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Buffalo Chicken Chili: Your Ultimate One-Pot Comfort Food Recipe

When the crisp air of cooler temperatures settles in, there’s truly nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a steaming bowl of chili. But not just any chili – imagine a robust, hearty, and zestfully spiced Buffalo Chicken Chili! This incredibly easy-to-prepare dish is an absolute game-changer, perfect for cozy family dinners, lively game day gatherings, or any occasion when you crave something truly delicious and fuss-free. Packed with tender shredded chicken and an explosion of flavor, it’s designed to be a standout meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why This Buffalo Chicken Chili Will Be Your New Favorite

There’s a special kind of magic in a truly satisfying one-pot meal, and a big, bubbling pot of delicious chili definitely ranks high on that list. This Buffalo Chicken Chili isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s been a consistent favorite among our family and friends, proving that anything infused with that iconic buffalo flavor is always a winning combination in our kitchen.

You’ll fall in love with this recipe for many reasons:

Minimal Prep and Cleanup: Say goodbye to piles of dishes! Everything, from sautéing the aromatics to simmering the flavorful broth, happens in one large soup pot or Dutch oven. This means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal.
Ultimate Comfort Food: This chili strikes the perfect balance between being wonderfully cozy and incredibly hearty. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, making it ideal for chilly evenings.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re planning a relaxed family dinner, hosting a spirited game day party, or simply looking for a fulfilling lunch, this chili fits the bill. Serve it with crusty bread, warm biscuits, or a side of cornbread for a complete meal.
Explosive Flavor Profile: The unique blend of classic chili spices with the tangy, spicy kick of buffalo sauce creates an addictively delicious taste that’s both familiar and exciting.

The Irresistible Fusion: What Makes Buffalo Chicken Chili So Special?

Buffalo chicken, known for its iconic spicy and tangy sauce, typically conjures images of crispy wings. Chili, on the other hand, is a beloved stew, often rich with ground meat, beans, and a medley of spices. This Buffalo Chicken Chili recipe brilliantly marries these two culinary worlds, creating a dish that offers the best of both. Instead of ground beef, we use succulent shredded chicken, which absorbs the vibrant buffalo sauce beautifully. The result is a chili that has all the hearty, warming qualities you expect, but with an exhilarating, zesty, and subtly fiery twist that elevates it beyond the ordinary. It’s a flavor profile that’s bold, comforting, and utterly unique.

Essential Ingredients for a Flavorful Buffalo Chicken Chili

Crafting this incredible chili starts with a carefully selected list of ingredients that balance richness, spice, and freshness. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

Olive Oil: The base for sautéing our aromatics, adding a smooth richness.
Yellow Onion: Finely chopped, providing a sweet and pungent foundation for the chili’s flavor.
Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and essential aromatic depth, a classic mirepoix component.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is indispensable for its pungent, savory notes that infuse the entire dish.
Chili Powder: The cornerstone spice, offering a warm, earthy, and mildly spicy flavor.
Dried Oregano: Contributes an aromatic, slightly bitter, and peppery herbaceous note.
Cumin: Earthy, warm, and slightly smoky, cumin is vital for that quintessential chili flavor.
Coarse Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper adds a touch of sharp spice.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: The liquid base for the chili, providing savory depth without excessive saltiness.
Canned Great Northern Beans: Drained and rinsed, these creamy white beans add texture and protein, perfectly complementing the chicken.
Diced Chopped Green Chiles: We recommend using mild green chiles for a touch of smoky flavor and a hint of heat without overpowering the buffalo sauce.
Diced Fire Roasted Tomatoes: Undrained, these tomatoes bring a robust, slightly smoky, and sweet tang, along with necessary acidity and liquid to the chili.
Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce: The star of the show! This classic hot sauce delivers the signature tangy, spicy, and slightly buttery buffalo flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.
Shredded Chicken: Pre-cooked and shredded chicken makes this recipe incredibly quick and easy.
Crumbled Blue Cheese (Optional for Topping): A classic pairing with buffalo flavor, offering a sharp, tangy counterpoint.

