The Best Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe For Spicy Comfort Food

Buffalo chicken chili brings together the fiery essence of a beloved game-day favorite with the comforting warmth of a hearty stew.

Spicy, tangy flavors dance across your palate, creating a culinary experience that defies traditional chili expectations.

Bold ingredients meld into a robust dish that promises to tantalize taste buds and spark conversation around the dinner table.

The heat level allows for personal customization, ensuring everyone from mild-preference diners to spice enthusiasts can enjoy this creative meal.

Creamy textures and zesty undertones revolutionize an ordinary chili into an extraordinary comfort food sensation.

Protein-packed and deeply satisfying, this recipe reimagines classic buffalo wing flavors in a more substantial, nourishing format.

Prepare to impress friends and family with a chili that breaks all the conventional rules.

Tips to Nail the Kick in Buffalo Chicken Chili

• Prevent Dry Meat: Brown ground chicken quickly over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces to ensure even cooking and retain moisture.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Let chili simmer for an extra 10-15 minutes after adding all ingredients to allow spices and sauces to fully develop and meld together.
• Customize Heat Level: Adjust Buffalo wing sauce quantity based on personal spice preference, starting with less and adding gradually.
• Creamy Cheese Technique: Cut cream cheese into small cubes and stir constantly to help it melt smoothly without creating lumps.
• Perfect Garnish Balance: Sprinkle Bleu cheese crumbles just before serving to maintain their texture and provide a sharp, tangy contrast to the rich chili.

Storage and Reheat Tips for Buffalo Chicken Chili

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Buffalo Chicken Chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the chili will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Cool the chili completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring you label the container with the date.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken stock if the chili seems too thick. Microwave is another quick option – heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Favorite Pairings with Buffalo Chicken Chili

• Spice Up with Craft Beer Pairing: Complement the bold Buffalo wing sauce with a hoppy IPA or crisp amber ale, which cuts through the creamy richness and matches the chili's spicy kick.
• Cool Down with Tangy Sidekick: Serve alongside a refreshing cucumber-ranch dip or celery sticks with blue cheese dressing to balance the heat and add a cooling contrast.
• Crunch Factor Topping: Sprinkle crispy tortilla strips, crushed corn chips, or toasted sourdough croutons on top to introduce a satisfying textural element that enhances the chili's creamy base.
• Zesty Wine Companion: Select a slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer to neutralize the spiciness while providing a fruity undertone that complements the Buffalo chicken flavors.

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Chili Variations Worth Trying

• Spicy Ranch Chicken Chili: Increase Buffalo wing sauce and add extra ranch seasoning for a more intense, tangy flavor profile that packs a punch.
• Vegetarian Bean Swap: Replace ground chicken with plant-based crumbles or extra beans like kidney or black beans for a protein-rich meat-free version.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients to a crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, allowing flavors to develop deeper and create a hands-off meal preparation.
• Green Chile Chicken Chili: Substitute fire-roasted tomatoes with diced green chiles and add a dollop of sour cream for a southwestern-inspired variation that brings mild heat and creaminess.

Why Buffalo Chicken Chili Packs Heat and Flavor

• Spice Up Your Comfort Food: This Buffalo chicken chili delivers a mouthwatering fusion of classic chili and zesty Buffalo wing flavors, creating a bold and exciting meal that transforms ordinary dinner into a flavor adventure.
• Creamy Texture Delight: The cream cheese melts perfectly into the chili, creating a luxuriously smooth and rich base that adds unexpected creaminess to the traditional chili experience, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pot wonder simplifies cooking with minimal prep and cleanup, perfect for busy home cooks craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Bowl: Topped with fresh cilantro and tangy Bleu cheese crumbles, this chili invites personal creativity, allowing everyone to add their favorite garnishes and make the dish uniquely their own.

What Goes Into Making Buffalo Chicken Chili Amazing

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein base that provides a hearty foundation for the chili.
• Navy Beans: Protein-rich legume that adds texture and nutritional value.

• Corn Kernels: Sweet and crunchy vegetable that enhances the chili's flavor and texture.
• Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Rich, smoky base that adds depth and tanginess to the dish.
• Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Convenient seasonings that provide robust background flavor.
• Celery Salt: Adds a subtle savory and herbal note to the chili.
• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings brightness and fresh flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Creamy ingredient that creates a rich, smooth texture.
• Chicken Stock: Liquid base that adds moisture and enhances overall flavor.
• Ranch Seasoning: Tangy and herbal blend that complements the Buffalo wing sauce.
• Buffalo Wing Sauce: Signature spicy and tangy sauce that defines the chili's flavor profile.
• Bleu Cheese Crumbles: Optional topping that adds sharp and creamy contrast.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing flavors.

How to Prepare Buffalo Chicken Chili with Bold Flavor

Step 1: Prepare the Cooking Surface

Heat a large saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Chicken

Add ground chicken to the pan, breaking it into small pieces using a spoon or chopper. Cook until the chicken is completely done.

Step 3: Add Initial Liquid and Ingredients

• Navy beans
• Corn kernels
• Ranch seasoning
• Buffalo wing sauce

Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 4: Incorporate Spices

• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Celery salt
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix well to distribute spices evenly.

Step 5: Create Creamy Texture

Add cream cheese cubes to the chili.

Stir frequently, allowing the cream cheese to melt completely and create a rich, smooth consistency.

Step 6: Add Final Ingredients

• Fire-roasted tomatoes
• Chopped cilantro

Blend ingredients well.

Step 7: Finish Cooking

Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the chili is fully heated and ingredients are well combined.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Serve the chili warm.

Top with additional fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of Bleu cheese crumbles for an extra flavor boost.

Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Buffalo Chicken Chili delivers spicy comfort with tender chicken, zesty hot sauce, and creamy ranch undertones. Packed with robust flavors and easy preparation, this chili promises a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 (15-ounce) can navy beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or fresh)
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted tomatoes

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 packet ranch seasoning
• ¼ cup buffalo wing sauce
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon celery salt
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• ½ cup bleu cheese crumbles

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Instructions

1. Heat a large saucepan over medium heat (375°F/190°C) and add ground chicken, carefully breaking it into small, uniform crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula until completely cooked and no longer pink.
2. Pour of chicken stock into the pan, then gently incorporate Navy beans, corn kernels, ranch seasoning mix, and Buffalo wing sauce, stirring thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
3. Enhance the flavor profile by sprinkling onion powder, garlic powder, celery salt, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper throughout the mixture, ensuring a comprehensive and balanced seasoning.
4. Introduce cream cheese cubes into the chili, continuously stirring to help them melt smoothly and create a luxuriously creamy consistency that coats the chicken and vegetables.
5. Add fire-roasted tomatoes and freshly chopped cilantro, gently folding them into the chili to integrate the ingredients and develop a rich, complex flavor.
6. Simmer the chili over medium heat for an additional 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating and flavor melding.
7. Ladle the hot chili into serving bowls and garnish with extra chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of crumbled Bleu cheese to add texture and enhance the overall taste experience.

Notes

• Packed with bold Buffalo wing sauce, this chili delivers a spicy kick that transforms traditional comfort food into an exciting meal.
• Creamy cream cheese creates a luxurious texture, melting seamlessly to give the chili a rich, smooth consistency.
• Ground chicken provides a lean protein alternative to beef, making this recipe lighter yet still incredibly satisfying.
• Fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky depth that elevates the overall flavor profile beyond typical chili preparations.
• Quick one-pot cooking method means minimal cleanup and maximum convenience for busy home cooks.
• Versatile toppings like Bleu cheese crumbles and fresh cilantro allow personalization and enhance the dish’s complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg