There’s just something so comforting about a bowl of chili that’s got a spicy kick and creamy texture all at once. This Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe hits that cozy spot perfectly, blending tender chicken with that tangy buffalo heat and a velvety finish that makes everyone come back for seconds.

A black slow cooker filled with creamy, light brown soup with visible small chunks of chicken and tomatoes. The soup is topped with light yellow shredded cheese, green chopped herbs, slices of light green avocado, and broken yellow tortilla chips. A metal ladle scoops out some of the soup, showing the thick, mixed texture. Around the cooker are white small bowls with chopped green onions, herbs, and shredded cheese, as well as some whole and broken tortilla chips scattered on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe isn’t just your average chili. I love how the slow cooker turns the chicken juicy and tender while the buffalo sauce adds that addictive heat without overpowering the other flavors. Plus, the creamy finish makes it feel a bit fancy but it’s really just the easiest comfort food you can whip up.

Simple prep: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work while you get on with your day.
Balanced heat: The buffalo sauce provides a perfect spicy tang that’s not too overwhelming.
Creamy texture: Cream cheese (or Greek yogurt) melts in to make each bite smooth and rich.
Flexible meal: Great for leftovers, freezing, or adapting to your favorite toppings and sides.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe plays a key role—from tender chicken breasts to white beans that add creaminess and texture, and the signature buffalo sauce that gives it that spicy punch. Here’s why I rely on these staples:

Flat lay of fresh whole chicken breasts, two small piles of rinsed white beans, bright fire-roasted tomatoes with charred skins, a small white bowl of golden chicken broth, a small white bowl filled with vibrant orange buffalo hot sauce, a neat pile of dried chives, a tiny heap of garlic powder, small mounds of dried dill, onion powder, paprika, kosher salt, and chili powder arranged symmetrically, a smooth block of cream cheese, a small bunch of bright green chopped cilantro all placed on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: They shred easily after slow cooking, turning tender and juicy, soaking up all the flavors.
White beans: Great Northern or cannellini beans add subtle creaminess and keep things hearty without heaviness.
Fire-roasted tomatoes: These add a charred depth and slight sweetness that balances the heat.
Chicken stock/broth: The liquid base that infuses every bite with savory richness.
Buffalo sauce: The star ingredient that gives this chili its characteristic tangy, spicy flavor.
Dried chives, garlic powder, herbs: Layered seasoning that builds complexity without too much fuss.
Cream cheese or Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and smooths the heat for a balanced finish.
Cilantro: A fresh pop at the end to brighten the whole dish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to play around with this Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe depending on the mood. Sometimes I double the buffalo sauce for a hotter dish; other times, I swap in Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese to keep it lighter. You should definitely make it your own!

Variation: Using ground chicken instead of breasts gives the chili a bit more texture. I browned the meat first for extra flavor—it’s a nice twist if you want a quicker shred.
Dairy-free option: Swap cream cheese for dairy-free cream cheese or coconut cream, and top with fresh green onions and chips for a tasty alternative.
Instant Pot friendly: You can pressure cook this entire recipe in 8 minutes, then shred the chicken and stir in the cream cheese while sautéing—makes for a fast weeknight meal!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe

A white round bowl filled with creamy, light brown soup with visible chunks of tomatoes and chicken mixed in. On top, there are three layers of toppings: bright green sliced avocado arranged in small fans, crispy yellow tortilla chip pieces scattered unevenly, and a sprinkle of shredded white cheese. Fresh green chopped herbs and thinly sliced green onions are sprinkled over everything. To the left of the bowl, there are whole yellow tortilla chips on a white marbled surface. A white speckled bowl with bright green lime wedges sits above the main bowl, and on the right side, there is a small bowl of finely chopped green herbs. A spoon with a silver head and a brown handle is resting inside the soup bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Gather and layer your ingredients

Start by adding everything to your slow cooker except the cream cheese and cilantro. I usually start with the chicken breasts, then layer on the beans, tomatoes, chicken stock, buffalo sauce, and spices. The beauty is that you don’t have to do much prep—just dump and go.

Step 2: Slow cook it low and slow

Set your slow cooker to low for 6 to 8 hours, or high for about 4 hours. This method lets the chicken become super tender and soak up all the bold buffalo flavor. I usually go for low and slow on weekends when I’m busy with other things.

Step 3: Shred the chicken

Carefully lift the chicken out and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Then, pop it back into the slow cooker—this is the magic moment when the chili really comes together.

Step 4: Stir in creaminess and freshness

Finally, add your cream cheese and chopped cilantro. Stir gently until the cream cheese melts into the chili, creating that creamy texture I love. The cilantro adds a fresh burst that brightens every bite.

Step 5: Serve with your favorite toppings

This is where you get to have fun—add shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, or even a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles. I’m a fan of tortilla chips for that crunchy contrast!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate this Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe and make it foolproof every time. These tips have saved me from common pitfalls and helped me lock in amazing flavor.

Perfect Shredding: Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking before shredding. It’s easier to handle and keeps the meat juicy.
Balance the heat: Start with one cup of buffalo sauce and taste before adding more. This way you won’t overwhelm the flavor if you prefer mild spice.
Cream cheese trick: Soften the cream cheese slightly before stirring into the chili for smooth melting without lumps.
Avoid watery chili: Don’t lift the slow cooker lid too often during cooking — you want to keep all that steam in for thick, concentrated flavor.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Chili - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishes, I love piling on shredded sharp cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, and some crushed tortilla chips for a salty crunch. Blue cheese crumbles are a must for buffalo flavor lovers, and fresh chopped green onions or cilantro add a nice herbal note.

Side Dishes

This chili pairs wonderfully with classic cornbread—it’s slightly sweet and crumbly, balancing the spicy heat. Sometimes I serve it with a simple side salad to lighten the meal, or even baked potatoes to scoop the chili onto.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at game day or gatherings, I’ve served this Buffalo Chicken Chili in small bread bowls topped with a sprinkle of cheese and tortilla strips. Another time, I used it as a filling for loaded baked potato skins—always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools, I transfer leftover chili to airtight containers and refrigerate. It actually tastes better the next day—the flavors have even more time to mingle. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Freezing

This Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some room for expansion. When I thaw it slowly in the fridge overnight, it reheats just as creamy and flavorful.

Reheating

To keep it creamy when reheating, I warm the chili gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If it feels thick, I add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid reheating at very high heat—that can cause the cream cheese to separate.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Add all ingredients except cream cheese and cilantro to the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Quick release the steam, shred the chicken, then stir in cream cheese and cilantro on sauté mode until melted and combined.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

Greek yogurt is a great substitute if you want a lighter option. For a dairy-free alternative, you can use dairy-free cream cheese or canned coconut cream to keep that creamy texture.

Can I use ground chicken instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Brown about 2 pounds of ground chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker with the other ingredients. It adds a nice texture and cooks faster that way.

How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe?

The heat level depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. Most store-bought sauces have a moderate heat that’s balanced by the cream cheese, but you can adjust by adding more or less sauce to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe has become my go-to whenever I want a meal that’s both comforting and packed with flavor without being complicated. I love how easy it is to let the slow cooker work its magic, then come back to a cozy bowl that feels like a warm hug. Trust me, once you try it, this one will be on repeat in your weekly rotation!