Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is a delightful dish that brings together the perfect blend of spices, tender chicken, and hearty beans. It’s ideal for any occasion, whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a cozy dinner. This one-pot wonder is not only packed with flavor but also offers a healthy dose of protein to keep you satisfied.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare – With minimal chopping and just one pot to clean, this recipe is perfect for busy days.
• Flavorful & Zesty – The combination of spices and buffalo sauce gives it a unique kick that will impress your taste buds.
• Versatile Meal – Enjoy it on its own or as a base for toppings like avocado or cheese; the options are endless.
• Great for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week; it reheats beautifully!
• Healthy & Filling – Loaded with lean protein and fiber from beans, it’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili, you’ll need a few essential tools to streamline your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Forks or hand mixer
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker – This tool ensures your chili cooks evenly over hours while you go about your day.
• Mixing bowl – Perfect for combining ingredients before adding them to the slow cooker, making prep easy.
• Forks or hand mixer – These are essential for shredding the chicken once it’s cooked, ensuring it’s perfectly tender.

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 Chicken

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts

For the Spices

• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For the Vegetables & Beans

• 1 cup frozen corn
• 2 – 10 ounce can fire roasted tomatoes and green chiles
• 2 – 15 ounce can cannellini beans

For Flavoring

• 1/2 cup Franks Buffalo Sauce
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth

For Creaminess

• 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
• 4 oz cottage cheese (blended)

How to Make Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker

Add all of the other ingredients (in order) except the cream cheese and cottage cheese to the slow cooker. Stir everything together thoroughly.

Step 2: 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 3: 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 4: Add Cream Cheese

Add the cream cheese into the slow cooker and whisk it in until there are no lumps remaining. Then add the shredded chicken back in.

Step 5: Final Cooking Phase

Cover with the lid again and cook on low for another 30 minutes to let all flavors meld together.

Step 6: Incorporate Cottage Cheese

Turn off the slow cooker and quickly stir in the blended cottage cheese. Taste for seasoning and adjust as desired before serving.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve immediately while hot, garnished with your favorite toppings if desired. Enjoy your flavorful Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili!

How to Serve Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Crockpot buffalo chicken chili is versatile and can be served in many delicious ways. Whether you want a hearty meal or a light snack, here are some creative serving suggestions.

Top with Fresh Ingredients

• Avocado: Add sliced or diced avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.
• Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions for a fresh and mild onion flavor.
• Cilantro: Garnish with fresh cilantro to enhance the dish’s flavor profile.

Pair with Crunchy Options

• Tortilla Chips: Serve chili with crispy tortilla chips for added texture and crunch.
• Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread complements the spiciness beautifully.

Create a Chili Bar

• Diverse Toppings: Set up a topping station with options like shredded cheese, jalapeños, or sour cream for guests to customize their bowls.
• Side Dishes: Offer sides like rice or quinoa for those who prefer a heartier meal.

How to Perfect Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Perfecting your crockpot buffalo chicken chili is easy with these simple tips. Follow these suggestions for an even tastier dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs whenever possible to boost flavor and nutrition.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to add more or less buffalo sauce based on your heat tolerance.
• Cook Low and Slow: Cooking on low allows flavors to meld better, giving you a richer taste.
• Don’t Skip the Shredding: Shredding the chicken adds texture and helps it absorb the flavors of the chili.
• Blend Cottage Cheese Smoothly: Ensure the cottage cheese is blended well before adding it in for a creamy consistency without lumps.
• Taste Before Serving: Always taste your chili before serving; adjust seasoning as needed to suit your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Enhance your meal with delicious side dishes that pair well with crockpot buffalo chicken chili. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: A warm garlic bread complements the spiciness of the chili perfectly.
2. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf provides a neutral base that balances out the robust flavors of the chili.
3. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and crunch, making it a refreshing side.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers can be filled with grains and veggies, offering an extra dose of nutrients.
5. Salad Greens: A simple green salad dressed lightly can cleanse the palate between bites of spicy chili.
6. Baked Potatoes: Serve baked potatoes alongside; they can be topped with leftover chili or enjoyed plain as a comforting side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking with a slow cooker can be easy, but there are common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili. Here are some tips to ensure success.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning properly can lead to bland chili. Make sure to follow the spice measurements and taste as you go.
• Overcrowding the cooker: Adding too many ingredients can make it hard for everything to cook evenly. Stick to the recipe amounts for best results.
• Not shredding the chicken properly: If you don’t shred the chicken well, it might end up being chunky instead of well-integrated. Use two forks or a hand mixer for a finer texture.
• Ignoring cooking times: Cooking on high for too long can dry out your chicken. Monitor closely and adjust based on your slow cooker’s settings.
• Forgetting about garnishes: Toppings enhance flavor and texture. Don’t skip adding chili toppings like green onions or avocado for an extra kick.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
• It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), then heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot, usually around 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about this delicious recipe, here are some frequently asked questions regarding Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in my Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili?

You can! Just increase the cooking time by an hour when using frozen chicken.

What are some good chili toppings?

Popular choices include shredded cheese, diced green onions, sour cream, and avocado slices.

How do I make it spicier?

Consider adding more buffalo sauce or incorporating diced jalapeños into your mix for an extra kick.

Can I substitute other proteins in this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to replace chicken with turkey or even plant-based options for a different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is not only simple but also versatile and packed with flavor. This dish is perfect for meal prepping and customizing with various toppings according to your taste preferences. Give it a try, and enjoy a hearty meal that is sure to satisfy!