Craving the vibrant, tangy kick of buffalo wings but yearning for the comforting warmth of a hearty chili? Look no further! This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili masterfully blends these two beloved culinary worlds into a single, irresistible dish. Imagine tender, shredded chicken, robust beans, and fresh vegetables simmering slowly in a rich, spicy hot wing sauce. The result is a deeply flavorful, incredibly satisfying chili that’s perfect for chilly evenings, game day gatherings, or any time you need a meal that truly hits the spot. Garnished with cool ranch or creamy blue cheese and a crisp sprinkle of celery, it’s a taste experience that evokes all the classic buffalo wing sensations in a new, exciting bowl.
There’s nothing quite like a meal that warms you from the inside out, especially when the weather takes an unexpected turn. Whether you’re in a region known for its unpredictable climate or simply facing a sudden cold snap, this Buffalo Chicken Chili is your perfect companion. It’s the kind of stick-to-your-ribs dinner that makes staying in feel like a cozy retreat. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the profound comfort it delivers. It’s an ideal dish to prepare when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort, allowing you to focus on enjoying your evening rather than being tied to the stove.
Over the years, this chili has become a staple in my kitchen, especially during those months when the temperatures dip. It’s a reminder that even on the coldest days, a delicious and comforting meal is just a slow cooker away. This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dish, a testament to the magic of slow cooking and the timeless appeal of classic flavors. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl, perfect for sharing with family and friends or savoring solo.
Unleash the Flavor: Your Guide to Buffalo Chicken Chili
If you’re a devoted fan of the distinctive taste of buffalo wings, prepare for this chili to become your new obsession. This recipe captures that same bold, tangy, and subtly spicy flavor profile you adore, but re-imagines it in a rich, hearty bowl of chili. The convenience of using a slow cooker makes this culinary journey almost effortless. Simply combine all your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and return hours later to a fully cooked, incredibly aromatic dinner, ready and waiting. This chili offers incredible versatility; you can easily adjust the heat level to suit your preference by choosing a milder or more fiery wing sauce. Furthermore, a variety of toppings allow everyone at the table to personalize their bowl, creating a truly bespoke dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a lively game day get-together or simply seeking a comforting meal on a crisp evening, this Buffalo Chicken Chili is guaranteed to delight and satisfy every time.
The Magic of the Crockpot: Effortless Buffalo Chicken Chili
One of the most appealing aspects of preparing chili in a slow cooker is the sheer effortlessness it offers. This method is a game-changer for busy households and those who appreciate delicious, home-cooked meals without the constant supervision. You literally just add all your chosen ingredients into the pot, select your desired cooking setting, and allow it to simmer gently over several hours. This “low and slow” approach isn’t just about convenience; it’s the secret to unlocking profound flavors and achieving perfectly tender chicken. As the ingredients slowly meld together, the spices become more integrated, and the chicken transforms into succulent, shreddable pieces, absorbing all the zesty goodness of the buffalo sauce. There’s no need to constantly stir or monitor the stove, freeing up your valuable time to pursue other activities. It’s this harmonious blend of comforting richness and minimal labor that has made this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili a beloved staple in countless kitchens, offering a hearty, satisfying meal that truly feels like a treat without any of the stress.
Essential Ingredients for Your Zesty Buffalo Chicken Chili
Crafting the perfect Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili starts with a selection of fresh, flavorful ingredients that come together to create a symphony of taste and texture. Each component plays a vital role in building the chili’s signature profile, from the lean protein to the aromatic base and, of course, that iconic buffalo kick. Below is a detailed look at what you’ll need to bring this comforting dish to life. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, make sure to scroll down to the printable recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
- Chicken Breasts: These provide a lean and tender protein base for your chili. For an even richer flavor and juicier texture, chicken thighs are an excellent alternative. If you’re looking to save time and enhance convenience, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be shredded and added directly to the pot, dramatically cutting down on prep time.
- Onion, Celery, and Garlic: This classic aromatic trio forms the foundational flavor of our chili. Diced onion and minced garlic contribute a pungent depth, while the celery adds a subtle, refreshing crunch and a hint of earthy sweetness. The inclusion of celery is particularly delightful, as it nods to the traditional pairing found alongside classic buffalo wings, bridging the two culinary experiences seamlessly.
- Chili Powder and Cumin: These essential spices are crucial for building warmth, complexity, and a traditional chili depth that beautifully balances the sharp tang of the hot sauce. For those who appreciate a smoky undertone in their chili, consider incorporating a touch of smoked paprika, which will add another layer of sophisticated flavor.
- Flour: A small amount of all-purpose flour, typically a couple of tablespoons, is used to lightly thicken the chili broth. This gives the chili a desirable body and prevents it from being too watery. If you’re following a gluten-free diet, cornstarch can be used as a substitute, or you can simply omit the flour altogether; the chili will still be incredibly delicious, just with a slightly thinner consistency.
- Buffalo Wing Sauce: Without a doubt, this is the star of the show! Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice for its authentic flavor, but any brand of buffalo wing sauce will work wonderfully. This ingredient allows you to customize the heat level to your liking. Opt for a mild variety if you prefer less spice, or embrace a bolder, hotter sauce if you enjoy a more fiery kick.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes with Juice: Tomatoes contribute essential acidity, balancing the richness of the buffalo sauce and adding a vibrant, fresh dimension to the chili. For an extra layer of flavor, especially if you enjoy a subtle smokiness, fire-roasted diced tomatoes are a fantastic substitute.
- Black Beans and Kidney Beans: This hearty combination of beans makes the chili incredibly filling and satisfying. Feel free to use all of one type of bean, or experiment with other varieties like white beans or chickpeas to customize the texture and flavor to your personal preference.
- Chicken Broth: The broth serves as the flavorful liquid base, ensuring all ingredients simmer perfectly and infuse the entire dish with a rich, savory essence. Vegetable broth can be used as a suitable alternative if chicken broth is unavailable or preferred.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple yet critical, these seasonings are used to round out and enhance all the flavors in the chili. It’s always best to adjust the seasoning towards the end of cooking after tasting, as the saltiness of various hot sauces can differ significantly.
- Optional Toppings: The finishing touches are key to elevating this chili. Consider fresh green onions for a mild bite, extra crisp celery for texture, cool sour cream or ranch dressing to temper the spice, and crumbles of blue cheese or shredded mozzarella for a creamy, cheesy finish. These toppings not only add visual appeal but also provide a delightful contrast in flavor and texture, mimicking the complete buffalo wing experience.
Unlocking Simplicity: How to Make Buffalo Chicken Chili in Your Slow Cooker
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili recipe lies in its incredibly straightforward preparation. It’s a true “dump-and-go” meal, meaning you simply combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker, set it, and let the magic happen. This hands-off approach makes it perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or when you just want a delicious, hearty meal without the fuss.
Begin by adding your bite-sized chicken pieces, diced onions, celery, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, hot wing sauce, canned diced tomatoes with their juice, black beans, kidney beans, and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Once all the main ingredients are in, sprinkle in the two tablespoons of flour and stir everything thoroughly until well combined. The flour will help create that desirable thicker consistency as the chili cooks. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on the low setting for approximately 5 ½ hours. During this time, the flavors will deepen, the chicken will become incredibly tender, and the chili will transform into a rich, aromatic delight. The hands-off nature of the slow cooker means you can go about your day, knowing a delicious meal is being perfectly prepared.
Once the cooking time is complete, your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili will be ready to enjoy. Carefully ladle the hot chili into individual serving bowls. Now comes the fun part: customizing your bowl with your favorite toppings! Whether you prefer the cooling embrace of ranch dressing or sour cream, the tangy bite of blue cheese crumbles, the fresh crispness of diced celery or green onions, or the melty goodness of mozzarella cheese, these additions will elevate your chili experience. Stir them in or pile them high, then savor every spoonful of this deeply flavorful and satisfying dish.
Plan Ahead: Making and Storing Leftovers
This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is not only fantastic fresh, but it’s also an exceptional candidate for making ahead and storing. Its flavors actually deepen and improve with time, making leftovers often even more delicious than the initial serving.
- Make Ahead: This chili excels as a make-ahead meal. You can prepare all the ingredients the night before, combining them in your slow cooker insert (if it’s refrigerator-safe), then simply pop it into the slow cooker base and switch it on the following morning. This flexibility also makes it an excellent freezer meal.
- Make this on the Stovetop: No slow cooker? No problem! Achieve a similar delicious result by adding all the ingredients to a large pot on the stovetop. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for approximately 1 to 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded.
- Storing Leftovers: Leftovers store beautifully. Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. As mentioned, the flavors tend to intensify, so a bowl the next day is often even more satisfying.
- To Reheat: Gently warm the chili on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or use the microwave. If the chili appears too thick after refrigeration, add a small splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- To Freeze: For longer storage, let the chili cool entirely. Divide it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the chili overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop or back in the slow cooker until thoroughly hot.
Love it? Pin it for Later!
If this irresistible Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili recipe has captured your heart and taste buds, make sure you don’t lose it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board now so you can easily find it whenever a craving for this comforting and zesty dish strikes. Sharing is caring, and this recipe is definitely worth sharing!
Expert Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Chili Experience
While this chili recipe is wonderfully simple to prepare, a few thoughtful tips can elevate your creation from good to absolutely outstanding. These small adjustments ensure that every spoonful is packed with flavor and perfectly balanced.
