Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is a game day favorite that combines tender shredded chicken, hearty beans, and bold buffalo wing sauce in one easy pot. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it never fails to disappear fast at parties or weeknight dinners.

There’s something magical about coming home to a slow cooker full of bubbling, spicy chili. This buffalo chicken version takes everything I love about classic chili and adds that tangy, spicy kick that makes buffalo wings so addictive. The best part? It’s truly a dump-and-go recipe. You just toss everything into your slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner time, you have a hearty, protein-packed meal ready to serve. The three types of beans make this chili extra filling, while the buffalo sauce gives it that signature zingy flavor that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

What You’ll Need to Make This Buffalo Chicken Chili

I always use Frank’s RedHot buffalo sauce because it gives the perfect balance of heat and tang without being overwhelming. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, blue cheese crumbles, sour cream, sliced green onions, tortilla chips

Pro tip: If you want to make this slow cooker buffalo chicken chili milder for kids, start with 1/4 cup buffalo sauce and add more at the end to taste. You can also use chicken thighs instead of breasts for even more tender, juicy meat.

How to Make This Easy Slow Cooker Recipe

I recommend using a 6-quart slow cooker for this recipe so everything has plenty of room to simmer together. The larger size helps the flavors blend beautifully.

Step 1: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This ensures they cook evenly and stay submerged in the liquid.

Step 2: Add the black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, corn, both cans of diced tomatoes (with their juices), and chopped onion directly on top of the chicken. Don’t worry about stirring yet.

Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the buffalo wing sauce, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined. This seasoning mixture is what gives your chili its signature buffalo flavor.

Step 4: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over all the ingredients in the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to make sure the seasonings are distributed throughout.

Step 5: Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature) and shreds easily with a fork.

Step 6: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker using tongs. Place them on a cutting board and shred with two forks. The chicken should be so tender it practically falls apart. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well to distribute it throughout the chili.

Step 7: Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. If you want more heat, add an extra splash of buffalo sauce. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar, blue cheese crumbles, sour cream, and sliced green onions.

Perfect Sides for Your Buffalo Chili

This chili pairs beautifully with sides that balance out the spicy, tangy flavors.

Cornbread: The slightly sweet, buttery texture of cornbread complements the spicy buffalo chicken chili perfectly and helps cool down the heat with every bite.

Tortilla chips: Crispy tortilla chips add a satisfying crunch and work great for scooping up this hearty chili, making it perfect for game day gatherings.

Side salad: A fresh green salad with cool ranch dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy chili and adds extra vegetables to your meal.

Garlic bread: Crusty garlic bread is ideal for soaking up all the flavorful broth from this slow cooker buffalo chicken chili.

Avocado slices: Creamy avocado adds healthy fats and helps mellow the spiciness while adding a rich, buttery texture.

More Hearty Slow Cooker Meals to Try

This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili pairs wonderfully with other comforting recipes perfect for busy weeknights. For another protein-packed option with bold flavors, try the Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe, which offers a creamy twist with white beans and Cajun spices that complement the buffalo heat beautifully.

When feeding a crowd, round out the menu with satisfying sides like Garlic Bread Rolls for dipping into the chili, or serve alongside Texas Roadhouse Dinner Rolls for a sweeter contrast. For a complete meal spread, consider pairing with Winter Salad to balance the richness and heat with fresh, crisp greens.

Storing Your Leftover Chili

I recommend storing leftover slow cooker buffalo chicken chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get better as they sit together overnight.

To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or reheat the entire batch on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth if the chili has thickened too much during storage.

For longer storage, this chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Pro tip: Freeze in individual portions for quick, easy lunches throughout the month.

Your Buffalo Chicken Chili Questions Answered

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