If you are craving a fiery, comforting, and protein-packed meal that will warm your soul and excite your taste buds, this Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe is exactly what you need. It beautifully blends the bold zing of buffalo sauce with the hearty goodness of chili, creating a dish that’s perfect for casual dinners, game day gatherings, or anytime you want a bowl full of flavor and satisfaction. With tender ground chicken, a mix of beans, and a cozy tomato base infused with vibrant spices, this chili hits all the right notes from start to finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one adds a unique layer of flavor, texture, or color to make this dish truly shine—while keeping the cooking straightforward and stress-free.
- Ground chicken (2 lb): The lean protein base that soaks up all the spicy, savory goodness.
- Olive oil (1 Tbsp): Essential for browning the chicken and adding a touch of richness.
- Black beans (1 can, 15 oz, drained and rinsed): Offering a creamy texture and earthy flavor to balance the heat.
- Bush’s Chili Beans (1 can, 15 oz, undrained): Adds a chili-infused element and heartiness to every spoonful.
- Ranch dressing mix (1 oz packet): Brings a subtle tang and depth that complements the buffalo sauce perfectly.
- Tomato sauce (2 cans, 8 oz each): Creates the luscious, robust base of the chili, rich and velvety.
- Tomato paste (2 Tbsp): Concentrates the tomato flavor for a thicker, more intense chili.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): The simmering liquid that melds all the flavors together harmoniously.
- Buffalo sauce (½ cup, or to taste): The star ingredient delivering the perfect punch of spicy heat.
- Chili powder (2 Tbsp): Adds smokiness and warmth, layering the spice complexity.
- Cumin (1 tsp): Infuses a fragrant, earthy undertone crucial for any great chili.
- Garlic powder (1 Tbsp): Boosts savory depth with its unmistakable aroma.
- Dried minced onion flakes (3 Tbsp): Offers a hint of sweetness and texture without extra chopping.
- Water (½ cup, optional): Used if you want to adjust the chili to your preferred consistency.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook it until it loses all its pink color and breaks apart into small, crumbly pieces. This step is crucial because properly browned chicken adds a wonderfully rich and savory foundation for your chili. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease to keep the chili from getting greasy and to let the other flavors shine.
Step 2: Combine Beans, Sauces, and Spices
Next, add both the black beans (drained and rinsed) and the chili beans straight from the can to the pot. Pour in the ranch dressing mix, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Now it’s time to pour in the buffalo sauce—start with a half cup or adjust to suit your spice tolerance—and then sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, and dried minced onion flakes over everything. If the chili looks a little thick at this point, feel free to stir in the optional water to reach your desired texture.
Step 3: Simmer and Develop Flavor
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to ensure everything is well combined. Then reduce the heat to low and let your Buffalo Chicken Chili simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. This not only allows the flavors to meld beautifully but also thickens the chili to a perfect consistency that clings to every spoonful. The aroma during this time will be absolutely mouthwatering.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Buffalo Chicken Chili becomes even more irresistible when topped with fresh garnishes. Try adding a dollop of creamy sour cream or cool Greek yogurt to tame the heat, some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for gooey delight, or chopped green onions for a fresh bite. A sprinkle of crisp celery or tortilla chips on the side is a wonderful nod to classic buffalo wing accompaniments.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs beautifully with easy, classic sides that complement its zest. Buttery cornbread or crusty bread are standouts, perfect for dipping and soaking up every spicy drop. A simple green salad can add refreshing balance, and creamy coleslaw on the side evokes that iconic buffalo wing spirit you love.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe inside mini bread bowls or over a bed of fluffy rice. You can also stuff it into baked potatoes or even tortilla wraps for portable, mess-free meals with a punch. These creative presentations transform a classic bowl of chili into a memorable centerpiece for any get-together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Buffalo Chicken Chili tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had extra time to meld. Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheated, it’s just like enjoying a fresh batch all over again.
Freezing
If you want to save the chili for longer, it freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or sturdy zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your Buffalo Chicken Chili gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally so it warms evenly without sticking to the bottom. You can also microwave single servings, just make sure to stir halfway through. If the chili thickened up too much, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it back up to a perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chicken instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute shredded cooked chicken breast or thighs if you prefer a chunkier texture. Just add it during the simmering step so it absorbs all the delicious flavors without overcooking.
How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe?
The heat level is moderate and mostly depends on the amount of buffalo sauce you add. Feel free to adjust the buffalo sauce quantity to suit your spice preference, whether you want a mild warmth or a fiery kick.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe itself is naturally gluten-free, but just double-check the labels on your chili beans and ranch dressing mix to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten additives.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the chicken first, then transfer all ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until everything is tender and flavors meld beautifully.
What are good toppings to balance the spiciness?
Dairy-based toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and avocado slices are perfect at cooling down the heat while adding creamy, rich textures that complement the spicy Buffalo Chicken Chili beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe is such a winner to keep in your culinary arsenal—simple ingredients, cozy cooking, and a flavor profile that’s lively and addictive. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a comforting solo meal, this chili wraps bold buffalo flavors around satisfying ingredients that everyone will love. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your go-to favorites!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Chili
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish combining ground chicken with zesty buffalo sauce and a medley of beans and spices. Perfect for a comforting meal, it blends the spicy tang of buffalo flavors with the richness of chili, simmered to perfection in a single pot.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lb ground chicken
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-oz) can Bush’s Chili Beans, undrained
- 1 (1-oz) package ranch dressing mix
- 2 (8-oz) cans tomato sauce
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (or to taste)
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- 3 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
- ½ cup water (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Add the ground chicken and cook, stirring and crumbling the meat, until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to keep the chili lean.
- Add Ingredients: Add black beans, chili beans (with liquid), ranch dressing mix, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, buffalo sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, dried minced onion flakes, and water if using to the pot. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine the flavors evenly.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. This allows the chili to thicken and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your heat preference.
- Using ground chicken keeps this chili lean and packed with protein.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer longer or add less water.
- Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions for added toppings.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