- Proper Chicken Prep: Before adding your chicken to the slow cooker, be sure to dice it into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This crucial step ensures that the chicken cooks evenly throughout the simmering process and makes it much easier and more enjoyable to eat with a spoon, perfectly complementing the chili’s texture.
- Customizing Heat Levels: If you desire an extra punch of heat in your chili, resist the urge to add all the hot wing sauce upfront. Instead, stir in an additional splash of sauce just before serving. This allows you to taste and adjust the spiciness precisely to your preference without overdoing it.
- Embrace the Toppings: Do not underestimate the power of toppings! The cool, creamy textures and flavors of ranch dressing, blue cheese crumbles, or sour cream are essential. They provide a delightful contrast and balance to the chili’s inherent spice, making the entire experience feel just like indulging in a platter of your favorite buffalo wings.
- Perfect Pairings: To truly complete your chili experience, consider serving it alongside classic accompaniments. Warm, crumbly cornbread, crunchy tortilla chips, or slices of crusty bread are ideal for scooping up every last delicious drop from the bottom of your bowl. These sides not only add texture but also make the meal even more satisfying and filling.
Explore More Chili Recipes to Satisfy Your Cravings
If your family shares a deep love for chili, like mine does, you’ll be thrilled to discover the incredible variety of ways to enjoy this classic comfort food. From savory and sweet to uniquely themed variations, there’s a chili for every palate and occasion.
For a delightful blend of sweet and spicy, my Five Bean Chicken Chili, packed with a rich assortment of beans, is a must-try. If you prefer a reliable, classic taste, my go-to Three Bean Chili is always a hit. When Oktoberfest rolls around, my unique Oktoberfest Chili, featuring savory bratwurst and tangy sauerkraut, makes a festive and flavorful appearance. A beloved favorite in my household is Mom’s White Chicken Chili, often pictured above, known for its creamy, milder flavor profile. And for those who enjoy going all out, don’t miss this incredible Skyline Chili Copycat for Cincinnati Chili, traditionally served over a bed of spaghetti for a truly unique experience!
Beyond the main dishes, chili’s versatility extends to amazing accompaniments and creative repurposing. I wouldn’t be a good friend if I didn’t share my secret Homemade Chili Seasoning, which is essential for perfect flavor every time. For the ultimate game day treat, you absolutely need my recipe for the best chili for chili dogs, guaranteed to impress. Don’t forget to try this crowd-pleasing chili cheese bean dip, ideal for parties. And when you have delicious leftovers, my various chili mac recipes are perfect for transforming leftover chili into an entirely new and exciting meal.
If buffalo chicken recipes and hot wings hold a special place in your heart, prepare to expand your culinary repertoire even further! Be sure to try my Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps, elegantly pictured above, for a lighter, flavor-packed option. For another fantastic slow cooker meal, my Buffalo Pulled Pork offers incredible tenderness and spicy kick. My Buffalo Chicken Pizza is a fan favorite, blending cheesy goodness with that iconic buffalo tang. And you absolutely cannot miss this classic Buffalo Chicken Dip, or for a lighter yet equally flavorful alternative, try this Buffalo Cauliflower Dip. These recipes are perfect for satisfying all your buffalo cravings in diverse and exciting ways.
Discover a treasure trove of comforting, easy-to-make meals by finding all of my slow cooker recipes here, and explore my extensive collection of soup recipes here for even more inspiration.
This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is truly a culinary triumph—hearty, wonderfully spicy, and bursting with that unmistakable, classic wing-night flavor. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for serving to a crowd or enjoying as a comforting family dinner. Whether you’re snuggled up on a cold evening seeking warmth or enthusiastically cheering on your favorite team on game day, this chili proves to be a winning recipe every single time. Its robust flavors and satisfying texture are guaranteed to make it a fast favorite in your recipe rotation.
LIKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and
leave a comment below the recipe!
Print Recipe
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
Hot wings meet chili in this warming Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili recipe. A simple chili recipe with chicken, beans, celery, and hot wing sauce.
5 mins
5 hrs 30 mins
5 hrs 35 mins
Equipment
- 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
- Add all of the ingredients (except garnishes for serving) into your slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 1/2 hours.
- Ladle into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Making Ahead and Storing Leftovers
- 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
Calories: 205 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 7g |
Protein: 32g |
Fat: 5g |
Saturated Fat: 1g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 2g |
Trans Fat: 0.02g |
Cholesterol: 92mg |
Sodium: 744mg |
Potassium: 699mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 2g |
Vitamin A: 441IU |
Vitamin C: 4mg |
Calcium: 33mg |
Iron: 2mg
This recipe was originally posted in January 2012. It has been thoroughly updated to improve user experience, enhance clarity, and provide additional valuable content, and was proudly reshared on September 23, 2025.
