This crockpot buffalo chicken chili is creamy, hearty, and packed with bold buffalo-ranch flavor. Made with tender shredded chicken, beans, and a rich, slow-simmered base, it’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that works just as well for busy weeknights as it does for game day.
1mediumyellow onion(diced, 1 cup of frozen diced onion may be used)
1mediumbell pepper (any color)(diced)
2stalkscelery(sliced)
3clovesgarlic(minced)
15ouncecan fire-roasted diced tomatoes(undrained)
15ouncecan black beans(drained and rinsed)
15ouncecan white beans or great northern beans(drained and rinsed)
2cupschicken broth
¾cupbuffalo saucemild or medium
1teaspoonchili powder
1teaspoonsmoked paprika
½teaspooncumin
½teaspoonKosher salt(plus extra to taste)
¼teaspoonground black pepper(plus extra to taste)
4ouncescream cheese(cubed and warmed in microwave until soft)
6ouncesshredded cheddar cheese or colby jack cheese(plus extra for serving)
Optional toppings:shredded cheese or crumbled blue cheese, chopped green onions or celery, sour cream, ranch drizzle
Instructions
Add the chicken breasts, onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, diced tomatoes, black beans, white beans, chicken broth, buffalo sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily. Remove the chicken, shred it, then return it to the crockpot and stir well.
Add the softened warm cream cheese and shredded cheese. Cover and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring once or twice, until fully melted and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or buffalo sauce if needed.
Notes
For more helpful hints, substitution ideas, slow cooking tips, and other delicious recipe ideas, check out my post above.CROCKPOT COOKING TIPS: Every slow cooker heats a little differently, so cooking times can vary. Once you know how your crock pot runs (hotter or cooler), you can adjust as needed. For meats and proteins, always use a thermometer to check doneness — the internal temperature is the most accurate way to know when it’s ready.TIPS: Warm the cream cheese in the microwave just until soft before adding it to the crockpot so it melts smoothly and evenly into the chili.VARIATIONS: You can also add a cup of frozen corn or swap the black beans for pinto beans. SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips, or crusty bread. Top with additional shredded cheese or blue cheese crumbles, chopped celery or green onions, add a dollop of cream cheese or a drizzle of ranch for classic buffalo flavor.
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