Two of my favorite things, buffalo chicken and slow cooker. So easy and so satisfying. Perfect for Game day or an easy weeknight meal. It is so versitile, put it on a sandwich, taco, pizza, quesadilla, salad or lettuce wrap. Finger lickin’ good!
Buffalo Chicken
Franks Buffalo Sauce does most of the work in this recipe. It’s got the heat and the flavor you crave. If you don’t have Franks Buffalo Sauce, substitute it with 2/3 cup Franks Hot Sauce cut with 1/3 cup melted Butter.
Chicken thighs or chicken breast work for this recipe. I personally love chicken thighs because there is more flavor and it shreds so well.
Onion & Garlic Powder An easy way to add additional flavor with onion and garlic powder. Between these aromatics and the dried herbs, it gives the chicken some ranch-style flavor.
Dried Herbs We used dried parsely and chives but you can use dried dill as well.
Slow Cooker If you are using a slow cooker for this recipe, cook your chicken thighs on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. If you are using chicken breast, cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. If the chicken is a little too liquidy at the end, turn the saute mode on and let reduce until thickened. If your slow cooker doesn’t have that mode, place in a pan and reduce on medium heat until thickened.
Instant Pot If you are using an Instant Pot, cook your chicken thighs on high for 15 minutes and let the pressure release for 10 minutes, then release the remaining pressure manually. Be careful not to get your hands too close to the steam. If you are using chicken breast in the Instant Pot, cook on high for 10 minutes and let the pressure release for 10 minutes, then release the pressure manually.
How To Serve Buffalo Chicken
This chicken is so versatile. It’s an easy meal that makes everyone happy. You can even give your friends and family a few different options to choose for themself.
Lettuce Wrap Get your favorite lettuce for lettuce wraps, fill it with the buffalo chicken and top with tomato, avocado and blue cheese. My sister in law just told me about the Better Burger Leaf Lettuce from HEB and it is my new favorite lettuce for wraps. Butter Lettuce, Iceburg and Leafy Green Lettuce work well too.
Sandwiches Make yourself a buffalo chicken sandwich with toasted buns, buffalo chicken, lettuce, tomato, onion and either Cheddar or Blue Cheese. Maybe serve it with a little ranch dressing on the bun. My mouth is watering.
Tacos Heat a tortilla, fill it with your buffalo chicken and top with cheddar or blue cheese, tomatoes, red onion and avocado.
Buffalo Chicken Salad Make a yummy buffalo chicken salad with shredded lettuce, buffalo chicken, tomatoes, avocado, red onion with cheddar and ranch or blue cheese and blue cheese dresssing. Throw on some croutons for a nice crunch.
Nachos Grab some tortilla chips, top with buffalo chicken, and load it up with cheese, pico de gallo and all of your favorites.
Pizza Make your favorite pizza dough or buy prebaked crust and top it with tomato or buffalo sauce, buffalo chicken, mozzarella, cheddar and or blue cheese and top with onions. We like to use oiled pita bread or naan for a quick and easy pizza night.
What to Serve With Buffalo Wings pair great with beer, obviously, but a ranch water is also a great.
If you like this recipe, try out Honey Chipotle Chicken.
Recipe
Slow Cooker Shredded Buffalo Chicken
This Buffalo Chicken is perfect for game day or an easy weeknight meal. It is so easy and so satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (or Chicken Breast)
- 1 Cup Franks Red Hot Buffalo Wing Sauce
- 1 T Garlic Powder
- 1 T Onion Powder
- 1 1/2 tsp. Dried Parsley
- 1 1/2 tsp. Dried Chives or Dill
- 1 tsp. Kosher Salt
- 1/2 tsp. Ground Pepper
Directions
- Step 1 Combine all ingredients together in a crock pot or instant pot and mix until combined.
- Step 2 For chicken thighs cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. If using chicken breast cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. If you are using a pressure cooker, see notes above.
- Step 3 Shred with two forks and serve.
- Step 4 To thicken the sauce, use your saute option on the instant pot for a few minutes. If you don’t have the saute setting, place in a pan and simmer until the sauce is thickened.
About the Author
Lauren is a classically trained, professional chef. A culinary school graduate, she has spent time working organic farms in the Italian countryside and was the pastry/sous chef at a high profile restaurant in Dallas prior to becoming a full-time personal chef. Her cooking style is often referred to as “rustic.” Being a personal chef, she is not bound by a single type of cuisine and has had the opportunity to experiment with hundreds of regional recipes from all over the world.
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