By Alex Harrington 
Introducing a soul-comforting dish perfect for a family of five, infused with a delightful blend of flavors. This hearty Buffalo-style chicken and bean stew is prepared effortlessly in a slow cooker, allowing you to relish quality time with your loved ones as it simmers to perfection. Simple ingredients come together to create a bowl of warmth that’s just as delightful to make as it is to eat. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Beans and Tomatoes
– 2 cans (15-ounce each) great Northern beans or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 cans (14.5-ounce each) fire-roasted diced tomatoes with garlic
Vegetables and Additions
– 1 cup frozen chopped yellow onion
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
Seasonings and Sauces
– 1/4 cup Buffalo-style hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot®)
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 2 teaspoons garlic powder
Proteins and Dairy
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 cup plain whole-milk strained (Greek-style) yogurt
– 1 1/2 tablespoons ranch dressing mix
– 6 ounces cream cheese, cubed and softened
Garnishes and Serving
– 1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions
– Tortilla chips (optional)
Preparation
Gather all the ingredients you’ll need. Ensure the beans are drained and rinsed, and take a moment to chop the bell pepper if not already done. Having everything prepared in advance will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Slow Cooker Setup
Set up your 6-quart slow cooker and add the beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, frozen onion, and chopped bell pepper. Mix in the Buffalo-style hot sauce, chili powder, and garlic powder, ensuring all ingredients are well-incorporated. Nestle the chicken thighs into this aromatic mix, ensuring they’re well covered.
Cooking
Place the lid on the slow cooker and set it to your desired cooking level:
– For quicker preparation, use the HIGH setting for about 3 hours.
– Alternatively, allow the dish to simmer gently on the LOW setting for approximately 5 hours, perfect for a busy day.
Yogurt Sauce Preparation
While the slow cooker does its magic, prepare the yogurt sauce for a tangy finish. In a small bowl, combine the Greek-style yogurt and ranch dressing mix. Stir until smooth and creamy, then cover and refrigerate until needed.
Shredding Chicken
Once the cooking time completes, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-size pieces, ensuring it’s tender and falls apart easily.
Final Slow Cooker Steps
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Add in the softened cream cheese, stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy, harmoniously blending the flavors. Cover and continue to heat on HIGH for about 30 minutes, allowing all ingredients to meld perfectly.
Serving
Ladle the warm, creamy stew into bowls. Top it with a generous dollop of the chilled yogurt sauce and a sprinkle of scallions for a pop of color and freshness. For an extra crunch and a fun twist, serve with tortilla chips on the side.
In conclusion, this dish not only delights the taste buds but also embodies the warmth and comfort of home-cooked goodness. With minimal preparation time and maximum flavor, it’s an ideal meal for family gatherings or cozy weeknights. Serve it up and watch your family come back for seconds!
Gary