Ultimate Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe: Spicy & Easy
Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavor and your hands for a delightful mess with this incredible slow cooker buffalo chicken sandwich. We’re talking about succulent chicken, slow-cooked to perfection with a vibrant blend of zesty ranch and fiery buffalo sauce, reaching peak tenderness and juiciness. Each bite is further elevated with a generous topping of crisp, homemade coleslaw, all nestled between soft, toasted buns. This recipe promises a satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and utterly delicious.
Spicy, saucy, and brimming with irresistible flavor — this Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Sandwich is destined to become a new staple in your recipe rotation! The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: your slow cooker handles all the heavy lifting, effortlessly transforming a few basic ingredients into incredibly tender, juicy shredded chicken. It’s the ideal filling for piling high onto a soft bun, creating a sandwich that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for an easy weeknight dinner with a satisfying kick, or craving a hearty meal, this recipe delivers on flavor with minimal effort.
The creamy, tangy homemade coleslaw serves as the perfect counterpoint, beautifully balancing the bold spice of the buffalo chicken. For an extra layer of flavor and texture, you can even finish your sandwich with crumbled blue cheese or a drizzle of extra ranch dressing, truly customizing it to your preference.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Spicy Chicken Sandwich
This isn’t just another chicken sandwich; it’s a culinary experience that consistently earns rave reviews. Here’s why I’m confident it will quickly become one of your all-time favorites:
- Effortlessly Easy: The most appealing aspect of this buffalo chicken recipe is undoubtedly its slow cooker preparation. This hands-off approach drastically reduces your time in the kitchen, allowing you to “set it and forget it.” It’s perfect for busy schedules, letting you come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.
- Perfectly Cooked Every Time: Thanks to the gentle, consistent heat of the slow cooker, your chicken will always be incredibly tender and juicy. Say goodbye to dry, overcooked chicken! The slow cooking process ensures the chicken absorbs all the wonderful flavors of the buffalo and ranch sauces, resulting in a moist, flavorful outcome every single time.
- Harmonious Flavor Balance: The classic combination of spicy buffalo and cool, creamy ranch is truly crave-worthy. But what truly elevates this sandwich is the addition of the homemade coleslaw. Its refreshing crunch and tangy creaminess provide a delightful contrast, cutting through the richness and spice of the chicken for a perfectly balanced bite.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re preparing a casual weeknight dinner, fueling a game day party, or need a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this buffalo chicken sandwich fits the bill. It’s easy to scale up for larger groups and always a hit!
- Customizable to Your Taste: From adjusting the spice level to choosing your favorite toppings, this recipe offers plenty of room for personalization. Make it as mild or wild as you like!
Gather Your Ingredients: What You’ll Need
For detailed measurements, be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.
For the Flavorful Chicken:
- Chicken Breasts: We recommend using boneless and skinless chicken breasts for ease of shredding and a leaner profile. Chicken thighs can also be used for a richer flavor and even more tender result.
- Ranch Dressing Mix: This powdered mix is a secret weapon, adding a fantastic blend of herbs and savory flavor that complements the buffalo sauce perfectly.
- Buffalo Sauce: The star of the show! Use your favorite brand to control the heat and flavor profile. Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred here to add a luscious richness and help tenderize the chicken, balancing the spice with a creamy mouthfeel.
For the Crunchy Coleslaw:
- Coleslaw Mix: A pre-packaged bag of shredded cabbage and carrots is a time-saver. Alternatively, you can shred your own cabbage (green and red for color!) and carrots for an even fresher taste.
- Ranch Dressing: Liquid ranch dressing provides the creamy base for the coleslaw, tying all the flavors together.
- Mayonnaise: Adds extra creaminess and richness to the coleslaw dressing, ensuring it’s luxuriously smooth and flavorful.
For Serving and Garnishing:
- Buns: Soft brioche buns, potato rolls, or classic hamburger buns are all excellent choices for holding this hearty sandwich together.
- Blue Cheese Crumbles (Optional): For those who love the classic buffalo-blue cheese pairing, these crumbles add a pungent, creamy, and salty kick.
- Ranch Dressing (Optional): A little extra drizzle of ranch on top can enhance the creamy coolness and balance the spice.
Effortless Preparation: How to Make This Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
Creating this incredibly juicy and flavorful buffalo chicken sandwich couldn’t be simpler. The slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting, allowing you to achieve tender, shredded chicken with minimal fuss. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker. This provides a good base for the flavors to meld.
- Layer the Flavors: Generously sprinkle the ranch dressing mix directly over the chicken. Follow this with a pour of three-quarters of the buffalo sauce, ensuring the chicken is well-coated. Finally, dot the top with small pieces of unsalted butter; this will melt down, adding richness and moisture during cooking.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low. Allow the chicken to cook for 3-4 hours. The low and slow cooking method is key to achieving that fall-apart tender, incredibly juicy texture.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Using two forks, easily shred the chicken right on a cutting board. It should be so tender that it practically falls apart.
- Finish Seasoning: Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. Pour in the remaining quarter cup of buffalo sauce. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the chicken is completely coated and infused with that irresistible buffalo flavor.
- Prepare the Coleslaw Dressing: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the prepared ranch dressing and mayonnaise. Whisk them together until you have a smooth, creamy dressing.
- Assemble the Coleslaw: Add the coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots) to the dressing. Toss gently until all the vegetables are evenly coated. This refreshing coleslaw adds a crucial textural and flavor balance to the spicy chicken.
- Build Your Sandwich: Lightly toast your buns for an extra layer of texture. Spoon a generous amount of the warm, saucy buffalo chicken onto the bottom bun. Top with a healthy portion of the creamy coleslaw. For an authentic experience, consider adding optional blue cheese crumbles or a final drizzle of ranch. Place the top bun and enjoy your masterpiece!
