Crockpot Buffalo Chicken is so simple, delicious, and versatile! If you love chicken and love spicy food, it doesn’t get better than slow cooker Buffalo chicken… making a great topping for sandwiches, tacos, nachos, and more!
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Why We Love This Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Recipe
Buffalo Chicken just goes hand in hand with tailgating. Buffalo Chicken Dip was one of the first things I learned to cook (I guess that counts as cooking?) and since that glorious day, I’ve made it hundreds of times. If there is a Buffalo chicken sandwich listed on a menu, you better believe I’m ordering it. But I don’t want just to enjoy it when we are out to eat, I want to enjoy it tailgating at home too!!
To make this recipe, all you need is a slow cooker, chicken breasts, ranch seasoning, and some Buffalo sauce. You’ll feel like you’re in your favorite restaurant watching your favorite team win on game day. Or in my case, as a Mizzou fan, most likely you’ll be watching them lose. But you get the idea.
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
My absolute favorite way to enjoy this crockpot Buffalo chicken is on a soft toasted bun topped with extra homemade Buffalo sauce, a slice of cheese, a drizzle of blue cheese or ranch dressing, and some crispy ranch fried pickles. Yum!
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover crockpot Buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a crockpot or in the microwave until warmed through.
How to Freeze
Freeze crockpot Buffalo chicken in an airtight container or Ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve this juicy slow cooker Buffalo chicken on a sandwich (pictured), in a wrap, on a salad, in enchiladas or tacos, over nachos, or on a bed of mashed potatoes. Just don’t forget the ranch pickles!
We prefer to cook our chicken on low for 6-7 hours, but if you’re in a rush, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking on high does put it at risk of drying out, though, so watch carefully!
As mentioned above, cooking on low for longer helps prevent the chicken from drying out. You can also swap the chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier cut if you prefer. Cook time is exactly the same!
The chicken should be covered in liquid, but it does not need to be fully submerged in order to cook through.
5-Star Review
“This is one ultimate sandwich! So much easier to make than I thought it would be too!” -Erin
More Buffalo Chicken Recipes To Try
- Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Stuffed Buffalo Chicken
- Buffalo Chicken Chili
- Buffalo Chicken Soup
- Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
- Buffalo Wings
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts thawed if frozen
- 12 ounces hot sauce divided (I used Franks RedHot)
- 1 ounce ranch seasoning (1 packet)
- 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter
To Make Sandwiches
- 6 hamburger buns
- 6 slices gouda cheese (cheddar would also be delish!)
- Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- Ranch Fried Pickles for topping
Instructions
- Spray your crockpot with nonstick spray, then place the chicken breasts along with ¾ of the bottle of hot sauce and all of the ranch seasoning into the crock.5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 12 ounces hot sauce, 1 ounce ranch seasoning
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3½-4 hours.
- Add the butter and the remaining ¼ bottle of hot sauce, and shred the chicken with two forks. Stir to combine.1½ tablespoons unsalted butter
- To assemble sandwiches, place cheese and chicken on a toasted bun. Top with ranch or blue cheese dressing and Ranch Fried Pickles.6 hamburger buns, 6 slices gouda cheese, Ranch dressing, Ranch Fried Pickles
Video
Becky’s Tips
- Nutritional information is for the chicken only, not the assembled sandwiches.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Make Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Step by Step
Cook the Chicken: Spray your crockpot with nonstick spray, then place 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts along with ¾ of a 12-ounce bottle of hot sauce and all of a 1-ounce ranch seasoning packet into the crock. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3½-4 hours.
Shred the Chicken: Add 1½ tablespoons of unsalted butter and the remaining ¼ of a 12-ounce bottle of hot sauce, and shred the chicken with two forks. Stir to combine.
(Optional) Make Sandwiches: To assemble sandwiches, place 1 slice of cheese and a heaping portion of chicken on a toasted bun. Top with ranch or blue cheese dressing and Ranch Fried Pickles.
My mouth literally dropped open when I saw these photos on Instagram, Becky – seriously jawdropping! I adore fried pickles and remember watching the Royals when the series when I was in kindergarten. (Excuse me while I date myself!) These look like the perfect good luck charm!
We are going to the game tomorrow…fingers crossed!!! Thanks for stopping by girl :)
Ranch fried pickles? I’M SOLD. The Dodgers are not doing so well. I think it’s time I start rooting for The Royals ;)
Come on over to the right side girl!!! Jk…maybe both our teams will make the WS!
I am in love with this one.
Thank you so much Cathy!
Tailgating isn’t complete without buffalo chicken! I’m sure it’ll be a hit in my house! Looks fantastic! :D
Thank you so much Andi!
Wow! I adore all things buffalo chicken and the fried pickles just take these right over the top!
Thank you so much Valerie!
Holy LOVE! Dinner at my place, game-day grub at YOUR place!! :-D
That works for me girl!!!! I wish we were neighbors!
Can you suggest adding anything to make hot sauce milder?Cannot eat very spicy hot things so always order mild wings, but love buffalo wings.
You could use a very mild hot sauce. I think Franks has a mild buffalo sauce. You could also use less hot sauce and throw a little bbq sauce in in its place. Hope you love the sandwich!! Thanks for stopping by!
Now that is one freaking amazing sammie! Adding the fried pickles is genius!
Thank you so much Amy!
These look fabulous!! Can you tell me where you add the ranch seasoning? It’s not listed in the directions!
Whoops! Good catch Jen! I added it into the slow cooker at the beginning with the sauce. I’m going to update the recipe right now. Thank you SO much for catching that!
Plan on making this next week! Yummy! Just so you are aware the directions for the ranch mix have still not been added.
This is EPIC! My Hubby loves buffalo chicken so I need to make this for our next game day!
Thanks Anna! Hope you and your husband LOVE it!