Irresistible Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe for Cozy Nights

There’s something about buffalo chicken chili that wraps you in warmth like a cozy blanket on a chilly night. Imagine the aroma wafting through your home, spicy and savory, making your mouth water even before the first spoonful. This dish is everything you didn’t know you needed: heartwarming, zesty, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s perfect for game days or lazy Sundays when comfort food reigns supreme.

I remember the first time I made buffalo chicken chili; my friends were over for the big game. As soon as they caught a whiff of that tangy goodness simmering away, they practically stormed the kitchen! Little did I know this would become our go-to recipe for every gathering since then. Trust me, when you serve this up, everyone will be begging for seconds!

I still chuckle thinking about how my friend almost spilled the entire pot because he was too excited to dig in!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Opt for about 3-4 breasts; feel free to adjust based on your guest list.

• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm garlic cloves; they pack more flavor than those sad-looking ones lurking in your pantry.

• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth; chop it finely so it blends beautifully into the chili.

• Bell Peppers: Use red or yellow peppers for sweetness; they add a lovely pop of color and crunch.

• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Go for fire-roasted if possible; they bring an extra layer of smokiness to the dish.

• Buffalo Sauce: Pick your favorite brand; it’s where that signature kick comes from.

• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth allows better control over saltiness while adding moisture.

• Cumin and Chili Powder: These spices elevate the flavor profile with their earthy nuances—don’t skip them!

• Cream Cheese: This creamy goodness makes the chili luscious and helps balance out the spice.

• Green Onions (for garnish): They add freshness and a bit of crunch once you’re ready to serve.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by dicing your onion and bell peppers into small pieces; this will ensure everything cooks evenly. Mince your garlic as well for maximum flavor infusion.

Cook the Chicken First: In a large pot over medium heat, cook your chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides—about 6-8 minutes per side should do. Remove them from the pot and set aside.

Sauté Your Veggies Next: In that same pot (because we don’t waste flavor), toss in your onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté until softened and aromatic—about 5 minutes will have your kitchen smelling amazing.

Add Everything Else Together!: Dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces before returning it to the pot. Pour in those canned tomatoes along with all remaining ingredients: buffalo sauce, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, and cream cheese.

Let It Simmer Away!: Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes so all those flavors meld together beautifully.

Serve with Style!: Once thickened to your liking, ladle it into bowls and top with green onions for that fresh crunch! You can also serve it with some crusty bread or tortilla chips if you’re feeling fancy.

Now you’re ready to cozy up with a bowl of delicious buffalo chicken chili that brings hearts together just like good friends do! Enjoy every spicy spoonful of this delightful creation!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add ground chicken to brown. Once that’s done, mix in your spices and diced tomatoes before adding beans and broth for a hearty finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground chicken for turkey or even lentils for a vegetarian spin. Toss in your favorite veggies like corn or bell peppers to enhance flavor and texture.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover buffalo chicken chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave while stirring frequently to maintain its creamy texture.

Sharing this recipe reminds me of when I first made this dish for friends—everyone raved about it! Their laughter and compliments made my kitchen feel like a cozy haven.

FAQ

How can I make buffalo chicken chili spicier?

Add more hot sauce or diced jalapeños to kick up the heat level.

Can I freeze buffalo chicken chili?

Absolutely! It freezes well in airtight containers for up to three months.

What can I serve with buffalo chicken chili?

Consider cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple side salad for delicious pairings.

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Buffalo Chicken Chili

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Buffalo chicken chili is the ultimate comfort food, combining spicy, savory flavors that warm you from the inside out. This hearty dish features tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a tangy kick from buffalo sauce, making it perfect for game days or cozy nights in. With minimal prep time and a delightful aroma filling your kitchen, this recipe will quickly become a favorite among family and friends. Serve it with crusty bread or tortilla chips for a satisfying meal everyone will love.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 bell peppers (red or yellow), diced
• 28 oz canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• ¾ cup buffalo sauce
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
• Green onions for garnish

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Instructions

1. Dice onion and bell peppers; mince garlic.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, cook chicken breasts for about 6-8 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté onion, bell peppers, and garlic until softened (about 5 minutes).
4. Cube cooked chicken and return to pot. Add diced tomatoes, buffalo sauce, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, and cream cheese.
5. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes until thickened.
6. Serve in bowls garnished with green onions.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 880mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg