Buffalo Chicken Chili for Game Day

Name: Buffalo Chicken Chili for Game Day
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup buffalo sauce; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Home Comfort Recipes

I absolutely love making Buffalo Chicken Chili for Game Day! It’s a hearty, spicy dish that warms my soul and fills my home with enticing aromas. Every time I prepare this chili, I find that the combination of tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and creamy beans creates a mouthwatering experience that even my friends rave about. Plus, it's relatively simple to whip up, making it a perfect choice for entertaining. Trust me, it'll be the star of your game day spread!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-23T22:33:57.911Z

While experimenting with different chili recipes, I discovered that adding buffalo sauce transforms the dish into a heavenly delight, perfect for any game day. The heat and flavor enhance the chicken and beans, providing a unique twist that I can’t get enough of. I usually make a larger batch to ensure there are plenty of leftovers!

One essential tip I’ve learned is to sauté the vegetables before adding them to the pot. Doing this unlocks their natural sugars and deepens the flavor profile, ensuring the final chili is rich and satisfying. Don’t skimp on the toppings—fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream take this chili to the next level!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A delightful kick of spice that brings comfort to any gathering
Creamy texture from the beans that balances the heat perfectly
Can easily be made ahead and is perfect for feeding a crowd

Flavor Building Techniques

To elevate the depth of flavors in your Buffalo Chicken Chili, consider browning the chicken breasts well before adding them to the pot. This step adds a nice caramelization to the chicken, releasing flavorful juices as it cooks. Pay attention to the color; you want the chicken to achieve a golden hue without burning, which typically takes about 5 minutes on medium-high heat.

When sautéing the vegetables, ensure they soften but do not become mushy. A good indication is when the onions turn translucent and fragrant, usually around 5 minutes. This technique not only enhances the taste through caramelization but also ensures that the base of your chili is vibrant and rich, contributing to its overall texture.

Ingredient Insights

Using white beans in this chili provides a creamy texture that complements the zesty buffalo sauce beautifully. They absorb flavors well while adding body to the dish. If you're looking for a substitute, cannellini or navy beans can be great alternatives, though make sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly to eliminate any canning liquid that could affect the flavor.

The chili powder and cumin contribute warmth and complexity. For those who prefer a less spicy version, feel free to reduce the amount of chili powder, or you can replace it with a milder seasoning blend. Just remember to taste as you go—adjusting spices ensures that the final dish aligns with your flavor preferences.

Ingredients

For the Chili

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup buffalo sauce
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Brown the Chicken

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and brown on both sides for about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables become tender, about 5 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

Return the chicken to the pot. Stir in the buffalo sauce, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, and both types of beans. Season with salt and pepper.

Simmer

Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors meld together.

Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and return to the pot. Stir well and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Pro Tips

For a creamy twist, add a swirl of cream cheese before serving. To make it milder, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or choose a milder version.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Buffalo Chicken Chili is an excellent make-ahead dish. After cooking, allow it to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it can last for up to 3-4 days. Flavors deepen over time, making it even tastier when reheated.

If you want to freeze the chili, make sure to cool it completely first. Freeze in portions for convenience, and it can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, defrost it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

To enhance your game day spread, consider serving Buffalo Chicken Chili with a side of crunchy tortilla chips or over a bed of cilantro-lime rice. Topping with shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced green onions adds a delightful contrast to the spice of the chili.

For an added twist, you can transform this chili into a Buffalo Chicken Chili casserole. Simply layer the chili with cheese in a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden. This variation makes an exciting option for those looking to mix things up at their next gathering.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use shredded rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Just add it in towards the end of cooking to heat it through.

→ Is it possible to make this chili vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with lentils or jackfruit and use vegetable broth.

→ What toppings do you recommend?

I love topping it with avocado, sour cream, and chopped green onions for added flavor.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! Store the chili in an airtight container in your freezer for up to three months.