Name: Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h 10 min
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Ingredients: 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained; 15 oz can white beans, rinsed and drained; 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies; 0.5 cup buffalo wing sauce; 0.5 cup chicken broth; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 0.5 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 8 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping); Fresh chopped cilantro or green onions (for garnish); Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Description

This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that fits into any lifestyle.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
15 oz can white beans, rinsed and drained
14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies
0.5 cup buffalo wing sauce
0.5 cup chicken broth
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
0.5 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
8 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Fresh chopped cilantro or green onions (for garnish)
Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Start by placing the chicken at the bottom of your slow cooker. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs all the delicious flavors. After that, layer in the black beans, white beans, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, red bell pepper, minced garlic, and the spices including cumin and smoked paprika. Be sure to season with salt and pepper to your liking. This foundational layer of ingredients creates a hearty base for your chili.
Next, pour the buffalo wing sauce and chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. The buffalo sauce is what gives this dish its signature kick, while the broth helps to keep everything moist during cooking. Do not stir the mixture — just let the ingredients sit as they are. This will ensure that the distinct layers of flavor develop correctly throughout the cooking process.
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This low-and-slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully while also making the chicken tender and easy to shred. As the cooking time draws to a close, check for doneness to ensure that the chicken is cooked through.
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken pieces from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This will allow the flavors of the chili to meld with the chicken, maximizing flavor in every bite.
Now it’s time to add the star ingredient — cream cheese. Generate a luscious, creamy consistency by adding the cubed cream cheese back into the slow cooker with the shredded chicken. Stir everything until well combined and let it cook for another 10 to 15 minutes uncovered. This will allow the cream cheese to melt fully, creating a beautifully creamy chili that’s comforting and satisfying.

Notes

Ensure chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This dish can be frozen; just ensure it’s completely cooled before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Category: Dinner

Nutrition

Calories: Approximately 400-450 per serving
Sodium: Varies based on sauce and broth used
Protein: 45g