These Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food for any occasion! With tender, shredded chicken simmered in a flavorful buffalo sauce, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Toss it in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it—then enjoy a mouthwatering sandwich that’s spicy, juicy, and utterly irresistible.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
-
- 2 lbs skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 8 sandwich buns
- Optional: shredded cheddar cheese, blue cheese dressing, or sliced celery for garnish
Directions:
- Place chicken breasts in a slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ranch seasoning, buffalo sauce, and water.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily.
- Shred the chicken with two forks, stirring it into the sauce.
- Toast the sandwich buns if desired, and scoop the buffalo chicken onto the buns.
- Optionally, top with shredded cheddar cheese, blue cheese dressing, or sliced celery.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6-7 hours on low | Total Time: 6-7 hours 10 minutes | Kcal: 450 | Servings: 8
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
Buffalo chicken sandwiches are the perfect balance of heat and flavor, making them a favorite comfort food for many. This version uses the slow cooker to make the process incredibly easy and hands-off. The slow cooking method ensures the chicken becomes tender and absorbs all the delicious buffalo sauce flavors, making each bite irresistible. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, a game day gathering, or a casual weeknight meal, these sandwiches are sure to be a hit.
Origin of the Dish: Buffalo chicken is a variation of the classic buffalo wings, which originated in Buffalo, New York, in the 1960s. The sauce made from hot sauce and butter has since become synonymous with bold, spicy flavor. While the original dish is a chicken wing, the buffalo sauce has been adapted into various recipes like buffalo chicken dip, buffalo chicken pizza, and of course, buffalo chicken sandwiches. This slow cooker version makes it easier than ever to enjoy the flavors of buffalo wings without the deep frying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Hands-off Cooking: The slow cooker does most of the work for you. Simply add the ingredients and let the slow cooker do its magic.
- Shredded Chicken: The chicken becomes incredibly tender and shreds easily after cooking, making it perfect for sandwiches.
- Customizable: Top your sandwich with a variety of garnishes like shredded cheese, blue cheese dressing, or fresh celery for added crunch.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: The recipe can be doubled or tripled for meal prepping, giving you multiple meals for the week.
Tips for Success:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken: For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but chicken thighs work well too if you prefer darker meat.
- Adjust the Heat: If you like your sandwiches milder, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or opt for a mild version. For extra heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Storage: Leftover buffalo chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
- Serving Ideas: Serve these buffalo chicken sandwiches with a side of coleslaw, crispy fries, or a simple green salad to balance out the heat.
Variations:
- Make It a Wrap: Instead of a sandwich, serve the buffalo chicken in a wrap with your favorite veggies and dressing.
- Add a Crunch: For extra texture, add some crunchy pickles or crispy onions on top of the sandwich.
- Veggie Option: Use cauliflower as a substitute for the chicken for a vegetarian version of this recipe.
Serving Suggestions: These sandwiches pair perfectly with sides like homemade potato chips, sweet potato fries, or a simple cucumber salad. You can also serve them with a cold drink, like lemonade, iced tea, or even a cold beer, to balance the spice.
More Tips and Variations:
- Chicken Alternatives: While chicken breasts are the go-to for this recipe, you can substitute them with chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Boneless thighs will also shred easily and stay juicier compared to breasts.
- Spice Level Adjustments: If you like your buffalo chicken sandwiches extra spicy, add more buffalo sauce or toss the shredded chicken in hot sauce after it’s cooked. For a milder version, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or mix in a little sour cream or ranch dressing to balance the heat.
- Adding More Flavor: For extra depth of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika to the sauce mixture before cooking. These spices will infuse the chicken with even more savory notes.
- Crockpot Tip: To ensure your chicken doesn’t dry out, make sure there’s enough liquid in the slow cooker (the buffalo sauce and water). Avoid overcooking—if the chicken cooks too long, it could become too dry and stringy. Once the chicken is cooked and shredded, mix it back into the sauce to keep it moist.
Meal Prep and Leftovers: This recipe is ideal for meal prepping. After cooking, store the shredded buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to serve. The leftovers are perfect for tacos, wraps, or even as a topping for baked potatoes!
Slow Cooker Sizes: Depending on the size of your slow cooker, this recipe can be doubled or halved easily. A 6-quart slow cooker is the perfect size for this recipe, but if you’re cooking for a smaller group, you can adjust the quantities accordingly.
Conclusion:
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches are an easy and delicious way to enjoy the bold, spicy flavors of buffalo chicken in a sandwich form. The slow cooker does all the hard work for you, making this recipe a great option for busy days, parties, or meal prepping. Customize the recipe with your favorite toppings and enjoy a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting a gathering, these sandwiches will surely be a crowd-pleaser!