Buffalo chicken is like that wild friend who shows up to every party and instantly makes it more exciting—bold, spicy, and unforgettable. This recipe transforms the classic flavor into a slow cooker masterpiece, perfect for those lazy Sundays when you want something comforting yet thrilling. I remember the first time I tried it; the aroma alone was enough to make my mouth water, and I couldn’t resist sneaking a taste straight from the pot.
Steps
- Gather all the necessary ingredients, including the chicken breasts, Buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing mix, butter, and hoagie rolls.
- Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Pour in three-quarters of the Buffalo wing sauce and sprinkle the ranch dressing mix over the chicken.
- Cover the slow cooker and let the chicken cook on the Low setting for 6 to 7 hours until tender.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir in the butter until well combined with the chicken and sauce.
- Load the shredded chicken mixture onto the split hoagie rolls. Drizzle with the remaining Buffalo sauce before serving.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Buffalo chicken sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- 1 (17.5 fluid ounce) bottle of Buffalo wing sauce, separated
- ½ (1 ounce) packet of dry ranch dressing mix
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 6 hoagie rolls, cut open lengthwise
Nutritional Values
Total Nutritional Values for the Entire Recipe | Calories: 3468 | Total Fat: 84g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Cholesterol: 324mg | Sodium: 17412mg | Total Carbohydrate: 486g | Dietary Fiber: 24g | Total Sugars: 30g | Protein: 186g | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 1182mg | Iron: 30mg | Potassium: 2376mg
FAQ
- How long does it take to cook the Buffalo Chicken in a slow cooker?
- It takes about 6 to 7 hours on low heat to cook the Buffalo Chicken in a slow cooker.
- Can I use a different type of sauce instead of bottled Buffalo wing sauce?
- Yes, if you don’t have bottled Buffalo wing sauce, you can make a homemade version using Louisiana Hot Sauce or a similar alternative without additional cayenne or vinegar.
- What is the best way to serve these Buffalo Chicken sandwiches?
- The shredded Buffalo chicken is ideally served on split hoagie rolls with a topping of blue cheese or ranch dressing. You can also use iceberg lettuce wraps as a low-carb option.
- How many servings does this recipe provide?
- The original recipe yields 6 servings.
- What can I do with leftover Buffalo chicken?
- Leftover Buffalo chicken can be used for other dishes such as chicken nachos, adding a delicious and spicy twist to your meal.
Tips
- For a milder version, consider using a less spicy Buffalo wing sauce or mixing it with a bit of honey or brown sugar to balance out the heat.
- Enhance the flavor by adding a splash of vinegar or a sprinkle of garlic powder to the slow cooker for a more complex taste profile.
- To prevent soggy hoagie rolls, lightly toast them before piling on the shredded chicken, giving your sandwiches a satisfying crunch.
- If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, try topping your sandwiches with coleslaw for an added crunch and a refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker: Essential for cooking the chicken over several hours.
- Meat Shredding Claws/Forks: Useful for shredding the cooked chicken easily.