Ah, Buffalo chicken chili—what a thing of beauty! Just imagine, a cozy afternoon where the aroma of spicy, tangy goodness slowly fills the house. I stumbled upon this gem of a recipe during one of those endless social media scrolls, and let me tell you, it was like finding a treasure in a sea of mundane casseroles and salads. This dish is the epitome of comfort, with a delightful kick that dances on your taste buds and warms your soul.
When I think of this chili, I can’t help but recall that unexpected snowstorm last January. You know the kind—when you’re trapped inside, and the world outside looks like a snow globe shaken by a hyper toddler. This chili was my savior, simmering away in the slow cooker while I watched the snowflakes pile up. It’s a combination of hearty chicken, bold buffalo sauce, and a medley of beans that somehow managed to turn a blizzard into bliss.
And let’s not forget the toppings! A sprinkle of cheese, a dollop of sour cream, maybe some chives if you’re feeling fancy. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl. So, whether you’re a fan of football Sundays or simply need a flavorful escape from the mundane, this easy slow cooker Buffalo chicken chili is your ticket to a bowl of happiness.
Steps
- Brown the ground chicken in a skillet until it is fully cooked. If you prefer, you can brown the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
- In your slow cooker, combine the cooked chicken, drained white navy beans, drained fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing mix, corn kernels, onion powder, garlic powder, celery salt, dried cilantro, and salt. Stir everything together to ensure it is well mixed.
- Place the block of cream cheese on top of the mixture in the slow cooker, without stirring it in. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
- Cook the chili on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
- After cooking, stir the chili well to incorporate the cream cheese throughout. Taste and add more buffalo wing sauce if you prefer additional heat.
- Serve the chili in individual bowls, topping each with blue cheese crumbles if desired. Enjoy your meal while watching your favorite show!
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 (start with 1/4 cup and add more if desired)
- 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)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2268kcal | Carbohydrates: 168g | Protein: 144g | Fat: 120g | Saturated Fat: 54g | Cholesterol: 642mg | Sodium: 10266mg | Potassium: 5058mg | Fiber: 30g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 4980IU | Vitamin C: 156mg | Calcium: 606mg | Iron: 18mg
FAQ
- What makes Buffalo Chicken Chili different from traditional chili?
- Buffalo Chicken Chili is distinct from traditional chili due to its use of ground chicken instead of beef and white navy beans in place of chili beans. It also incorporates buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing mix for a unique flavor profile.
- Can I adjust the spiciness of the Buffalo Chicken Chili?
- Yes, you can control the heat level by adjusting the amount of buffalo wing sauce. Start with 1/4 cup and add more towards the end of cooking if you prefer a spicier dish.
- Is it necessary to include blue cheese crumbles as a topping?
- Blue cheese crumbles are optional. They add a unique flavor, but you can omit them if you’re not a fan or if you prefer a different topping.
- How long does it take to cook Buffalo Chicken Chili in a slow cooker?
- The chili can be cooked on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours, depending on your schedule and preference.
- Can I prepare the ground chicken in advance?
- Yes, you can brown the ground chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the chili in the slow cooker.
Tips
- Adjust Spice Levels: Start by adding 1/4 cup of buffalo wing sauce and taste before adding more. This allows you to control the spice level to suit your preference.
- Pre-Cook the Chicken: Brown the ground chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. This step enhances the flavor and ensures the chicken is fully cooked.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese Gradually: After cooking, stir the cream cheese into the chili until fully melted and well combined to achieve a creamy texture.
- Serve with Custom Toppings: Consider offering toppings like blue cheese crumbles on the side, so guests can add them according to their taste, accommodating those who may not be fans of blue cheese.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker – Essential for cooking the chili.
- Non-stick Skillet – For browning the ground chicken.
