This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken is an easy, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any meal. It’s packed with tangy buffalo sauce and ranch seasoning, creating a rich, spicy, and creamy combination. Whether you serve it on sandwiches, nachos, or even in salads, it’s a guaranteed hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tender & Juicy: Slow cooking makes the chicken incredibly tender and easy to shred.
- Bold Flavor: The buffalo sauce combined with homemade ranch seasoning creates a deliciously spicy and creamy kick.
- Versatile: Use it in sandwiches, wraps, quesadillas, dips, or as a topping for nachos and salads.
- Simple Ingredients: Just a few pantry staples create a crowd-pleasing meal.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Let the slow cooker do all the work!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 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
Directions
- Make the Ranch Seasoning: In a bowl, combine buttermilk powder, parsley, dill, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon pepper, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of a 3-quart or larger slow cooker. Cut the butter into chunks and place it on top of the chicken.
- Mix the Sauce: Add hot sauce to the bowl with the ranch seasoning and mix. Pour the sauce over the chicken and butter in the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. Once the chicken is tender, shred it with two forks. If it’s not tender enough, cook for a little longer.
- Serve: Use the shredded buffalo chicken for sandwiches, quesadillas, nachos, or salads. You can also serve it as a dip.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 (½ cup each)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the shredded chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought ranch seasoning instead of homemade?
Yes, one packet of store-bought ranch seasoning can replace the homemade mix.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work well, though you may need to adjust the cooking time.
What kind of hot sauce should I use?
You can use any vinegar-based cayenne hot sauce, like Frank’s Red Hot or a similar brand.
Can I make this in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can cook it in the Instant Pot on high for 20-25 minutes and shred as usual.
How do I make this spicier?
Add more hot sauce or cayenne pepper to taste for extra heat.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
How should I serve this?
This shredded buffalo chicken is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, nachos, quesadillas, or as a dip for chips.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to extend the cooking time.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F or is easily shredded with a fork.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots or onions for extra flavor, but make sure they are cut small enough to cook properly.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken is a perfect dish for anyone craving bold flavors with minimal effort. The tender, juicy chicken soaked in spicy buffalo sauce is an ideal addition to sandwiches, salads, dips, and more. Whether for game day, family dinners, or meal prep, this recipe is a must-try!
Print
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (½ cup each)
- Category: Main Dish, Slow Cooker
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken is an easy, flavorful, and versatile dish that combines tender chicken with tangy buffalo sauce and creamy ranch seasoning. Perfect for sandwiches, nachos, salads, or dips, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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
- Make the Ranch Seasoning: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk powder, parsley, dill, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon pepper, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of a 3-quart or larger slow cooker. Cut the butter into chunks and place them on top of the chicken.
- Mix the Sauce: Add the hot sauce to the bowl with the ranch seasoning and mix well. Pour the sauce over the chicken and butter in the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. Once the chicken is tender, shred it with two forks. If the chicken isn’t tender enough, cook for a little longer.
- Serve: Use the shredded buffalo chicken for sandwiches, quesadillas, nachos, or salads, or serve as a dip.
Notes
- Use store-bought ranch seasoning as a substitute for homemade if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce or add cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for chicken breasts.
- You can add vegetables like onions or carrots for added flavor.
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