This slow cooker buffalo chicken chili recipe is a spicy and hearty dish that's perfect for those cold winter nights. It combines the mouthwatering flavors of buffalo sauce with the heartiness of a traditional chili. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a dish that's sure to impress.
Most of these ingredients are commonly found in home pantries, but there might be some exceptions. Ranch seasoning is a key component for this recipe, giving it a tangy, herbaceous twist. If you don't usually stock it, you can easily find it in the seasoning section of most supermarkets. Buffalo sauce is another ingredient that gives this dish its signature kick. It's usually found in the sauce or condiment aisle.
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
Chicken breast: The main protein in this dish. It's lean and takes on the flavors of the other ingredients well.
Ranch seasoning: Adds a tangy, herbaceous flavor to the chili.
Onion: Provides a hearty base flavor.
Celery ribs: Gives the chili a bit of crunch and freshness.
Tomato sauce and crushed tomato: These create the base for the chili and add a rich tomato flavor.
Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor of the chili.
White beans: Adds texture and extra protein to the dish.
Buffalo sauce: Gives the chili its signature spicy kick.
Chicken broth: Keeps the chili from becoming too thick and adds additional flavor.
One reader, Jordon Hightower says:
This slow cooker buffalo chicken chili recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible and the chicken turns out so tender. It's the perfect blend of spicy and savory. Plus, it's so easy to make - just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Making Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
How to prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces or leave them whole, depending on your preference.
How to chop the onion and celery: Dice the onion and celery into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and distribution of flavors in the chili.
How to shred the chicken: Use two forks to shred the cooked chicken into smaller pieces, allowing it to soak up the flavors of the chili.
How to serve the chili: Ladle the buffalo chicken chili into bowls and garnish with your choice of toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
How To Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
White beans, tomatoes, and juicy chicken breasts in a buffalo sauce mixture makes up this hearty buffalo chicken, that’s slow cooked to tender perfection.
Serves:
Ingredients
Instructions
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- Combine the chicken, ranch seasoning, onion, celery, tomato sauce, crushed tomato, garlic, white beans, buffalo sauce, and chicken broth in a crockpot.
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- Cook on High for 4 hours or on Low for 8 hours.
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- Remove chicken and shred, then return to the crockpot for 10 minutes.
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- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
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- Calories: 1116.70kcal
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- Fat: 36.58g
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- Saturated Fat: 10.30g
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- Trans Fat: 0.36g
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- Monounsaturated Fat: 14.69g
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- Polyunsaturated Fat: 8.07g
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- Carbohydrates: 97.42g
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- Fiber: 20.99g
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- Sugar: 23.88g
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- Protein: 102.30g
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- Cholesterol: 224.92mg
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- Sodium: 1932.09mg
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- Calcium: 394.85mg
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- Potassium: 3582.78mg
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- Iron: 16.02mg
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- Vitamin A: 165.64µg
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- Vitamin C: 42.03mg
Technique Tip for Enhancing the Flavor of Slow Cooker Chili
When shredding the chicken, it's best to use two forks. Place the cooked chicken on a cutting board or a large plate, then use the forks to pull the meat apart. This will give you nice, even shreds that will absorb the flavors of the buffalo sauce and other ingredients in the chili. Remember to return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker promptly to ensure it stays warm and continues to soak up the flavors.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Chili Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-cooked chicken: Consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to cut down on cooking time.
Slow cooker liners: Use slow cooker liners for easy cleanup and to save time on washing the crockpot.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe
chicken breast - Substitute with pulled pork: Pulled pork can add a rich and savory flavor similar to chicken, and it will complement the buffalo sauce and other ingredients in the chili.
ranch seasoning - Substitute with homemade ranch seasoning: Making your own ranch seasoning allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your preference.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions, which can add a more delicate taste to the chili.
celery ribs - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a similar crunchy texture and a hint of licorice flavor, which can provide a unique twist to the chili.
tomato sauce - Substitute with diced tomatoes: Diced tomatoes can add a chunkier texture and a fresher taste to the chili, compared to the smooth consistency of tomato sauce.
crushed tomato - Substitute with tomato puree: Tomato puree has a smoother texture and can provide a thicker base for the chili, similar to crushed tomatoes.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a convenient option while still adding the desired garlic flavor to the chili.
white beans - Substitute with cannellini beans: Cannellini beans have a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, making them a suitable substitute for white beans in the chili.
buffalo sauce - Substitute with hot sauce and butter: Combining hot sauce and butter can replicate the tangy and spicy flavor of buffalo sauce, allowing you to adjust the heat level to your preference.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth, providing a flavorful liquid base for the chili while catering to vegetarian preferences.
Best Way to Present Buffalo Chicken Chili
Elevate the plating: When presenting the slow cooker buffalo chicken chili, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use clean, white plates to allow the vibrant colors of the chili to stand out. Arrange the shredded chicken and beans in an artful manner, and consider using fresh herbs or microgreens as a garnish to add a pop of color and freshness.
Incorporate texture: Add a textural element to the presentation by serving the chili with a side of crispy tortilla strips or freshly baked cornbread. The contrast between the creamy chili and the crunchy texture of the accompaniment will elevate the dining experience and add depth to the dish.
