Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
Introduction
This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken recipe is perfect for an easy, flavorful meal with minimal effort. Tender chicken cooked in spicy buffalo sauce makes a delicious filling for buns, ideal for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup Frank’s Buffalo Hot Sauce
- 6 brioche buns (or 12 slider rolls for serving)
- 12 ounces coleslaw mix (for serving)
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the chicken breasts in a 4-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper evenly over the chicken. Add the unsalted butter on top of the chicken, then pour the buffalo hot sauce over everything.
- Step 2: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is very tender.
- Step 3: Shred the cooked chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks or a hand mixer. Serve the shredded buffalo chicken on brioche buns topped with coleslaw mix for added crunch and freshness.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or mix in some ranch dressing before serving.
- Add diced celery to the coleslaw mix for extra crunch and a classic pairing with buffalo flavors.
- Use slider rolls if you prefer smaller sandwiches perfect for parties or appetizers.
- Leftover chicken can be tossed with cooked pasta or used as a topping for baked potatoes.
Storage
Store any leftover buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to keep it moist before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and stay moist during slow cooking. Cooking times remain the same.
What if I don’t have Frank’s Buffalo Hot Sauce?
You can substitute with any buffalo-style hot sauce or a mix of hot sauce and melted butter to achieve similar flavor.
PrintSlow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken recipe offers a flavorful and tender chicken dish infused with classic buffalo sauce and butter, perfect for easy weeknight dinners. The chicken is slow-cooked until juicy and shredded, then served on soft brioche buns alongside crisp coleslaw for a deliciously balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup Frank’s Buffalo Hot Sauce
For Serving
- 6 brioche buns (or 12 slider rolls)
- 12 ounces coleslaw mix
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts into a 4-quart slow cooker. Evenly sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper over the chicken to season it thoroughly.
- Add Butter and Buffalo Sauce: Place the unsalted butter on top of the chicken breasts, then pour 1 cup of Frank’s Buffalo Hot Sauce evenly over everything to cover the chicken with flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours or on high heat for 2 to 3 hours. Cook until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F and the meat is very tender to ensure safety and perfect shredding texture.
- Shred the Chicken: Using two forks or a hand mixer directly in the slow cooker, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, mixing it well with the buffalo sauce and butter for rich flavor distribution.
- Serve the Buffalo Chicken: Spoon the shredded buffalo chicken onto brioche buns (or slider rolls if preferred). Top with a generous amount of fresh coleslaw mix for added crunch and a cool contrast to the spicy chicken. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- You can adjust the level of heat by varying the amount of buffalo sauce or using a milder sauce if desired.
- For a creamier texture, consider mixing in a little ranch or blue cheese dressing into the shredded chicken before serving.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger groups using a larger slow cooker or cooking in batches.
- Leftover buffalo chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
- To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.
Keywords: Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken, buffalo chicken recipe, easy chicken sandwiches, slow cooker recipes, buffalo chicken sandwiches
