Name: Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1/2 cup hot sauce; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (adjust to taste); 1 can (28 ounce) fire roasted diced tomatoes; 2 poblano peppers, seeded and chopped; 1 jalapeño pepper, chopped and seeded if desired; 3/4 cup chopped celery; 2-4 cups bone or chicken broth; 4 tablespoons salted butter; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or cream cheese, melted; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Avocado slices; Shredded cheddar cheese; Additional Greek yogurt; Extra buffalo sauce (optional); Tortilla chips (optional); Green onions (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 3 reviews

If you’re craving a bowl full of bold flavors, creamy textures, and just the right amount of heat, this Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort meal. Combining tender shredded chicken with spicy buffalo sauce, smoky chilies, and juicy fire-roasted tomatoes, this chili is a fantastic twist on traditional recipes. It’s effortless to throw together in the slow cooker, letting all those vibrant flavors meld into a deliciously rich dish that’s perfect for cozy nights or feeding a hungry crowd. Once you’ve tried it, this recipe will surely earn a spot in your weeknight rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a round bowl filled with fresh green herbs and vegetables placed on a white marbled surface. Inside the bowl, on the left side, there are bright yellow lemon wedges stacked neatly. Next to the lemon wedges, there is a layer of sliced green onions, showing a mix of light green and white colors with a slightly curved shape. Most of the bowl is covered with fresh chopped cilantro, displaying a rich green color and a leafy texture. The bowl is light-colored and sits next to a white plate on the right edge of the image, with some brownish-beige fabric napkins lying beneath it. A few orange-colored chips are partially visible on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this chili lies in its simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating a harmony of flavor, texture, and color — from the smoky poblano peppers to the creamy Greek yogurt boost. Here’s everything you’ll want to gather before you start:

1 medium yellow onion, chopped: Adds a naturally sweet and aromatic base that softens beautifully in the slow cooker.
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: The star protein that soaks up all the spicy, savory flavors for tender bites every time.
1/2 cup hot sauce: Brings the signature buffalo heat, perfectly balancing the creamy elements in the chili.
1 tablespoon garlic powder: Packs a punch of earthy, savory depth without overpowering the other spices.
1 tablespoon smoked paprika: Adds warmth and a subtle smoky flavor that complements the chipotle chili powder beautifully.
1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder: Brings a smoky fire that you can adjust to your taste for the perfect level of heat.
1 can (28 ounce) fire roasted diced tomatoes: Juicy and slightly charred, these tomatoes add sweetness and acidity to balance the spice.
2 poblano peppers, seeded and chopped: Mildly spicy with a rich flavor, they lend a great texture and color contrast.
1 jalapeño pepper, chopped: Adds a fresh, crisp heat; seed it if you want to tone down the spice a bit.
3/4 cup chopped celery: Brings a refreshing crunch and balances out the richness with its natural brightness.
2-4 cups bone or chicken broth: Creates the perfect stew-like consistency as the chili simmers low and slow.
4 tablespoons salted butter: Melts into the chili to deepen its flavor and add an indulgent silkiness.
Salt and black pepper: To season and bring out the best in every ingredient.
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or cream cheese, melted: Adds creamy tang and tames the heat beautifully.
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Offers a burst of fresh herbaceous flavor that brightens the chili just before serving.
Avocado, cheddar cheese, and Greek yogurt, for serving: Optional garnishes that turn each bowl into a festive, customizable feast.

How to Make Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

Start by placing the chopped onion, chicken breasts or thighs, hot sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, poblano peppers, jalapeño, and celery into your crockpot. Pour in 2 cups of broth and add the salted butter slices on top. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This beautiful mix of ingredients is the foundation of the chili’s flavor and texture.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and set it on low for 5 to 6 hours, or if you’re short on time, cook on high for 3 to 4 hours. Let the slow cooker do its magic, giving those flavors time to mingle and the chicken to become irresistibly tender. The smell alone will have you counting down the minutes!

Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Stir in Creaminess

Once cooked through, remove the chicken pieces and use two forks to shred them right inside the crockpot for minimal mess and maximum flavor absorption. Next, stir in the cream cheese or Greek yogurt along with the freshly chopped cilantro. This step adds a luscious creaminess and bright herbal notes that make this chili truly stand out.

Step 4: Final Taste and Adjustments

Give the chili a good stir and taste it for seasoning. Add any extra salt, pepper, or even a splash more buffalo sauce if you like things spicier. Your Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe is now primed and ready to be ladled into bowls and enjoyed.

How to Serve Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe

A white bowl filled with a red soup that has a rich and slightly thick texture. Inside the soup, there are visible shreds of meat. On top of the soup, there is a layer of melted cheddar cheese in light orange color, and dollops of white sour cream. Bright green slices of avocado chunks and chopped green onions sit on the cheese and sour cream, adding fresh colors. Two large yellow tortilla chips rest halfway inside the soup on the bowl’s edges. In the background, there are more yellow tortilla chips scattered on a dark surface, and a beige cloth napkin is placed near the bowl. The entire scene is set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The beauty of this dish comes alive with the right garnishes. Top your chili with creamy Greek yogurt to mellow the heat, shards of sharp cheddar cheese for an extra layer of richness, and creamy avocado slices that add buttery texture. Fresh cilantro sprinkled on top will bring a fresh, garden-fresh brightness to every bite.

Side Dishes

Serve this chili with crunchy tortilla chips for scooping or alongside warm cornbread to soak up every last drop. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables also balance the meal perfectly, providing contrast to the chili’s rich and spicy profile.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at your next get-together, serve the Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe in mini bread bowls or over fluffy rice for a hearty twist. You could also turn it into a spicy chili dip to accompany a game day spread by layering it with melted cheese and scallions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This chili keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. Flavors actually deepen overnight, making it just as satisfying — if not more — as the first day.

Freezing

If you want to stock your freezer, this Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of broth if the chili has thickened too much in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great because they stay moist and tender during slow cooking, which makes your chili extra juicy and flavorful.

How spicy is this chili?

The heat level is medium, thanks to the hot sauce, chipotle, jalapeño, and poblanos. You can always adjust spiciness by reducing peppers or adding more hot sauce to taste.

What can I use instead of Greek yogurt or cream cheese?

If you prefer a dairy-free option, try adding coconut cream or a smooth cashew cream for a similar creamy texture without dairy.

Can I make this recipe on the stove instead of a crockpot?

Definitely! Use a large Dutch oven and simmer the ingredients over low heat for about 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked, then shred it and stir in the creamy elements before serving.

What sides are best to serve with this chili?

Classic tortilla chips, cornbread, or even rice work wonderfully alongside this chili. A side salad also adds a fresh contrast that’s nice after all the rich flavors.

Final Thoughts

I can honestly say the Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe is a game changer for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends. It’s warming, packed with flavor, and so easy to prepare that you’ll look forward to making it again and again. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a family favorite in your kitchen too!

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need