Buffalo Chicken Chili for Game Day

Name: Buffalo Chicken Chili for Game Day
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper, to taste; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; Chopped green onions, for garnish

Highlighted under: Celebration Feast Ideas

I love hosting game day gatherings, and one dish that always steals the show is my Buffalo Chicken Chili. It's a perfect blend of spicy, savory, and comforting flavors that everyone craves. The best part? It's easy to make and just requires a few ingredients. I typically whip this up the night before, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. When game day rolls around, all I have to do is heat it up, and my friends are always raving about it. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your playbook!

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-01-24T11:42:27.550Z

When I first came up with this Buffalo Chicken Chili recipe, I was looking for a way to combine my love for chili with the spicy zing of Buffalo chicken. After several tests, I discovered that adding both shredded chicken and cream cheese creates the ultimate creamy texture that complements the heat from the hot sauce. Each spoonful tells a savory story that is hard to resist!

One tip I learned along the way is to let the chili simmer for a while after adding the hot sauce. This allows the spice to fully integrate into the dish and enhances the overall flavor. The result is a comforting, zesty chili that’s perfect for sharing while rooting for your favorite team!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Comforting and hearty blend of flavors that warms your soul
Unique twist on traditional chili with a spicy kick
Perfect for feeding a crowd without a lot of fuss

Mastering the Chicken

The chicken is the star of your Buffalo Chicken Chili, so it’s crucial to handle it correctly. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean protein that shreds easily after cooking. When you sauté the chicken, look for it to lose its pink color and reach about 165°F inside. I recommend using a meat thermometer for accuracy. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding to keep it juicy.

After shredding, you can also mix in some of the buffalo wing sauce with the chicken for an extra layer of flavor before adding it back into the chili. This small trick elevates the taste, ensuring that every bite is packed with that signature buffalo kick.

Ingredient Insights

The use of kidney and black beans adds both texture and depth to the chili, making it heartier. You can substitute the beans with chickpeas or lentils if you're looking for a different flavor profile or a variation. Just keep in mind that chickpeas will give a nuttier taste, while lentils may result in a creamier texture.

Don’t forget about the cream cheese—it's what turns this chili into a rich, comforting dish. It helps to mellow the chili's spiciness while adding creaminess. If you want a lower-fat option, you can swap it out for Greek yogurt, which will also lend a tangy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Buffalo Chicken Chili pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with toasted cornbread for a sweet contrast to the chili's spiciness. Alternatively, it goes great with tortilla chips, which can add a delightful crunch. If you want a more refreshing side, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the dish's flavors.

For a fun twist, create a chili bar! Set up toppings like shredded cheese, avocado slices, diced jalapeños, and buffalo sauce on the side so your guests can personalize their bowls. This interactive serving style not only makes for great conversation but also ensures everyone can enjoy this dish just the way they like it.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for a delightful Buffalo Chicken Chili:

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 oz cream cheese, softened
Chopped green onions, for garnish

Add these ingredients to elevate the flavors of your chili!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your delicious Buffalo Chicken Chili:

Cook the chicken

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until they're no longer pink in the center, about 6-7 minutes. Remove and shred the chicken, then set aside.

Sauté the vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Combine ingredients

Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, buffalo sauce, chili powder, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper.

Simmer the chili

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir in the cream cheese until melted and the chili is creamy.

Serve and enjoy

Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

This chili is best served with tortilla chips or crusty bread!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, feel free to add more hot sauce or mix in diced celery and carrots for added texture. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat beautifully.

Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best things about Buffalo Chicken Chili is how well it holds up for meal prepping. If you make it the day before, the flavors have time to develop, resulting in an even more delicious dish. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

For even more convenience, you can freeze the chili! Once it’s cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. When you're ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then heat it back up. You might need to add a splash of chicken broth to restore its creaminess once thawed.

Variations to Try

While the traditional Buffalo Chicken Chili is fantastic, you can easily personalize it. For those who enjoy a sweeter twist, add some corn during the simmering stage. This adds both color and a subtle sweetness that complements the heat of the buffalo sauce beautifully.

If you're looking for a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with diced zucchini or bell peppers and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. To maintain the bold flavors, keep the buffalo wing sauce and other spices, adjusting the quantities according to your taste preferences.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find that your chili is too thick, simply add a bit more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes to reduce and thicken. It’s important to keep stirring occasionally to prevent any sticking.

Balancing flavors can be tricky; if your chili turns out too spicy, adding more cream cheese or even a dollop of sour cream will help mellow the heat. Conversely, if you feel it needs more spice, simply stir in extra buffalo sauce or a dash of cayenne during the simmering process.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken can save you time and adds extra flavor.

→ How can I make this chili milder?

You can reduce the amount of buffalo sauce and mix in some sour cream or yogurt to cut the heat.

→ Is this chili freezer-friendly?

Yes! This chili freezes well. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing in airtight containers.

→ What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Chili?

It's delicious on its own, but you can serve it with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.