Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

Gearing up for game day excitement, in need of a comforting meal on a cold winter evening, or just hankering for something spicy and satisfying? My easy recipe for Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is your new go-to solution. Featuring the zesty flavor of spicy buffalo wings transformed into a comforting, protein-rich chili, this is a delicious meal you won’t soon forget.

The best thing about this recipe is its set-it-and-forget-it mentality. With fewer than 10 simple ingredients and just a few minutes of prep time, fixing my crock pot buffalo chicken chili is a breeze on even the busiest of days.

Simply throw everything into your slow cooker, and boom! You can carry on with your day, knowing you’ll be coming home to a hearty chili the whole family will love.

This vibrant slow cooker chicken chili recipe caters to those who love the flavors of buffalo chicken wings but are looking for a healthier, un-fried alternative.

Every bite melds the fiery zest of tangy buffalo sauce with succulent, protein-packed chicken, creamy cheese, and an array of vegetables. It’s like savoring your favorite pub snack in an easy-to-make, delectably slurpable, and utterly heartwarming bowl.

Jump to:

• What is Buffalo White Chicken Chili?
• What does it taste like?
• Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Recipe
• Ingredients Needed
• Substitutions
• How To Make Buffalo Chicken Chili in a Slow Cooker
• Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments
• Recipe Success Tips
• Serving Suggestions
• FAQs
• Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili Nutrition
• Pricing Info
• Other Slow Cooker Recipes
• Recipe

What is Buffalo White Chicken Chili?

Think of it like a buffalo wing, a creamy dip, and a cozy blanket had a delicious baby! In this fantastical concoction, tender shreds of juicy chicken dance merrily with a medley of white beans and veggies, swimming in a creamy broth that’s spiced just right with zippy buffalo sauce. 

This chicken wing chili brings a playful punch of heat, tempered by the soothing, velvety touch of cream cheese and the familiar flavors of ranch dressing. Each spoonful is a jubilant jamboree in your mouth, celebrating the union of hearty rib-sticking fare and bold buffalo zing.

What does it taste like?

Every spoonful of this spicy chicken chili is a tapestry of flavors – a little bit feisty, a tad tangy, richly creamy, and unapologetically comforting. It’s the culinary equivalent of your favorite upbeat song on a rainy day, helping you boogie your way to a brighter state of mind. 

Picture the bold, fiery kick of buffalo sauce blending with tender chicken, just like your favorite bar snack. It’s spicy, but not too hot, just enough to make your tastebuds tango! Then, we add in some tomatoes and corn for sweetness and texture, keeping it healthy and family-friendly.

As if that weren’t enough, in comes the creamy, dreamy melody of white beans and cream cheese that perfectly balances the heat. Finally, hints of garlic, onion, and a medley of spices chime in. It’s a spot-on representation of a buffalo wing dipped in ranch dressing, except in slurpable form!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Recipe

My slow cooker buffalo chili is a little miracle in a bowl. Here’s why this is bound to become your new favorite chili recipe:

• Spectacularly Speedy: All it takes is just a few minutes of prep, and then your slow cooker takes the reigns. While you’re off saving the world (or just catching up on your favorite show), your dinner is quietly, deliciously coming together. No fuss, no muss!
• Made With Just 8 Ingredients: Fewer than 10 ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen?!? My buffalo-spiced white chili is proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create a magical bowl of yumminess.
• Hearty & Satisfying: Every spoonful of this chili is like a warm hug for your stomach. It’s designed to fill you up without weighing you down!
• Healthy & Comforting: Who says comfort food can’t be healthy? Packed with protein, fiber, and a rainbow of nutrients, this flavorful chili is a dish that loves you back. Enjoy a bowl (or two) without any guilt — your body will thank you for it!

