These Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a crowd-pleaser! You’ll love how tender the chicken gets after simmering in spicy buffalo sauce all day. Perfect for game day or any gathering!
Making these sliders is super easy—just toss everything in a slow cooker, and let it do the work. Grab a bun, add some cheese, and get ready for a tasty bite that packs a punch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for shredding. If you’re looking for alternatives, skinless thighs work too, adding extra moisture. Leftover rotisserie chicken can also be used for a quicker prep.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a favorite, offering great heat and flavor. If you prefer something milder, try a sweet chili sauce or make your own sauce with hot sauce and melted butter. Adjust to your taste!
Ranch Dressing: While ranch adds a creamy touch, feel free to swap it with blue cheese dressing or Greek yogurt for a healthier option. Homemade ranch is another way to customize your flavor.
Blue Cheese Crumbles: If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, crumble feta or goat cheese instead. For dairy-free options, look for plant-based cheese products that mimic blue cheese.
Slider Buns: I like using soft slider buns for a classic feel. Alternatively, whole wheat or gluten-free buns can fit well too. You could even make mini tacos if you want to switch things up!
How Do I Shred Chicken Perfectly?
Shredding chicken can seem tricky, but it’s easier than you think! Once the chicken is cooked, follow these simple steps for perfectly shredded meat.
- Use two forks—this helps you pull apart the chicken easily.
- Hold one fork steady while using the other to pull apart the meat. It should shred effortlessly after cooking.
- If the chicken is resistant, it might need more cooking time, so check for doneness.
Once shredded, return it to the cooker, mixing it with the ranch and blue cheese for a flavorful blend!
How to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (plus more for serving)
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- Optional: lettuce for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 6-8 hours of cooking time on low (or 3-4 hours on high). Perfect for busy days when you want a tasty meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Sprinkle them with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This gives the chicken a nice flavor as it cooks!
2. Adding the Sauces:
Pour the buffalo wing sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the slow cooker with the lid to keep all the flavors in.
3. Cooking:
Now it’s time to cook! Set the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s fully cooked and can easily be shredded with a fork.
4. Shredding the Chicken:
When the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into smaller pieces. Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker to soak up more flavor.
5. Mixing in the Dressing:
Next, add the ranch dressing and blue cheese crumbles to the shredded chicken. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and the chicken is coated in the creamy dressing.
6. Preparing the Sliders:
Now it’s time to assemble your sliders! Serve the buffalo chicken mixture on slider buns. If you like, sprinkle some extra blue cheese crumbles on top and add lettuce for extra crunch!
7. Enjoy!
Close the sliders and serve them immediately while they’re warm. Enjoy every bite of your delicious buffalo chicken sliders!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the chicken before placing it in the slow cooker. You can thaw chicken overnight in the fridge or use the quick method by sealing it in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for about 1-2 hours. Pat it dry before seasoning to avoid extra moisture.
What If I Don’t Have Blue Cheese Crumbles?
No problem! If you don’t have blue cheese, you can substitute it with feta or omit the cheese altogether. You can also use more ranch dressing for added creaminess if you prefer!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of buffalo sauce or ranch dressing to keep it moist.
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the buffalo chicken mixture one to two days in advance. Just keep it stored in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken and assemble the sliders just before serving for the best texture and flavor!
