By Alex Harrington 
Bring the flavors of a spicy Southern classic to your dining table with this Buffalo Chicken Chili, perfect for a family of five. This dish brings the irresistible heat from buffalo sauce, balanced with rich cream cheese, hearty beans, and tender chicken. It cooks to perfection in the simplicity of a slow cooker, making it an ideal recipe for busy days without compromising on flavor.
Ingredients:
Chicken:
– 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts
– 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken thighs
Vegetables:
– 1 cup diced onion
– 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes
– 2 (4-ounce) cans green chiles
Sauce and Seasonings:
– 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s® RedHot Buffalo sauce), plus more for serving
– 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch seasoning mix
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Broth:
– 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
Beans and Dairy:
– 2 (15.5-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
For Garnish:
– Sour cream
– Shredded Cheddar cheese
– Sliced green onions
Preparation in Slow Cooker:
In your slow cooker, combine the chicken breasts and thighs, diced onion, buffalo wing sauce, fire roasted diced tomatoes, green chiles, ranch seasoning mix, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and chicken broth. Select the high setting and cook for two hours, or opt for a low setting if you have 3 to 4 hours to spare. This method ensures the flavors meld together beautifully.
Shredding and Mixing:
Carefully remove the chicken once cooked, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks, and return it to the slow cooker. This step allows the chicken to absorb even more flavor from the hearty broth and spices.
Final Cooking Steps:
Stir in the white beans and softened cream cheese into the slow cooker. Allow the mixture to cook until the cream cheese is fully incorporated, about 15 minutes. If you prefer a soupier chili, you may add additional chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Serving:
Ladle the Buffalo Chicken Chili into individual bowls. Garnish with a refreshing dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded Cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions for added texture and flavor. For an extra kick, drizzle some additional buffalo wing sauce over the top to taste.
In conclusion, this Buffalo Chicken Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings a touch of warmth and zest to family meals. Whether you serve it on game day or as a comforting dinner, it is sure to delight. Enjoy the robustness of this meal, and savor the spicy, creamy finish that will leave you craving seconds.
Gary