Hearty Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili: Your Ultimate Easy & Spicy Comfort Food
Imagine the zesty, fiery kick of your favorite buffalo wings combined with the comforting warmth of a hearty bowl of chili. This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili does exactly that, transforming classic hot wing flavors into an incredibly satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs meal. Picture tender shredded chicken, robust beans, and wholesome vegetables simmering slowly with a spicy hot wing sauce, creating a rich, flavorful broth. Served with cooling dollops of ranch or creamy bleu cheese and a crunch of fresh celery, it’s the perfect dish for game day gatherings, chilly evenings, or whenever you crave a bold, comforting meal that practically makes itself.
Living in regions with unpredictable weather, like Nebraska, you quickly learn the value of a reliable, warm meal. When the temperature drops and the snow begins to fall, my slow cooker becomes my best friend. This Buffalo Chicken Chili is my go-to recipe for those days – it’s an effortlessly comforting dinner that makes staying in feel like the best decision ever. There’s a common saying around here: “If you don’t like the weather in Nebraska, wait five minutes and it will change.” And through many of those quick-changing, cold spells, this chili has provided much-needed warmth and flavor in my kitchen.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor it achieves with minimal effort. It’s a dish that evokes the spirit of cozy nights in and lively game day celebrations, offering a unique twist on two beloved American classics: chili and buffalo wings.
What Makes This Buffalo Chicken Chili a Must-Try?
If you’re a devoted fan of buffalo wings, prepare for this chili to become your new obsession. It captures the same bold, tangy, and wonderfully spicy notes that make hot wings so irresistible, but in a hearty, comforting bowl of chili. The magic of the slow cooker makes the entire process incredibly effortless: simply combine all the ingredients, set it, and return hours later to a delicious, ready-to-serve dinner. You have complete control over the heat level – choose a milder wing sauce for a gentle kick or go for extra spicy if you dare. Plus, the array of customizable toppings allows everyone to tailor their bowl to perfection, making it a crowd-plepleaser for any occasion, from casual weeknights to festive game days.
Beyond its fantastic flavor, this Buffalo Chicken Chili offers incredible versatility. It’s a dish that can be as sophisticated or as simple as you need it to be, accommodating various dietary preferences with easy substitutions. The combination of succulent chicken, nutrient-rich beans, and vibrant vegetables ensures a well-rounded meal that is both filling and deeply satisfying.
The Effortless Joy of Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili
One of the most appealing aspects of preparing chili in a slow cooker, or Crockpot, is the sheer ease it offers. There’s no need for constant stirring, no fear of burning, and minimal active cooking time. You simply add all your ingredients to the pot, set the desired cooking time, and let it simmer on a low setting throughout the day. This prolonged, gentle cooking process is key: it allows all the distinct flavors to meld and deepen beautifully, while the chicken becomes incredibly tender and easy to shred. This hands-off approach frees up your time, letting you focus on other tasks or simply relax, knowing that a comforting, hearty meal is slowly but surely coming together. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimum fuss, solidifying its place as a cherished favorite in countless kitchens, including mine.
The slow cooker truly shines when it comes to dishes like chili. The low and slow heat breaks down the chicken perfectly, allowing it to absorb all the rich, spicy buffalo sauce and aromatic vegetable flavors. This results in a chili with an unmatched depth and complexity that would typically require hours of stovetop attention. It’s a testament to how simple cooking methods can yield exceptionally delicious results, making it ideal for busy weekdays or when entertaining a crowd.
Essential Ingredients for Your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Chili
Crafting this flavorful chili requires a straightforward list of ingredients, most of which are pantry staples. For the exact measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card located at the very bottom of this post.
- Chicken breasts – The lean and tender chicken breast is the ideal protein for this chili, shredding beautifully after slow cooking to soak up all the delicious sauce. For a richer flavor and texture, you can also opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Alternatively, if you’re short on time, pre-cooked shredded rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for ultimate convenience.
- Onion, celery, and garlic – These three aromatic vegetables form the foundational flavor base for our chili. The onion adds a sweet depth, the garlic a pungent warmth, and the celery provides a subtle earthy note and a delightful crunch that cleverly echoes the classic celery stick pairing found with traditional Buffalo wings.
- Chili powder and cumin – These traditional chili spices are crucial for adding warmth, depth, and a touch of smokiness that perfectly balances the tangy and spicy hot sauce. If you’re a fan of even deeper smoky flavors, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the mix.
- Flour – A small amount, typically a couple of tablespoons, helps to slightly thicken the broth, giving the chili a satisfying body and consistency. If you follow a gluten-free diet, cornstarch is an excellent alternative, or you can simply omit the flour; the chili will still be delicious, just a bit thinner in texture.
- Buffalo wing sauce – This is truly the star of the show, providing the signature flavor! I personally prefer Frank’s RedHot for its classic taste, but feel free to use any brand or heat level you enjoy. Choose a mild sauce for less heat, or if you crave a fiery bowl, opt for an extra spicy variety.
