If you’ve ever craved the tangy kick of buffalo wings and the hearty comfort of chili in one dish, you’re in for a treat. This buffalo chicken chili delivers bold flavor, creamy texture, and a touch of heat—all in just 30 minutes. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for game day, meal prep, or a cozy night in.

Loaded with juicy chicken, fire-roasted tomatoes, and just the right amount of spice, this chili is as satisfying as it is simple. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or meal-prepping for the week, this easy buffalo chicken chili recipe hits every note of comfort and convenience.

ultra-close-up, high-quality image of a single bowl of buffalo chicken chili, capturing its rich red-orange broth, tender chunks of shredded chicken, and creamy cannellini beans. The dish is served in a white ceramic bowl with a soft-focus plain background. Bright natural lighting enhances the glossy surface of the chili, with subtle highlights on the beans and a light sprinkle of green onions and shredded cheddar. The image excludes any utensils or table setting for a clean, focused presentation.

Ingredients and Preparation Steps

This hearty and spicy buffalo chicken chili is fast, fuss-free, and packed with bold, crave-worthy flavor. Below are all the ingredients and step-by-step instructions you need to whip up this one-pot wonder.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 (14.5-oz) cans diced fire-roasted tomatoes
1 (4-oz) can fire-roasted green chiles
1 cup low-sodium chicken stock
3/4 cup buffalo-style hot sauce (no alcohol)
1 tbsp chili powder
2 tsp ground cumin
2 (15.5-oz) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: sour cream, diced green onions, tortilla chips, shredded cheddar

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

First, add the chicken, diced tomatoes, green chiles, chicken stock, buffalo-style hot sauce, chili powder, and cumin to a large pot. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 25 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

Next, carefully remove the chicken from the pot using tongs. Place it on a clean cutting board and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. This step enhances the chili’s texture, ensuring every spoonful has tender, juicy chicken.

ultra-close-up view of hands shredding chicken with two forks on a wooden cutting board. The chicken is visibly moist and steamy. The image is cropped tightly, highlighting the fibrous texture of the chicken under natural lighting with a blurred background.

Step 3: Return Chicken and Add Beans

After that, return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the rinsed cannellini beans and let everything simmer for another 5 minutes until fully warmed through. The beans add a creamy, hearty element that balances the chili’s spicy kick.

ultra-close-up view of the shredded chicken being stirred into the chili. A spoonful of creamy white beans is mid-air above the pot. The steam from the pot gives a cozy, fresh-cooked vibe with a softly blurred kitchen backsplash in the background.

Step 4: Adjust and Serve

Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve your creamy buffalo chicken chili hot, topped with sour cream, green onions, shredded cheddar, or crunchy tortilla chips. Add extra buffalo sauce if you like it fiery!

Buffalo Chicken Chili at Its Best

This healthy buffalo chicken chili offers a bold fusion of zesty hot sauce, savory spices, and wholesome ingredients. Each bite delivers a comforting kick, creamy beans, and succulent shredded chicken that melts in your mouth. The fire-roasted tomatoes lend a smoky depth, while green chiles bring subtle heat without overpowering.

Perfect for game day, family dinners, or a cozy night in, this chili pairs beautifully with warm cornbread or a crisp green salad. Want more spicy goodness? Try our hummus and veggie sandwich for a cool contrast or dive into our baked dijon salmon for a complete, flavor-packed meal.

Buffalo Chicken Chili FAQs

Can I make buffalo chicken chili in a slow cooker?

Yes! This slow cooker buffalo chicken chili version is just as easy. Add all ingredients (except beans) to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Shred the chicken, stir in beans, and heat through before serving.

Is this buffalo chicken chili spicy?

It has a mild to moderate spice level depending on the buffalo sauce you use. For a spicy buffalo chicken chili, increase the hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne. To reduce heat, use a mild buffalo sauce and skip the green chiles.

Can I use ground chicken instead?

Absolutely. For a quicker option, sauté 1.5 lbs of ground chicken before adding the rest of the ingredients. This variation of buffalo chicken chili with ground chicken is perfect for weeknights.

