 3: Season the Chili
Now for the fun part—seasoning! Grab your cup of buffalo wing sauce and pour it over the top, making sure to coat everything nicely. Add in the 1 tsp of cumin and 1 tsp of chili powder, then sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. This is where the magic happens, so don’t be shy about adjusting the buffalo sauce to fit your spice level! You can always add more later if you want it extra fiery.
Step 4: Combine and Cook
Give everything a good stir to combine all those wonderful flavors. Make sure the chicken is well-coated with the sauce and all the veggies are mixed in. Then, cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. I usually go for low and let it simmer away while I tackle my day. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld together, and your house will smell amazing!
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
When the cooking time is up, it’s time for the grand finale! Carefully remove the lid, and using two forks, shred the chicken right in the pot. It should fall apart easily and mix in with all those delicious ingredients. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is well combined, and voilà! You’re ready to serve up this hearty bowl of slow cooker buffalo chicken chili that’ll warm your heart and soul.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy prep—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing!
- Hearty and satisfying flavors that’ll keep you coming back for seconds.
- Perfectly spicy with a tangy buffalo kick, adjustable to your spice preference.
- Healthy and gluten-free, making it a great option for everyone at the table.
- Great for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week!
- Freezes beautifully, so you can save some for a rainy day or unexpected guests.
- Ideal for game days, cozy family dinners, or any time you need a comforting dish.
Tips for Success with Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
Alright, let’s make sure your slow cooker buffalo chicken chili turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to elevate the flavors and make your chili-making experience even better:
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you love a spicy kick, feel free to add more buffalo sauce or even toss in some diced jalapeños. On the flip side, if you’re looking for something milder, you can reduce the buffalo sauce and mix in some low-sodium chicken broth for a gentler flavor.
- Timing is Key: For the best texture, I recommend cooking on low for the full 8 hours if you can. This allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and soak up all those lovely flavors. If you’re short on time, the high setting is still great, just don’t rush it too much!
- Don’t Skip the Shredding: Make sure to shred the chicken right in the pot at the end. This not only breaks up the chicken into bite-sized pieces but also helps it absorb the sauce better, resulting in a more flavorful chili.
- Add Fresh Herbs: For an extra pop of freshness, consider garnishing your bowl with chopped cilantro or green onions right before serving. It brightens up the dish and makes it look oh-so-inviting!
- Experiment with Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Try adding shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or even a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips for some crunch. These little extras can really take your chili to the next level.
- Store Leftovers Wisely: If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), let the chili cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for about 5 days and can also be frozen for up to 3 months!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a chili that’s not just good, but absolutely unforgettable. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Now that we’re all set to enjoy this delicious slow cooker buffalo chicken chili, let’s chat about the nutritional side of things! While these numbers can vary a bit depending on specific ingredients and brands, here’s a rough estimate per serving (1 cup):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 75mg
These estimates give you a good idea of the hearty, wholesome meal you’re about to enjoy! Packed with protein and fiber, this chili will not only fill you up but also keep you satisfied. Just remember, if you adjust the ingredients—like using less buffalo sauce or swapping in low-sodium beans—the nutrition might shift a little. Enjoy every bite, knowing you’re indulging in something both delicious and nutritious!
FAQ About Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
Got questions about my slow cooker buffalo chicken chili? No worries! Here are some common queries I often get, along with my answers to help you out:
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Absolutely! You can throw frozen chicken breasts straight into the slow cooker. Just keep in mind that it might take a little longer to cook through, so plan for an extra hour or so if you’re cooking on low.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
Good question! If you’re not a fan of heat, you can simply reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder version. You could also add some chicken broth to balance the flavors without making it spicy. Trust me, it’ll still be delicious!
Can I add other vegetables to the chili?
For sure! Feel free to toss in other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or even carrots. They’ll add extra flavor and texture, and you can really make this chili your own!
How do I store leftovers?
Let the chili cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 5 days or you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—easy peasy!
Is this chili good for meal prep?
Absolutely! This chili is fantastic for meal prep. You can make a big batch and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just reheat and enjoy—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili: 5 Comforting Steps
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and spicy buffalo chicken chili made in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup corn
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Add chopped onion, garlic, beans, tomatoes, corn, buffalo sauce, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Before serving, shred the chicken with two forks and mix well.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce according to your spice preference.
- Serve with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or green onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Chili
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: slow cooker buffalo chicken chili
