Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken is a perfect blend of spicy and savory flavors, made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Tender shredded chicken smothered in a tangy buffalo sauce is great for sandwiches, wraps, or as a protein-packed topping over rice. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare and perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s or your favorite brand)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker in an even layer.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce, melted butter, ranch seasoning mix, and minced garlic.
- Step 3: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Step 5: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks to allow it to soak up the sauce.
- Step 6: Serve hot on buns, in wraps, or over rice. Add ranch or blue cheese for extra flavor if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra juicy chicken, substitute boneless skinless thighs instead of breasts.
- Add a splash of honey or brown sugar to the sauce for a touch of sweetness balancing the heat.
- Try topping finished chicken with chopped green onions or celery for crunch and freshness.
- Use leftover shredded buffalo chicken in salads or stuffed baked potatoes for versatile meals.
Storage
Store any leftover buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water or sauce if it seems dry.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can place frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker, but increase the cooking time by about 1–2 hours to ensure they cook through properly.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The spiciness depends on the buffalo sauce you choose; using a milder buffalo sauce or reducing the amount can tone down the heat for a gentler flavor.
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Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes (LOW) or 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes (HIGH)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken recipe offers a juicy, flavorful dish perfect for an easy weeknight meal. Tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a zesty buffalo sauce blended with butter, ranch seasoning, and garlic make for a deliciously saucy and spicy dish that can be served on buns, wraps, or over rice. The slow cooker ensures the chicken absorbs maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it a convenient and crowd-pleasing option.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
Sauce
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s or your preferred brand)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker in an even layer, ensuring they sit comfortably without overlapping excessively.
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce, melted butter, ranch seasoning packet, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Coat the chicken: Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated with sauce.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW heat for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH heat for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred the chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, allowing it to absorb the flavorful sauce completely.
- Serve: Serve the buffalo chicken hot on sandwich buns, in wraps, or over rice. Optionally, add ranch dressing or blue cheese for extra creaminess and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer more moist and juicy meat.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
- Adjust the buffalo sauce amount or spice level based on your heat preference.
- This recipe can be doubled to feed larger groups using a larger slow cooker.
- Serve with celery sticks and carrot sticks to balance the heat with crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: slow cooker buffalo chicken, buffalo chicken recipe, crockpot buffalo chicken, easy buffalo chicken, shredded buffalo chicken
