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You know those days when you’re juggling a million things at once? That was me last football season. I had promised to host our neighborhood watch party, and with three kids’ soccer games that morning, I was in a serious time crunch. That’s when my trusty crockpot saved the day with what has now become my most requested recipe: buffalo chicken.
The first time I made buffalo chicken in my slow cooker was actually a happy accident. I had bought chicken on sale, had a bottle of hot sauce that was about to expire, and honestly, I just threw it all together before rushing out the door. When I came home hours later, the entire house smelled AMAZING! My husband walked in, took one whiff, and said, “Whatever that buffalo chicken crock pot recipe is, you need to make it again!”
What makes this buffalo chicken crock pot recipe different from others you’ll find online is the perfect balance of heat and flavor. So many recipes end up too spicy or too bland, but after years of tweaking, I’ve found that sweet spot where the buffalo sauce shines without setting your mouth on fire. Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile – use it for sandwiches, wraps, dips, salads, or even pizza toppings!
For busy families or anyone who loves meal prepping, this buffalo chicken crock pot dish is a game changer. It requires minimal hands on time (seriously, less than 10 minutes of prep), uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and creates tender, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for multiple meals throughout the week.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd on game day or looking for an easy weeknight dinner solution, this buffalo chicken crock pot recipe deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation.
Why This Buffalo Chicken Crock Pot Recipe Is a Must Try
- Super Simple Prep: Just 5 minutes of hands on time – dump the ingredients and let your crockpot do all the work!
- Budget Friendly: Uses affordable chicken thighs or breasts and common pantry staples.
- Perfect Meal Prep Solution: Make once, eat multiple times – this buffalo chicken stays good in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Crowd Pleaser: Even picky eaters love this – my kids ask for “the orange chicken” regularly!
- Amazingly Versatile: Use in sandwiches, wraps, on nachos, in dips, on pizza, over salads, or in buffalo chicken mac and cheese.
- Easily Customizable: Adjust the heat level from mild to wild depending on your preference.
- Hands Off Cooking: Perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have time to babysit the stove.
- Fall Apart Tender: The slow cooking method guarantees perfectly moist, shreddable chicken every time.
- Great for Entertaining: Serve crockpot buffalo chicken sliders at your next gathering. Feeds a crowd with minimal effort – perfect for game days, potlucks, and parties.
- Naturally Low Carb & Gluten Free: Fits many dietary needs right out of the gate (just check your hot sauce ingredients).
Ingredients Breakdown & Substitutions
Main Ingredients
Chicken Breasts or Thighs (3 4 pounds)
- Why It’s Important: Make this recipe for slow cooker buffalo chicken to ensure a flavorful meal prep. The star of the show! I prefer thighs for their flavor and moisture, but breasts work great too.
- Substitutions: Vegetarians could try firm tofu or jackfruit (though cooking time would need adjusting). For a different flavor profile, turkey breast works well too.
Buffalo Hot Sauce (1 cup)
- Why It’s Important: Provides that classic tangy, spicy buffalo flavor we all crave.
- Substitutions: Any hot sauce works, but Frank’s RedHot gives the most authentic buffalo flavor for your buffalo chicken dinner. For a milder version, try mixing hot sauce with barbecue sauce.
- Where to Buy: Available in most grocery stores in the condiment aisle. I get the big bottle at Costco because we use it so much for our chicken dinners!
Ranch Seasoning Packet (1 packet or 2 tablespoons homemade)
- Why It’s Important: Adds a creamy, herby dimension that balances the heat.
- Substitutions: Use blue cheese seasoning for a more traditional buffalo flavor, or make your own ranch mix with dried herbs (dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder) to complement your buffalo sauce and ranch.
Butter (4 tablespoons)
- Why It’s Important: Creates that rich, silky buffalo sauce texture and helps mellow the heat.
- Substitutions: Olive oil works in a pinch, or use ghee for a dairy sensitive option. For dairy free, try coconut oil or a plant based butter.
Optional Add ins
Cream Cheese (4 oz)
- Why It’s Important: Creates a creamier sauce if you prefer less heat and more richness.
- Substitutions: Dairy free cream cheese works great, or try Greek yogurt for a tangier, higher protein option.
Diced Celery (2 stalks)
- Why It’s Important: Adds classic buffalo wing flavors and a bit of texture.
- Substitutions: Bell peppers or carrots can add crunch if you’re not a celery fan.
Garlic (3 4 cloves, minced)
- Why It’s Important: Deepens the flavor profile with subtle savory notes, especially when using buffalo wing sauce.
- Substitutions: 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 tablespoon minced garlic from a jar.
Honey or Brown Sugar (1 2 tablespoons)
- Why It’s Important: Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.
- Substitutions: Maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a splash of cola works surprisingly well!
White Vinegar (1 tablespoon)
- Why It’s Important: Brightens the flavors and cuts through the richness.
- Substitutions: Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice work great too.
This buffalo chicken crock pot recipe is incredibly forgiving, so don’t stress if you’re missing an ingredient or two. The core essentials are really just the chicken, hot sauce, and a bit of butter – everything else just enhances what’s already going to be delicious!
Step by Step Instructions with Expert Tips
Let me walk you through exactly how to make this delicious buffalo chicken crock pot recipe, with all the tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years of making it for my family and friends.
- Prepare Your Slow Cooker: Lightly spray your crock pot with non stick cooking spray or use a slow cooker liner. This small step saves SO much cleanup time later – trust me on this one!
- Prepare the Chicken: Place chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer if possible. If using frozen chicken, add an extra hour to your cooking time, but I prefer using thawed chicken for more consistent results.
- Mix the Buffalo Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, and ranch seasoning packet until well combined. For an extra flavor boost, add 1 2 minced garlic cloves and a tablespoon of honey to balance the heat.
- Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the buffalo sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure all pieces are coated. Don’t stir at this point – just let the sauce sit on top of the chicken.
- Set Cooking Time: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 4 hours. Low and slow is my preferred method for the most tender results, but high works great when you’re short on time.
- Check for Doneness: The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and shreds easily with a fork. If your chicken isn’t easily shreddable after the cooking time, it likely needs a bit longer – every slow cooker heats slightly differently.
- Shred the Chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Don’t remove the chicken to shred it – doing it right in the sauce ensures every piece gets perfectly coated!
- Mix and Let Rest: After shredding, stir everything together well and let it sit for 10 15 minutes with the lid off. This resting period allows the chicken to absorb more sauce and the flavors to deepen.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more hot sauce for heat or a splash of ranch dressing for creaminess. Sometimes I add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at this point to brighten everything up.
- Serve Hot: Serve your buffalo chicken crock pot creation on buns, in wraps, over rice, or however you prefer!
Troubleshooting Tips:
- If your sauce is too thin: Remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some liquid evaporate, or stir in 1 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with cold water for a thicker sauce in your buffalo chicken pasta.
- If your chicken is too spicy: Add a few tablespoons of cream cheese or sour cream to mellow out the heat.
- If your chicken seems dry: This likely means it was overcooked. Next time, check earlier, and remember that chicken breasts cook faster than thighs.
- For extra flavor: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in 1/4 cup of blue cheese crumbles for an authentic buffalo wing flavor experience.
Storage, Make Ahead, & Freezing Tips
This buffalo chicken crock pot recipe is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store it for maximum deliciousness:
Refrigerator Storage:
Store any leftover buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get better after a day in the fridge, making this perfect for meal prep Sunday with crockpot buffalo chicken!
Freezer Instructions:
This recipe freezes beautifully! Let the buffalo chicken cool completely, then portion into freezer safe containers or heavy duty freezer bags. Remove excess air and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date and contents – your future self will thank you for remembering the buffalo wing sauce!
Reheating Methods:
- Microwave: For a quick meal, microwave individual portions for 1 2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over medium low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry after your buffalo chicken is cooked.
- Slow Cooker: For reheating larger portions, place back in the slow cooker on low for 1 2 hours until heated through.
Creative Leftover Ideas:
- Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas: Spread between tortillas with cheese and grill until crispy.
- Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Potatoes: Make this recipe for a hearty dish that everyone will love.: Top baked potatoes with buffalo chicken, cheese, and green onions.
