Are you craving a hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy meal? Look no further than this Buffalo Chicken Chili! This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a game-day gathering, or a cozy weekend lunch. It's packed with tender chicken, spicy buffalo flavor, and a rich, comforting chili base. Get ready for a taste sensation that will leave you wanting more! This recipe is one of the best recipes for a healthy meal, and it's incredibly simple, even for beginner cooks looking for easy recipes.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Frank's RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce (or more, to taste)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, tortilla chips
Instructions:
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Brown the chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. This step helps to develop a deeper flavor in your chili.
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Simmer the chili: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, chicken broth, Frank's RedHot sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 20 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
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Serve and enjoy: Once the chicken is cooked through and the chili has thickened slightly, serve it hot. Top with your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, some chopped green onions, and crunchy tortilla chips for the ultimate delicious dish.
Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Chili:
- For extra flavor: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of Frank's RedHot sauce and a little olive oil for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of Frank's RedHot sauce and cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness. Start with less and add more to taste.
- Make it thicker: If you prefer a thicker chili, you can simmer it uncovered for a longer period to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water towards the end of cooking.
- Slow cooker option: This chili is perfect for a slow cooker! Simply brown the chicken as directed, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Buffalo Chili: Replace the chicken with 1 (15 ounce) can of vegetarian chili beans or 2 cups of cooked lentils.
- Turkey Buffalo Chili: Substitute ground turkey for the chicken. Brown the turkey before adding the other ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Around 350-400 (depending on toppings) Protein: Around 30g Fat: Around 10g Carbohydrates: Around 35g
This Buffalo Chicken Chili recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking that delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. It’s a healthy meal option that's perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. Enjoy!