Let’s be honest, some days getting a tasty dinner on the table feels like a huge challenge. Between work, family, and everything else, who has the energy for a complicated meal? That’s where the magic of the slow cooker comes in. It’s my favorite kitchen helper on those super busy days.
If you’re searching for amazing Chicken Crockpot Recipes that are both simple and full of flavor, you have come to the right place. This creamy buffalo chicken chili is a real winner. It combines the zesty taste of buffalo wings with the comforting feel of a hearty chili. It is one of those Chicken Crockpot Meals your family will ask for again and again.
Jump To:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
So, what makes this particular recipe so special? Well, for starters, it is incredibly easy to make. We are talking about a true dump and go meal. You just add the ingredients to your slow cooker, turn it on, and walk away. There is no need to stand over a hot stove.
The flavor is another huge plus. It is creamy, tangy, and has just the right amount of spice. The fire roasted tomatoes add a wonderful smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the buffalo sauce. It is a unique twist on traditional chili that is sure to get rave reviews from everyone at the dinner table.
It is also very versatile. You can adjust the spice level to your liking, from mild to wild. This makes it a great option for families with different taste preferences. Plus, the topping possibilities are endless. This recipe truly stands out among other Crockpot Recipes For Dinner because it is so easy to customize.
This is one of my favorite Chicken Breast Crockpot recipes because the chicken comes out so tender and juicy every single time. The slow cooking process makes it incredibly easy to shred. It practically falls apart. You get delicious, perfectly cooked chicken with almost no effort at all. It is a fantastic way to prepare lean protein.
You will also appreciate how budget friendly this meal is. Using simple pantry staples like canned beans and tomatoes keeps the cost down. It is a wonderful way to create a filling and satisfying meal without breaking the bank. It is one of those Healthy Chicken Recipes that is good for your wallet too.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather for this tasty dish. The list is simple, and you might already have most of these items in your kitchen. It is a straightforward recipe, which is why it is one of my top Chicken Crockpot Recipes.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz can) fire roasted tomatoes with juice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ¼ to ½ cup buffalo wing sauce
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese
- Blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- Celery slices (optional)
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to get started? Following these simple steps will give you a delicious meal with minimal fuss. This is what makes slow cooker meals so great.
Step 1: Combine The Main Ingredients
First, grab your slow cooker. Place the chicken at the bottom. Next, add the drained and rinsed great northern beans. Rinsing the beans helps remove any extra sodium from the canning liquid. Then, pour in the fire roasted tomatoes with their juice. Do not drain them. That juice is full of flavor.
Now, pour in the chicken broth. Add the onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Finally, add the buffalo wing sauce. Start with a quarter cup if you are sensitive to heat. You can always add more later on. Give everything a gentle stir just to combine the spices a little bit. It is that simple. This is the beauty of easy Chicken Crockpot Meals.
Step 2: Let The Slow Cooker Work Its Magic
Put the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. I usually prefer the low setting. It gives the flavors more time to meld together and makes the chicken extra tender. But if you are short on time, the high setting works just fine.
Now you can go about your day. Your house will start to smell amazing as everything cooks. This is the best part of making Chicken Crockpot Recipes. The slow cooker does all the work while you get other things done. There is no need to check on it or stir it. Just let it cook.
Step 3: Shred The Chicken And Add The Creaminess
Once the cooking time is up, it is time for the final touches. Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. It should be very tender. Use two forks to shred the chicken. It should pull apart very easily. This is a classic step for any good Chicken Breast Crockpot recipe.
While the chicken is out, cut the cream cheese into small cubes. Add the cubes to the slow cooker and stir them into the hot liquid. They will start to melt and create a rich, creamy base. Once the chicken is shredded, return it to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
Step 4: Serve And Garnish
Now for the fun part. Ladle the creamy buffalo chicken chili into bowls. This is where you can get creative with toppings. Add some blue cheese crumbles for that classic buffalo chicken flavor. Shredded cheddar cheese is also a delicious option. You could even add some tortilla chips for a nice crunch.
Serving it with celery sticks on the side is a great way to add a cool, crisp contrast to the warm chili. Your amazing dinner is ready to enjoy. It is one of the most satisfying Crockpot Recipes For Dinner you can make. Everyone will love it.
How To Store Leftovers
One of the best things about this recipe is that the leftovers are just as good, if not better, the next day. The flavors have even more time to develop. To store leftovers, allow the chili to cool down to room temperature first.
Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. This makes it a great option for meal prepping lunches for the week. It is a delicious and easy grab and go meal.
You can also freeze this chili. Place it in a freezer safe container or a heavy duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out if needed.
