Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (1)

By: Becky Hardin

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Crockpot Buffalo Chicken is so simple, delicious, and versatile! If you love chicken and love spicy food, it doesn’t get better than slow cooker Buffalo chicken… making a great topping for sandwiches, tacos, nachos, and more!

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2)

Table of Contents

Why We Love This Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Recipe

Buffalo Chicken just goes hand in hand with tailgating. Buffalo Chicken Dip was one of the first things I learned to cook (I guess that counts as cooking?) and since that glorious day, I’ve made it hundreds of times. If there is a Buffalo chicken sandwichlisted on a menu, you better believe I’m ordering it. But I don’t want just to enjoy it when we are out to eat, I want to enjoy it tailgating at home too!!

To make this recipe, all you need is a slow cooker, chicken breasts, ranch seasoning, and some Buffalo sauce. You’ll feel like you’re in your favorite restaurant watching your favorite team win on game day. Or in my case, as a Mizzou fan, most likely you’ll be watching them lose. But you get the idea.

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

My absolute favorite way to enjoy this crockpot Buffalo chicken is on a soft toasted bun topped with extra homemade Buffalo sauce, a slice of cheese, a drizzle of blue cheese or ranch dressing, and some crispy ranch fried pickles. Yum!

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (3)

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (4)

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How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover crockpot Buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a crockpot or in the microwave until warmed through.

How to Freeze

Freeze crockpot Buffalo chicken in an airtight container or Ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve this juicy slow cooker Buffalo chicken on a sandwich (pictured), in a wrap, on a salad, in enchiladas or tacos, over nachos, or on a bed of mashed potatoes. Just don’t forget the ranch pickles!

Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in the crockpot?

We prefer to cook our chicken on low for 6-7 hours, but if you’re in a rush, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking on high does put it at risk of drying out, though, so watch carefully!

How do I keep chicken from drying out in the crockpot?

As mentioned above, cooking on low for longer helps prevent the chicken from drying out. You can also swap the chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier cut if you prefer. Cook time is exactly the same!

Does chicken need to be covered in liquid in the crockpot?

The chicken should be covered in liquid, but it does not need to be fully submerged in order to cook through.

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5-Star Review

“This is one ultimate sandwich! So much easier to make than I thought it would be too!” -Erin

More Buffalo Chicken Recipes To Try

  • Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
  • Stuffed Buffalo Chicken
  • Buffalo Chicken Chili
  • Buffalo Chicken Soup
  • Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
  • Buffalo Wings

Recipe

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Recipe

4.62 from 31 votes

Author: Becky Hardin

Prep: 10 minutes minutes

Cook: 7 hours hours

Total: 7 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

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This crockpot Buffalo chicken is perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a main meal!

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

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Ingredients

  • 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts thawed if frozen
  • 12 ounces hot sauce divided (I used Franks RedHot)
  • 1 ounce ranch seasoning (1 packet)
  • tablespoons unsalted butter

To Make Sandwiches

  • 6 hamburger buns
  • 6 slices gouda cheese (cheddar would also be delish!)
  • Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
  • Ranch Fried Pickles for topping

Instructions

  • Spray your crockpot with nonstick spray, then place the chicken breasts along with ¾ of the bottle of hot sauce and all of the ranch seasoning into the crock.

    5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 12 ounces hot sauce, 1 ounce ranch seasoning

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  • Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3½-4 hours.

  • Add the butter and the remaining ¼ bottle of hot sauce, and shred the chicken with two forks. Stir to combine.

    1½ tablespoons unsalted butter

    Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (9)

  • To assemble sandwiches, place cheese and chicken on a toasted bun. Top with ranch or blue cheese dressing and Ranch Fried Pickles.

    6 hamburger buns, 6 slices gouda cheese, Ranch dressing, Ranch Fried Pickles

    Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (10)

Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

Becky’s tips

  • Nutritional information is for the chicken only, not the assembled sandwiches.

Storage:Store crockpot Buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 269kcal (13%) Carbohydrates: 4g (1%) Protein: 42g (84%) Fat: 8g (12%) Saturated Fat: 3g (19%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 2g Trans Fat: 0.1g Cholesterol: 133mg (44%) Sodium: 2081mg (90%) Potassium: 810mg (23%) Fiber: 0.2g (1%) Sugar: 1g (1%) Vitamin A: 238IU (5%) Vitamin C: 45mg (55%) Calcium: 15mg (2%) Iron: 1mg (6%)

Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (11)

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (12)

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How to Make Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Step by Step

Cook the Chicken: Spray your crockpot with nonstick spray, then place 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts along with ¾ of a 12-ounce bottle of hot sauce and all of a 1-ounce ranch seasoning packet into the crock. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3½-4 hours.

