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Easy Buffalo Chicken Chili

Easy Buffalo Chicken Chili

This Easy Buffalo Chicken Chili is a quick, flavorful, and hearty dish combining tender shredded chicken with bold buffalo sauce and cozy chili spices. Perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or chilly evenings, this protein-packed comfort food offers a balanced spicy kick and creamy texture, easily customizable to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (boiled, baked, or rotisserie)
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin

Optional Ingredients

  • 4 oz cream cheese or 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
  • Shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese (for topping)
  • Chopped green onions, sour cream (for garnish)
  • Chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper (for extra spice)
  • Coconut milk or avocado (dairy-free creaminess alternative)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cook and shred your chicken by boiling, baking, or using leftover rotisserie chicken. This will be the hearty foundation of your chili.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, sauté diced onions, garlic, celery, and bell peppers until soft and fragrant to build the flavor base.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Add shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, white beans, chicken broth, chili powder, and cumin to the pot. Stir well to combine all the bold flavors.
  4. Simmer and Adjust: Let the chili simmer gently for 20-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the chili to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning or spice level as needed.
  5. Finish with Creaminess (Optional): Off the heat, stir in cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a rich, mellow finish that balances the heat beautifully.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
  • Control the spice level by gradually adding buffalo sauce to your preference.
  • Pinto or cannellini beans can be used instead of white beans.
  • Simmer low and slow for deeper flavor development.
  • Add a splash of lime juice before serving to brighten the dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken chili, easy buffalo chili, spicy chicken chili, comfort food, healthy chili, quick dinner, game day recipes