There’s nothing quite like the satisfying combination of tender, spicy buffalo chicken nestled between soft sandwich buns after a long day. This buffalo chicken sandwich crockpot recipe has become my go-to comfort food solution when I want maximum flavor with minimal effort. The beauty of slow cooker cooking lies in its ability to transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary while you go about your day.
What makes this recipe truly special is how the slow, gentle heat of the crockpot allows the chicken to absorb every bit of that tangy buffalo flavor while becoming so tender it practically falls apart at the touch of a fork. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or preparing for game day gatherings, this easy slow cooker recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with just five simple ingredients and your trusty crock pot.
Recipe Information
Difficulty: Easy
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 4-6 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6-8 sandwiches
Cost: Affordable
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Crockpot
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6-8 sandwich buns or rolls
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, extra buffalo sauce
Equipment Required
- 4-6 quart slow cooker or crockpot
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Two forks for shredding chicken
- Sharp knife for prep work
- Cutting board
- Serving spoons
Recipe Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your crockpot. If using frozen chicken, ensure it’s completely thawed for even cooking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the seasonings adhere better.
Step 2: Add the Buffalo Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing mix until well combined. Pour this mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. The ranch seasoning will add an extra layer of flavor that complements the spicy buffalo sauce perfectly.
Step 3: Add Cream Cheese and Butter
Cut the softened cream cheese into small cubes and distribute them evenly over the chicken. Add the butter in small pieces. These dairy ingredients will create a creamy, rich base that helps mellow the heat while adding incredible flavor depth.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours. The chicken is done when it easily shreds with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Avoid lifting the lid frequently as this releases heat and extends cooking time.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot. The meat should be tender enough to shred easily. Mix the shredded chicken with all the creamy buffalo sauce that has developed during cooking.
Step 6: Final Seasoning
Taste the buffalo chicken mixture and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more buffalo sauce for extra heat, or a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Step 7: Prepare the Sandwiches
Lightly toast your sandwich buns if desired. Generously pile the buffalo chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Add your favorite toppings and crown with the top bun.
Chef’s Tips and Variations
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for food safety
- Don’t overcook the chicken, as it can become dry even in a crockpot
- Soften cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing
- Line your crockpot with slow cooker liners for easy cleanup
Delicious Variations
Buffalo Ranch Chicken Wraps: Use the same mixture in large tortillas with lettuce and tomatoes for a lighter option.
Buffalo Chicken Dip Sandwich: Add an extra 4 oz of cream cheese to make it extra creamy and serve as a dip with crackers, then use leftovers for sandwiches.
Buffalo Chicken Salad Crockpot Style: Serve the cooled mixture over mixed greens with celery, carrots, and blue cheese crumbles for a healthier twist.
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Flatbread: Spread the mixture on naan or flatbread, top with mozzarella cheese, and broil until bubbly.
Storage and Meal Prep
This buffalo chicken keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. It’s perfect for meal prep – make a large batch and portion it out for quick weeknight dinners. The flavors actually improve after sitting overnight, making it even better the next day.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these sandwiches with classic sides like coleslaw, potato chips, or crispy French fries. For a healthier option, serve with carrot and celery sticks, or a simple green salad. The cool, crunchy vegetables provide a nice contrast to the warm, spicy chicken.
Nutrition Information (Per Sandwich)
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 1,240mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Why This Recipe Works
This buffalo chicken sandwich crockpot recipe represents everything great about crock pot cooking. The slow, moist heat environment allows the chicken to become incredibly tender while absorbing all those bold buffalo flavors. The combination of buffalo sauce and ranch seasoning creates a perfect balance of heat and coolness, while the cream cheese adds richness that transforms this from a simple chicken dish into something special.
The beauty of crockpot buffalo chicken recipes lies in their versatility. This base recipe can be adapted for buffalo chicken dip, used as a pizza topping, or even served over rice for a complete meal. It’s one of those crock pot meals easy enough for beginners but satisfying enough for experienced cooks.
What makes this recipe particularly appealing is how it fits into the busy modern lifestyle. With just 5 main ingredients and minimal prep work, it’s truly one of the easiest slow cooker recipes you’ll ever make. The hands-off cooking method means you can start it in the morning and come home to the incredible aroma of buffalo chicken ready to be turned into delicious sandwiches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken in this buffalo chicken crock pot recipe?
While it’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before shredding.
How do I make this buffalo chicken dip sandwich mixture less spicy?
To reduce the heat, use a milder buffalo sauce or mix in an extra packet of ranch dressing. You can also add more cream cheese to mellow the spice level while maintaining the creamy texture.
Can I make this buffalo chicken salad crockpot recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Cook the chicken mixture up to 3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
What’s the best buffalo sauce for crockpot buffalo chicken?
Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce is the classic choice, but any quality buffalo sauce will work. Avoid using straight hot sauce as it lacks the buttery richness that makes buffalo sauce special.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes! This recipe doubles easily. Use a larger 6-8 quart crockpot and maintain the same cooking times. It’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week.
Have you tried this easy buffalo chicken sandwich crockpot recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below with your variations and tips, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family. For more delicious crock pot meals and easy slow cooker recipes, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media!