Emphasize balance: Showcase the balance of flavors in the chili by incorporating a drizzle of creamy sour cream or a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt on top. This not only adds a luxurious touch to the presentation but also complements the spicy kick of the buffalo sauce, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
Highlight the heat: To emphasize the bold flavors of the buffalo chicken chili, consider serving it in individual heated bowls. The warmth of the bowls will help maintain the temperature of the chili while also enhancing the aroma, creating an inviting and comforting presentation.
Artful garnishing: Elevate the presentation by adding a touch of sophistication through artful garnishing. Consider using a fine drizzle of buffalo sauce or a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese on top of the chili to add a burst of flavor and a visually striking element to the dish.
Customized serving vessels: Opt for unique and visually appealing serving vessels to present the buffalo chicken chili. Consider using ceramic bowls or copper pots to add a touch of elegance and elevate the overall dining experience for the culinary professionals.
Essential Tools for Making Slow Cooker Chili
- Crockpot: A slow cooker used for simmering food at a low temperature for an extended period of time.
- Knife: A sharp cutting tool used for slicing and dicing ingredients.
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Can opener: A tool used to open cans of ingredients such as tomato sauce and beans.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for mixing, spreading, and turning ingredients.
- Tongs: A utensil with two arms that are joined at one end, used for picking up and manipulating food.
- Slow cooker liner: Optional, but can be used to make cleaning up easier.
How To Store and Freeze Leftover Buffalo Chicken Chili
Allow the buffalo chicken chili to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and maintain the quality of the chili.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled chili to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making the chili even more delicious.
If you plan to freeze the chili, consider portioning it into individual serving sizes for convenience. Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some headspace for expansion during freezing.
Label the containers or bags with the date and contents to keep track of your inventory. The buffalo chicken chili can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy the frozen chili, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. If you need to thaw it quickly, place the container in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until the chili is thawed.
Reheat the thawed chili in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.
If the reheated chili appears too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to achieve the desired consistency. Adjust the seasoning if needed, as flavors may intensify during storage.
Enjoy your reheated buffalo chicken chili garnished with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, or crushed tortilla chips, for added texture and flavor.
How To Reheat Leftover Chili
Reheat the leftover chili in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the chili is evenly reheated without burning or drying out.
For a quick and easy reheating option, transfer the leftover chili to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until the chili is heated through. The damp paper towel helps prevent the chili from drying out and splattering in the microwave.
If you have a small amount of leftover chili, consider reheating it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen the chili and prevent it from sticking to the pan. Stir frequently until the chili is heated through and the liquid has been absorbed.
For a hands-off approach, reheat the leftover chili in a slow cooker. Transfer the chili to the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 1-2 hours, or until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is particularly useful if you have a large amount of leftover chili and want to keep it warm for an extended period.
To add a crispy texture to your reheated chili, consider serving it over a bed of crushed tortilla chips or topped with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream. The contrast of textures and flavors will give your leftover chili a fresh and exciting twist.
Random Fact About Buffalo Chicken Chili
Buffalo chicken chili is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of buffalo sauce with the heartiness of chili. It's a perfect meal for a cold day and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.
Is Making Chili in a Slow Cooker Economical for Home Cooking?
This slow cooker buffalo chicken chili recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken breast, onion, celery, tomato sauce, crushed tomato, garlic, white beans, buffalo sauce, and chicken broth, are reasonably priced and can be found in most grocery stores. The total cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $20. This flavorful and hearty dish is a solid 9/10, offering great value for money and a delicious meal for the family.
Is This Chili Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This slow cooker buffalo chicken chili recipe is a healthier option compared to traditional chili recipes. Here's why:
- Lean protein: Chicken breast is a lean source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
- Vegetables: The recipe includes onion and celery, which provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Beans: White beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates.
- Low-fat: The recipe does not include any added fats or oils, making it a lower-fat option.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved:
- Sodium content: The ranch seasoning and buffalo sauce may contain high amounts of sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues.
- Processed ingredients: The recipe relies on some processed ingredients, such as canned tomato sauce and buffalo sauce, which may contain added sugars and preservatives.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use low-sodium or homemade ranch seasoning to reduce the sodium content.
- Opt for a low-sodium or homemade buffalo sauce to further reduce the sodium content and avoid added sugars and preservatives.
- Add more vegetables to the chili, such as bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini, to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
- Use dried white beans instead of canned beans to reduce the sodium content and avoid any added preservatives. Be sure to soak and cook the beans before adding them to the chili.
- Serve the chili with a side salad or steamed vegetables to increase the overall nutrient content of the meal.
Editor's Thoughts on This Delicious Chili Recipe
This slow cooker buffalo chicken chili recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors. The combination of tender chicken, zesty ranch seasoning, and spicy buffalo sauce creates a tantalizing dish. The addition of white beans and aromatic vegetables adds depth and texture to the chili. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and satisfying meal. This recipe is perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. It's a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of toppings, such as sour cream, shredded cheese, and green onions. Overall, it's a delicious and comforting dish that is sure to be a hit.
Enhance Your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Suggested Appetizers and Desserts to Serve With This Chili Recipe
Why trust this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe:
This recipe is a must-try for all buffalo chicken lovers. The combination of tender chicken breast, flavorful ranch seasoning, and zesty buffalo sauce creates a mouthwatering dish. The addition of white beans and celery adds a delightful texture, while the tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes provide a rich, savory base. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a hearty and satisfying chili that's perfect for any occasion. Trust in this recipe for a delicious and comforting meal.
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