Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches. This recipe merges tender, juicy chicken with bold flavors, making it a perfect choice for any gathering or a cozy night in. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly while you focus on what matters most.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

One of the best features of this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that pleases the whole family. The combination of tender chicken, tangy ranch dressing, and spicy Buffalo wing sauce gives these sandwiches a mouthwatering kick. Plus, they’re easily customizable with your favorite toppings, ensuring everyone enjoys their meal just the way they like it. Also, the slow cooker makes this dish perfect for meal prep, allowing you to make it ahead of time for busy weeknights.

How to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

Ingredients:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 Tbs dried ranch dressing mix (1 packet)
3/4 cup Buffalo wing sauce, divided, plus more for serving
8 Brioche hamburger buns
Ranch dressing for serving
Blue cheese crumbles for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken
Pat the boneless, skinless chicken breasts thoroughly dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture. Carefully place them in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker insert.
Whisk Together the Sauce
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup Buffalo wing sauce and the dried ranch dressing mix until well combined and smooth. This creates the signature buffalo flavor base.
Pour Sauce Over Chicken
Pour the entire sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Gently shift the chicken around with tongs to ensure all pieces are thoroughly coated in the flavorful liquid.
Slow Cook to Perfection
Secure the lid tightly on your slow cooker. Set the temperature to LOW and cook for 4 to 6 hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is easily shredded with two forks.
Shred and Finish the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, immersing it in the remaining flavorful sauce. Stir everything together thoroughly.
Simmer for Flavor Absorption
Allow the shredded chicken to simmer on the WARM setting (or LOW, if no warm setting is available) for an additional 15-30 minutes. This crucial step allows the chicken to fully absorb all the incredible flavors, becoming even juicier and more tender.
Prepare Your Buns and Toppings
While the chicken simmers, lightly toast the brioche hamburger buns. Arrange any desired toppings such as extra ranch dressing or blue cheese crumbles on a platter.
Assemble and Serve
Spoon a generous amount of the warm, saucy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Customize with extra ranch dressing or blue cheese crumbles. Place the top half of the bun and serve your magnificent sandwiches immediately, offering extra dipping sauce on the side.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

Serve these sandwiches warm, straight from the slow cooker for a comforting meal. Add a side of celery sticks and carrot sticks with more ranch dressing for a classic pairing. These sandwiches are also great for parties, tailgates, or any casual get-together.

How to Store Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

If you have leftovers, store the shredded buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop. Fresh toppings should be added right before serving to maintain their flavor and texture.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Perfect

Chicken Substitutes: Feel free to use thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor.
Sauce Adjustment: If you prefer a milder sandwich, reduce the amount of Buffalo wing sauce or mix in some additional ranch dressing for a smoother taste.
Topping Variety: Try adding sliced jalapeños, shredded lettuce, or diced tomatoes for an extra crunch and freshness.

Flavor Variations

Sweet and Spicy: Add honey or brown sugar to the sauce for a sweet twist.
BBQ Twist: Mix BBQ sauce with the Buffalo sauce for a delicious BBQ flavor.
Creamy Option: Stir in some cream cheese before serving for a creamier sandwich filling.

Pro Tips for Success

Ensure your slow cooker is secure and that the lid fits tightly to prevent moisture from escaping.
For the best texture, avoid overcooking the chicken. It should be easily shredable but not dry.
Consider using a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature for consistency.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can! If using frozen chicken, increase the cooking time to about 6 to 8 hours on LOW. Do not cook on HIGH with frozen chicken, as it may not heat evenly.

Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! If you love heat, you can add extra hot sauce to the sauce mixture. You can also garnish the sandwiches with sliced hot peppers for an extra kick.

Can these sandwiches be made ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just reheat the chicken before assembling your sandwiches.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches are a flavorful and easy meal choice perfect for any occasion. With the slow cooker doing the hard work for you, you can enjoy tender, spicy chicken on a soft bun in no time. Whether for a quiet evening at home or a gathering with friends, these sandwiches are sure to be a hit. Get ready to savor each delicious bite!

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these tender, juicy Buffalo chicken sandwiches, made effortlessly in a slow cooker.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 6

Total Time 6 15

Course Main Course, Sandwich

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 Tbs dried ranch dressing mix (1 packet)
3/4 cup Buffalo wing sauce, divided Plus more for serving
8 pieces Brioche hamburger buns Lightly toasted
to taste Ranch dressing for serving
to taste Blue cheese crumbles for serving

Instructions

Preparation

Pat the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place them in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker insert.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup Buffalo wing sauce and the dried ranch dressing mix until well combined.

Cooking

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring they are thoroughly coated.
Secure the lid tightly. Cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is easily shredded.
Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker, mixing it with the remaining sauce.
Allow the shredded chicken to simmer on the WARM setting for an additional 15-30 minutes.

Serving

Lightly toast the brioche hamburger buns and arrange desired toppings on a platter.
Spoon the warm, saucy Buffalo chicken onto the bottom half of each bun, customize with additional toppings, and serve immediately.

Notes

For added flavor, serve with celery sticks and carrot sticks plus ranch dressing. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months. Add fresh toppings just before serving.

Keyword Buffalo Chicken, comfort food, Sandwiches, Slow Cooker