Preparing Your Shredded Chicken: Tips and Tricks

For ultimate convenience, this recipe calls for 3 cups of pre-shredded chicken. If your local grocery store doesn’t carry pre-shredded chicken, don’t fret! There are several easy ways to prepare it yourself:

Rotisserie Chicken: This is my go-to method! Simply grab a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, remove the meat from the bones, and shred it with two forks. It’s incredibly quick and yields wonderfully moist chicken.
Boiled or Poached Chicken: You can boil or poach chicken breasts or thighs until cooked through, then shred them. This is a great option if you prefer to cook your own chicken from scratch.
Instant Pot/Slow Cooker Chicken: For a hands-off approach, cook chicken breasts with a bit of broth in your Instant Pot or slow cooker until tender, then shred.

Often, a rotisserie chicken will yield more than the 3 cups needed for this recipe. Any extra shredded chicken can be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator and used for delicious sandwiches, salads, quesadillas, or quick snacking throughout the week.

Step-By-Step Guide to Crafting Your Perfect Chili

Creating this flavorful Buffalo Chicken Chili is a remarkably straightforward process, broken down into just a few simple steps:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Spices

Begin by heating olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your chopped yellow onion and celery, cooking for about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become translucent and slightly softened. This step builds the foundational flavor of your chili. Next, stir in the finely minced garlic, chili powder, dried oregano, cumin, coarse kosher salt, and pepper. Continue to cook for just 1 minute more, allowing the spices to become fragrant and their flavors to deepen, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 2: Simmer the Flavorful Base

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, followed by the drained and rinsed Great Northern beans, diced green chiles (I prefer mild for a balanced heat), and the undrained can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Finally, stir in the Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce. Mix all the ingredients until they are thoroughly combined. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the chili to cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow all the wonderful flavors to meld and develop.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Finish

The final step is incredibly simple. Add your prepared shredded chicken to the pot. Continue to cook at a simmer for a few more minutes, just until the chicken is heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. And just like that, in three easy steps, your hearty and flavorful Buffalo Chicken Chili is ready to be devoured! It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight or any night you’re craving a delicious, no-fuss meal.

Customize Your Chili: Toppings and Spice Levels

One of the best things about chili is its versatility, especially when it comes to toppings and adjusting the spice level. You can easily tailor this Buffalo Chicken Chili to your personal preferences:

For the Cheese Lovers: If you enjoy a creamy, cheesy chili, feel free to add some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese directly into the soup pot during the last few minutes of simmering. Stir until it’s melted and fully incorporated for an extra layer of richness.
Top it Off: Set up a topping bar for a fun and interactive meal! Offer bowls filled with classic blue cheese crumbles (a must-have for buffalo flavor!), shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, cooling sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh sliced avocado, chopped green onions, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or crispy tortilla chips for added crunch.
Adjust the Heat: The amount of Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer a milder chili, start with a smaller amount and add more gradually. For those who love extra heat, don’t hesitate to increase the quantity of buffalo sauce or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This Buffalo Chicken Chili is not only delicious the day it’s made but often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

Refrigeration: Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Chili freezes exceptionally well! Once cooled, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: For best results, reheat chili gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out if it has thickened too much. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Expert Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Chili Every Time

To ensure your Buffalo Chicken Chili turns out perfect every single time, keep these expert tips in mind:

Don’t Rush the Sauté: Allowing the onions and celery to soften and the spices to become fragrant is crucial for building a deep flavor base. Don’t cut this step short.
Choose Your Buffalo Sauce Wisely: While Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce is a classic choice and highly recommended for its balanced flavor, feel free to use your favorite brand. Sweet Baby Ray’s Buffalo Sauce is another excellent option if you prefer a slightly sweeter profile.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste your chili before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might find it needs a little more salt, pepper, or even a dash more buffalo sauce to achieve your ideal flavor.
Let it Simmer: The 15-minute simmer time for the base is important. It allows the flavors from the broth, beans, tomatoes, and buffalo sauce to fully meld together, creating a more harmonious and delicious chili.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Since you’re adding pre-cooked shredded chicken, you only need to simmer it long enough to heat it through. Overcooking can make the chicken dry.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Chicken Chili

Can I use a different type of beans?

