Creamy & Spicy Buffalo Chicken Chili: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal
Craving the bold, zesty kick of buffalo chicken but yearning for the comforting warmth of a hearty chili? Look no further! This incredible Buffalo Chicken Chili recipe expertly combines two beloved classics into one show-stopping dish that’s both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy to prepare. Imagine tender chicken swimming in a rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced broth, reminiscent of your favorite chicken wings, all in a satisfying chili format. It’s a game-changer for anyone who loves chicken wings or anything infused with that iconic buffalo flavor.
This isn’t just another chicken chili; it’s a vibrant, spicy, and wonderfully creamy creation designed to comfort and delight. Its robust flavors and satisfying texture make it an instant favorite, especially when the weather turns chilly. What’s even better? You can have this delicious dinner on your table in about 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for those hectic weeknights when time is of the essence. Plus, for game day gatherings or any casual get-together, it can easily be kept warm in a crockpot, allowing your guests to serve themselves and enjoy a piping hot bowl whenever they please. Prepare to impress with minimal effort!
Why This Buffalo Chicken Chili Will Be Your Go-To Recipe
There are countless reasons why this Buffalo Chicken Chili is destined to become a staple in your recipe rotation. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a perfect blend of convenience, customization, and incredible taste.
- Speedy Weeknight Solution: Forget long hours in the kitchen! This chili is designed for efficiency, coming together in approximately 30 minutes. This makes it an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights when you need a wholesome, homemade meal without compromising on flavor or taking up too much of your precious time. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly rewarding after a long day.
- Fully Customizable Heat Levels: Whether you prefer a mild whisper of spice or a fiery kick that truly wakes up your taste buds, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. We provide a range for the buffalo wing sauce, allowing you to easily adjust the heat level to perfectly suit your family’s preferences. It’s buffalo flavor, your way!
- Flexible Chicken Options: You have the flexibility to cook chicken breasts directly in the chili broth, ensuring maximum flavor infusion. However, if you’re looking to shave even more time off your prep, using pre-cooked chicken, such as a store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken, is a fantastic shortcut. Simply shred and add it in at a later stage, and you’ll be enjoying your chili even faster!
- Unleash Your Inner Topping Artist: This chili is a blank canvas for toppings, and that’s where the real fun begins! From crumbled blue cheese and shredded cheddar to creamy avocado, crispy tortilla strips, fresh green onions, and even a drizzle of ranch dressing, the possibilities are endless. Each topping adds a unique layer of flavor and texture, allowing everyone to personalize their bowl to their heart’s content.
If your love for buffalo chicken extends beyond chili, be sure to give these Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches a try next!
Essential Ingredients for Flavorful Buffalo Chicken Chili
You’ll find the complete, detailed recipe with exact measurements on the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card at the bottom of this post.
While the ingredient list might seem a bit extensive at first glance, don’t let it deter you! Most of these items are common pantry staples that you likely already have on hand, especially the array of aromatic spices. We’ve carefully selected each component to build a rich, complex flavor profile that perfectly captures the essence of buffalo chicken in a comforting chili format.
- Olive Oil: The base for sautéing your aromatics, adding a subtle richness.
- Onion: Finely chopped, it provides a foundational sweet and savory flavor to the chili.
- Poblano Pepper: Offering a mild heat and earthy depth, poblano peppers add a fantastic dimension without overwhelming the buffalo spice.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for a robust and aromatic base.
- Dried Parsley: Adds a touch of herbaceous freshness that complements the savory flavors.
- Dried Chives: A delicate oniony flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.
- Onion Powder: Reinforces the onion flavor, ensuring a consistent taste throughout the chili.
- Garlic Powder: Provides a deeper, more mellow garlic flavor than fresh garlic alone.
- Ground Cumin: Essential for a classic chili warmth and earthy aroma.
- Paprika: Adds a beautiful color and a mild, sweet peppery note.
- Celery Seed: A subtle yet distinctive flavor that’s often found in buffalo wing sauces, tying the theme together perfectly.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for shredding, providing lean protein.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: These fire-roasted tomatoes with a hint of green chile add a zesty tang and a little extra kick.
