When it comes to comfort food, chili always delivers.
Now imagine taking everything you love about classic chili and giving it a bold, tangy Buffalo chicken twist. That’s exactly what this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili does.
This recipe is hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make.
You simply add the ingredients to your slow cooker, let it simmer low and slow, then shred the chicken for a thick, protein-packed chili that tastes like it cooked all day, because it did.
Whether you’re planning a game day spread, meal prepping for the week, or making dinner for a hungry family, this chili checks every box.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
This recipe is the perfect blend of convenience and bold flavor. It takes minimal prep time but delivers a rich, satisfying result.
- Easy dump-and-go slow cooker recipe
- Bold Buffalo chicken flavor with customizable heat
- High in protein and incredibly filling
- Perfect for meal prep, game day, or busy weeknights
- Family-friendly and great for feeding a crowd
If you love slow cooker meals that don’t sacrifice flavor, this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Buffalo chicken chili uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together for big flavor.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Buffalo sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
- White beans, black beans, or kidney beans
- Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- Onion and garlic for depth of flavor
- Celery for a subtle savory bite
- Chicken broth
- Chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper
You can easily adjust the spice level by choosing a mild or hot Buffalo sauce, or by adding extra at the end.
How to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
This recipe is truly as easy as it gets. The slow cooker does most of the work.
- Add the chicken, beans, tomatoes, onion, garlic, celery, seasonings, Buffalo sauce, and chicken broth to the slow cooker.
- Stir lightly to combine everything.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
- Stir well and let the chili sit for 10–15 minutes before serving.
The result is a thick, hearty chili with tender shredded chicken and bold Buffalo flavor in every bite.
Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Chili
A few simple tips can take this chili from good to truly great.
- Use chicken thighs if you prefer extra tenderness and richness
- Add Buffalo sauce gradually and adjust to taste near the end
- For a creamier chili, stir in cream cheese or Greek yogurt before serving
- Let the chili rest for a few minutes to allow flavors to fully develop
- Taste and adjust seasoning right before serving
These small tweaks make a big difference in flavor and texture.
Topping Ideas and Serving Suggestions
Toppings are where this Buffalo chicken chili really shines. They add contrast, creaminess, and extra flavor.
- Crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream or ranch dressing
- Sliced green onions or fresh herbs
- Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips, or crusty bread
Leftovers also work beautifully as a topping for baked potatoes, nachos, or even stuffed into wraps for a quick lunch.
Storage, Freezing, and Meal Prep
This chili stores and reheats exceptionally well, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed
The flavors actually deepen over time, making leftovers even better the next day.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I make this chili creamy?
Absolutely. Stir in cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or sour cream at the end for a creamy texture.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but increase cooking time slightly and ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature before shredding.
Can I freeze Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili?
Yes. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili (Easy & Spicy)
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup Buffalo sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
Optional add-ins:
- 4 oz cream cheese for a creamy version
- Extra Buffalo sauce for more heat
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Crumbled Cojita Cheese or blue cheese
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the beans, crushed tomatoes, onion, garlic, celery, chicken broth, Buffalo sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Stir gently to combine the ingredients without breaking up the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well.
- If using cream cheese, add it now and stir until fully melted and incorporated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning or Buffalo sauce as needed.
- Let the chili rest for 10–15 minutes before serving for best flavor.