Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
If you are looking for an epic sandwich then these Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches are going to become your new family favorite. Incredible taste, classic buffalo flavor and a recipe where the slow cooker does all of the hard work for you!
*This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.
Buffalo chicken is so tasty, but we often associate the flavor with buffalo wings. Which sometimes isn't for everyone. So I have a recipe to share with you today that combines all of the great flavors of buffalo chicken, but without the bones, without the sticky fingers, and all put together in a roll. Yes, these slow cooker buffalo chicken sandwiches are epic and you are going to love them.
Using the slow cooker transforms the way the chicken breast is cooked. It allows the chicken breast to retain moisture and makes it easy to shred. The buffalo wing sauce isn't spicy food it has just the right amount of heat. This makes a great alternative to enjoy on game day and you could make smaller portions by using slider buns instead. This is the perfect recipe for football season. It is also a great fix-it and forget it crockpot recipe for summer. So if you like the sound of these slow cooker buffalo chicken sandwiches then here is the full recipe.
Ingredients needed for the Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
- 2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 2 Cups of Buffalo Sauce
- 1 oz of Dry Ranch Seasoning (1 Packet)
- 1 Stick of Butter (½ cup)
- 6 Hoagie Rolls
- Blue Cheese Crumbles
- 12 slices Provolone Cheese
How to make the Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
Now that you have got all of the ingredients together let's make the Buffalo Chicken in the slow cooker!
Step one: Let the slow cooker do the hard work for you
The first thing to do would be to gather all of the things you need. This recipe uses simple ingredients and the only appliance you need is your slow cooker. Set up your slow cooker and then place the chicken breasts inside it. Cover the chicken with the ranch seasoning and then add all of the buffalo sauce to the slow cooker. Place the butter on top of the ingredients and secure the lid. That is all the prep you have to do.
Step two: Sit back and wait for the slow cooker to do its thing
Now that everything is in your slow cooker ready to go set the slow cooker to your low setting and then cook for five hours. Avoid lifting the lid during this time as it slows the cooking speed down even further. After five hours you can shred the chicken thoroughly. A great way to do this is by using two forks. Give the shredded chicken a good stir to make sure all of the sauce is coating the chicken. Switch the slow cooker to the warm setting and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Step three: Serve and enjoy
Now the fun part. Load up the bottom of the hoagie roll with some of the buffalo chicken mixture. Add the blue cheese and provolone as desired to the top of the chicken or add it to the bun before putting chicken in t. Your epic shredded buffalo chicken sandwiches are ready to enjoy.
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Recipe notes and tips
It doesn't matter whether you are a seasoned pro in the kitchen or a novice, it is always a good idea to get some helpful hints and tips to help make things easy. No matter how simple it is there will always be some extra guidance. I have a couple of suggestions and notes that will help you when making this recipe.
- If you want the meat to cook quicker, you can switch to the high setting and reduce the cooking time by half. However, I have found that this makes the chicken a bit tougher and not as moist.
- When you shred the chicken, it is ready to eat. However, if you let it rest at a lower temperature it will give the chicken time to absorb the sauce. It will also allow the sauce to become a lot more creamy as opposed to runny.
- You could use an Instant Pot pressure cooker if you want similar results in minutes.
- Instead of chicken breasts you could use skinless chicken thighs instead. You may want to get your butcher to debone them.
- If you can't get hold of provolone cheese then cheddar cheese will work just as well.
Variations to try of Buffalo Chicken
Sometimes it is nice to vary things, know what you can substitute, and try new flavors. So I thought I would share with you some of the variations that you might want to try with this recipe.
- This sandwich can pair with so many great toppings. Some of my favorite toppings are Pickles, ranch, and onions. They are excellent ways to add variety.
- This chicken can be used as a great buffalo chicken dip as well. Perfect for carrot sticks and celery sticks to dip in.
- If you prefer not to use bread you could make lettuce wraps instead. Spoon the buffalo chicken into a lettuce leaf and roll. Yum!
- You could add some extra flavors to the chicken before you begin to slow cook it. Garlic powder and cayenne pepper will work well.
- If you want something spicier you could use Frank's red hot sauce instead.
- Stir in some cream cheese to take the edge off the heat if needed.
FAQs
When it comes to recipes there will always be questions. I thought I would cover some of the most frequently asked questions here. Please feel free to get in touch if your question isn't covered in the recipe.
How should I store any leftovers?
If you do have any leftovers make sure you add them to an airtight container. The leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Like with most slow cooker recipes you will need to ensure the crockpot buffalo chicken has completely cooled before putting it in the refrigerator.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Sure, this is a great recipe to make ahead of time. Using the slow cooker gives you the chance to do this. If you store it as suggested above you could make it a day or two ahead of time. To reheat you could add the mixture to the stove.
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast or Thighs
- 2 Cups Buffalo Sauce
- 1 oz Dry Ranch Seasoning 1 Packet
- 1 Stick Butter ½ cup
- 6 Hoagie Rolls
- 6 ounces Blue Cheese Crumbles
- 12 slices Provolone Cheese
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Cover the chicken with the ranch seasoning and then add all of the buffalo sauce to the slow cooker.
- Place the butter on top of the ingredients and secure the lid.
- Cook for 5 hours on low. After 5 hours, shred the chicken thoroughly with 2 forks and mix well.
- Switch the slow cooker to the warm setting and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Load up the bottom portion of the hoagie with some buffalo chicken and top with blue cheese and provolone, if desired.
- Cut it in half. Enjoy!
Nutrition