Yes, absolutely! While Great Northern beans are recommended for their creamy texture and mild flavor, you can certainly substitute them with other white beans like cannellini beans, or even kidney beans for a more traditional chili feel. Black beans would also work well for a different flavor profile.

Is this chili very spicy?

The spice level can be easily adjusted to your preference. The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce, which provides a moderate, tangy heat. If you prefer a milder chili, start with 1/4 cup and add more to taste. For a spicier version, increase the buffalo sauce to 3/4 cup or even a full cup, and consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sauté the onions, celery, garlic, and spices in a pan as directed in Step 1. Then, transfer these aromatics to your slow cooker along with all the other ingredients (broth, beans, chiles, tomatoes, buffalo sauce, and shredded chicken). Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the flavors are well combined and heated through. This is a fantastic option for meal prepping!

What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Chili?

This chili is incredibly versatile! It pairs wonderfully with classic chili sides like cornbread, crusty bread, or warm biscuits. For lighter options, serve it with a fresh green salad. And don’t forget the toppings like blue cheese crumbles, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, green onions, and tortilla chips for a complete and satisfying meal.

More Delicious Chili Recipes to Explore

If you love the comforting warmth of chili, be sure to check out these other fantastic recipes:

Spicy Black Bean Turkey Chili
White Bean Turkey Chili
Uncle John’s Chili Mac

Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe Card

Buffalo Chicken Chili

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Yields: 8 servings

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 50 mins

Description

When cooler temperatures roll around, there’s nothing better than a delicious hot bowl of chili! This zesty Buffalo Chicken Chili is so easy to throw together and it’s perfect for your family dinner or your next game day party. It’s loaded with chicken and over-the-top flavor!

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 cup chopped yellow onion
2 stalks celery, chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 Tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. coarse kosher salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 (15.8-oz.) cans Great Northern Beans, drained and rinsed
2 (4-oz.) cans diced green chiles (mild recommended)
1 (14.5-oz.) can fire roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 cup Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce (adjust to taste)
3 cups shredded cooked chicken
Optional Toppings: blue cheese crumbles, shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, sliced avocado, tortilla chips, sour cream, green onions, fresh cilantro

Instructions

Add olive oil to a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onions and celery and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring often, until slightly softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and all the spices (chili powder, dried oregano, ground cumin, coarse kosher salt, pepper) and continue to cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add chicken broth, Great Northern beans, diced green chiles, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce to the pot. Mix until all ingredients are well combined. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld.
Stir in the shredded chicken and continue to cook at a simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Taste the chili and season to taste with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve hot in bowls, topped with your favorite garnishes.

Notes

For the buffalo sauce, Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce is highly recommended for its classic flavor, but feel free to use any buffalo sauce you love (e.g., Sweet Baby Ray’s Buffalo Sauce). Common toppings include crumbled blue cheese, tortilla chips, sliced avocado, or shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh green onions or cilantro.

Keywords / Categories

Keywords: buffalo sauce, Chicken, Chili, Comfort Food, One-Pot Meal, Game Day Food, Easy Chili Recipe

Cuisine: American

Course: Lunch, Main Dish, Soup

Share Your Culinary Creations!

There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing your delicious creations come to life in your own kitchen! If you decide to make this Buffalo Chicken Chili, we’d absolutely love to see it. Before you dive into that first comforting bite, snap a photo and share it with us!

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