WHAT’S FOR DINNER?
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
Array/5
COOK TIME
4-6 hours
TOTAL TIME
4-6 hours
SERVINGS
8-10 servings
Get ready for the easiest, tastiest Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches you can make right in your slow cooker! With tender shredded chicken in creamy buffalo sauce, these sandwiches are perfect for parties, game day, or a family dinner. Just toss in the ingredients, let it cook, and pile on your favorite toppings!
I absolutely love the flavor of anything with buffalo sauce. There’s just something about that combination of tangy and spicy that goes well with so many foods. I’ll use it to make Buffalo Chicken Cheesy Bread, a crisp Buffalo Chicken Salad, and, of course, we can’t forget the classic Buffalo Chicken Dip!
This recipe for buffalo chicken made in the slow cooker is a true dump-and-go recipe! All you do is add chicken breast to your Crockpot, followed by ranch seasoning, buffalo sauce, and cream cheese. Let it slow cook until the chicken is tender, shred it up, and mix until combined. The result is a beautifully spicy, tangy, creamy mix that is the PERFECT filling for sandwiches!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Set it and forget it: Just add everything to the slow cooker, and it does the work for you. No need to stir or babysit, making it perfect for busy days.
Four simple ingredients: With just chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, and cream cheese, this recipe is straightforward but full of flavor, using pantry-friendly items you may already have on hand.
Creamy and flavorful: The slow cooking process blends the tangy buffalo sauce and creamy cheese for a rich, flavorful chicken.
Make-ahead and meal-prep friendly: Cook up a batch and enjoy it throughout the week in sandwiches, wraps, or even as a salad topping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Chicken: Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness, but breasts or tenderloins work well too. The choice of cut gives you flexibility based on what you have on hand.
Buffalo Sauce: This brings the classic spicy, tangy flavor to the dish. Adjust the amount for more or less heat, or try a homemade version if you have a favorite recipe.
Ranch Seasoning Powder: Adds a bit of savory, herby flavor that pairs perfectly with buffalo sauce.
Cream Cheese: The key to a creamy, rich sauce that balances out the heat from the buffalo sauce with a bit of tangy flavor.
Buns: Soft buns are the best for serving, but feel free to use slider buns for a party-friendly option or lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist.
Toppings (Optional) – Customize your sandwiches with extras like blue cheese crumbles, ranch dressing, slaw, shredded carrots, pickles, or even crispy onions.
How to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
- Prepare the Chicken: Lay the chicken pieces (thighs or breasts) at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add Seasoning and Sauce: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning powder evenly over the chicken, then pour the buffalo sauce on top.
- Top with Cream Cheese: Place the cream cheese block on top of the chicken and sauce mixture. Keeping it on top allows it to melt gradually, creating a creamy sauce as the chicken cooks. For best results, stir everything together halfway through cooking.
- Cook on Low or High: Set the slow cooker to low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours, depending on your timing. Cooking on low will yield more tender chicken, while high will get it done faster if you’re short on time.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Mix the shredded chicken into the creamy buffalo sauce.
- Serve and Add Toppings: Scoop the buffalo chicken onto buns and top with your favorite toppings like ranch dressing, blue cheese, or coleslaw for extra crunch and flavor. Enjoy!
Expert Tips
Keep the cream cheese on top of the other ingredients so it melts slowly and mixes evenly without clumping.
Use a slow cooker liner for a no-mess cleanup.
If you prefer chunkier chicken, shred less thoroughly or use a potato masher instead of forks to break it up slightly without over-shredding.
If you’re short on time, start the recipe on high for one hour, then switch to low for the remaining time. This way, you get a quicker cook without sacrificing texture.
Stirring halfway through helps prevent any cheese from sticking to the sides and keeps the sauce well-mixed.
Use the “keep warm” setting if your sandwiches need to sit for a while before serving. It keeps the chicken tender without drying it out.
Use Slow Cooked Buffalo Chicken To Make . . .
Sandwiches aren’t the only way to use up this delicious protein! Try these fun ideas to keep it interesting.
Game Day Sliders: Use slider buns to make mini sandwiches that are easy to grab and eat during a game day party.
Buffalo Chicken Tacos: Spoon the shredded buffalo chicken into small flour or corn tortillas, and add toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a large baking sheet, top with shredded buffalo chicken, and shredded cheese, and bake until melty. Garnish with green onions, jalapeños, and ranch drizzle.
Stuffed Baked Potatoes: Spoon the buffalo chicken into baked potatoes, then top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, wrap the shredded buffalo chicken in large lettuce leaves. Add a sprinkle of cheese and some ranch dressing for extra flavor.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Use the buffalo chicken as a topping on a homemade or store-bought pizza crust, adding mozzarella and blue cheese crumbles before baking. Finish with a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce!
Storing & Freezing
Storing: Place any leftover buffalo chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Make sure it’s cooled before adding to the fridge.
Freezing: Transfer the cooked and cooled buffalo chicken to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm the chicken in the microwave on low power for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or heat it in a saucepan over medium heat until hot and creamy. Add a splash of buffalo sauce if it seems dry.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first to make sure the mixture doesn’t get to watery. If you use it directly from frozen, add an extra hour to the cooking time.
What’s the best way to shred the chicken?
Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, or try a hand mixer on low speed for quicker shredding.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese?
Greek yogurt can work as a substitute if you add it just before serving to keep the creamy texture, but it may alter the flavor and texture.
How do I prevent the cheese from sticking to the sides?
Stir halfway through the cooking time, or spray the sides of the slow cooker with a little non-stick spray before adding ingredients to help with cleanup.
More Slow Cooker Recipes
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Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
Slow Cooker Creamy Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches are perfect for a party or a simple Sunday dinner. Shredded chicken cooked all day in a creamy buffalo sauce made with my favorite Hiland Dairy Cream Cheese for extra creamy texture.
Ingredients
3 lbs chicken breasts or thighs
1 packet ranch seasoning powder (1 ounce)
1 cup Buffalo wing sauce
8 ounces Hiland Dairy Cream Cheese
Instructions
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In a slow cooker, add the chicken, then top with ranch seasoning, buffalo sauce and cream cheese.
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Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours. Stir together halfway through.
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Once chicken is cooked, shred with two forks then serve on buns. Top with favorite toppings like buffalo sauce, ranch of blue cheese, or cole slaw.
Notes
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