Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken combines tender, juicy chicken with a spicy, tangy buffalo sauce that’s perfect for any meal. This dish fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas while being effortless to prepare, making it ideal for busy days or casual gatherings.
Whether served in sandwiches, tacos, or atop a fresh salad, each bite bursts with flavor and a satisfying kick. Enjoy comfort food that’s both simple and exciting, crafted right in your slow cooker.
- Hands-off cooking lets you enjoy tender, flavorful chicken without constant monitoring.
- The bold buffalo sauce adds perfect heat and tang for a crowd-pleasing dish.
- Highly versatile, great for sandwiches, salads, or even as a party dip filling.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Two pounds of lean chicken breasts, the perfect base for moist, shreddable meat.
- Buffalo sauce: One cup of classic spicy buffalo sauce to provide rich heat and tangy flavor.
- Ranch dressing: Half a cup of creamy ranch dressing that balances the heat with coolness and adds depth.
- Garlic powder: One tablespoon to infuse the dish with savory, aromatic garlic notes.
- Onion powder: One tablespoon for a subtle sweet and earthy undertone.
- Paprika: One teaspoon adds mild smokiness and vibrant color to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, seasoning the chicken perfectly to enhance all other flavors.
- Chopped green onions: Freshly chopped for garnish, adding a bright, crisp finishing touch.
- Celery sticks: Served on the side as a crunchy, fresh complement to the spicy chicken.
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker. Ensuring they lay flat helps them cook evenly and absorb the sauce flavors thoroughly.
- Mix Sauce Ingredients
In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This blend balances heat with creamy spices to coat the chicken perfectly.
- Coat Chicken with Sauce
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Use a spatula or spoon to make sure each piece is well covered, locking in moisture and flavor during cooking.
- Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Slow cooking gently tenderizes the chicken, allowing it to shred easily while retaining juicy texture.
- Shred and Stir Chicken
Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce to coat every bite with that delicious buffalo flavor.
- Serve and Garnish
Serve the buffalo chicken warm on its own or in your favorite sandwiches, tacos, or salads. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve celery sticks alongside for a refreshing crunch.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
- Adjust the sauce amounts if you prefer milder or spicier buffalo chicken to suit your taste preference.
Storage Tips
Store leftover buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It also freezes well for up to three months, perfect for quick meals later.
Serving Suggestions
Try serving this buffalo chicken in toasted buns with crisp lettuce for sandwiches, wrapped in soft tortillas for tacos, or over mixed greens with ranch dressing for a satisfying salad.
- For extra moisture, add a splash of chicken broth to the slow cooker before cooking.
- Use chicken thighs for a richer flavor and more tender texture if preferred.
- Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice or sprinkle with fresh cilantro to brighten the dish.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts directly in the slow cooker?
It’s best to thaw chicken breasts before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety. Frozen chicken can lead to uneven doneness.
- Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?
Yes, adjust the amount of buffalo sauce or swap it for a mild version to control heat levels according to your preference.
- What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken?
This chicken pairs well with celery sticks, carrot sticks, blue cheese dressing, or alongside rice and steamed vegetables.
- Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free buffalo sauce and ranch dressing brands, this dish is gluten-free.
- Can I use a different cooking method?
You can cook this chicken in an Instant Pot or on the stove, but slow cooking yields the most tender texture.
- How do I reheat leftover buffalo chicken?
Reheat gently in a microwave or skillet, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
- 2 forks for shredding chicken
- 1 mixing bowl for sauce
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for serving
- Celery sticks for serving
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, combine buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken ensuring it is well coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken with two forks and stir it back into the sauce.
- Serve alone or in sandwiches, tacos, or salads garnished with chopped green onions and celery sticks.
Notes
- Make ahead and refrigerate or freeze for later use.
- Serve with celery sticks for added crunch.
