Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches -These sandwiches pack a punch of flavor with tender, shredded chicken drenched in spicy buffalo sauce, topped with your favorite fixings, and tucked between soft buns.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-off cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, making this recipe perfect for busy weekdays or a laid-back weekend meal.
• Customizable: You can adjust the heat level, toppings, and even the type of bread to suit your taste.
• Perfect for a crowd: Whether it’s game day, a casual family dinner, or a potluck, these sandwiches are always a hit.
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare everything in advance and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Optional Add-ins

• Cream cheese: For extra creaminess in the sauce, you can add 4 ounces of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Celery and Carrot Slaw: A crunchy topping that complements the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.

How to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts into your slow cooker. Pour the buffalo sauce and ranch seasoning over the chicken, making sure it’s well-coated. Add the butter on top.

Step 2: Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The low and slow method ensures tender, juicy chicken that’s easy to shred.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce so it absorbs all that buffalo goodness.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches

Load up each bun with a generous serving of buffalo chicken, and top with your favorite toppings like blue cheese, ranch dressing, lettuce, or even coleslaw.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve immediately while the chicken is warm and the buns are fresh. Pair it with a side of fries, a simple salad, or even chips for a full meal.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

• Don’t overcook the chicken: Keep an eye on the cooking time—while slow cookers are forgiving, cooking the chicken too long can make it dry.
• Add butter for smoothness: The butter helps mellow out the heat from the buffalo sauce, giving the chicken a creamy finish.
• Use a hand mixer for easy shredding: If you’re short on time or want finely shredded chicken, you can use a hand mixer to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker.
• Toast the buns: For extra texture, lightly toast the sandwich buns before assembling. The slight crunch complements the saucy chicken perfectly.

Variations

• Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Use smaller slider buns for mini sandwiches that are great for appetizers or parties.
• Buffalo Chicken Wraps: Swap the buns for flour tortillas and turn these into wraps. Add fresh veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers for a lighter option.
• Buffalo Chicken Tacos: Use soft taco shells or even crunchy ones for a fun twist. Top with shredded lettuce, avocado, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
• Buffalo Chicken Salad: Skip the bread and serve the shredded buffalo chicken over a bed of greens with blue cheese crumbles and ranch dressing.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

• Game Day: Buffalo chicken sandwiches are a perfect game-day food. Pair them with celery sticks, carrots, and a side of ranch or blue cheese dip to complete the buffalo flavor profile.
• Weeknight Dinner: Serve these sandwiches with a simple side of potato chips, fries, or a fresh salad for an easy weeknight meal.
• Potlucks: Since the chicken can be kept warm in the slow cooker, it’s an excellent dish to bring to a potluck or family gathering. Just pack the buns and toppings separately for easy assembly.

How to Store & Reheat

Storage:

• In the fridge: Store any leftover buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• In the freezer: If you want to freeze it, place the shredded chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat the chicken on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or buffalo sauce to keep it moist.
• Microwave: Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be aware that it will take longer to cook. Plan for an additional 1-2 hours on low heat.

Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or mix it with half BBQ sauce for a milder flavor. Adding more butter or a dollop of cream cheese also tones down the heat.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Simply omit the butter and avoid toppings like blue cheese or ranch dressing. Opt for dairy-free buns and dressings instead.

What’s the best buffalo sauce to use?

Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce is a fan favorite, but feel free to experiment with other brands like Sweet Baby Ray’s or homemade buffalo sauce if you’re up for it.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead?

Yes, you can! Use the Instant Pot’s “Pressure Cook” function and cook on high pressure for 12-15 minutes. Shred the chicken once it’s done, and you’re good to go.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwich recipe is a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as flavorful as it is simple. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner or a big gathering, these sandwiches are bound to become a go-to in your meal rotation.

Still Hungry! Try these chicken recipes:

• Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings
• Slow Cooker Lemon Pepper Chicken
• Slow Cooker Chicken a la King