This cozy and spicy take on a classic combination is made all in the Instant Pot for the easiest dinner! The chicken is tender and shreds perfectly, and the buffalo sauce gives this chili a nice punch of flavor and spice. This easy Instant Pot Buffalo chicken chili is the perfect dinner on a busy weeknight, game day or whenever you want a warm, hearty and cozy meal.
I have been on a little bit of an Instant Pot kick lately. I love the ease and convenience of this kitchen appliance. Last week, I shared my chicken noodle soup with turmeric recipe, which is all made in the Instant Pot. And I pulled out the Instant Pot AGAIN for this chicken chili. Needless to say, my Instant Pot gets lots of use!
This twist on traditional chili is has shredded chicken in it compared to the ground beef you typically use in chili recipes. I personally love the flavor and texture that the shredded chicken brings to this dish over the ground chicken. I occasionally struggle with the texture of ground chicken or turkey. Maybe that is just me? But if you feel the same way, do not have to worry because this chicken is so soft and tender. No texture issues with this chicken!
I also stir in some Greek yogurt after cooking this chili in the Instant Pot. This gives it a creamer texture and brings the spicy level down, while adding some extra protein. I love that is a little heathier take compared to the cream cheese typically added to buffalo chicken recipe. Although could definitely use cream cheese instead of the Greek yogurt if you want!
Why you will love this Easy Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Chili
EASY: Just like the title says, this buffalo chicken chili is so EASY to make! You can make the entire recipe in the Instant Pot so less dishes to wash! Plus, there is minimal prep work that needs to be done to get this flavorful chili going. It makes for great dinner idea on busy days when you do not have a lot of time or energy to cook.
Flavorful: There is so much flavor packed into this Instant Pot recipe! Thanks to the chicken broth, chicken thighs, beans, buffalo sauce, and veggies, flavor lacking in this chili! Plus, it is customizable to suit your taste! You can make it more or less spicy depending on your preferences!
Versatile: This one meal that can made in hurry on busy weeknights or for a group of friends on game day! The recipe itself has flexibility from the spice level to the toppings to make it how you want!
Helpful tips and tricks
- Use your favorite buffalo sauce in this recipe! You can add anywhere from 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of the buffalo sauce to make it more or less spicy. I find that when I make this recipe for my family, my little kids do NOT like it spicy. I use 1/3 cup of medium spiced buffalo sauce. Then I tone down their bowls with extra goodies, like sour cream and cheddar cheese. And they love it!
- Save yourself from extra dishes and just shred the chicken in the Instant Pot! The chicken should be so tender it falls apart, so it takes little effort to shred it up!
- Add salt after cooking! The buffalo sauce adds plenty sodium to this dish so taste it after it has cooked and add salt according to your personal preference!
- Save leftover in an airtight container for 2-3 days! This buffalo chicken chili taste amazing the second day!
Ingredient Substitutions for this easy Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Chili
Chicken Thighs: You can swap out the chick thighs for chicken breast!
Chicken Broth: You can use vegetable broth as a replacement. Water would also work, but you will lose out on some of the flavor.
Pinto beans/Northern Beans: You can swap out the beans for your favorite beans. Or just use all pinto or northern beans!
Poblano Pepper: If you want a little bit more spice in this chili dish, swap out or add a diced jalapeno pepper.
Greek Yogurt: You can either skip the Greek yogurt all together, reduce it or replace it with cream cheese or sour cream! The cream cheese and sour cream do provide a little bit of a smoother chili, so mixing one with the Greek yogurt will also work!
Topping Suggestions
The topping ideas on this buffalo chicken chili recipe make this dinner customizable and so delicious!
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Avocado slices
- Dollop of sour cream or greek yogurt
- Cilantro
- Sliced jalapeno
- Tortilla chips
If you give this easy Instant Pot buffalo chicken chili recipe a try, I would love hear your thoughts in the comments below! Your feedback is really appreciated!
And be sure to tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations!
From my kitchen to yours, happy cooking! I hope you love this chili as much as I do!
Easy Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Chili
Ingredients
- 1-1.5 lb. Chicken thighs skinless and boneless
- 1 Onion diced
- 3 Garlic cloves minced
- 1 Tbsp. Avocado oil
- 1 tsp. Cumin
- 1 tsp. Smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp. Chili powder
- 1 15 oz Can Pinto Beans rinsed
- 1 15 oz can Northern beans rinsed
- 1/4-1/2 C. Buffalo sauce adjust level to personal taste
- 1 Poblano pepper diced
- 1 14.5 oz Can Diced tomatoes undrained
- 1 C. Chicken broth reduced sodium
- 3/4 C. Greek Yogurt
- Salt to taste
Toppings suggestions:
- Cheese shredded
- Tortilla chips
- Avocado
- Cilantro
- Dollop of Sour cream/greek yogurt
Instructions
- Add avocado oil to the instant pot and turn onto sauté setting. Once hot, add the onions and poblano pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until the onions and peppers become soft. Add the minced garlic and cook 1-2 more minutes. Turn off Instant pot sauté setting.
- Pour in the chicken broth, buffalo sauce, pinto beans, and norther beans. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Place the chicken into the Instant pot, pressing it down under the liquid slightly.
- Place the Instant Pot lid on and lock into place. Pressure cook high for 17-19 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Quick release pressure.
- Remove the lid once all the pressure has been released. Using two forks, shred the chicken. If adding the Greek yogurt, stir in into the Instant Pot. Taste and add salt as needed.
- Serve in individual bowls with desired toppings! Enjoy
