This hearty meal combines the spicy kick of buffalo wings with the comforting texture of a thick chili. It is a convenient slow cooker recipe that delivers a creamy, savory result with minimal effort. Perfect for game days or busy weeknights, this dish offers a unique twist on traditional chili.
List of ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken – lean protein base.
- 15 oz canned white navy beans – drained and rinsed.
- 14.5 oz can fire roasted tomatoes – drained for concentrated flavor.
- 2 cups chicken broth – provides the liquid base.
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce – adjust based on heat preference.
- 1 package ranch dressing mix – adds a blend of herbs and seasoning.
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels – adds sweetness and texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – for aromatic depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – enhances the savory profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt – adds a classic wing-sauce note.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried cilantro – provides a subtle herbal touch.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – to balance the flavors.
- 8 oz cream cheese – creates a rich, creamy consistency.
- Blue cheese crumbles – optional garnish for a tangy finish.
step-by-step instructions
- Brown the meat: Cook the ground chicken in a skillet until fully browned and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken directly into the slow cooker.
- Combine base ingredients: Add the navy beans, fire roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, buffalo sauce, ranch mix, corn, onion powder, garlic powder, celery salt, dried cilantro, and salt to the crockpot. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add the cream cheese: Place the entire block of cream cheese on top of the mixture without stirring it in. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
- Slow cook: Set the slow cooker to high for 4 hours or to low for 8 hours. Avoid opening the lid during the cooking process to maintain the internal temperature.
- Finish the sauce: Once the cooking time is complete, stir the softened cream cheese into the chili until fully incorporated. Add more buffalo wing sauce at this stage if a spicier flavor is desired.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with blue cheese crumbles if desired.
Ways to Enhance the Flavor
Incorporate Smoked Paprika
Adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika introduces a subtle wood-fired taste. This depth of flavor complements the fire-roasted tomatoes and adds a complex layer to the chicken base.
Use Fresh Minced Garlic
While garlic powder is convenient, adding three cloves of fresh minced garlic during the browning phase increases the aromatic quality. This results in a punchier, more vibrant savory flavor throughout the dish.
Add Diced Jalapeños
For those who prefer more heat, stir in a handful of diced fresh jalapeños. This adds a crisp texture and a bright, spicy kick that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese.
Squeeze in Fresh Lime Juice
A tablespoon of fresh lime juice added just before serving brightens the entire flavor profile. The acidity balances the heavy cream and salty buffalo sauce, making the tastes pop.
Consistency and Texture Adjustments
Thicken with a Cornstarch Slurry
If you prefer a thicker, stew-like consistency, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water. Stir this slurry into the chili during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Increase the Bean Volume
To make the dish heartier and more filling, add a second can of white beans. This increases the fiber content and provides a more substantial bite in every spoonful.
Reduce Broth for Concentrated Flavor
If the chili seems too soup-like, reduce the chicken broth by half a cup. This creates a denser sauce that clings more effectively to the chicken and corn.
Mash a Portion of the Beans
Using a potato masher or fork to crush some of the navy beans directly in the pot releases natural starches. This naturally thickens the liquid without needing additional additives.
Recommended Side Dish Pairings
Serve with Honey Cornbread
The sweetness of honey cornbread provides a perfect contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce. Serve warm slices on the side or use them as scoops for the chili.
Pair with Crisp Celery Sticks
Since buffalo wings are traditionally served with celery, offering fresh celery sticks maintains that theme. The crunch and coolness help cleanse the palate between spicy bites.
Offer Toasted Baguette Slices
Toasted French bread rubbed with a garlic clove is an excellent accompaniment. The sturdy bread is ideal for soaking up the creamy sauce at the bottom of the bowl.
Include a Fresh Garden Salad
A light salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the cream cheese. This adds a refreshing element to the meal, making it feel more balanced.
Creative Garnish Options
Top with Sliced Green Onions
Finely sliced green onions add a mild onion flavor and a bright green color. They provide a fresh, sharp contrast to the cooked ingredients in the slow cooker.
Add Diced Avocado
Freshly diced avocado adds a buttery texture and a cooling effect. This is especially helpful if you have increased the heat level of the buffalo sauce.
Swirl in Sour Cream
A dollop of sour cream on top adds extra tanginess and creaminess. It blends well with the blue cheese crumbles to create a classic wing-inspired topping.
Sprinkle with Fresh Cilantro
While the recipe uses dried cilantro, fresh leaves added at the end provide a vibrant herbal note. This enhances the visual appeal and adds a layer of freshness.
Comprehensive Storage Guidelines
Select Airtight Containers
Store leftovers in BPA-free plastic or glass containers with tight-sealing lids. This prevents the chili from absorbing other odors in the refrigerator and keeps it fresh.
Maximize Refrigeration Time
This chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Ensure it is cooled slightly before sealing to prevent condensation from watering down the sauce.