Tips
Want to make this recipe even better? Here are a few tips. If you like your chili extra spicy, feel free to add more buffalo sauce. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce at the end.
For an even creamier texture, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or half and half along with the cream cheese. This will make it extra rich and decadent. It is a small change that makes a big difference in the final result.
To sneak in some extra veggies, consider adding a can of drained corn or some finely chopped carrots and celery at the beginning of the cooking process. They will become tender and add more nutrients, making it one of those truly Healthy Chicken Recipes.
Do not be afraid to experiment with toppings. Sliced green onions, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, or even some crumbled bacon would be delicious additions. Toppings are a great way to customize individual bowls.
This recipe works well with both chicken breasts and chicken thighs. Thighs will result in slightly more moist and flavorful meat due to their higher fat content. Use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
Conclusion
There you have it, a simple and delicious recipe that is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. This creamy buffalo chicken chili is the answer to your busy weeknight dinner problems. It is comforting, flavorful, and so easy to prepare.
We hope you enjoy these Chicken Crockpot Recipes as much as we do. It is proof that you do not need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a memorable meal. Give it a try, and let us know what you think. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead Of Breasts?
Yes, absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They have a bit more fat than breasts, which can result in even more tender and flavorful shredded chicken. The cooking time remains the same.
Is This Recipe Very Spicy?
The spice level is easy to control. The recipe calls for starting with a quarter cup of buffalo wing sauce, which gives it a mild to medium heat. If you prefer it spicier, you can add up to a half cup or more. You can also taste it at the end and add more sauce if you like.
Can I Make This Dairy Free?
Yes, you can make this dairy free. Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy free cream cheese alternative, which can be found in most grocery stores. Just be sure to omit the optional blue cheese or use a dairy free version.
What If I Dont Have Fire Roasted Tomatoes?
If you cannot find fire roasted tomatoes, you can use a can of regular diced tomatoes instead. The chili will still be delicious. To get a bit of that smoky flavor, you could add a half teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the other spices.
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Chili
A simple and satisfying slow cooker chili recipe that combines the zesty flavors of buffalo wings with the comfort of classic chili. Ready in a few easy steps!
Recipe Shop
Ingredients
Instructions
- First, grab your slow cooker. Place the chicken at the bottom. Next, add the drained and rinsed great northern beans. Rinsing the beans helps remove any extra sodium from the canning liquid. Then, pour in the fire roasted tomatoes with their juice. Do not drain them. That juice is full of flavor.
- Now, pour in the chicken broth. Add the onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Finally, add the buffalo wing sauce. Start with a quarter cup if you are sensitive to heat. You can always add more later on. Give everything a gentle stir just to combine the spices a little bit. It is that simple. This is the beauty of easy Chicken Crockpot Meals.
- Put the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. I usually prefer the low setting. It gives the flavors more time to meld together and makes the chicken extra tender. But if you are short on time, the high setting works just fine.
- Now you can go about your day. Your house will start to smell amazing as everything cooks. This is the best part of making Chicken Crockpot Recipes. The slow cooker does all the work while you get other things done. There is no need to check on it or stir it. Just let it cook.
- Once the cooking time is up, it is time for the final touches. Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. It should be very tender. Use two forks to shred the chicken. It should pull apart very easily. This is a classic step for any good Chicken Breast Crockpot recipe.
- While the chicken is out, cut the cream cheese into small cubes. Add the cubes to the slow cooker and stir them into the hot liquid. They will start to melt and create a rich, creamy base. Once the chicken is shredded, return it to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
- Now for the fun part. Ladle the creamy buffalo chicken chili into bowls. This is where you can get creative with toppings. Add some blue cheese crumbles for that classic buffalo chicken flavor. Shredded cheddar cheese is also a delicious option. You could even add some tortilla chips for a nice crunch.
- Serving it with celery sticks on the side is a great way to add a cool, crisp contrast to the warm chili. Your amazing dinner is ready to enjoy. It is one of the most satisfying Crockpot Recipes For Dinner you can make. Everyone will love it.
Notes
If you like your chili extra spicy, feel free to add more buffalo sauce. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce at the end.
For an even creamier texture, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or half and half along with the cream cheese. This will make it extra rich and decadent. It is a small change that makes a big difference in the final result.
To sneak in some extra veggies, consider adding a can of drained corn or some finely chopped carrots and celery at the beginning of the cooking process. They will become tender and add more nutrients, making it one of those truly Healthy Chicken Recipes.
Do not be afraid to experiment with toppings. Sliced green onions, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, or even some crumbled bacon would be delicious additions. Toppings are a great way to customize individual bowls.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
