Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

Hot wings in chili form? Yes please! This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili takes the classic flavor of buffalo wings and transforms it into a hearty, comforting chili. Tender chicken, beans, and veggies simmer together with spicy hot wing sauce, then get topped with ranch or bleu cheese and crisp celery for the ultimate game day or cold-weather meal.

If you’ve lived in Nebraska long enough, you know the weather can turn on a dime. When the cold sets in, I grab my slow cooker and toss in everything for this Buffalo Chicken Chili. It’s the kind of stick-to-your-ribs dinner that makes hunkering down at home feel pretty great.

There’s even a saying around here: “If you don’t like the weather in Nebraska, wait five minutes and it will change.” This chili has seen its fair share of snowy days in my kitchen.

Buffalo Chicken Chili

If you’re a fan of buffalo wings, this chili will quickly become a favorite. It has the same bold, tangy flavor you get from hot wings, but in a hearty, comforting bowl of chili. The slow cooker makes it almost effortless; just add everything in, set it, and come back to dinner ready and waiting. You can make it as mild or as fiery as you like, depending on which wing sauce you choose, and the toppings let everyone customize their own bowl. Whether it’s game day or just a chilly evening, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot.

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

One of the best parts about making chili in a slow cooker is how effortless it is. You simply add everything to the pot, set it, and let it simmer low and slow while you go about your day. The flavors have plenty of time to meld together, the chicken turns tender, and you don’t have to hover over the stove. It’s the kind of meal that feels comforting and hearty, but without the extra work, which is exactly why this Buffalo Chicken Chili has become a favorite in my kitchen.

Ingredients in Buffalo Chicken Chili

For the complete recipe and instructions, please scroll to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. 

• Chicken breasts – Lean and tender, chicken is the perfect protein for this chili. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer them, or even leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Onion, celery, and garlic – These aromatics build the flavor base. The celery is especially fun because it ties back to the classic Buffalo wing pairing. 
• Chili powder and cumin – These spices add warmth and depth to balance the tangy hot sauce. If you like a smoky flavor, swap in a touch of smoked paprika.
• Flour – A couple of tablespoons help thicken the broth slightly so the chili has body. If you’re gluten-free, use cornstarch or leave it out; the chili will still be delicious, just a little looser.
• Buffalo wing sauce – The star of the show! I use Frank’s RedHot, but any brand or heat level will work. Choose mild for less heat, or go bold if you like it spicy.
• Canned tomatoes with juice – They add acidity and balance to the richness of the sauce. Fire-roasted tomatoes are a great swap if you want a smoky edge.
• Black beans and kidney beans – A hearty combo that makes the chili filling and satisfying. You can use all of one kind, or swap in white beans or chickpeas if that’s what you like.
• Chicken broth – Keeps everything simmering in a flavorful base. Vegetable broth also works.
• Salt and pepper – Simple seasonings to round everything out. Adjust at the end after tasting, since hot sauces vary in saltiness.
• Optional toppings: green onions, more celery, sour cream, ranch, blue cheese crumbles, or mozzarella cheese. The cool, creamy toppings balance the spice, while the cheese adds that melty comfort-food finish.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Chili in the Slow Cooker

Dump everything in the slow cooker and set it and forget it! It’s that easy!

Add chicken, veggies, spices, hot wing sauce, beans, tomatoes, and broth to your slow cooker. Stir in the flour to help thicken. Cover and cook on low for about 5 ½ hours.

Ladle into bowls and finish with your favorite toppings, and enjoy!

Making Ahead and Storing Leftovers

• Make Ahead: This chili is an excellent make-ahead meal. You can prep all of the ingredients the night before and refrigerate them in the slow cooker insert (if yours is refrigerator-safe), then just pop it into the base and turn it on the next morning. It will also work as a freezer meal.
• Make this on the Stovetop: No slow cooker? No problem. Add all the ingredients to a large pot, bring to a simmer, and cook for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Storing Leftovers: Leftovers keep beautifully. Store cooled chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, so the next day’s bowl is often even better than the first.
• To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the mixture seems too thick.
• To Freeze, let the chili cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the slow cooker until hot.

Love it? Pin it!

If you love this buffalo chicken chili recipe, keep it where you can find it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go.

Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Chili

This chili is simple, but a few small tweaks make it even better.

• Be sure to dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces before cooking so it cooks evenly and is easy to eat in a spoonful.
• If you want extra heat, stir in a splash more hot wing sauce just before serving instead of adding it all upfront; this way, you can taste and adjust.
• Don’t skip the toppings! Ranch, bleu cheese, or sour cream balance the spice and make the chili feel just like eating wings.
• We love to serve alongside cornbread, tortilla chips, or crusty bread to scoop up every drip in the bottle of the bowl!

More Chili Recipes to Try

If your family is chili fans like mine, I have all sorts of ways to enjoy it!

My Five Bean Chicken Chili has a sweet heat and is loaded with beans, my classic Three Bean Chili – my go-to, when Oktoberfest gets underway, my Oktoberfest Chili with bratwurst and sauerkraut always make an appearance. My Mom’s White Chicken Chili, pictured above, is my kids’ favorite, and if you want to go all out, be sure to try this Skyline Chili Copycat for Cincinnati Chili, served over spaghetti!

Of course, I would not be a good friend if I didn’t share my Homemade Chili Seasoning, my recipe for the best chili for chili dogs, this chili cheese bean dip, and my chili mac recipes that are perfect for repurposing leftover chili.

Now, if Buffalo Chicken Recipes and Hot Wings hold the key to your heart, be sure to try my Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps, pictured above, and my Buffalo Pulled Pork, for two more slow cooker meals. My Buffalo Chicken Pizza is a fan favorite, and you can’t beat this Buffalo Chicken Dip or try this Buffalo Cauliflower Dip for lighter fare.

Find all of my slow cooker recipes here and my huge collection of soup recipes here.

This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is hearty, a little spicy, and full of that classic wing-night flavor, and so easy to serve to a crowd. Whether you’re curled up on a cold evening or cheering on your team on game day, this chili is a winner every time.

This recipe was originally posted in January 2012. It has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on September 23, 2025.