Irresistible Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches: Your Ultimate Easy Weeknight & Party Food Solution

How do busy moms and home cooks get dinner on the table every night without stress? With easy and incredibly tasty meals like this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwich recipe! Insanely delicious, requiring minimal effort, and made conveniently in your crockpot, this easy meal is perfect for feeding your family during the busiest weeks or serving a hungry crowd on the weekend with absolute ease.

Update Notes: This post was originally published in June 2018, but was republished with updated tips, step-by-step photos, and a recipe change in November 2019. This version has been further enhanced for clarity, SEO, and expanded content in [Current Year].

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe

If your family is anything like ours, then buffalo chicken wings are a firm favorite! The tangy, spicy kick of buffalo sauce paired with tender chicken is simply irresistible. Building on that love, I set out to create a crockpot buffalo chicken sandwich version that would capture all that beloved flavor in an even more convenient, family-friendly format. The goal was simple: make it incredibly easy, undeniably delicious, budget-friendly, and perhaps even a little lighter than traditional wings.

We all appreciate finding ways to make our favorite foods a little better for us, without sacrificing taste, right? This recipe achieves just that. Whenever I develop a slow cooker recipe, my primary goal is always to minimize the work involved. I strive to create something so flavorful that it only requires dumping a few ingredients into the slow cooker, setting it, and letting it work its magic for several hours. That’s my ideal recipe scenario, and this buffalo chicken sandwich perfectly fits the bill!

The prep for this meal is genuinely sooo easy. For the chicken portion, all you need are two ingredients and your trusty slow cooker. It’s a hands-off dream come true. Plus, this recipe is incredibly flexible. While my boys prefer the simplicity of eating the shredded buffalo chicken on a soft roll with no other adornments, I (and my husband) love to elevate the experience with extra toppings. Keep reading to discover all the delicious ways to customize your sandwich!

If you’re a fan of buffalo chicken, you might also enjoy exploring these other fantastic recipes: our vibrant Buffalo Chicken Cobb Salad for a lighter option, or for more handheld deliciousness, don’t miss my speedy Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas, ready in less than 25 minutes!

The Secret to the BEST Buffalo Chicken Sandwich: The Relish!

While the buffalo chicken itself is the star, my husband (DH) and I have found that certain additional flavors truly complete the sandwich experience, bringing that authentic buffalo chicken wing vibe right to your bun. Our secret weapon? A homemade blue cheese and celery relish. This relish isn’t just a topping; it’s a game-changer.

To me, the blue cheese celery relish is hands down the best part of this sandwich. The crispness of the celery, combined with the pungent creaminess of blue cheese, provides the perfect cooling contrast to the spicy chicken. It’s super-yummy and incredibly versatile. If you happen to have any leftover relish (which is rare in our house!), it makes a fantastic tasty dip for crackers, pretzels, or even raw vegetables. Don’t skip this step – it truly elevates the entire dish!

Essential Ingredients for These Pulled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

One of the beauties of this recipe is its simplicity, relying on just a few key ingredients to deliver maximum flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to create these mouthwatering sandwiches:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken: You can use either white meat (chicken breast) or dark meat (chicken thighs) – pick your favorite! Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier in the slow cooker, but breasts work wonderfully too. About 1.5 pounds will make 4 hearty sandwiches.
• Buffalo Sauce: This is the sole flavoring for your chicken, so choose a quality sauce you love. Whether you prefer mild, medium, or extra spicy, the buffalo sauce provides that iconic tangy, spicy kick. Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce is a popular choice!
• Rolls or Buns: Soft rolls are a family favorite, providing a perfect cushion for the succulent chicken. However, feel free to experiment with pretzel rolls for a chewy texture, sourdough rolls for a slight tang, or even brioche buns for a richer feel.
• Blue Cheese Crumbles: Essential for the relish, providing that classic, bold blue cheese flavor.
• Celery: Fresh, finely chopped celery adds a crucial crunch and a refreshing note to the relish, balancing the richness of the blue cheese and the heat of the buffalo chicken.
• Blue Cheese Dressing: Used to bind the relish ingredients together and amplify the blue cheese flavor. You can use your favorite store-bought brand or make your own for an extra fresh taste.

What Are Some Good Side Dishes for Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches?

To complete your meal, here are some fantastic side dish ideas that pair wonderfully with the bold flavors of a buffalo chicken sandwich:

• Crisp Celery Sticks with Blue Cheese Dip: A classic companion to anything buffalo! The bright crunch of celery and the creamy coolness of blue cheese dip provide the perfect contrast to the spicy chicken.
• Baked Dill Fries: These crunchy, salty, and aromatic fries are a delightful alternative to traditional potato fries and complement the sandwich beautifully.
• Potato and Grilled Corn Salad: You’ll love the smoky sweetness of the grilled corn and the satisfying crunch it adds to this refreshing salad. It’s a great balance to the rich sandwich.
• Coleslaw: A creamy, tangy coleslaw is always a winning side with spicy dishes, offering a refreshing element.
• Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness of sweet potato fries can provide a lovely counterpoint to the spicy buffalo flavor.
• Simple Green Salad: For a lighter option, a fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can cut through the richness.