- Canned tomatoes with juice – Diced tomatoes contribute essential acidity and a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the sauce, adding a crucial balance. For an intriguing smoky undertone, fire-roasted diced tomatoes are a fantastic substitution.
- Black beans and kidney beans – This combination creates a hearty, filling, and satisfying chili. The different textures and flavors of these two beans add complexity. You can certainly use all of one kind, or experiment with other beans like cannellini (white beans) or chickpeas if you prefer.
- Chicken broth – This liquid base keeps all the ingredients simmering together in a savory, flavorful environment. Vegetable broth can be used as a suitable alternative if preferred.
- Salt and pepper – Simple yet essential seasonings to enhance and round out all the flavors. Always adjust these to taste at the very end of cooking, as different hot sauces can vary significantly in their saltiness.
- Optional toppings – The toppings are where the magic truly happens, allowing for personalized bowls and adding crucial textural and flavor contrasts. Consider fresh green onions, extra crisp celery sticks (for that authentic wing experience!), cool sour cream, creamy ranch dressing, pungent blue cheese crumbles, or melty mozzarella cheese. The cool, creamy toppings are vital for balancing the chili’s spice, while the various cheeses add a comforting, savory finish.
Having high-quality ingredients, especially your chosen buffalo sauce, can make a significant difference in the final taste of your chili. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasonings throughout the cooking process to perfectly match your preferences!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Chili in the Slow Cooker: A Simple Guide
One of the greatest appeals of this Buffalo Chicken Chili recipe is its incredible simplicity. It truly is a “dump everything in, set it, and forget it” kind of meal! The slow cooker handles all the heavy lifting, allowing you to enjoy your day while a delicious dinner cooks itself.
- Combine Ingredients: Begin by adding your cut chicken breasts, diced onion, celery, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, hot wing sauce, canned diced tomatoes with their juice, black beans, kidney beans, and chicken broth to your slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to combine.
- Thicken (Optional): Sprinkle in the two tablespoons of flour and stir again until it’s well incorporated. This step helps create a slightly thicker chili, giving it a more robust body. If you prefer a thinner consistency or are avoiding gluten, you can skip this step.
- Cook: Place the lid securely on your slow cooker. Set it to cook on the LOW setting for approximately 5 ½ hours. This slow cooking duration ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender and easy to shred, and all the flavors have ample time to meld together perfectly.
- Shred Chicken: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the chili. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then return it to the slow cooker and stir it back into the chili. This allows the shredded chicken to absorb even more of the delicious buffalo flavor.
Finally, ladle the rich, spicy chili into individual bowls. Now comes the best part: customize each serving generously with your favorite toppings! Whether it’s a cool drizzle of ranch, a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles, or a handful of fresh green onions, these additions elevate the experience and make every spoonful a delight. Enjoy!
Making Ahead and Storing Leftovers: Practical Tips
This Buffalo Chicken Chili is not only delicious fresh but also incredibly convenient for meal prep and makes fantastic leftovers. Planning ahead with this recipe can save you valuable time during busy weeks!
- Make Ahead: This chili is an outstanding make-ahead meal, perfect for simplifying your week. You can prepare and chop all the ingredients the night before and store them directly in your slow cooker insert (if it’s refrigerator-safe). The next morning, simply pop the insert into the slow cooker base, turn it on, and let it cook. For even longer planning, this chili is also an excellent candidate for a freezer meal. Assemble all the raw ingredients (except the broth and flour) in a freezer-safe bag or container, then add those liquids when ready to cook.
- Make this on the Stovetop: No slow cooker? No problem at all! You can easily adapt this recipe for stovetop cooking. Add all the ingredients to a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The chicken should be tender and easily shredded by the end.
- Storing Leftovers: Leftovers of this chili are truly a gift, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld and deepen. Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat: Gently warm refrigerated chili on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave until heated through. If the chili has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- To Freeze: This chili freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for long-term storage. Ensure the chili has cooled completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop or back in your slow cooker until piping hot.
Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
If this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili recipe has captured your heart and taste buds, make sure to save it so you can easily find it again! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board now, and share the spicy, comforting goodness with your friends.
Expert Tips for Crafting the Best Buffalo Chicken Chili
While this chili recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few key tips and tricks can elevate it from good to absolutely outstanding. Pay attention to these details for a truly memorable batch:
- Proper Chicken Preparation: For even cooking and easy eating, ensure you dice your chicken breasts into uniform, bite-sized pieces before adding them to the slow cooker. This also helps the chicken cook through at the same rate as the other ingredients and makes shredding effortless.
- Adjusting the Heat: The beauty of buffalo sauce is its customizable heat. If you’re unsure about the spice level, start with a slightly smaller amount of hot wing sauce than the recipe calls for. You can always stir in an extra splash or two just before serving to achieve your desired level of heat. This allows you to taste and adjust without overdoing it upfront.