Ingredients Needed

As promised, you only need a handful of ingredients to make this creamy buffalo chicken chili recipe. Here’s what to grab:

• Shredded Chicken – Roast chicken, rotisserie chicken, or poached skinless chicken breasts are all perfect! 
• Canned White Beans – I prefer Great Northern beans, but you’re welcome to use cannellini beans or navy beans instead. 
• Canned Petite Diced Tomatoes – For a hit of umami sweetness and texture. 
• Frozen Corn – For juicy pops of sweetness throughout. 
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth – Starting with low-sodium broth gives you greater control over the end seasoning of your dish. 
• Buffalo Sauce – Frank’s buffalo wing sauce is what I’d consider the gold standard, but feel free to swap in the buffalo hot sauce of your choosing!
• Homemade Ranch Seasoning – Rather than relying on classic chili seasonings (e.g.  chili powder, ground cumin, and red pepper flakes), my homemade ranch acts as the supporting cast. Aside from garlic powder and onion powder, you only need a handful of other spices to mix up a batch.
• Full-Fat Cream Cheese – Making this slow cooker white chicken chili with cream cheese adds a creamy richness that’s tough to beat. It’s like the soup version of buffalo chicken dip! I always prefer full-fat cream cheese to low-fat or non-fat versions, which are chock-full of artificial preservatives and additives. 

Substitutions

Did you run out of something you need to make this slow cooker cream cheese chicken chili? Not to worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some great alternatives to try:

• Shredded Chicken – While I love the texture of shredded white meat for this buffalo chicken chili, you can use chopped cooked chicken thighs or browned ground chicken instead.
• Canned White Beans – You are welcome to use pinto beans, black beans, or the chili beans of your choice. Just note that it won’t technically be white chicken chili if you do!
• Diced Tomatoes – For an added boost of flavor, try using fire-roasted tomatoes. You can also use Ro*Tel or another brand of tomatoes with green chilies.
• Frozen Corn – It’s a bit more work, but fresh corn kernels that have been removed from the cob are the closest substitute. You can also use drained canned corn, but the texture will be considerably softer if you do. 
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth – If needed, you can use regular chicken broth, add extra protein with chicken bone broth, or take a shortcut and use chicken bouillon paste mixed with water. Veggie broth also works! 
• Homemade Ranch Seasoning – You’re welcome to use a packet of store-bought ranch seasoning if you’d like. 
• Full-Fat Cream Cheese – You can go dairy-free by subbing in the plant-based cream cheese of your choice. You can also make this creamy slow cooker white chicken chili with Neufchatel cheese instead.

How To Make Buffalo Chicken Chili in a Slow Cooker

This crock pot recipe couldn’t be easier to throw together if it tried. Here’s how it’s done:

Step 1: Add the chicken, beans, tomatoes, corn, chicken broth, cup of buffalo sauce to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Sprinkle on the ranch seasoning. 

Step 3: Stir to combine. It will seem like there isn’t enough liquid but trust me, there is!

Step 4: Top the mixture with the cubed cream cheese, then slow cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours.

Step 5: Stir. After the cooking time is up, stir the cream cheese into the chili. Serve with chopped cilantro, green onions, and/or blue cheese crumbles!

Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments

One of the best things about cooking is making a recipe your own. Here are a few fun twists to try:

• Dairy-Free/Lactose-Free: No dairy? No problem! Swap out the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative or simply skip it. The chili will still be rich and delicious, with a brothier slow-cooker buffalo chicken soup vibe. 
• Add-Ins: Feeling adventurous? Toss in some green chiles for an extra kick, or add roasted red peppers for a sweet, smoky flavor. Or, add some zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots for extra nutrition and bulk. This is great for stretching the chili to feed more mouths or for sneaking in those veggies for the kids. At our table, the more, the merrier!
• Go Spicy or Mild: Adjust the heat to your liking. Add extra buffalo sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper for more fire. If you prefer it milder, dial down how much buffalo sauce you use and replace it with tomato sauce.
• Vegetarian Twist: Swap the chicken for pulled and sautéed oyster mushrooms or shredded jackfruit. You’ll still get that hearty texture, but in a meat-free kinda way.

