Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken recipe is a perfect blend of tender, juicy chicken with bold, spicy buffalo flavor. It’s an effortless dish that you can prepare in the morning and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal. Great for sandwiches, wraps, or over rice, it’s a versatile crowd-pleaser.
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 an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce, melted butter, ranch seasoning, and minced garlic.
- Step 3: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Step 5: Remove the lid and shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks so it absorbs the sauce thoroughly.
- Step 6: Serve the buffalo chicken hot on buns, in wraps, or over rice. Add ranch or blue cheese dressing for extra flavor, if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Using chicken thighs instead of breasts can add extra moisture and tenderness.
- If you prefer less heat, adjust the amount of buffalo sauce or choose a milder brand.
- For a crispier texture, spread the shredded chicken on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes before serving.
Storage
Store leftover buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in this slow cooker recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking. Using frozen chicken may increase cooking time and could result in unevenly cooked meat.
How can I make this recipe less spicy?
Reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a mild buffalo sauce variety. Adding extra butter can also help mellow the heat.
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Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes (LOW) or 3 hours 40 minutes (HIGH)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts simmered in a flavorful homemade buffalo sauce with melted butter and ranch seasoning. Perfectly cooked in a slow cooker for an effortless meal, it can be shredded and served on buns, wraps, or over rice for a delicious spicy dish with minimal prep time.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thighs can be substituted for extra juiciness)
Buffalo Sauce Mixture
- 1 cup Buffalo sauce (use 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
- Prepare the slow cooker: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker in an even layer to ensure even cooking.
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce, melted butter, ranch seasoning mix, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Coat the chicken: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is coated completely for maximum flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred the chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker so it soaks up the buffalo sauce for extra juiciness and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the shredded buffalo chicken hot on sandwich buns, in wraps, or over rice. Optionally, add ranch or blue cheese dressing for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier result.
- Use Frank’s Buffalo sauce or your preferred buffalo sauce brand for authentic flavor.
- Adjust the amount of ranch seasoning or garlic to your taste preference.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing as a topping.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and used in salads or tacos.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes (LOW) or 3 hours 30 minutes (HIGH)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Buffalo chicken, slow cooker recipes, shredded chicken, dinner, easy buffalo chicken, spicy chicken, crockpot buffalo chicken
