Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe
Recipe: Chicken Chili
Ingredients
This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.
Original recipe (1X) yields 10 servings
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 pounds ground chicken breast
- 1 large carrot, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, chopped
- 5 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- cup hot buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank's REDHOT Buffalo Wing Sauce), or to taste
- 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can white kidney or cannellini beans, drained
- 1 (19 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained
Directions
Step 1: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Add the ground chicken to the pot. Cook and stir until the chicken is no longer pink, about 7 to 10 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the chopped carrot, onion, celery, and garlic, along with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, until the onion is translucent and the carrots begin to soften.
Step 4: Add the hot buffalo wing sauce, tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, and both the white and red kidney beans. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer over medium-low for about 1 hour, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have blended.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 301
- Total Fat: 9g (11% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 3g (13% Daily Value)
- Cholesterol: 61mg (20% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 1152mg (50% Daily Value)
- Total Carbohydrate: 30g (11% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: 9g (33% Daily Value)
- Total Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 28g (57% Daily Value)
- Vitamin C: 15mg (17% Daily Value)
- Calcium: 102mg (8% Daily Value)
- Iron: 5mg (28% Daily Value)
- Potassium: 767mg (16% Daily Value)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
History of Buffalo Chicken Chili
The origins of Buffalo Chicken Chili are deeply connected to the classic Buffalo wing sauce, which was created in Buffalo, New York, in 1964. The famous sauce, made from a mixture of hot sauce and butter, became a nationwide sensation after it was first served at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo. This chili variation brings together the bold flavors of Buffalo wings in a hearty chili, offering a spicy twist on the traditional comfort food. Combining the zesty kick of Buffalo sauce with the richness of chili ingredients, Buffalo Chicken Chili has emerged as a popular choice for casual gatherings and game day parties.
Regional Features of Buffalo Chicken Chili
This dish has become a regional favorite in the northeastern United States, particularly in areas where Buffalo wings reign supreme. While it is widely enjoyed across the country, it is particularly associated with the state of New York. The dish uses ground chicken as the main protein, which mirrors the popularity of chicken wings in Buffalo, but adds a cozy, warming touch that makes it perfect for cooler months. The combination of Buffalo wing sauce with classic chili ingredients like beans, tomatoes, and spices creates a unique fusion that stands out in both taste and texture.
What Sets It Apart
Buffalo Chicken Chili is distinct from traditional chili in both its flavor profile and preparation method. While most chili recipes are centered around ground beef or pork, Buffalo Chicken Chili uses ground chicken breast for a lighter, leaner alternative. What truly differentiates it is the inclusion of Buffalo wing sauce, which brings a tangy, spicy kick to the chili, unlike the milder flavors of standard chili recipes. Additionally, the chili is typically spiced with a combination of chili powder, cumin, and paprika, further elevating its depth of flavor.
Where Its Typically Served
Buffalo Chicken Chili is often served at casual events like tailgates, Super Bowl parties, and family gatherings. Its a perfect dish for serving a crowd because its easy to prepare in large batches and can be kept warm in a slow cooker or large pot. The dish is typically accompanied by cornbread, tortilla chips, or a side of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the heat from the Buffalo sauce. It's an ideal comfort food for those who love a bit of spice in their meals, and it can be adapted to suit varying spice tolerances.
Interesting Facts
- Buffalo Chicken Chili is a fusion of two popular comfort foods: Buffalo wings and chili.
- The dish is known for its versatility; you can modify the spiciness level depending on your preferences by adjusting the amount of Buffalo sauce.
- Its a great option for meal prepping as it keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Adding toppings like crumbled blue cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions can elevate the flavor profile and add texture to the chili.
FAQ about Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe
Comments
Christopher Evans
04/20/2025 03:35:18 AM
I prepared this dish ahead of time for the Super Bowl, but my husband and adult children couldn't resist having it that same night because it smelled amazing and tasted even better. I didn't change a single thing, although I must warn you that it packs some heat - which is exactly why I made it, and it definitely delivered.
Cynthia Wilson
02/14/2025 05:10:45 AM
Absolutely delicious! This chili recipe helped me win a cookoff. I increased the amount of garlic, used around 3/4 cup of Frank's hot sauce (not the buffalo sauce), used shredded chicken breasts, and incorporated a bit of cream cheese. I slow cooked it for 9 hours to perfection!
Patricia Jackson
10/25/2023 05:41:08 AM
I made this chili and it was fantastic! I followed some tips and halved the spices at first so it wouldn't be too strong for the kids. I decided to use 1/2 cup of Franks for a hotter flavor, and I substituted black beans for white beans based on personal preference. The chili was a hit! My boys wanted a hot wing dip style, so I added some cream cheese to theirs. Wow, that was amazing!
Diane Campbell
12/26/2022 09:16:57 PM
Reduce the amount of hot sauce by half! (You can also mix in a cup of heavy whipping cream at the end, Allen really enjoyed it).
Cynthia Hill
01/09/2024 10:03:58 AM
Outstanding chili! I left out the beans and included capers and diced poblano for extra flavor. Topped with crumbled blue cheese and crushed tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch. Definitely a winning recipe!
Jonathan Martin
08/11/2022 02:14:16 PM
I found this recipe to be excellent! It provided a tasty twist on traditional chili. I opted to use only white beans and doubled the amount of Red Hot sauce, which worked perfectly for my taste buds. I don't see why some reviewers found it too spicy - after all, if it contains Red Hot sauce, you should expect a kick of heat!
Laura Cruz
02/04/2024 01:45:00 PM
I added crumbled bleu cheese on top, and swapped beans for mushrooms to make it more keto-friendly for my sister. You won't even miss the beans!
Stephanie Thomas
01/29/2023 02:32:54 AM
My teenager and I absolutely adore this dish! It has the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. For this recipe, I used one can of tomato sauce, one can of stewed tomatoes, and one can of kidney beans. Right at the end, I stirred in some canned corn for an extra burst of flavor.