Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches: Spicy, Tangy, and Perfectly Tender

Imagine coming home to the irresistible aroma of tender, spicy Buffalo chicken, ready to be transformed into the ultimate sandwich. This recipe brings the bold flavors of classic Buffalo wings into a simple, slow-cooker dish ideal for busy days, game nights, or family gatherings. Best of all, it’s effortless to prepare, leaving you more time to enjoy the results.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Effortless Cooking: Minimal prep—your slow cooker does the hard work.
2. Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: Tangy Buffalo sauce paired with creamy toppings is always a hit.
3. Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like blue cheese dressing, ranch, or coleslaw.
4. Budget-Friendly: Affordable ingredients that make a satisfying, flavorful meal.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the chicken in advance for quick assembly later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Buffalo sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
• 2 tbsp ranch seasoning
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, sliced
• 6 sandwich buns, toasted
• Optional Toppings: Blue cheese dressing, shredded lettuce, coleslaw, or pickles

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 18g
• Sodium: 1100mg

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker
   Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring they’re evenly spaced for even cooking.
2. Add Seasoning and Sauce
   Sprinkle ranch seasoning over the chicken. Pour the Buffalo sauce evenly over the top and add butter slices for richness.
3. Cook Low and Slow
   Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Cooking on low ensures the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
4. Shred the Chicken
   Remove the chicken once cooked and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring it into the sauce.
5. Assemble the Sandwiches
   Toast the buns for extra texture, then pile on the Buffalo chicken. Add your choice of toppings for the perfect sandwich.

Expert Tips for Success

• Use Day-Old Chicken for Prep: Leftover cooked chicken can also be shredded and mixed into the Buffalo sauce for an even faster version.
• Toast Your Buns: Toasted buns prevent sogginess and add a satisfying crunch.
• Customize Spice Level: Combine Buffalo sauce with BBQ sauce for a milder, tangy flavor.
• Prep Ahead: Cook and shred the chicken in advance. Reheat it in the slow cooker in the “warm” setting when ready to serve.

Storage and Reheating

• Store: Leftover chicken can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet, microwave, or slow cooker. Add a splash of water or Buffalo sauce to refresh.
• Freeze: Freeze shredded Buffalo chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

These sandwiches pair wonderfully with:

• Crispy Fries or Potato Wedges: For a classic combination.
• Coleslaw: Adds a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy chicken.
• Pickles or Carrot Sticks: Provide a refreshing crunch.

FAQs

Can I Use Frozen Chicken?
Yes, but increase the cooking time. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before shredding.

What’s the Best Buffalo Sauce?
Any store-bought Buffalo sauce works, but you can also make your own using hot sauce and butter.

Is There a Vegan Version?
Substitute the chicken with shredded jackfruit or chickpeas, and use vegan Buffalo sauce and buns.

Can I Make It Less Spicy?
Use half Buffalo sauce and half BBQ sauce for a milder flavor.

Variations to Try

1. Spicy BBQ Buffalo: Blend Buffalo sauce with BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
2. Cheesy Buffalo Chicken: Top with shredded cheddar or mozzarella and let it melt before serving.
3. Low-Carb Option: Serve the chicken in lettuce wraps instead of buns.
4. Buffalo Chicken Tacos: Swap buns for tortillas and add your favorite taco toppings.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches are the ultimate combination of ease and flavor. This recipe is a guaranteed hit, perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Whether you prefer your sandwich loaded with toppings or kept simple, these tender, tangy Buffalo chicken sandwiches will satisfy you. Try them today for a delicious, no-fuss meal that everyone will love!

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

Tangy, spicy, and easy to make, these slow cooker Buffalo chicken sandwiches are a delicious, no-fuss meal for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Fast Food

Cuisine American

Servings 6 people

Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp ranch seasoning
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, sliced
• 6 sandwich buns, toasted
• blue cheese dressing, shredded lettuce, coleslaw, pickles Optional toppings

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Slow Cooker

  Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
• Add Seasoning

  Sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the chicken. Pour the Buffalo sauce on top and add the butter.
• Cook

  Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
• Shred the Chicken

  Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat it with the sauce.
• Assemble the Sandwiches

  Place a generous amount of Buffalo chicken on each toasted bun. Add desired toppings, such as blue cheese dressing or coleslaw, for extra flavor.
• Serve and Enjoy

  Serve the sandwiches warm and enjoy the delicious, tangy flavors.

Notes

• Use less Buffalo sauce or substitute half with a milder BBQ sauce for a milder flavor.
• You can add additional toppings, such as sliced avocado or fresh spinach, for extra flavor and texture.

Keyword Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

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