Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken is a flavorful and easy dish perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts simmered in a tangy, spicy sauce make for a versatile meal you can enjoy in sandwiches, salads, or as a tasty dip.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp buttermilk powder
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/4 tsp dried dill
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp lemon pepper
- 1/8 tsp sugar
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 12 oz. hot sauce
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 Tbsp butter
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk powder, dried parsley, dried dill, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon pepper, sugar, salt, black pepper, and hot sauce to create the ranch seasoning mixture.
- Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a slow cooker (3 quarts or larger). Cut the butter into chunks and arrange them on top of the chicken, then pour the hot sauce mixture evenly over everything.
- Step 3: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 4 hours. After 4 hours, shred the chicken using two forks. If the chicken isn’t tender enough to shred, continue cooking until it is.
- Step 4: Serve the shredded Buffalo chicken with the sauce on sandwiches, in quesadillas, over nachos or salads, or use it as a dip with crackers and chips.
Tips & Variations
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for an even juicier and more flavorful result.
- Add extra hot sauce if you prefer a spicier dish or reduce the amount for milder taste.
- For a creamy twist, stir in a little ranch dressing or cream cheese after shredding the chicken.
Storage
Store leftover Buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to avoid drying out the chicken. It also freezes well for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, but use about three times the amount of fresh herbs since they are less concentrated than dried. Adjust to taste.
What can I serve with Buffalo chicken?
Buffalo chicken pairs well with celery sticks, carrot sticks, blue cheese dressing, coleslaw, or on a toasted sandwich bun with lettuce and tomato.
Print
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken recipe combines tender, shredded chicken with a spicy, flavorful buffalo hot sauce and a homemade ranch seasoning mix. Perfect for sandwiches, quesadillas, nachos, or as a zesty dip, this easy slow cooker dish requires minimal prep and is ready in just a few hours with a rich, buttery taste and classic buffalo flavor.
Ingredients
Ranch Seasoning Mix
- 2 Tbsp buttermilk powder
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/4 tsp dried dill
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp lemon pepper
- 1/8 tsp sugar
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz. hot sauce
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 Tbsp butter, cut into chunks
Instructions
- Prepare the ranch seasoning and hot sauce mixture: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk powder, dried parsley, dried dill, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon pepper, sugar, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper with the hot sauce. Stir well until fully mixed to create a flavorful buffalo ranch sauce base.
- Assemble ingredients in slow cooker: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of a 3-quart or larger slow cooker. Scatter the chunks of butter evenly on top of the chicken for richness. Pour the prepared hot sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and butter, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Cook the chicken low and slow: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set the heat to low. Cook for four hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb the spicy buffalo flavors. If after four hours the chicken is not easily shreddable, continue cooking a little longer until fully tender.
- Shred and serve: Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it thoroughly with the sauce. Serve the shredded buffalo chicken on sandwiches, in quesadillas, atop nachos or salads, or use it as a flavorful dip for crackers and chips.
Notes
- Adjust the level of spiciness by choosing a milder or hotter hot sauce according to your preference.
- Butter adds richness and smoothness to the sauce; do not skip for the classic buffalo taste.
- If you do not have a slow cooker, this recipe can be adapted to a stovetop simmer but requires close attention to avoid drying out the chicken.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: buffalo chicken, slow cooker, shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, easy dinner, party food, spicy chicken, crockpot chicken
