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Easy Buffalo Chicken Chili

Easy Buffalo Chicken Chili
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Easy Buffalo Chicken Chili is a hearty and spicy dish combining tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and classic chili ingredients for a quick, flavorful meal perfect for any occasion. Ready in under an hour, it offers a customizable heat level and comforting twist, ideal for game days or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1.5 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs

Liquids & Sauces

  • 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Beans & Vegetables

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese & Dairy

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Sliced green onions
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Fresh lime juice (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prep and Sauté Aromatics: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Heat a bit of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant and translucent, forming a flavorful base.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Add the boneless chicken pieces to the pot and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. This locks in juiciness for tender results.
  3. Add Liquids and Spices: Pour in the chicken broth and buffalo wing sauce, then add the diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  4. Simmer and Shred Chicken: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it with two forks, then return it to the chili.
  5. Add Beans and Final Simmer: Stir in the black beans and cook for an additional 10 minutes uncovered, allowing flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the chili into bowls, topping each with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to balance the spice. Add optional garnishes like green onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice if desired.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken shredded for a quicker preparation.
  • Toast cumin and paprika briefly before adding liquids to enhance their aroma.
  • Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to control the heat level.
  • Simmer gently to tenderize chicken and blend flavors well.
  • Add fresh lime juice before serving for a bright pop of acidity.
  • Vegetarian option: substitute chicken with sweet potatoes or extra beans.
  • Dairy-free option: omit cheese and yogurt or use plant-based alternatives.
  • Slow cooker method: after browning chicken and sautéing aromatics, combine all in slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken chili, spicy chicken chili, easy chili recipe, game day chili, buffalo sauce recipe

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/easy-buffalo-chicken-chili/