How can I make this chili keto-friendly?

To turn this into keto buffalo chicken chili, skip the beans and replace them with chopped cauliflower or extra chicken. Make sure to use a no-sugar-added hot sauce.

Can I freeze this chili?

Yes, this chili freezes well for up to 3 months. Portion it into airtight containers and reheat on the stove or microwave as needed.

Where can I find a similar recipe?

For more inspiration, check out this external buffalo chicken chili recipe with a creamy twist and additional topping ideas.

Pro Tips

Use rotisserie chicken for speed: Swap in pre-cooked shredded chicken to cut down on cooking time—just heat everything together for 10 minutes.
Boost creaminess naturally: Add a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt or blended white beans to the pot before serving for a thicker, creamier texture without cream cheese.
Dial up the heat: Love it hot? Stir in a pinch of cayenne or serve with extra buffalo sauce on the side for your spice-loving guests.
Prep ahead for busy nights: Make this buffalo chicken chili meal prep style by portioning it into containers and refrigerating for up to 4 days.
Don’t skip the toppings: Garnishes like shredded cheddar, green onions, and crushed tortilla chips add crunch, freshness, and richness that elevate every bowl.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Transfer cooled chili into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm over medium heat on the stovetop or microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each session to ensure even heating.
Avoid overcooking: When reheating, don’t let the chili boil to prevent the chicken from becoming dry or rubbery.

Perfect Pairings

Buttery cornbread: A slightly sweet cornbread balances the chili’s heat beautifully.
Crunchy coleslaw: A vinegar-based slaw brings cool contrast and texture.
Avocado slices or guacamole: The creaminess of avocado cools the palate and complements the spice.
Sweet potato wedges: Roast them until crispy and serve alongside for a comforting and colorful combo.
Rice or quinoa: Serve the chili over a bed of grains for a hearty bowl-meal.

Ready to Heat Things Up?

This buffalo chicken chili brings the heat, the comfort, and the crowd-pleasing vibes—all in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re planning a game day feast, spicing up your weekly meal plan, or just in the mood for something bold and satisfying, this chili won’t let you down.

For a seasonal twist, try stirring in some sweet corn in summer or a touch of pumpkin puree in fall to deepen the flavor. You can also spoon it into baked sweet potatoes for a cozy, filling dinner with a fun twist.

Craving more one-pot wonders and spicy crowd-pleasers? Don’t forget to share this recipe with your chili-loving crew and subscribe to stay updated on more easy, delicious creations from our kitchen to yours!

Bold Buffalo Chicken Chili

Author: Amara
Total Time: 40 mins

Print Recipe

Description

Love buffalo wings *and* chili? Why not have both! This Buffalo Chicken Chili is the ultimate game-day mashup—zesty, hearty, and on the table in just 30 minutes! Perfectly spiced with fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles, and a bold buffalo-style sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll make again and again.

Ingredients

– 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
– 2 (14.5-oz) cans diced fire-roasted tomatoes
– 1 (4-oz) can fire-roasted green chiles
– 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock
– 3/4 cup buffalo-style hot sauce (no alcohol)
– 1 tbsp chili powder
– 2 tsp ground cumin
– 2 (15.5-oz) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional toppings: sour cream, diced green onions, tortilla chips, shredded cheddar

Instructions

1. First, add chicken, tomatoes, green chiles, stock, buffalo sauce, chili powder, and cumin to a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 25 minutes.
2. Next, remove chicken and shred it with two forks.
3. After that, return shredded chicken to the pot with the cannellini beans. Simmer for another 5 minutes until everything is warmed through.
4. Finally, taste and adjust seasoning. Serve with your favorite toppings and extra buffalo sauce if you like it fiery!

Notes

For a fun twist, serve over rice or spoon it into baked sweet potatoes for a comforting bowl-meal with a kick!

Category: Comfort Food

Nutrition

Calories: 261
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 35g

7 Irresistible Reasons to Try This Bold Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe