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This 5-Ingreditent Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken brings spicy, tangy goodness to your table with minimal effort. It’s a slow cooker recipe that transforms simple chicken breasts into a flavorful meal perfect for sandwiches, salads, or wraps.
I first made this recipe for a casual football game day and it immediately became a crowd pleaser. Now it’s a go-to whenever I want bold flavor without fuss.
Ingredients List
- Chicken breasts: tender and lean, choose fresh or thawed for best texture
- Ranch dressing mix: adds a creamy, herby dimension that balances the heat
- Buffalo hot sauce: provides that signature spicy kick, select your preferred heat level
- Sour cream: smooths the sauce and adds a touch of richness
- Butter: enriches the sauce making it silky and full-bodied, use unsalted for control over seasoning
Cooking Steps
- Prepare The Slow Cooker:
- Place pats of butter evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker for a rich base. Layer the chicken breasts directly on top.
- Add Seasoning:
- Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken to infuse it with herbal and creamy notes.
- Pour Buffalo Sauce:
- Pour the buffalo hot sauce over the chicken to coat all pieces. This will be the star flavor that ties the dish together.
- Cook The Chicken:
- Set the slow cooker on low for 5 to 6 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken will slowly absorb the flavors and become tender enough to shred.
- Shred And Finish:
- Using two forks shred the chicken in the cooker. Stir in the sour cream thoroughly to mellow the heat and create a creamy sauce that clings to every shred of chicken.
This recipe always reminds me of laid-back weekends when friends gathered around for casual, filling meals.
Best Storage Practices
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Gently reheat on the stove or microwave to maintain moisture. Freezing is possible for up to three months—thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Ingredient Swaps
Chicken thighs can replace breasts for a juicier, more tender result. Greek yogurt works as a lighter substitute for sour cream if you want a tangy twist. Try different hot sauce brands to customize the heat and flavor profile.
Serving Pairings
Classic slider buns or soft hoagie rolls make perfect sandwiches. Serve over a fresh green salad with blue cheese crumbles for a lighter meal. Add celery sticks and carrot fingers on the side to complement the spicy richness.
This recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort and has become a reliable favorite for casual meals.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → What cut of chicken works best for this dish?
Boneless skinless chicken breasts are ideal as they cook evenly and shred easily after slow cooking.
- → Can I use a different hot sauce for the buffalo flavor?
Yes, you can swap the buffalo hot sauce for other preferred spicy sauces, but the classic buffalo sauce offers the signature tangy heat.
- → How long should I cook the chicken on low or high heat?
Cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- → What are good serving suggestions for this dish?
It's perfect served in sandwiches, atop salads, or wrapped with fresh vegetables in tortillas or flatbreads.
- → Can I make the dish spicier?
Sure, add extra buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper according to your heat preference.
- → Is it necessary to add sour cream after cooking?
Sour cream adds a creamy balance to the heat but can be omitted if preferred for a more tangy flavor.