Slow Cooker Shredded Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

Looking for a quick and delicious game day meal? These Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches are the perfect solution! Tender, shredded chicken slow-cooked in zesty Buffalo sauce creates a mouthwatering filling for hoagie rolls that’s sure to please any crowd. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving comfort food, this easy, hands-off recipe will leave everyone asking for more. Plus, it’s versatile enough to enjoy with ranch or blue cheese dressing, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

• A Flavor Explosion: The combination of tender, juicy chicken and tangy Buffalo sauce makes these sandwiches irresistible. Every bite is packed with bold flavor that’ll have you coming back for more.

• Perfect for Parties: Whether you’re hosting a game day event or a casual gathering, this slow cooker recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd without any fuss. Just set it and forget it!

• Minimal Prep Time: With just 10 minutes of prep, you’ll have a delicious meal with very little effort. The slow cooker does all the hard work!

• Customizable Toppings: You can top these sandwiches with blue cheese or ranch dressing for extra flavor and creaminess. It’s a simple way to elevate this dish to the next level.

• Leftover Friendly: These sandwiches are so tasty that even leftovers will be enjoyed. The shredded chicken works well in wraps, tacos, or as a salad topping the next day.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – The base of this dish, providing tender, juicy meat that shreds perfectly after slow cooking.

• Buffalo Wing Sauce – This tangy and spicy sauce gives the chicken its signature flavor. Adjust the amount for your desired spice level.

• Ranch Salad Dressing Mix – This adds a creamy, herby flavor that complements the heat of the Buffalo sauce perfectly.

• Butter – Adds richness and helps the sauce coat the chicken beautifully, making each bite extra flavorful.

• Hoagie Rolls – Soft rolls that hold all the shredded chicken and sauce without falling apart. Choose your favorite brand or go for gluten-free if needed.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

• Slow Cooker – The star of the show, making the chicken incredibly tender with minimal effort.

• Forks – To shred the chicken once it’s cooked, ensuring that it’s easy to pile onto your hoagie rolls.

• Measuring Spoons – For accurately adding the ranch seasoning and other ingredients to ensure the perfect flavor balance.

How to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

• Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.

• Pour 3/4 of the Buffalo wing sauce over the chicken and sprinkle the ranch dressing mix on top.

• Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 6 to 7 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.

• Shred the chicken with two forks directly in the slow cooker.

• Stir in the butter, allowing it to melt and coat the chicken in the sauce.

• Pile the shredded chicken onto hoagie rolls, drizzle with the remaining Buffalo sauce, and serve.

Serving Suggestions

• These Buffalo chicken sandwiches go perfectly with crispy sweet potato chips, a side of creamy coleslaw, or fresh cucumber spears for a balanced meal.

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• Serve with a fresh peach burrata salad or roasted brussels sprouts and carrots to add a healthy touch to this flavorful sandwich.

• Don’t forget a side of extra homemade ranch or Greek tzatziki sauce for dipping, enhancing the bold flavors of the Buffalo chicken.

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Chicken – For the best texture and flavor, opt for fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Frozen chicken can also be used but may require additional cooking time.

• Control the Heat – Adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce based on your heat tolerance. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less sauce or add a bit of honey to balance the heat.

• Shred While Hot – Shredding the chicken immediately after it’s cooked ensures that the meat absorbs more of the sauce and stays moist.

• Add Extra Flavor – For more depth, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of smoked paprika to the chicken mixture while it’s cooking. This adds a nice tangy and smoky note to the sauce.

• Make Ahead – This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the slow cooker or on the stovetop with a little extra Buffalo sauce to maintain its flavor and moisture.

• Freezer Friendly – You can also freeze the cooked Buffalo chicken for up to 3 months. Just place it in an airtight container and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

• Chicken Thighs – If you prefer darker meat, substitute the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They’ll shred just as beautifully and offer a richer, more flavorful taste.

• Hotter Buffalo Sauce – For those who enjoy extra heat, opt for a spicier Buffalo sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the mix.

• Low-Carb Option – Skip the hoagie rolls and serve the Buffalo chicken over a bed of lettuce or in a lettuce wrap for a low-carb alternative.

• Vegetarian Option – Replace the chicken with cauliflower florets for a vegetarian twist. Slow cook the cauliflower in the same Buffalo sauce mixture for a hearty, plant-based option.

• Add Veggies – Toss in some chopped celery, carrots, or bell peppers to the slow cooker for added crunch and a nutritional boost.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage – To store leftovers, place the Buffalo chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This makes it easy to enjoy the sandwiches again later or repurpose the chicken in other meals like wraps or salads.

• Freezing – If you want to keep the Buffalo chicken for longer, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Transfer the cooled chicken to a freezer-safe container or bag, and label it with the date. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the fridge.

• Reheating – To reheat, place the chicken back into the slow cooker or a saucepan with a little extra Buffalo sauce to keep it moist. Heat on low until warmed through, or reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the slow cooker or on the stovetop with a bit of extra Buffalo sauce to keep it moist and flavorful.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Frozen chicken breasts can be used in this recipe, but they may require a bit more cooking time. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Can I adjust the spice level of the Buffalo sauce?

Absolutely! You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of Buffalo sauce you use or by adding extra ingredients like honey to tone down the spice or cayenne pepper to make it hotter.

What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches?

These sandwiches are great with sides like crispy potato chips, coleslaw, or even a light salad. You can also serve them with additional dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese for extra flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the hoagie rolls for gluten-free rolls, and this recipe will work perfectly for those with gluten sensitivities.

Other Easy Chicken Recipes

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Necks – Enjoy perfectly crispy and tender chicken necks with this quick and easy air fryer recipe that’s full of flavor.

Philly-Style Chicken Cheesesteak – This Philly-style chicken cheesesteak combines tender chicken, melty cheese, and sautéed veggies for a delicious and satisfying sandwich.

Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad – A light and refreshing chicken pasta salad that’s packed with veggies and perfect for a quick, healthy meal.

Grilled Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – Juicy and perfectly grilled boneless skinless chicken breasts, ideal for any barbecue or weeknight dinner.

Crispy Baked Chicken Wings – These crispy baked chicken wings are seasoned to perfection and make a great appetizer or party snack without the hassle of frying.

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wrap – A flavorful and spicy buffalo chicken wrap that’s quick to make and perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup – This hearty and flavorful chicken tortilla soup is made in the Instant Pot for a quick and comforting meal.

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