- Buffalo Chicken Breakfast Hash: Mix with roasted potatoes and top with a fried egg for a protein packed breakfast.
- Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Use as a pizza topping with mozzarella and blue cheese crumbles.
- Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos: Layer over tortilla chips with cheese, jalapeños, and all your favorite nacho toppings.
Creative Variations & Serving Ideas
While this classic buffalo chicken crock pot recipe is amazing as is, I love experimenting with different variations to keep things interesting:
Flavor Variations:
- Honey Buffalo: Add 3 4 tablespoons of honey for a sweet heat balance that kids especially love.
- Smoky Buffalo: This flavor is enhanced when you add chicken to your slow cooker.: Mix in 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
- Garlic Parmesan Buffalo: After shredding, stir in 1/2 cup grated parmesan and 4 cloves of minced garlic.
- BBQ Buffalo: Add chicken for a smoky buffalo flavor that’s perfect for any gathering.: Use half buffalo sauce and half your favorite BBQ sauce for a tangy sweet twist.
- Ranch Buffalo: Stir in 1/2 cup of ranch dressing after shredding for a creamier result.
Serving Suggestions:
- Classic Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches: Serve on toasted brioche buns with lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps: For a low carb option, serve in butter lettuce cups topped with diced celery and carrots.
- Buffalo Chicken Bowls: Serve over cauliflower rice or regular rice with avocado, corn, beans, and a squeeze of lime.
- Buffalo Chicken Dip: Mix with cream cheese and shredded cheddar, bake until bubbly, and serve with tortilla chips and celery sticks.
- Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Perfect for parties! Serve on mini buns with coleslaw for a crowd pleasing appetizer.
Perfect Pairings:
- Side Dishes: Creamy coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad balance the spiciness perfectly.
- Beverages: Cold beer, lemonade, or ranch water (tequila, lime, and soda water) complement the buffalo flavor beautifully.
- Desserts: After all that heat, cool down with something sweet like vanilla ice cream or a no bake cheesecake.
My personal favorite way to enjoy this buffalo chicken crock pot recipe is in a loaded buffalo chicken baked potato with a dollop of sour cream, green onions, and extra buffalo sauce drizzled on top. It’s comfort food heaven!
Nutrition Information
I know many of you are conscious about what goes into your body, so I’ve broken down the nutritional information for this buffalo chicken crock pot recipe. These values are for the basic recipe (chicken, hot sauce, butter, and ranch seasoning) without any additional add ins or serving vessels like buns or wraps.
Nutritional Values Per Serving (about 4 oz or 1/2 cup):
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 215 |
| Protein | 27g |
| Total Fat | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 2g of protein is perfect for a healthy chicken dinner. |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Sodium | 650mg |
| Cholesterol | 90mg |
Key Micronutrients:
- Vitamin B6: Approximately 35% of your daily needs, supporting brain development and function
- Niacin: About 40% of daily requirements, important for digestive system, skin health, and nerve function
- Selenium: Roughly 30% of daily needs, acts as an antioxidant and supports immune function
Dietary Considerations:
- Gluten Free: Yes (verify your hot sauce and ranch seasoning ingredients)
- Dairy Free: No (contains butter, but can be made dairy free with substitutions)
- Vegetarian: No
- This dish can be made keto friendly by using skinless chicken breast and adjusting the sauce ingredients.: Yes
- Low Carb: Yes
- Paleo: Can be adapted with homemade ranch seasoning
Serving Size Details:
A serving is approximately 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of shredded buffalo chicken. This recipe typically yields 8 10 servings from 3 4 pounds of raw chicken.
Nutritional information calculated using the USDA Food Database and standard recipe calculation methods. Values may vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used and the exact portion sizes. This information is intended as a general guideline only.
Expert Tips & FAQs
After making this buffalo chicken crock pot recipe dozens (maybe hundreds?) of times, I’ve collected some insider tips and answers to questions I frequently get from friends and family:
Expert Tips for Buffalo Chicken Success:
- Choose the Right Chicken: For the best results, make slow cooker buffalo chicken with tender cuts.: While both breasts and thighs work well, chicken thighs will give you the most tender, flavorful result because of their higher fat content.
