Looking for a different spin on the classic chili recipe? This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Chili is just the ticket! It’s a set-it-and-forget-it crock pot recipe that’s supremely satisfying, with chicken, cannellini beans, and a creamy sauce that’s just spicy enough thanks to the addition of buffalo hot sauce. This is a recipe that’s destined to be part of your family’s regular weeknight dinner rotation!
Crock pot dinners are always winners! I love that not only is the slow cooker an incredibly easy method of cooking, it also produces amazing results. When everything’s left to cook low and slow for several hours, the flavors have time to really come together. And with a chili recipe, that’s exactly what you want.
But this isn’t an ordinary chili! Oh no! This Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Chili has all the flavors of buffalo wings, but in the form of a cozy, hearty chicken chili. You’ve got your chicken (white meat or dark—take your pick), the zippy hot sauce, celery, and seasonings, but to make it a proper chili, we add tomatoes with chiles and white beans.
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- Dump-and-Go – Pile everything into the crock pot except the cream cheese, give it a good stir, and let your slow cooker work its magic.
- Family-Friendly – Yes, even picky eaters will love this one! If you’re cooking for kiddos, use less hot sauce and let everyone in the family add it to their own serving so they can customize their Buffalo Chicken Chili to their tastes.
- Customizable – And speaking of customization! Who doesn’t love a dinner that can be personalized?! Set out a board full of toppings and let everyone go to town.
- Perfect for a Party – I love this Creamy Buffalo Chicken Chili as an easy weeknight dinner, but it’s also great for game day get-togethers.
- Oh-So-Satisfying – Between the beans and the chicken, this chili is hearty, filling, and cozy. Just the kind of meal everyone loves on a chilly evening! (Or a chili evening—get it? Sorry, I had to.)
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Chicken – Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if your family prefers white meat; if you plan on cooking this chili towards the longer end of the cooking time, use chicken thighs, which stay juicy, delicious, and flavorful even after several hours in the crock pot.
- Onion – Yellow or white onions will both work in this recipe.
Celery – Because you can’t have buffalo chicken without celery, right? - Cannellini beans – Feel free to substitute another variety of white beans if you prefer.
- Tomatoes with green chiles – AKA Rotel.
- Tomato sauce
- Buffalo sauce – Frank’s Red Hot is the traditional (and original) choice for buffalo sauce, but if you have your own favorite, use it!
- Garlic
- Chili powder and ground cumin – This will add some traditional chili flavor to the recipe.
- Granulated sugar – This is the secret ingredient that brings everything together. The tomatoes, tomato sauce, and hot sauce (which is made with vinegar) are all acidic; the sugar will cut the acid and balance all the flavors in the recipe. Don’t skip it!
- Salt and pepper
- Cream cheese – Key to the creamy, dreamy sauce in this Buffalo Chicken Chili. Although I like using full-fat cream cheese for the richest flavor and texture, you can substitute low fat or Neufchâtel cheese if you prefer.
Topping Ideas
- Sour cream
- Blue cheese crumbles
- Cheddar cheese
- Corn chips
- Cilantro
- Green onions
Recipe Variations
If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!
- Swap the cream cheese for sour cream – Use 1 cup of sour cream instead of the cream cheese for a Creamy Buffalo Chicken Chili that’s a little less rich and a bit more tangy.
- Or try Greek yogurt – Want to put a healthier spin on this recipe? Substitute 1 cup of Greek yogurt for the cream cheese for a protein boost.
- Omit the beans – If your family prefers chili without the beans, you can leave out the cannellini beans and double the chicken instead.