- Chicken Broth: The liquid base for the chili, infusing it with savory chicken flavor.
- White Beans: Canned white beans (such as Great Northern or cannellini) add a creamy texture and extra heartiness.
- Cream Cheese: The secret ingredient for that luxurious, creamy texture and a slight tang that balances the spice.
- Buffalo Wing Sauce: The star ingredient! Use your favorite brand to achieve the signature buffalo flavor and heat.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste, balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
The beauty of this ingredient list is its accessibility. You can find all these items at your local grocery store, and many of the spices are likely already in your pantry. Having them stocked means you can whip up this comforting meal on a whim, any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Buffalo Chicken Chili
For precise measurements and a full recipe you can print, please refer to the recipe card located at the very end of this post.
Making this buffalo chicken chili is a straightforward process, designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious, homemade meal in no time.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your finely chopped onions and poblano pepper. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become fragrant, tender, and slightly translucent. This step builds the crucial aromatic foundation for your chili.
- Infuse with Garlic: Next, stir in the minced garlic. Continue to cook for just about one minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown or burn, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to your chili.
- Awaken the Spices: Now it’s time to add all the wonderful dried seasonings: dried parsley, dried chives, onion powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, paprika, and celery seed. Stir them thoroughly, ensuring the vegetables are completely coated. Cooking the spices briefly at this stage “blooms” them, intensifying their flavors and aromas.
- Cook the Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes with green chiles. Submerge the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, partially covered, for about 15 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking it directly in the broth ensures the chicken absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, for a quicker method, you can use a hand mixer to shred the chicken directly in a bowl. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Add Creaminess & Spice: With the shredded chicken back in the pot, stir in the canned white beans (drained and rinsed), your chosen amount of buffalo wing sauce, and the cream cheese.
- Melt and Combine: Continue to stir the chili over low heat for 5-10 minutes, allowing the cream cheese to fully melt and incorporate into the broth. This is where the magic happens, transforming the chili into a creamy, luscious consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve Warm: Ladle your delicious Buffalo Chicken Chili into bowls immediately. The best part is adding your favorite toppings, which truly elevates the experience.
The spice level of this Buffalo Chicken Chili is entirely up to you! In the recipe directions, we provide a range for the amount of buffalo wing sauce to use. Starting with 1/2 cup will give your chili a robust buffalo flavor with a noticeable, pleasant kick that most will enjoy. If you’re a heat-seeker, increasing to 3/4 of a cup will definitely place it on the higher end of the spice spectrum, offering a more intense fiery sensation. For those who prefer a very mild chili, begin with just 1/4 cup of sauce, then taste and gradually add more until you reach your desired level of warmth. It’s easy to adjust, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken is a fantastic way to cut down on preparation time even further, making this an even quicker weeknight meal. If you have leftover cooked chicken, such as shredded chicken from a previous meal, or if you opt for the convenience of a store-bought rotisserie chicken, it works perfectly. When incorporating it into the recipe, simply add the already cooked and shredded chicken to the pot along with the broth, beans, buffalo sauce, and cream cheese. Then, bring everything to a gentle simmer for 5-10 minutes, just long enough for the cream cheese to melt thoroughly and for all the ingredients to heat through and meld their flavors beautifully.
The beauty of chili is its versatility, and beans are no exception! While this recipe specifically calls for white beans – such as Great Northern beans or Navy beans – for their mild flavor and creamy texture that blends seamlessly with the buffalo profile, you are certainly welcome to use your favorite variety. Cannellini beans would also be an excellent choice. Any bean you enjoy will likely work well here; just ensure they are drained and thoroughly rinsed before adding them to the pot to remove excess sodium and improve their texture. Don’t hesitate to experiment with what you have on hand!