- Don’t Skip the Toppings! The toppings are not just for decoration; they are integral to the Buffalo Chicken Chili experience. Cooling and creamy elements like ranch dressing, blue cheese crumbles, or sour cream are essential for balancing the chili’s spice, replicating the refreshing contrast you get with traditional buffalo wings. Fresh additions like diced celery or green onions add crucial texture and brightness.
- Serving Suggestions: This chili is a meal in itself, but pairing it with the right sides can make it even better. We love to serve it alongside warm cornbread, crunchy tortilla chips (perfect for scooping up every last drop!), or crusty bread. For a lighter option, a simple green salad can also be a great accompaniment.
- Quality of Ingredients: While many ingredients are pantry staples, choosing a good quality buffalo wing sauce you genuinely enjoy will make a significant difference. Freshly minced garlic and diced vegetables will also contribute to a richer, more vibrant flavor profile.
More Irresistible Chili Recipes to Explore
If your family shares my passion for chili, you’re in luck! I have a diverse collection of chili recipes to suit every taste and occasion. From hearty classics to unique regional specialties, there’s always a new chili adventure to be had in my kitchen.
My Five Bean Chicken Chili offers a delightful sweet heat, bursting with various beans and tender chicken. For a timeless favorite, my classic Three Bean Chili is an absolute go-to. When Oktoberfest rolls around, my festive Oktoberfest Chili, featuring savory bratwurst and tangy sauerkraut, always makes a welcome appearance. My Mom’s White Chicken Chili, beautifully pictured above, remains a beloved dish among my kids. And if you’re ready to go all out for a truly iconic chili experience, don’t miss this incredible Skyline Chili Copycat for Cincinnati Chili, traditionally served over spaghetti!
Of course, I wouldn’t be a good friend if I didn’t share some essential chili accompaniments and clever ways to use leftovers. Be sure to check out my recipe for Homemade Chili Seasoning, which will elevate any chili recipe. For the ultimate game day treat, try my recipe for the best chili for chili dogs. And for easy appetizers, my chili cheese bean dip is always a hit. Don’t let leftover chili go to waste – my versatile chili mac recipes are perfect for repurposing it into a whole new meal.
Now, if Buffalo chicken recipes and hot wings truly hold the key to your heart, you absolutely must try these other fantastic dishes. My Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps, beautifully pictured above, offer a fresh and lighter take on the classic flavors. For another effortless slow cooker meal, my Buffalo Pulled Pork delivers tender, spicy perfection. Pizza lovers will adore my Buffalo Chicken Pizza, a fan favorite that brings bold flavors to your pie. And for party snacks, you simply can’t beat this crowd-pleasing Buffalo Chicken Dip, or for a lighter option, give my Buffalo Cauliflower Dip a try.
Discover even more hands-off meal ideas with all of my slow cooker recipes here, and explore my huge collection of comforting soup recipes here, perfect for any season.
This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is the epitome of comfort food: hearty, perfectly spiced, and infused with that unmistakable wing-night flavor. It’s remarkably easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice whether you’re feeding a small family or serving a large crowd. From curling up on a frosty evening to enthusiastically cheering on your favorite team on game day, this chili guarantees a winning meal every single time. Its unique blend of familiar flavors and effortless preparation makes it a standout dish that everyone will love.
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Print Recipe
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
Equipment
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Crock-Pot Cook & Carry 6-Quart Oval Portable Manual Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized Onion diced
- 4 stalks Celery diced (more for serving if you like)
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 5 small chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
- 1 Tablespoon Cumin
- 2 Tablespoons flour
- 1/2 cup hot wing sauce I use Frank’s RedHot
- 2 14.5 ounce cans diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 15-ounce can black beans
- 1 15-ounce can dark red kidney beans
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups chicken stock
Optional Toppings:
- mozzarella cheese, ranch, blue cheese crumbles, Freshly diced celery, green onions, sour cream ranch or blue cheese for serving
Instructions
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Add all of the ingredients (except garnishes for serving) into your slow cooker.
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Cover and cook on low for 5 1/2 hours.
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Ladle into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Make Ahead: This chili is an excellent make-ahead meal. You can prep all of the ingredients the night before and refrigerate them in the slow cooker insert (if yours is refrigerator-safe), then just pop it into the base and turn it on the next morning. It will also work as a freezer meal.
- Make this on the Stovetop: No slow cooker? No problem. Add all the ingredients to a large pot, bring to a simmer, and cook for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Storing Leftovers: Leftovers keep beautifully. Store cooled chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, so the next day’s bowl is often even better than the first.
- To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the mixture seems too thick.
- To Freeze, let the chili cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the slow cooker until hot.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted in January 2012. It has been updated and significantly expanded to improve user experience, SEO, and provide even more helpful tips and information on September 23, 2025.
