Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the main protein for this dish, providing a tender and juicy base for the buffalo sauce.

Buffalo wing sauce: This sauce brings the classic spicy and tangy flavor that defines buffalo chicken. Choose your preferred brand or make your own.

Ranch dressing mix: A packet of ranch dressing mix adds a creamy, herby contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce.

Hamburger buns: Soft and fluffy buns are perfect for holding the shredded buffalo chicken and soaking up the flavorful sauce.

Blue cheese crumbles: Optional but highly recommended, these crumbles add a tangy and creamy element that complements the buffalo chicken beautifully.

To ensure the chicken breasts absorb maximum flavor, consider marinating them in the buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing mix for a few hours before placing them in the slow cooker. This extra step allows the chicken to soak up the spices and tanginess, resulting in a more robust and flavorful dish.

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Thighs are juicier and more flavorful, making them a great alternative to chicken breasts.

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with tofu: For a vegetarian option, tofu can absorb the buffalo sauce well and provide a similar texture.

• buffalo wing sauce - Substitute with sriracha mixed with melted butter: This combination can mimic the spicy and buttery profile of buffalo wing sauce.

• buffalo wing sauce - Substitute with barbecue sauce: For a milder and sweeter flavor, barbecue sauce can be used as an alternative.

• ranch dressing mix - Substitute with Italian dressing mix: Italian dressing mix offers a different but equally flavorful seasoning.

• ranch dressing mix - Substitute with Greek yogurt mixed with herbs: This can provide a creamy and tangy flavor similar to ranch dressing.

• hamburger buns - Substitute with whole wheat buns: Whole wheat buns offer more fiber and nutrients compared to regular hamburger buns.

• hamburger buns - Substitute with lettuce wraps: For a low-carb option, lettuce wraps can be used instead of buns.

• blue cheese crumbles - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese provides a tangy and creamy texture similar to blue cheese.

• blue cheese crumbles - Substitute with ranch dressing: For those who don't like blue cheese, ranch dressing can offer a creamy and tangy alternative.

• Allow the chicken mixture to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to soggy buns and spoilage.

• Transfer the shredded buffalo chicken into an airtight container. Make sure to include some of the sauce to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.

• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the sandwiches within 3-4 days. This ensures the chicken remains fresh and safe to eat.

• For longer storage, place the cooled buffalo chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the container with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of how long the chicken has been stored and ensures you use it within 3 months for optimal flavor and texture.

• When ready to use, thaw the frozen buffalo chicken in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the quality of the meat.

• Reheat the chicken in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of buffalo sauce or a bit of chicken broth to keep it moist during reheating.

• Toast the hamburger buns lightly before assembling the sandwiches. This adds a nice crunch and prevents the buns from becoming too soggy.

• Assemble the sandwiches just before serving. Top with blue cheese crumbles if desired, and enjoy your delicious slow cooker buffalo chicken sandwiches.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place the leftover buffalo chicken in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist.
  3. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Serve on fresh hamburger buns and top with blue cheese crumbles if desired.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the buffalo chicken in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a few holes poked in it.
  3. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Ensure the chicken is heated evenly and serve on hamburger buns.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the buffalo chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
  3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
  4. Serve on hamburger buns and add blue cheese crumbles if desired.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Return the leftover buffalo chicken to the slow cooker.
  2. Set to low and heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  3. Serve on hamburger buns when thoroughly heated.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the buffalo chicken in an air fryer-safe dish or wrap it in foil.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to stir.
  4. Serve on hamburger buns and top with blue cheese crumbles if desired.

• Slow cooker: This is the main appliance used to cook the chicken slowly, ensuring it becomes tender and flavorful.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure out the buffalo wing sauce accurately.

• Mixing spoon: Handy for mixing the buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing mix together before pouring over the chicken.

• Forks: Essential for shredding the cooked chicken into fine pieces.

• Tongs: Useful for placing the shredded chicken onto the hamburger buns.

• Serving spoon: Helps in scooping the shredded chicken from the slow cooker to the buns.

• Knife: Needed to cut the hamburger buns if they are not pre-sliced.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to cut the hamburger buns.

• Measuring spoon: Useful for measuring the ranch dressing mix if it is not pre-portioned.

• Serving platter: Ideal for arranging the assembled buffalo chicken sandwiches before serving.

• Cheese grater: If you prefer freshly grated blue cheese crumbles, this tool will be necessary.

Pre-cook the chicken: Use rotisserie chicken to save time. Shred it and mix with buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing mix.

Use a liner: Line your slow cooker with a disposable liner for easy cleanup.

Prep ingredients ahead: Measure out the buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing mix the night before.

Quick shred: Use a hand mixer to shred the chicken quickly in the slow cooker.

Toast the buns: Toast hamburger buns in advance and keep them warm in the oven.