Expert Tips, Tricks, and Creative Variations
Elevate your buffalo chicken sandwich experience with these helpful tips and exciting variations to make this recipe truly your own:
- Craft Your Own Ranch Dressing Mix: For an unparalleled depth of flavor, consider making your own homemade ranch dressing mix instead of using a store-bought packet. The difference in freshness and taste is remarkable. One standard packet of ranch mix is typically equivalent to about 2 tablespoons of homemade dry ranch seasoning.
- Tailor the Heat to Your Liking: The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. If you crave extra spice, opt for a hotter brand of buffalo sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce. For those who prefer a milder kick, you can dilute the buffalo sauce with a small amount of water or white vinegar. Another great option for a nuanced heat is to add a few pepperoncini peppers to the slow cooker with the chicken.
- Speed It Up with an Instant Pot: If time is of the essence, this recipe can be easily adapted for an Instant Pot. Simply add ⅓ cup of water to the pot along with all the other ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then perform a natural release for 5 minutes before a quick release. The rest of the steps, including shredding and mixing the coleslaw, remain the same. This method delivers tender chicken in a fraction of the time.
- Choose the Perfect Bun: Don’t underestimate the power of a good bun! Soft, slightly sweet brioche buns or potato rolls complement the spicy chicken beautifully. Toasting the buns lightly before assembling adds a wonderful texture and prevents them from getting soggy.
- Additional Topping Ideas: Beyond blue cheese and ranch, consider adding thin slices of red onion for a sharp bite, dill pickle chips for tang, or even a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives or cilantro for a fresh herbaceous note. A slice of provolone or mozzarella cheese melted over the chicken on the bun can also add a delightful creaminess.
- Make it a Salad or Wrap: For a lighter option, serve the shredded buffalo chicken over a bed of mixed greens with the coleslaw, creating a delicious and hearty salad. Alternatively, wrap the chicken and coleslaw in large lettuce leaves or tortillas for a convenient and flavorful meal.
Complementary Sides: What to Serve it With
I find that simple, classic sides work best with this robust buffalo chicken sandwich, allowing its flavors to truly shine. Here are some of my favorite recipes that perfectly complement this dish:
- Air Fryer Frozen French Fries: Crispy and golden, french fries are an undeniable classic pairing for any sandwich. The air fryer makes them incredibly easy and delicious.
- Roasted Asparagus: A lighter, fresh vegetable side that provides a lovely contrast to the richness of the sandwich.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Earthy and slightly bitter, roasted Brussels sprouts offer a sophisticated counterpoint to the spicy chicken.
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes provide a comforting and hearty side, especially if you enjoy a little extra kick with a jalapeño version.
- Tomato Mozzarella Salad: A refreshing and vibrant salad with juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella, perfect for a lighter accompaniment.
- Chicken Caesar Salad: While this sandwich is already chicken-based, a fresh Caesar salad (without the chicken, perhaps!) can add a crisp, savory element.
Storing Leftovers for Future Enjoyment
This recipe makes fantastic leftovers, making it ideal for meal prepping throughout the week. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy these delicious flavors again and again:
If you have any leftover shredded buffalo chicken or coleslaw, store them separately in airtight containers. The chicken can be refrigerated for up to 4 days, while the coleslaw will stay fresh for up to a week. When you’re ready for another buffalo chicken sandwich, simply reheat the chicken gently (microwave or stovetop works well), prepare a fresh bun, and assemble! This way, your buns will remain soft and not become soggy from storing them with the saucy chicken.
Freezing: It’s best not to freeze the assembled sandwiches, as the bread will become very soggy and unappealing upon thawing. However, the cooked buffalo chicken freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Discover More Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
Using a slow cooker for chicken truly feels like a culinary cheat code! It’s astonishingly easy to achieve perfectly cooked chicken that’s consistently juicy, tender, and infused with incredible flavor every single time. If you love the convenience and delicious results of slow cooker cooking, here are some more of my favorite slow cooker chicken recipes that you absolutely must try:
- Crockpot Ranch Chicken: Simple, savory, and incredibly versatile, perfect for shredding into tacos or serving with rice.
- Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks: Fall-off-the-bone tender drumsticks that are packed with flavor and so easy to make.
- Honey Sesame Chicken: A sweet and savory Asian-inspired dish that’s perfect over rice or noodles.
- Fiesta Chicken: Bursting with Tex-Mex flavors, ideal for burritos, nachos, or a vibrant bowl.
- Chicken and Gravy: The ultimate comfort food, with tender chicken swimming in a rich, savory gravy.
Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix, 2 tablespoons if using homemade
- 1 cup buffalo sauce , divided
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups coleslaw mix
- 2 tablespoons prepared ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 6 buns
- Blue cheese crumbles, optional
- Ranch dressing, optional
Instructions
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Put the chicken in the base of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix on top, then pour in 3/4 cup of the buffalo sauce. Add pieces of butter on top.2 pounds boneless, 1 packet ranch dressing mix, 1 cup buffalo sauce, 2 tablespoons butter
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Put the lid on and cook on slow for 3-4 hours.
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Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with 2 forks. Return the meat to the slow cooker, and add the remaining 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce. Stir to combine.
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Mix together the ranch dressing and mayonnaise until smooth. Toss with the coleslaw mix.2 cups coleslaw mix, 2 tablespoons prepared ranch dressing, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
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To serve, top each bun with the shredded buffalo chicken, the coleslaw, and optional blue cheese or ranch dressing.6 buns, Blue cheese crumbles, Ranch dressing
Notes
- If using an Instant Pot, add 1/3 cup of water and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
- You can make your own ranch dressing mix using my ranch mix recipe.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days, and coleslaw for 1 week.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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