Description
Reminiscent of classic Buffalo wings, this slow cooker Buffalo chicken chili is loaded with flavor and perfect for game day or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
For the spice mix:
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon sweet smoked paprika
1 tablespoon mustard powder
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground pepper
For the chili:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced small (about 1 ½ cups)
3 medium stalks celery, diced small
4 medium cloves garlic, finely minced
2 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth
6 (15.5-ounce) cans Great Northern Beans
2 (14-ounce) cans fire-roasted canned tomatoes
2 (4.5-ounce) cans diced green chilies
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and diced into ½-inch pieces
4 ounces Neufchâtel cheese (optional), diced into 1-inch pieces
For topping and serving:
Chopped fresh cilantro
Lime wedges
Shredded cheddar or Monterrey Jack cheese
Tortilla chips
Instructions
1. Combine all spice mix ingredients in a small bowl and stir well. Set aside.
2. In a medium-large microwave-safe bowl, combine olive oil, onion, celery, and garlic. Stir well, then add the spice mix and stir again.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 2 minutes. Stir and microwave for another 2 minutes. Add to the slow cooker.
4. Drain and rinse 2 cans of the beans. In a blender, combine these beans with the chicken broth and blend on high until smooth. Add to the slow cooker.
5. Drain and rinse the remaining 4 cans of beans and add them to the slow cooker along with the tomatoes, green chilies, and diced chicken. Stir to combine.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
7. If using Neufchâtel cheese, stir it into the chili during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir occasionally until melted and fully incorporated.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired before serving.
9. Serve topped with shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and tortilla chips if desired.
Notes
Neufchâtel cheese adds a creamy consistency and is a great lower-fat alternative to cream cheese.
Use a vegetable chopper to make prep quicker for the onions and celery.
This chili serves a crowd and can easily be halved for a smaller batch.
Freezes well for future meals.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Chili
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 112mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 57mg
Keywords: buffalo chicken, chili, slow cooker, game day, easy dinner, spicy