Recipe Success Tips

• If you can’t find low-sodium chicken broth, make sure to use my homemade salt-free ranch seasoning! Store-bought packets are typically loaded with added salt.
• Buy rotisserie chicken or use leftover chicken to cut back on prep time. Or, go a step further, and buy pre-shredded rotisserie chicken breast from Costco.
• Plan ahead. On your meal prep day, toss all the ingredients into a freezer-safe zip-top bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing, then label and date it. Pop your pre-assembled slow cooker meals in the freezer for a rainy day! It should last for about 3 months.  When you’re ready to cook, dump the contents of the bag into your slow cooker from frozen and add another hour onto the cook time. Or, allow it to defrost overnight (or in a bowl of cool water) before cooking as directed.

Serving Suggestions

No matter how or when you serve it, this slow cooker chili with chicken is bound to be a hit. To serve in style, consider practical pairings. Garnishes and sides can turn your chili from simply delicious to absolutely irresistible! 

• Garnish Galore: Sprinkle some fresh cilantro or green onions on top for a burst of freshness. For a tangy twist, add blue cheese crumbles, or go classic with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. These garnishes don’t just add flavor; they make your chili visually stunning too!
• Dip In: Tortilla chips are a chili’s best friend. Use them for dipping, scooping, or simply for added crunch. 
• Creamy Dream: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy chili. If you have sensitive palates at the table, this also does wonders to tone down the heat.
• Rice It Up: Serve your chili over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. As an added bonus, this is a cheap way to stretch your batch for extra meals.

As for when and how to enjoy this easy slow cooker chili, the possibilities are endless:

• Super Bowl Star: Make it the centerpiece of your game day feast. It’s sure to score big with a crowd, especially when paired with an ice-cold beer or a fizzy soda.
• Busy Weeknight Wonder: It’s the perfect solution for hectic, activity-filled evenings. If you plan ahead, dinner will be hot and ready whenever you need it to be — no last minute rushing required.
• Comfort Food: Ideal for nights after a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Don’t forget a cozy hot chocolate or ice cream-topped apple crisp to wash away the last bits of ick. 😉

FAQs

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili Nutrition

Alright, let’s chat about what each delicious bowl of this buffalo chili recipe brings to the table, nutrition-wise. Each serving is packed with about 347 calories. It’s the perfect amount to fuel you up without overdoing it. And guess what? You’re also getting a nice 13 grams of fat, giving it that satisfying richness we all love.

Protein-wise, this chili is a champ with 29 grams, keeping you full and energized. As for sodium, it’s sitting at a reasonable 755 mg, making it a flavorful yet mindful choice. Just make sure to note that this number will increase significantly if you use a store-bought packet of ranch seasoning or use regular chicken broth rather than a low-sodium variety. 

There’s also a good balance of carbs, around 29 grams, which is just what you need for a busy day’s energy. And let’s not forget fiber – with 5.5 mg, it’s not just tasty but also great for your digestion. It’s like this chili is your tasty ally in hitting those daily value goals, all while being absolutely scrumptious. Healthy, hearty, and oh-so-yummy! 🌶️🥣💚

Total nutritional content per serving is:

• Calories: 347 calories
• Total Fat: 13 grams
• Protein: 29 grams
• Sodium: 755 mg
• Carbohydrates: 29 grams
• Fiber: 5.5 mg

*This nutritional information is an estimate and calculated based on the ingredients used to create the recipe. The nutritional value of your ingredients may differ slightly. Furthermore, this food is not intended to prevent, diagnose, cure, or treat any disease.

Pricing Info

This is what I personally paid to make this recipe:

• 4 cups cooked shredded chicken (Costco rotisserie): $3.99
• 3 15 oz cans Great Northern beans: $2.37
• 29 oz canned petite diced tomatoes: $1.48
• 2 cups frozen corn: $1.18
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: $0.69
• 1 cup buffalo sauce: $2.48
• 3 tbsp homemade ranch seasoning: $1.32
• 8 oz full-fat cream cheese: $2.60

The total comes out to be about $11.43 or roughly $1.43 per serving!

Other Slow Cooker Recipes

Tried this recipe? Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the comments below! I would really appreciate your feedback!

Recipe

If you end up making this and loving it, take a photo and tag me on Instagram! I’d love to see your versions of my recipes! And feel free to rate it down below in the comment section. I would really appreciate it!

xoxo Megan