Crockpot Buffalo Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken is a flavorful, spicy, and easy-to-make dish perfect for game day, weeknight dinners, or meal prepping. This shredded chicken is infused with zesty buffalo sauce and slow-cooked to tender perfection. It’s versatile enough to serve on sandwiches, salads, wraps, or over rice for a satisfying meal with minimal effort.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breastsbuffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)ranch dressing or ranch seasoning creambuttergarlic powderonion powdersaltblack pepper

directions

Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.

Pour buffalo wing sauce over the chicken, reserving some for later if desired.

Add ranch dressing or sprinkle ranch seasoning over the top.

Dot with pieces of butter and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

Shred the chicken with two forks directly in the crockpot and stir to coat with the sauce.

Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on low to soak up more flavor.

Serve warm on buns, tortillas, lettuce wraps, or over rice.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Shredding and finishing: 15 minutes
Total time: 6.5-7.5 hours

Variations

Add cream cheese for a creamier buffalo chicken version.

Mix in chopped celery and carrots for texture and crunch.

Serve with blue cheese crumbles for added flavor.

Use chicken thighs for a richer taste.

Top baked potatoes with buffalo chicken and cheese for a hearty meal.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of sauce or water if needed.
Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but it’s recommended to thaw it first for even cooking and food safety.

Is it very spicy?

It has a medium heat level, but you can adjust by using a milder buffalo sauce or adding extra butter or cream.

Can I make this with pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just reduce the cooking time and mix everything until heated through.

Can I use a different sauce?

You can substitute with BBQ, teriyaki, or other sauces for different flavors.

Do I need to use ranch?

No, you can omit or use blue cheese dressing if preferred.

What should I serve with Crockpot Buffalo Chicken?

Coleslaw, pickles, chips, fries, or a side salad work great.

Can I cook this on the stovetop or oven?

Yes, simmer in a pot on low heat for 1-2 hours or bake covered at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 hours.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, if all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, just ensure your crockpot can accommodate the volume.

Conclusion

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken is a spicy, savory, and simple dish that packs a punch of flavor with minimal hands-on time. Perfect for busy days or feeding a crowd, it offers flexibility in how it’s served and is sure to be a hit with buffalo sauce lovers. Try it for your next meal or party, and enjoy the bold, zesty taste!

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