How to Make Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches – Step by Step

Creating these incredible sandwiches is surprisingly simple. Follow these straightforward steps for a delicious and hassle-free meal:

Additional Tips for a Perfect Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

• Mind the Moisture: As mentioned in step 3, there will be a good bit of liquid left in the slow cooker after cooking. Ensure you remove the chicken pieces to shred them in a separate bowl or on a plate using two forks. Then, gradually add back just enough of the cooking liquid to keep the shredded chicken flavorful and moist, but not soaking wet, which can lead to a soggy sandwich.
• Combat Soggy Buns: If you’re concerned about your sandwich becoming soggy, a simple trick is to place a leaf of romaine lettuce on the bottom half of the roll underneath the chicken. This creates a barrier that helps prevent the liquid from soaking in too much. You can also lightly toast your buns before assembling for added resilience and flavor!
• Amp Up the Flavor: For an extra kick, don’t hesitate to set aside some extra buffalo sauce to drizzle over the top of the assembled sandwich. A dash or two of your favorite hot sauce, like Tabasco, can also add another layer of heat and depth. You can also mix a little ranch dressing with the buffalo chicken if you prefer a milder, creamier flavor.
• Feeding a Crowd?: This recipe is incredibly scalable! Go ahead and double or even triple the ingredients if you’re hosting a party or need to feed a larger group. The cooking time will remain relatively similar, but ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased volume.
• Make Ahead Magic: The shredded buffalo chicken can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before assembling your sandwiches. The relish can also be made ahead of time.

More Buffalo and Chicken Recipes to Love!

If you can’t get enough of that delicious buffalo flavor or are always on the lookout for easy chicken recipes, you’re in the right place! Here are a few more favorites from my kitchen:

• If you like all things buffalo, you won’t want to miss these Buffalo Blue Cheese Potato Bites! These are crispy and delicious shredded potato bites infused with the flavors of buffalo hot wings. They’re kind of like what you might get if a tater tot and a buffalo chicken wing got married and had babies – seriously addictive!
• Or maybe you just like spicy chicken in general? You can make this tasty and flavorful Slow Cooker Thai Spicy Peanut Chicken right in your crockpot. It’s incredibly easy and delivers a wonderful blend of sweet, savory, and spicy notes!
• For another robust and spicy chicken option that’s incredibly simple, try this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore. It requires only about 10 minutes of prep for a delicious, hearty, and nutritious family meal.
• Looking for a perfect game day appetizer that’s meat-free? This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is crispy, spicy, and utterly satisfying – a fantastic vegetarian alternative to wings!

FAQs for Cooking Chicken in the Crock Pot

Slow cooking chicken is a fantastic way to achieve tender, flavorful results with minimal effort. Here are answers to some common questions:

Is it safe to start with raw chicken in the slow cooker?

Absolutely, it is safe to start with raw chicken in the slow cooker. The key is to ensure that you allow enough time for the chicken to cook thoroughly to a safe internal temperature. Generally, this means at least 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) in the thickest part before serving.

Will the chicken dry out if cooked for longer than the minimum needed for it to be done?

One of the many reasons I love using the slow cooker is how forgiving it is! As long as you have enough liquid in the crock pot (which the buffalo sauce provides in this recipe) and the chicken is covered with it and/or other ingredients, it won’t easily dry out. The moist environment of the slow cooker helps keep meat tender. That being said, I still find that I get the best results with chicken thighs as opposed to chicken breasts, as thighs have a higher fat content and are more resilient to longer cooking times, remaining incredibly juicy. Breasts can sometimes dry out if overcooked significantly beyond their done point.

Is it safe to start with frozen chicken in the slow cooker?

There are differing opinions on this topic among home cooks. While I myself have occasionally started with frozen chicken in the crock pot with no ill-effects when pressed for time, it’s important to be aware that the USDA Slow Cooker and Food Safety guidelines generally recommend against starting with frozen meat. This is because the chicken spends too long in the “danger zone” temperature range (between 40°F and 140°F or 4°C and 60°C) where bacteria multiply rapidly. So, my recommendation for optimal food safety is that your best bet is always to thaw your chicken first, just to be safe.

Can I make this spicier or milder?

Absolutely! To make it spicier, choose a hot buffalo sauce, add a few dashes of Tabasco or cayenne pepper to the sauce, or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the shredded chicken. For a milder version, you can use a mild buffalo sauce, or mix some ranch dressing or a little melted butter into your buffalo sauce before cooking. You can also serve it with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side to cool down the heat.

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(Pssst…love flavorful sandwiches? You absolutely must try my Grilled Avocado Sauerkraut Sandwich! You won’t be disappointed – it’s a unique and delicious combination of flavors!)

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