Best Slow Cooker Buffalo White Chicken Chili Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Buffalo White Chicken Chili
When the weather turns chilly, nothing beats a steaming bowl of chili. But if you’re craving something creamy, hearty, and just a little bit spicy, Slow Cooker Buffalo White Chicken Chili is the perfect comfort food. This recipe combines tender shredded chicken, creamy beans, tangy buffalo sauce, and just the right amount of spice to warm you from the inside out.
What makes this chili extra special is the convenience. By letting the slow cooker do the work, you get deep, developed flavors without standing over the stove. Plus, this recipe is easy to customize—whether you like your chili extra spicy, creamy, or loaded with toppings, you can make it your own.
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for game day, family dinners, or meal prep, Slow Cooker Buffalo White Chicken Chili deserves a spot on your table.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Buffalo White Chicken Chili
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this flavorful chili to life:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced green chiles, mild or hot depending on preference
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- ½ cup sour cream (for added creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
Optional toppings:
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced avocado
- Crumbled blue cheese
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Tortilla chips or strips
- Lime wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Slow Cooker Buffalo White Chicken Chili is as simple as layering, cooking, and shredding. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Prepare your slow cooker
Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or lightly grease with oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Add the chicken and base ingredients
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add in the diced onion, garlic, beans, corn, and green chiles. Pour in the chicken broth and buffalo sauce. Sprinkle in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Cook low and slow
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily.
Step 4: Shred the chicken
Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken back to the pot and stir everything together.
Step 5: Add the creamy elements
Stir in the cream cheese cubes until they melt into the chili. Add sour cream and optional shredded cheese. Mix well until creamy and smooth.
Step 6: Taste and adjust
Taste the chili and adjust seasoning. If you love extra heat, add more buffalo sauce. For a richer flavor, stir in more cheese.
Step 7: Serve and top it off
Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot with your favorite toppings like cilantro, avocado, or tortilla chips.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Buffalo White Chicken Chili
- Choose the right chicken: Chicken breasts are lean and shred easily, but chicken thighs give a richer flavor and stay tender.
- Buffalo sauce intensity: Use a mild buffalo sauce if you’re serving kids or those sensitive to spice. Go for hot buffalo sauce if you want to turn up the heat.
- Creaminess level: For an ultra-creamy chili, use both cream cheese and shredded cheese. If you want it lighter, skip the cheese and just use sour cream.
- Make it thicker: If your chili is too thin, remove the lid and cook uncovered for 20–30 minutes to let it thicken.
- Prep ahead: Chop the onion, garlic, and open cans the night before to make cooking even faster.
Ingredient Substitutions
Don’t worry if you’re missing a few ingredients—this recipe is very forgiving.
- Beans: Swap great northern or cannellini beans with navy beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas.
- Corn: Frozen corn works just as well as canned.
- Cheese: Monterey Jack melts beautifully, but cheddar or mozzarella are tasty too.
- Cream cheese: Use Greek yogurt instead for a tangy, lighter version.
- Buffalo sauce: If you don’t have buffalo sauce, mix hot sauce with a little melted butter for a similar flavor.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about Slow Cooker Buffalo White Chicken Chili is how flexible it can be. With just a few tweaks, you can create fun new versions that fit your mood or occasion:
- Buffalo Ranch White Chicken Chili – Stir in a packet of ranch seasoning toward the end of cooking for a tangy, herby twist that pairs perfectly with the buffalo flavor.
- Spicy Kick – Love extra heat? Add fresh diced jalapeños, a splash of hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to turn up the spice.
- Vegetarian Version – Skip the chicken and double up on the beans, or add diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a hearty, meatless option.
- Buffalo Blue Cheese Chili – Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top of each bowl for that classic buffalo wing and blue cheese combo.
- Game Day Dip – Cook the chili a little thicker, then serve it as a creamy dip with tortilla chips or crusty bread. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
One of the best parts about Slow Cooker Buffalo White Chicken Chili is that it stores and reheats beautifully.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even better the next day.
- Freezer: Cool the chili completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave individual servings. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours on low, or 3–4 hours on high
- Total Time: About 6 hours 15 minutes (depending on setting)
- Servings: 6–8 hearty bowls
Why This Slow Cooker Buffalo White Chicken Chili Stands Out
There are plenty of chili recipes out there, but Slow Cooker Buffalo White Chicken Chili is a little different. It’s bold, creamy, and has that tangy buffalo flavor you usually associate with wings—not chili. The slow cooker ensures the chicken turns out perfectly tender every time, and the creaminess balances the heat in the best way possible.
This dish isn’t just dinner; it’s a cozy experience. Whether you’re curled up on the couch on a cold evening, feeding a hungry crowd at a football party, or prepping meals for the week, this chili delivers flavor and comfort in every spoonful.
Conclusion (Slow Cooker Buffalo White Chicken Chili)
If you’ve been searching for the ultimate cozy comfort food, look no further than Slow Cooker Buffalo White Chicken Chili. This dish is hearty, creamy, and packed with bold flavor, making it the perfect recipe to warm up with on a cold night. What really sets it apart from other chili recipes is the slow-cooked tenderness of the chicken combined with the tangy kick of buffalo sauce and the smooth, velvety finish from cream cheese and beans. Every spoonful delivers a comforting balance of heat, creaminess, and satisfying texture.
One of the best parts about Slow Cooker Buffalo White Chicken Chili is how versatile it is. Whether you like your chili extra spicy, cheesy, or packed with toppings like avocado, cilantro, and tortilla chips, this recipe can be adapted to fit your taste. It’s also a great choice for meal prep since it reheats and freezes beautifully, making it just as delicious the next day. Perfect for family dinners, football parties, or cozy nights in, this chili always impresses.
If you’re ready to add a new favorite to your recipe collection, give Slow Cooker Buffalo White Chicken Chili a try. Not only is it incredibly simple to make thanks to the slow cooker, but it’s also a dish that feels special and indulgent without requiring much effort. Once you make it, chances are it’ll become a staple in your home—one you’ll crave again and again.
