Slow Cooker Buffalo White Chicken Chili: The Perfect Comfort Food with a Kick

Imagine coming home on a chilly day to the spicy, savory aroma of buffalo white chicken chili simmering in your slow cooker. This hearty dish is not just a warm bowl of comfort—it’s a flavor-packed meal that combines the creamy goodness of white chicken chili with the fiery kick of buffalo sauce. With minimal effort, you can create a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Buffalo White Chicken Chili

Buffalo white chicken chili is the best of both worlds: it’s rich, creamy, and filling while delivering a bold, spicy flavor. The slow cooker does all the hard work, so you can set it, forget it, and come back to a delicious dinner. Whether you’re hosting game night, meal prepping, or looking for an easy dinner recipe, this chili has you covered.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Buffalo White Chicken Chili

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting and flavorful chili:

Main Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Chicken breasts	1 pound
Chicken thighs	1 pound
Diced onion	1 cup
Buffalo wing sauce	1 cup (plus more for serving)
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes	14.5 oz can
Green chiles	2 (4 oz) cans
Ranch seasoning mix	1 oz packet
Chili powder	1 tablespoon
Smoked paprika	1 teaspoon
Ground cumin	1 teaspoon
Chicken broth	2 ½ cups
White beans (drained, rinsed)	2 (15.5 oz) cans
Cream cheese (softened)	8 oz

Toppings

• Sour cream
• Shredded Cheddar cheese
• Sliced green onions
• Additional buffalo sauce

These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s creamy, spicy, and loaded with flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Spray your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray for easy cleanup.

2. Add the Main Ingredients

Place the chicken breasts, chicken thighs, diced onion, buffalo wing sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles, ranch seasoning, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and chicken broth in the slow cooker. Stir to combine.

3. Cook the Chili

Cover and cook on High for 2 hours or Low for 3 to 4 hours.

4. Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.

5. Add Cream Cheese and Beans

Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir in the white beans and softened cream cheese. Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cream cheese has fully melted and blended into the chili.

6. Adjust Consistency

If you prefer a thinner chili, stir in additional chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.

7. Serve and Garnish

Ladle the chili into bowls and top with sour cream, shredded Cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions. Drizzle extra buffalo sauce on top for an added kick.

Tips for the Best Buffalo White Chicken Chili

• Use Both Breasts and Thighs: Combining chicken breasts and thighs gives the chili a balance of lean protein and juicy, tender texture.
• Control the Heat: For a milder version, reduce the buffalo wing sauce or add a touch more cream cheese.
• Prep Ahead: Chop the onions and measure out the spices the night before to save time in the morning.
• Freeze for Later: This chili freezes beautifully—just portion it into freezer-safe containers for easy reheating.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values per serving (based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	380
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	18g
Fat	21g
Saturated Fat	9g
Sodium	1150mg
Fiber	5g
Sugars	3g

This chili is high in protein, satisfying, and a great source of fiber.

Why Buffalo White Chicken Chili Is Perfect for Any Occasion

This dish is as versatile as it is delicious. It’s great for:

• Game Day Feasts: Serve it as a hearty meal during football season.
• Weeknight Dinners: Let the slow cooker do the work while you tackle your busy schedule.
• Meal Prep: Make a big batch and portion it out for lunches throughout the week.
• Potlucks: Impress your guests with a dish that’s both unique and flavorful.

Creative Variations to Try

1. Vegetarian Buffalo Chili

Swap the chicken for chickpeas and add an extra can of white beans. Use a plant-based cream cheese for a creamy finish.

2. Spicy Southwest Chili

Add black beans, corn, and a splash of lime juice for a zesty twist.

3. Keto-Friendly Option

Skip the beans and use cauliflower rice or diced zucchini to make a low-carb version of this chili.

4. Extra Cheesy Buffalo Chili

Stir in 1 cup of shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese right before serving for an ultra-cheesy chili.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Buffalo White Chicken Chili

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Use rotisserie chicken or leftover shredded chicken. Add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent it from drying out.

2. What’s the best way to thicken the chili?
Mash some of the white beans with a fork before adding them to the slow cooker. This will naturally thicken the chili.

3. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and skip the shredded cheese and sour cream garnish.

4. Can I make this chili spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick of heat.

5. How long does this chili last in the fridge?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

6. Can I cook this chili on the stovetop instead?
Absolutely! Simmer the ingredients in a large pot over medium heat for about 30–40 minutes, then follow the steps for shredding the chicken and adding cream cheese and beans.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Slow Cooker Recipe

Slow Cooker Buffalo White Chicken Chili is the perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors. It’s easy to make, packed with protein, and versatile enough to please any crowd. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it as a cozy weeknight meal, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of this mouthwatering chili. Don’t forget to drizzle extra buffalo sauce for that signature kick!

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