Get ready to experience a chili that breaks all the rules in the most delicious way possible. This Buffalo Chicken Chili recipe combines the spicy, tangy kick of classic buffalo wings with the hearty, comforting satisfaction of a warm bowl of chili. It’s the perfect dish for game day, a cozy weeknight dinner, or any time you’re craving bold flavors. We’ve perfected this recipe to be incredibly easy, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to become a new favorite in your rotation.
Forget everything you thought you knew about traditional chili. This innovative twist is creamy, savory, and has just the right amount of heat to keep you coming back for another spoonful. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special.
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe
This isn’t just another chili recipe; it’s a game-changer. It’s the perfect fusion of two beloved comfort foods, creating a uniquely satisfying meal.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, and savory chicken creates a complex and addictive flavor profile.
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have this chili ready in under an hour.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party or need a simple weeknight meal, this dish fits the bill. It’s a certified crowd-pleaser.
- Customizable Heat: You control the spice! Easily adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your preference, from mild to fiery.
Key Ingredients for The Perfect Buffalo Chicken Chili
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet powerful combination of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavor-packed chili.
For the Chili Base
- Ground Chicken: We use ground chicken for its lean texture and ability to soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Onion & Garlic: These aromatics build the essential flavor foundation of any great chili.
- Great Northern Beans: These beans add a creamy texture and a boost of fiber and protein.
- Diced Tomatoes: A can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes adds a subtle smokiness and depth.
- Chicken Broth: This creates the liquid base, ensuring the chili is hearty but not too thick.
For the Buffalo Flavor
- Buffalo Sauce: The star of the show! Use your favorite brand; we recommend Frank’s RedHot for that classic, authentic taste.
- Ranch Seasoning: A packet of dry ranch seasoning adds a cool, herby creaminess that balances the heat.
- Cream Cheese: This is the secret to an ultra-creamy, rich chili. It melts beautifully into the broth, creating a velvety texture.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Chili (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create a perfect pot of Buffalo Chicken Chili. It’s a straightforward process that delivers a huge payoff in flavor.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it’s no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, chili powder, and cumin. Mix well to coat the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), and beans. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened, cubed cream cheese to the pot. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and integrated, creating a smooth, creamy broth.
- Simmer to Perfection: Let the chili simmer on low for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. For a richer flavor, you can let it simmer for up to an hour.
This dish is a fantastic alternative to your usual weeknight meals, much like a comforting lasagna soup recipe changes up Italian night. The bold flavors are a welcome surprise!
Pro Tips for Success
A few simple tips can elevate your chili from great to absolutely unforgettable. Here’s how to ensure the best results every time.
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature and cubed before adding it to the pot. This helps it melt evenly and quickly without clumping.
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: The longer the chili simmers, the more the flavors will develop. If you have the time, let it go for a full hour on low heat.
- Use Quality Buffalo Sauce: The flavor of your chili is heavily dependent on the buffalo sauce you use. A good quality sauce will make a huge difference.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this Buffalo Chicken Chili recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Feel free to make it your own with these suggestions.
- Use Shredded Chicken: You can substitute ground chicken with 2-3 cups of pre-cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!). Just add it in step 3.
- Make it in a Slow Cooker: Brown the chicken and sauté the aromatics first, then add all ingredients (except the cream cheese) to your crockpot. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in the cream cheese during the last 30 minutes. This method is perfect for a hands-off meal, similar to making sweet chili meatballs in a crockpot.
- Adjust the Beans: Not a fan of Great Northern beans? Cannellini or even pinto beans work well as a substitute.
- Spice It Up: For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño with the onions.
If you enjoy creative and savory dishes, you might also love trying these easy Italian sliders, which are always a hit at gatherings.
Serving and Topping Suggestions
Toppings are half the fun! Set up a topping bar and let everyone customize their bowl. Here are some classic and creative ideas:
- Blue Cheese Crumbles: The classic pairing for buffalo anything.
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: A drizzle on top adds extra creaminess.
- Shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese: For that perfect cheesy pull.
- Chopped Green Onions or Chives: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor.
- Tortilla Strips or Crushed Tortilla Chips: For a crunchy texture.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: To cool down the heat.
- Sliced Avocado: Adds a rich, creamy element.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This chili is fantastic for meal prep as the flavors get even better the next day. Here’s how to store and enjoy it later.
- Refrigerator: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Allow the chili to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the chili on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave it in a covered, microwave-safe bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, first brown the ground chicken with the onions and garlic on the stovetop. Then, transfer everything except the cream cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in the softened cream cheese during the final 30 minutes of cooking until it’s fully melted.
You can easily control the heat level. For a milder chili, use a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount to 3/4 cup. For a spicier chili, use a hot buffalo sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely diced jalapeño along with the onions.
The best toppings complement the buffalo and ranch flavors. We highly recommend blue cheese crumbles, a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions or chives. For a bit of crunch, add some tortilla strips.
Shredded chicken is an excellent substitute. You can use about 3 cups of pre-cooked shredded chicken from a rotisserie chicken or by poaching and shredding two chicken breasts. Add it in Step 3 along with the sauces and broth.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let the chili cool completely and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed the bold and savory flavors of this chili, be sure to check out our popular white chicken chili recipe for another comforting classic.
Enjoy Your New Favorite Chili!
We hope you love this Buffalo Chicken Chili recipe as much as we do. It’s a testament to how fun and delicious a non-traditional chili can be. If you make it, we’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or share a picture of your creation on Pinterest. Your feedback helps our community of home cooks grow.
Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Chili: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground chicken to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it's no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, chili powder, and cumin. Mix well to coat the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), and beans. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened, cubed cream cheese to the pot. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and integrated, creating a smooth, creamy broth.
- Let the chili simmer on low for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. For a richer flavor, you can let it simmer for up to an hour.
- Ladle the hot chili into bowls and serve immediately with your favorite toppings like blue cheese crumbles, a drizzle of ranch, and chopped green onions.
Notes
Tip 2: This chili tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Tip 3: You can easily substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for ground chicken to save time.