Follow Proper Freezing Techniques
Freeze the chili in freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving an inch of headspace for expansion. It will remain high-quality for up to three months when frozen.
Safe Thawing Process
Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight rather than on the counter. This ensures the cream cheese base remains stable and safe for consumption.
Effective Reheating Methods
Use the Stovetop Method
Place the chili in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water prevents the sauce from becoming too thick or burning.
Gentle Microwave Heating
Heat the chili in short bursts of 60 seconds, stirring in between. This ensures the cream cheese is evenly reheated without creating hot spots in the mixture.
Slow Cooker Re-warming
Set your slow cooker to the low or warm setting to reheat leftovers gradually. This is the best method for maintaining the original creamy texture of the sauce.
Prevent Sauce Separation
Whisk the chili vigorously after reheating to re-emulsify the fats and liquids. This restores the smooth, velvety consistency created by the cream cheese.
Customizing the Heat Level
Select a Mild Buffalo Sauce
If you are cooking for children or those sensitive to spice, choose a mild buffalo wing sauce. You can still get the signature flavor without the intense burn.
Incorporate Cayenne Pepper
To increase the heat beyond the buffalo sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. This provides a sharp, direct heat that lingers longer on the palate.
Balance Heat with Brown Sugar
If the chili is too spicy, stir in a teaspoon of brown sugar. The sweetness neutralizes some of the capsaicin, creating a more balanced flavor profile.
Use Hot Honey as a Finisher
Drizzle hot honey over the individual bowls before serving. This adds a trendy sweet-and-spicy dimension that complements the creamy base.
Alternative Protein Options
Use Shredded Chicken Breast
Instead of ground chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cook them in the slow cooker and shred them with two forks before stirring in the cream cheese.
Substitute with Ground Turkey
Ground turkey is an excellent 1:1 substitute for ground chicken. Ensure you brown the turkey thoroughly to develop a rich flavor before adding it to the crockpot.
Try Plant-Based Crumbles
For a meatless version, use plant-based ground alternatives. Follow the same browning process to ensure the texture remains hearty and satisfying.
Bean Substitutions
Use Cannellini Beans
Cannellini beans are slightly creamier than navy beans. They blend seamlessly into the sauce and provide a similar nutritional profile and texture.
Try Great Northern Beans
Great Northern beans have a mild flavor and a sturdy texture. They hold their shape well during the long slow-cooking process, preventing them from becoming mushy.
Incorporate Chickpeas
Chickpeas add a nuttier flavor and a firmer bite. While different from traditional white chili, they pair surprisingly well with the buffalo and ranch seasonings.
Common Cooking Challenges
Fixing a Watery Consistency
If the chili is too thin, simmer it on the stovetop without a lid for 15 minutes. This allows excess moisture to evaporate and concentrates the flavors.
Managing Over-Saltiness
If the ranch mix and buffalo sauce make the dish too salty, add an extra half cup of unsalted chicken broth. You can also add a peeled, halved potato to absorb some salt during cooking.
Preventing Cream Cheese Clumping
Ensure you stir the cream cheese thoroughly into the hot chili using a whisk or handheld mixer. This ensures a smooth emulsion rather than leaving small white chunks.
Adjusting Excessive Acidity
If the tomatoes or buffalo sauce make the dish too acidic, add a small pinch of baking soda. This neutralizes the pH level and smoothens the overall taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a pressure cooker instead?
Yes, you can cook this in a pressure cooker on high for 20 minutes with a natural release. Stir in the cream cheese at the very end after the pressure has dropped.
Is the cream cheese necessary for the recipe?
The cream cheese provides the signature creamy texture and balances the heat. If omitted, the chili will be thinner and spicier, similar to a traditional soup.
Can I freeze this with the cream cheese already mixed in?
Yes, you can freeze it, but the cream cheese may separate slightly upon thawing. Whisk the chili well during the reheating process to restore the smooth texture.
How do I store leftovers safely?
Cool the chili to room temperature within two hours of cooking. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Print
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is delicious, simple and award winning! This is the go-to when you are tired of boring chili recipes!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 15 oz canned white navy beans (drained and rinsed)
- 14.5 oz can fire roasted tomatoes (drained)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 package ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried cilantro
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese
- Blue cheese crumbles (optional)
Instructions
- Step: Brown ground chicken until fully cooked, place in crock (or brown ahead of time and store in fridge until ready to assemble)
- Step: Add remaining ingredients except for cream cheese and blue cheese and give it all a stir to combine
- Step: Add block of cream cheese on the top and cover
- Step: Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8
- Step: Stir to incorporate cream cheese and add additional wing sauce as desired
- Step: Top individual bowls with blue cheese crumbles if desired
Notes
Heartier than a soup but different than a traditional chili, this recipe uses ground chicken and white beans for a creamy, spicy base.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 378 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1711 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 107 mg