Yes, this Buffalo Chicken Chili adapts wonderfully to a slow cooker for a hands-off approach! To convert, you’ll still want to sauté the onions, poblano pepper, and garlic in olive oil on the stovetop first to build a robust flavor base and bloom your spices. Then, transfer these aromatics to your slow cooker. Add the chicken breasts, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and chicken broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded. Remove and shred the chicken, then return it to the slow cooker. Stir in the drained and rinsed white beans, buffalo wing sauce, and cream cheese. Continue to cook for another 30-60 minutes on high, or until the cream cheese is fully melted and the chili is heated through. This method is fantastic for meal prep or busy days!
Storage & Reheating Tips for Leftovers
One of the many great things about chili is how well it stores, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen. This Buffalo Chicken Chili is no exception, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying delicious leftovers.
If you find yourself with any delicious leftovers, simply allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, you have a couple of easy options: you can either warm individual portions in the microwave for a few minutes, stirring halfway through, or gently reheat it on the stovetop in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s piping hot. If the chili appears too thick after refrigeration, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Freezing for Future Enjoyment
This chili also freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, transfer the chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using bags, lay them flat for easier storage and quicker thawing. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the chili overnight in the refrigerator. Then, reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave as described above, adding extra liquid if needed. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping and having a quick, comforting dinner ready whenever a craving strikes.
Unleash Your Creativity: Best Topping Ideas
This is truly where chili and soups become an adventure! Toppings aren’t just an afterthought; they’re an integral part of the experience, allowing you to introduce contrasting flavors, textures, and temperatures that truly bring the dish to life. Every spoonful can be a unique delight, and the best part is that everyone at the table can customize their bowl exactly how they like it. Get creative and make your Buffalo Chicken Chili truly yours!
- Blue Cheese Crumbles: The classic pairing with buffalo flavor, blue cheese adds a pungent, tangy sharpness that complements the spice beautifully.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar melts into gooey, savory goodness, adding a comforting, rich layer.
- Tortilla Strips: For an essential crunch and a touch of saltiness that contrasts wonderfully with the soft chili.
- Avocado: Creamy, cool avocado slices or chunks provide a refreshing counterpoint to the heat and add healthy fats.
- Green Onions (Scallions): Freshly chopped green onions offer a mild, crisp onion flavor and a pop of vibrant color.
- Fresh Parsley/Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds brightness and a final flourish.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of cool, tangy sour cream or Greek yogurt is perfect for mellowing the spice and adding a rich, creamy finish.
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: A drizzle of your favorite dressing enhances the buffalo theme and adds extra creaminess and flavor.
- Jalapeño Slices: For those who crave extra heat, fresh or pickled jalapeño slices deliver another spicy punch.
- A Squeeze of Lime: A burst of fresh citrus brightens all the flavors and adds a zesty tang.
And of course, a generous piece of warm, buttery Cornbread is the ultimate side dish to perfectly complete this comforting chili meal!
More Comforting Dinner Recipes to Warm Your Soul
- Crockpot Chili
- Stuffed Pepper Casserole
- Crockpot Fiesta Chicken
- Marry Me Chicken
- Cheeseburger Soup
- Crockpot Chicken & Gravy
- Avgolemono Soup
- Taco Spaghetti
- Mississippi Chicken
Buffalo Chicken Chili
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Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 poblano pepper, seeded and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 Tablespoons dried chives
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 15 oz can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 -3/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
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In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and poblano pepper and cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften and become fragrant.
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Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until aromatic, being careful not to burn it.
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Add all of the dried seasonings (parsley, chives, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and celery seed) to the pot. Stir well, ensuring the vegetables are thoroughly coated and the spices are fragrant.
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Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with green chiles. Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then partially cover the pot and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the pot. Shred the chicken using two forks or a hand mixer, then return the shredded chicken to the pot.
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Add the drained and rinsed white beans, buffalo wing sauce (start with 1/2 cup and adjust to taste), and cream cheese to the pot with the shredded chicken.
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Stir continuously for 5-10 minutes over low heat, until the cream cheese is completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the chili, creating a creamy texture. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve your delicious Buffalo Chicken Chili immediately with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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