When the air turns crisp and the days get shorter, there’s nothing like coming home to the warm, spicy aroma of a bubbling pot of chili. But what if you could take that classic comfort food and give it a bold, irresistible twist? Enter: Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili — a creamy, tangy, spicy mash-up of two all-time favorites: chili and buffalo wings.
Whether it’s game day, a cozy weekend, or just another busy weeknight, this dish is your new go-to for satisfying cravings, impressing a crowd, or simply warming up from the inside out. It’s creamy. It’s cheesy. It’s loaded with flavor. And best of all? It’s made entirely in the slow cooker, so you can set it, forget it, and dig in hours later with minimal effort.
Inspired by the addictive flavor of buffalo wings but crafted to be a full, hearty meal, this chili hits every note — smoky, spicy, creamy, savory, and utterly comforting.
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili
If you’ve never combined buffalo sauce with creamy chili goodness, you’re in for a serious treat. This recipe is:
- 🔥 Bold & Spicy – With just the right kick from buffalo sauce
- 🐔 Protein-Packed – Made with lean chicken breasts and white beans
- 🧀 Ultra Creamy – Cream cheese brings velvety richness
- 🕒 Set-It-and-Forget-It Easy – Your slow cooker does all the work
- 🍲 Perfect for Crowds – Makes a big batch ideal for sharing
- 🧄 Full of Flavor – With layers of spice, herbs, and savory ingredients
Whether you’re feeding the family, hosting a tailgate, or meal prepping for the week, this chili brings the heat and comfort in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down the flavor-packed ingredient list. These pantry and fridge staples come together to make magic in your slow cooker:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3 large)
- ¼ cup butter, cubed (adds richness and depth)
- ⅔ cup buffalo sauce (use your favorite brand—mild or spicy!)
- 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- ½ cup diced onion (about half a small onion)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dill
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
To Finish:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (for that creamy, dreamy finish)
🔥 Tip: Want it spicier? Add a dash of cayenne or a chopped jalapeño!
How to Make Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili – Step by Step
Step 1: Load Up the Crockpot
Start by placing the cubed butter in the bottom of the crockpot. Layer the chicken breasts over the butter.
Then add:
- Buffalo sauce
- Chicken broth
- Onions
- Fire-roasted tomatoes
- Corn
- White beans
- All the spices (garlic powder, cumin, dill, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper)
Give everything a gentle stir to combine.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook:
- On LOW for 5–6 hours
- OR on HIGH for 3–4 hours
The chicken should be tender and fully cooked, and the flavors well blended.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Remove the cooked chicken from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
Step 4: Stir in Cream Cheese
Add the cream cheese to the chili and stir gently. Let it melt for 8–10 minutes until fully incorporated into the chili, creating a rich, creamy texture.
🧀 Tip: Soften the cream cheese at room temp beforehand to help it melt evenly.
Step 5: Serve It Up!
Your buffalo chicken chili is ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes (more on those below).
Top Toppings for Buffalo Chicken Chili
No bowl of chili is complete without custom toppings. Here are some of our favorite ideas:
- 🧀 Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack
- 🥑 Sliced avocado
- 🧅 Diced red onions or scallions
- 🥣 Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 🌿 Fresh cilantro or parsley
- 🌽 Crushed tortilla chips or cornbread on the side
- 🌶️ Extra buffalo sauce or hot sauce drizzle
✨ Make it a chili bar! Set out toppings and let everyone build their perfect bowl.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Chili
This chili is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but if you want to round it out:
- Cornbread muffins
- Garlic bread
- Crispy baked potato wedges
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Green salad with ranch dressing
And don’t forget a cold beer, a sparkling lemonade, or even a ranch Bloody Mary if you’re feeling festive.
Storage, Reheating, and Freezing Tips
Buffalo chicken chili stores beautifully—making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
To Store:
Let chili cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To Reheat:
- Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
To Freeze:
- Let chili cool fully.
- Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
❄️ Freezing tip: Portion into single-serve containers for easy grab-and-go lunches!
Recipe Variations and Customizations
Love to experiment in the kitchen? Try these fun tweaks:
Make it Vegetarian
Swap the chicken for 2 cans of white beans or chopped cauliflower and use vegetable broth.
Low-Carb Option
Skip the corn and beans, and load up on veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.
Add Pasta or Rice
Stir in cooked elbow macaroni, orzo, or rice at the end to make it even heartier.
Turn It Into Dip
Reduce the broth slightly and serve with tortilla chips as a party-perfect buffalo chicken chili dip!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Shred about 3–4 cups of cooked rotisserie chicken and add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking along with the cream cheese.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but you’ll need to extend the cooking time. Be sure to check that the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature before shredding.
What’s the best buffalo sauce to use?
Use your favorite! Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce is a classic, but you can use any mild or hot brand you prefer.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a moderate heat level. To tone it down, use a mild buffalo sauce and add extra cream cheese or a splash of cream. For more heat, stir in hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
Perfect For Every Occasion
- 🎉 Game Day Appetizer or Meal – Serve with a side of sliders and you’re set.
- 🍂 Fall and Winter Comfort Food – When it’s cold outside, this chili hits the spot.
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Dinner – Kid-friendly if you use mild buffalo sauce.
- 🥣 Meal Prep Masterpiece – Make once, eat all week.
Final Thoughts: A Crowd-Pleasing Bowl of Bold Comfort
This Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili takes the classic slow-cooked comfort of chili and gives it an irresistible, spicy makeover. It’s proof that a few pantry staples and a little time in the slow cooker can result in something absolutely unforgettable.
So the next time you’re looking for a hands-off dinner that still brings bold flavor and creamy satisfaction, give this chili a try. It’s craveable, customizable, and always a hit at the table