If you’re on the lookout for a delicious and simple meal that’s perfect for gatherings or busy weeknights, you’ve come to the right place. Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Chili blends tender shredded chicken with hearty beans, sweet corn, and zesty buffalo sauce for an unforgettable flavor experience. This recipe is not just quick to prepare but also cooks itself while you focus on other activities, making it an essential addition to your meal rotation.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a bowl of chili, especially when it’s made in a slow cooker. This Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Chili brings warmth and comfort, while the buffalo sauce adds a spicy kick that keeps you coming back for more. The combination of chicken and beans not only provides a protein boost but also makes the dish filling, perfect for chilly evenings or game day gatherings. Plus, the best part? You can customize it according to your spice tolerance, making it suitable for everyone in your family. Each spoonful warms both the heart and the stomach, reminding you of why comfort food is such a joy.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Chili
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish
How to Make Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Chili Directions
Making this delicious chili is incredibly easy, and you’ll be amazed by how quickly everything comes together. First, begin by placing the chicken breast at the bottom of your crock pot. This forms the base for the dish, allowing the meat to soak in the rich flavors as it cooks. Next, add the kidney beans, black beans, and corn right on top of the chicken. These ingredients bring a wonderful texture and hearty goodness to your chili.
Now, pour in the can of diced tomatoes. This will add moisture and depth to your dish, ensuring that the chicken doesn’t dry out during the cooking process. The next step involves mixing in the buffalo sauce, along with the chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and seasoning it with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir until it’s well combined, ensuring that all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Once mixed, cover the crock pot and set it to cook. You can choose to cook it on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, depending on your schedule. The long, slow cooking process will break down the chicken, making it tender and easy to shred. When the time is up, take a couple of forks and shred the chicken directly in the pot, stirring it back into the chili. This will infuse the entire dish with the savory flavor of the chicken. Give it one final stir, and it’s ready to serve!
How to Serve Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Chili
Serving your Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Chili is just as simple as making it! Begin by ladling the hot chili into bowls. You can garnish it with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro to add a burst of color and flavor. If you’d like to elevate the experience, consider adding toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or even a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce for those who enjoy an additional heat. Pair the chili with crusty bread or tortilla chips for dipping, making it the ideal dish for both dinner and appetizers for parties. No matter how you serve it, one thing is for sure: your guests will love every spicy bite!
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Chili
- Selecting Chicken: When choosing your chicken, opt for skinless, boneless breasts for a leaner option or thighs for more flavor. Both options work fantastically in this recipe.
- Spice Control: Buffalo sauce varies in heat. If you’re serving a crowd, consider starting with a milder buffalo sauce. You can always add more heat later.
- Mix It Up: Feel free to experiment with different beans or even add some chopped bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- Sauté Vegetables: For more depth in flavor, you can sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the crock pot. This small step enhances the overall taste of the chili.
- Chicken Shredding: Instead of shredding the chicken in the pot, you can remove it, shred it on a plate, and then return it to the chili. This can help avoid splatters.
- Leftover Makeover: Use any leftover chili as a filling for tacos, burritos, or even as a topping for baked potatoes.
- Time Preparation: If you know you’ll be busy, prep your ingredients the night before, placing them in the fridge. In the morning, simply add everything to the crock pot and turn it on.
How to Store Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Chili
Storing your leftover Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Chili is easy! Allow the chili to cool down to room temperature before transferring it into airtight containers. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Portion the chili into freezer-safe bags or containers; it can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months without losing its delightful flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Variation of Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Chili
Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Chili is great as is, but it’s also versatile, allowing you to adjust and create variations based on your preferences. Here are a few ideas to customize your dish:
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with extra beans or plant-based protein for a hearty vegetarian chili. Consider adding lentils for additional texture.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in some cream cheese or a dollop of sour cream just before serving for a creamy, rich version of this chili.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in additional vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to boost the nutritional value.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or oregano to introduce different flavor profiles to your chili.
- Different Sauces: If buffalo sauce isn’t your thing, try using a different sauce like barbecue or teriyaki for a unique take on chili.
- Toppings Galore: Experiment with different toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or crispy tortilla strips to customize your serving experience.
FAQ
What makes the Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Chili different from regular chili?
Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Chili stands out due to its incorporation of buffalo sauce, which imparts a unique spicy flavor, elevating it from standard chili recipes.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
You can use frozen chicken, but it’s advisable to thaw it first for the best results. Adding frozen chicken can also affect cooking time.
How spicy is the chili?
The spice level depends on the type of buffalo sauce used. You can adjust the heat by choosing milder or spicier varieties based on your personal preference.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe! Just ensure your crock pot is large enough to accommodate the additional ingredients.
How can I serve this chili at parties?
For parties, consider serving the chili in a large slow cooker or chafing dish, providing toppings on the side, so guests can customize their bowls.
Can I meal prep this chili?
Absolutely! This chili keeps well in the fridge and is perfect for meal prepping. Just package it in individual servings and heat when needed.
Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Chili
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast Skinless and boneless for a leaner option
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup buffalo sauce Adjust for spice preference
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Sauté for more flavor if desired
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish Optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the chicken breast at the bottom of the crock pot.
- Add the kidney beans, black beans, and corn on top of the chicken.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes.
- Mix in the buffalo sauce, chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and season with salt and pepper.
- Stir everything until well combined.
Cooking
- Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.
- Shred the chicken directly in the pot using forks and stir well.
Serving
- Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro.
- Add toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or extra buffalo sauce as desired.
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