Easy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
Tender, slow-cooked chicken soaked in tangy buffalo sauce, perfect for game day or casual get-togethers. This easy recipe delivers juicy, flavorful sandwiches with minimal fuss.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 4–6 sandwich buns (brioche or potato rolls recommended)
- Optional toppings: sliced celery, shredded lettuce, extra ranch dressing
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine buffalo wing sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
- Place chicken breasts or thighs evenly in the slow cooker.
- Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken without stirring.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2.5 to 3 hours until chicken reaches 165°F and shreds easily.
- Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using forks or shredding claws and stir to coat with sauce.
- Lightly toast sandwich buns in the oven or on a skillet.
- Assemble sandwiches by spooning buffalo chicken onto buns and adding optional toppings as desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
If using frozen chicken, add about 1 hour to cooking time. Avoid stirring sauce before cooking to keep chicken moist. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. For thicker sauce after shredding, use slow cooker sauté setting for 5-10 minutes. Instant Pot method: cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 350400
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 30
Keywords: buffalo chicken, slow cooker, sandwiches, game day, easy recipe, comfort food, spicy chicken