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Buffalo Chicken Chili

Buffalo Chicken Chili

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The ultimate cozy dish for spice lovers
This buffalo chicken chili is creamy, spicy, and absolutely perfect for chilly evenings or game day gatherings. With shredded chicken, white beans, corn, and fire-roasted tomatoes simmered in buffalo sauce and balanced by smooth cream cheese, this bowl delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. If you’re a fan of buffalo wings, you’re going to fall in love with this chili.

A Spicy Bowl My Family Begs For

The first time I made this buffalo chicken chili, my husband literally scraped the pot clean. It reminded him of game day wings — but with the cozy heartiness of chili. Even my kids ask for seconds, especially when they can top it with tortilla chips and sour cream. This chili has become our Sunday favorite, especially when the weather cools down. Buffalo chicken chili might sound intense, but the cream cheese smooths out the heat perfectly. Trust me — it’ll warm your belly and your heart.

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Bowl of buffalo chicken chili with toppings
This spicy buffalo chili is a game-day favorite.

Why this Creamy Chili

This buffalo chicken chili stands out from traditional chilis because of its bold, zesty flavor and rich texture. The buffalo sauce gives it a tangy, spicy kick while cream cheese makes every spoonful smooth and velvety. It’s the perfect marriage of buffalo wings and comfort food. You’ll love the combination of tender chicken, hearty beans, and sweet corn, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s not just another chili — it’s creamy chili reimagined.

Ingredients

🧾 For 6 servings

  • Chicken Breasts (900g / 2 lbs): Lean protein that shreds beautifully after slow cooking and absorbs all the flavors.
  • Unsalted Butter (57g / 1/4 cup): Adds richness and balances out the buffalo heat.
  • Buffalo Sauce (240ml / 1 cup): The bold base of the recipe — tangy, spicy, and addictive.
  • Chicken Broth (480ml / 2 cups): Keeps the chili saucy and allows all ingredients to cook evenly.
  • Chopped Onion (150g / 1 medium): Adds natural sweetness and depth.
  • Fire-Roasted Tomatoes (1 can – 400g / 14 oz): Smoky, tangy acidity that pairs well with the spice.
  • Corn Kernels (1 can – 300g / 10.5 oz): Slightly sweet crunch that contrasts beautifully with the heat.
  • White Beans (1 can – 400g / 14 oz): Creamy and tender, they add body to the chili.
  • Cream Cheese (225g / 8 oz): Brings the creamy magic. Helps mellow the spice and creates a smooth finish.
  • Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Essential savory background flavor.
  • Ground Cumin (1 tsp): Earthy warmth that grounds the chili.
  • Dried Dill (½ tsp): An unexpected touch of freshness that lifts the dish.
  • Dried Oregano (½ tsp): Balances spice with herbal complexity.
  • Paprika (1 tsp): Adds smoky depth.
  • Salt & Pepper (to taste): Brings all the flavors together.
Overhead shot of slow-cooked chili in a crockpot
Just 10 minutes of prep for this creamy comfort!

How to Make Creamy Chili

  1. Layer the Base: Place cubed butter at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the chicken breasts on top.
  2. Add Everything Else: Pour in buffalo sauce, broth, tomatoes, corn, beans, onion, and all seasonings. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Let It Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until chicken is cooked through.
  4. Shred the Chicken: Remove chicken, shred using two forks, then return it to the pot.
  5. Finish with Cream Cheese: Add cream cheese chunks. Stir and cook for another 10 minutes until fully melted and creamy.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with green onions, avocado, blue cheese, or tortilla chips!

Notes

  • You can reduce the spice by replacing half the buffalo sauce with more broth.
  • Want it vegetarian? Use white beans + lentils and veggie broth!
  • Add toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or crushed chips for texture.
  • Freeze without the cream cheese and stir it in after reheating.

Conclusion

If you’ve been looking for a new twist on chili that’s packed with heat, creaminess, and bold flavors — this Buffalo Chicken Chili is your answer. It’s easy to make, perfect for crowds, and utterly comforting. Bookmark it, pin it, or send it to a friend — and don’t forget the toppings!

Creamy chili with spoon and tortilla chips
Top with blue cheese and chips for extra flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw?
Yes! Just skip the slow cooking step. Add pre-cooked shredded chicken with the rest of the ingredients and reduce cooking time to 2 hours on LOW.

Can I make it dairy-free?
You can skip the cream cheese or use a dairy-free version. It’ll still be spicy and flavorful but less creamy.

Is it freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Just freeze before adding the cream cheese. Add fresh after reheating for best texture.

How do I make it thicker?
Let it cook uncovered for 30 minutes, or mash some beans at the end to thicken naturally.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Make sure to use a large crockpot (7 qt or more) to avoid overflow.

Overhead shot of slow-cooked chili in a crockpot

Buffalo Chicken Chili

This buffalo chicken chili is creamy, spicy, and absolutely perfect for chilly evenings or game day gatherings.
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Buffalo Chicken Chili
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • Chicken Breasts 900g / 2 lbs: Lean protein that shreds beautifully after slow cooking and absorbs all the flavors.
  • Unsalted Butter 57g / 1/4 cup: Adds richness and balances out the buffalo heat.
  • Buffalo Sauce 240ml / 1 cup: The bold base of the recipe — tangy, spicy, and addictive.
  • Chicken Broth 480ml / 2 cups: Keeps the chili saucy and allows all ingredients to cook evenly.
  • Chopped Onion 150g / 1 medium: Adds natural sweetness and depth.
  • Fire-Roasted Tomatoes 1 can – 400g / 14 oz: Smoky, tangy acidity that pairs well with the spice.
  • Corn Kernels 1 can – 300g / 10.5 oz: Slightly sweet crunch that contrasts beautifully with the heat.
  • White Beans 1 can – 400g / 14 oz: Creamy and tender, they add body to the chili.
  • Cream Cheese 225g / 8 oz: Brings the creamy magic. Helps mellow the spice and creates a smooth finish.
  • Garlic Powder 1 tsp: Essential savory background flavor.
  • Ground Cumin 1 tsp: Earthy warmth that grounds the chili.
  • Dried Dill ½ tsp: An unexpected touch of freshness that lifts the dish.
  • Dried Oregano ½ tsp: Balances spice with herbal complexity.
  • Paprika 1 tsp: Adds smoky depth.
  • Salt & Pepper to taste: Brings all the flavors together.

Instructions

  • Layer the Base: Place cubed butter at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the chicken breasts on top.
  • Add Everything Else: Pour in buffalo sauce, broth, tomatoes, corn, beans, onion, and all seasonings. Stir gently to combine.
  • Let It Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until chicken is cooked through.
  • Shred the Chicken: Remove chicken, shred using two forks, then return it to the pot.
  • Finish with Cream Cheese: Add cream cheese chunks. Stir and cook for another 10 minutes until fully melted and creamy.
  • Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with green onions, avocado, blue cheese, or tortilla chips!

Notes

You can reduce the spice by replacing half the buffalo sauce with more broth.
Want it vegetarian? Use white beans + lentils and veggie broth!
Add toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or crushed chips for texture.
Freeze without the cream cheese and stir it in after reheating.
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