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Shred the Chicken: Add 1½ tablespoons of unsalted butter and the remaining ¼ of a 12-ounce bottle of hot sauce, and shred the chicken with two forks. Stir to combine.

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(Optional) Make Sandwiches: To assemble sandwiches, place 1 slice of cheese and a heaping portion of chicken on a toasted bun. Top with ranch or blue cheese dressing and Ranch Fried Pickles.

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Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (16)

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Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

FAQs

Why is my chicken in the crockpot still tough? ›

The meat was overcooked: Slow cookers are known for their ability to tenderize meat, but if the meat is cooked for too long, it can become overcooked and tough. It's important to follow the recommended cooking time for your recipe to ensure that the meat is cooked to the correct doneness.

How do I keep chicken from drying out in the crockpot? ›

Using a nice, long, low-and-slow cook time helps chicken breasts retain plenty of moisture - but you can certainly opt to add a splash of water or chicken stock to the crockpot if you like!

How long is buffalo chicken dip good for? ›

Making and storing buffalo chicken dip

Since the dip has numerous ingredients, it might open the door for questions about how long you should keep leftovers in the fridge. You can store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, according to The Kitchn.

Is it better to cook chicken breast on high or low in crockpot? ›

Chicken Breast Cooking Times

Cook boneless chicken breasts in slow cooker on LOW for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours. Always cook your boneless skinless chicken breasts on LOW for the best results. I do not recommend cooking boneless chicken breast on HIGH, as it will become very dry and tough, even if you check it early.

Does chicken get more tender the longer you cook it? ›

Unlike chicken breasts, chicken thighs and drumsticks actually become more tender the longer they cook. That's because of their makeup. Dark meat has an abundant amount of connective tissue, which dissolves into gelatin as the meat cooks, rendering it juicy and tender.

Does chicken need to be covered in liquid in crockpot? ›

When cooking meat or poultry, the water or liquid level should cover the ingredients to ensure effective heat transfer throughout the crock. Some manufacturers of slow cookers recommend adding liquid to fill the stoneware 1/2 to 3/4 full. Follow the manufacturer's recipes and directions for best results.

How long does it take for chicken breast to get tender in crockpot? ›

Cover your crock pot and cook chicken breasts on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Chicken is done when the internal temp reaches 165 degrees F. Use chicken in your favorite recipes. Perfect for shredding!

Can I put raw chicken in the crockpot? ›

Yes, you can put raw chicken in a slow cooker! Slow cookers and Crock-Pots are designed to cook raw meats. The direct heat from the pot, lengthy cooking time and steam created from the tightly covered container destroys bacteria, making slow cooking safe. You can put frozen chicken in a slow cooker, too!

Can I eat 5 day old buffalo chicken dip? ›

If you've made it at home, it's best to enjoy within three to four days. If you'd like to keep it for longer, freezing is an option. Buffalo chicken dip can be frozen and stay good for up to 2 months.

Can you overcook buffalo chicken dip? ›

It is done when the cheese is completely melted and you don't see any chunks of cream cheese remaining. Do not over-cook and do not turn the heat up to high. Store the leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Homemade buffalo chicken dip will last up to one week in the fridge.

Why is my buffalo chicken dip too thick? ›

This Buffalo chicken dip recipe should be thick enough if made according to the directions. But if you prefer an even thicker dip, feel free to add an extra ounce or two of cream cheese. Alternatively, if it's too thick, add milk—1 tablespoon at a time—until you reach a spoonable consistency.

Does chicken get softer the longer you slow cook it? ›

Yes, chicken breast can become softer the longer you cook it, especially if you cook it using moist heat methods such as braising or stewing. These methods allow the collagen in the meat to break down, resulting in a more tender texture.

How do you soften tough chicken? ›

1) Marinate the chicken in water, wine, or other liquids for up to an hour before cooking. This will tenderize the meat and add flavor. 2) Slowly cook the chicken on low heat with a lid on top for about 15-20 minutes per pound of chicken. The lid prevents the chicken from drying out too much.

How do you fix tough cooked chicken? ›

Moisture: Introduce moisture to the chicken to help soften it. You can do this by marinating the cooked chicken in a sauce or broth for a while. This can help rehydrate the meat and add some flavor. Just be careful not to over-marinate, as the chicken could become mushy.

Why is my cooked chicken tough and chewy? ›

Here are some factors that influence the texture of chicken: Cooking Method: The cooking method used plays a significant role in the texture of chicken. Overcooking or cooking at too high a temperature can result in tough, dry chicken. Undercooking can leave chicken undercooked and chewy.

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