- Don’t Skip the ButterIt might be tempting to reduce the fat content by eliminating butter, but it’s essential for creating that authentic buffalo flavor and silky sauce texture in your buffalo chicken dinner.
- Layer Don’t Stir: Place the chicken in first, then pour the sauce over the top without stirring initially. This helps the chicken cook more evenly.
- Low is Better Than HighWhen possible, cook on LOW for a longer time rather than HIGH for a shorter time to ensure the best results in your slow cooker recipes. The meat breaks down more gradually, resulting in more tender chicken.
- Shred in the Sauce: Always shred your chicken directly in the crock pot with all the cooking liquids. This ensures every piece gets coated in that delicious buffalo sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen chicken in my crock pot?
While technically yes, I don’t recommend it. Frozen chicken takes longer to reach safe cooking temperatures, which can create food safety concerns. If you must use frozen chicken, increase cooking time by about 2 hours and make sure it reaches 165°F internal temperature.
Why is my buffalo chicken watery?
Chicken naturally releases juices during cooking. If your sauce is too thin, either remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate, or shred the chicken and then cook with the lid off for 15 20 minutes. Alternatively, a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) stirred in after shredding can help thicken the sauce.
How spicy is this recipe?
With the standard recipe, I’d rate it as medium heat spicy enough to get that buffalo kick but not so hot that kids can’t enjoy it. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability use half the hot sauce for a milder version, or add cayenne pepper for extra heat in your slow cooker buffalo chicken recipe!
Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop instead?
Absolutely! In a large pot or Dutch oven, simmer the chicken in the sauce over low heat for about 25 30 minutes until cooked through, then shred and continue simmering for another 5 10 minutes. You won’t get quite the same tenderness, but it’s a great option when time is limited.
How do I know when my chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and shreds easily with two forks. If you find the chicken difficult to shred, it likely needs more time properly cooked chicken in the crock pot should practically fall apart!
Conclusion & Call to Action
There you have it, folks the ultimate buffalo chicken crock pot recipe that’s saved my dinner plans more times than I can count! This versatile dish has become a staple in our household, especially during busy weeks when time is short but we still want something delicious and satisfying.
What I love most about this buffalo chicken is how it brings people together. Whether it’s game day gatherings, family dinners, or meal prep for a busy week ahead, there’s something comforting about sharing a meal that’s both simple to make and bursting with flavor.
I hope you’ll give this recipe a try in your own kitchen! I’d love to know: what’s your favorite way to serve buffalo chicken? Are you team sandwich, wrap, salad, or something else entirely? Drop a comment below and share your buffalo chicken crock pot creations!
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my other slow cooker favorites:
- Chicken Legs in Crock Pot
- Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
- Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan
- Spaghetti Crock Pot Chicken
- Crock Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Crock Pot Beef and Noodles
- Chicken and Noodles Crock Pot
- Crock Pot Pizza
- Crock Pot Chicken Enchiladas
- Mississippi Chicken Crock Pot
- Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy
- Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
- High Protein Crock Pot Recipes
Don’t forget to save this recipe for later by pinning it on Pinterest @tidbitrecipe, and follow me for more easy, family friendly recipes that make weeknight cooking a breeze!
Buffalo Chicken Crock Pot
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup buffalo hot sauce preferably Frank’s RedHot
- 4 tbsp butter melted
- 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix 1 packet
- 4 oz cream cheese optional
- 2 stalks celery diced, optional
- 3-4 cloves garlic minced, optional
- 1-2 tbsp honey or brown sugar optional
- 1 tbsp white vinegar optional
Instructions
- Lightly spray your crock pot with non-stick cooking spray or use a slow cooker liner.
- Place chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer if possible.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, and ranch seasoning packet until well combined.
- Pour the buffalo sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure all pieces are coated.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Check that chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F and shreds easily with a fork.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker.
- Stir everything together well and let it sit for 10–15 minutes with the lid off to allow the chicken to absorb the sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more hot sauce for heat or a splash of ranch dressing for creaminess.
- Serve hot in your preferred style – on buns, in wraps, over rice, or as a topping.
Notes
Happy cooking!