Crockpot Buffalo Chicken is so simple, delicious, and versatile! If you love chicken and love spicy food, it doesn’t get better than slow cooker Buffalo chicken… making a great topping for sandwiches, tacos, nachos, and more!

Crockpot buffalo chicken sandwich with ranch fried pickles

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Why We Love This Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Recipe

Buffalo Chicken just goes hand in hand with tailgating. Buffalo Chicken Dip was one of the first things I learned to cook (I guess that counts as cooking?) and since that glorious day, I’ve made it hundreds of times. If there is a Buffalo chicken sandwich listed on a menu, you better believe I’m ordering it. But I don’t want just to enjoy it when we are out to eat, I want to enjoy it tailgating at home too!!

To make this recipe, all you need is a slow cooker, chicken breasts, ranch seasoning, and some Buffalo sauce. You’ll feel like you’re in your favorite restaurant watching your favorite team win on game day. Or in my case, as a Mizzou fan, most likely you’ll be watching them lose. But you get the idea.

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

My absolute favorite way to enjoy this crockpot Buffalo chicken is on a soft toasted bun topped with extra homemade Buffalo sauce, a slice of cheese, a drizzle of blue cheese or ranch dressing, and some crispy ranch fried pickles. Yum!

pulled buffalo chicken sandwich topped with ranch fried pickles
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How to Store and Reheat 

Store leftover crockpot Buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a crockpot or in the microwave until warmed through.

How to Freeze 

Freeze crockpot Buffalo chicken in an airtight container or Ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve this juicy slow cooker Buffalo chicken on a sandwich (pictured), in a wrap, on a salad, in enchiladas or tacos, over nachos, or on a bed of mashed potatoes. Just don’t forget the ranch pickles!

Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in the crockpot?

We prefer to cook our chicken on low for 6-7 hours, but if you’re in a rush, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking on high does put it at risk of drying out, though, so watch carefully!

How do I keep chicken from drying out in the crockpot?

As mentioned above, cooking on low for longer helps prevent the chicken from drying out. You can also swap the chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier cut if you prefer. Cook time is exactly the same!

Does chicken need to be covered in liquid in the crockpot?

The chicken should be covered in liquid, but it does not need to be fully submerged in order to cook through.

buffalo chicken sandwich with fried pickles

5-Star Review

“This is one ultimate sandwich! So much easier to make than I thought it would be too!” -Erin

More Buffalo Chicken Recipes To Try

Recipe Card

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Recipe

4.63 from 32 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 7 hours
Total: 7 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Author: Becky Hardin
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken is so simple, delicious, and versatile! Throw it on a bun for the perfect Pulled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich. If you love chicken and love spicy food, it doesn't get better than Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken...making a great topping for sandwiches, tacos, nachos, and more!
This crockpot Buffalo chicken is perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a main meal!
Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
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Ingredients 

  • 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts thawed if frozen
  • 12 ounces hot sauce divided (I used Franks RedHot)
  • 1 ounce ranch seasoning (1 packet)
  • tablespoons unsalted butter

To Make Sandwiches

Instructions 

  • Spray your crockpot with nonstick spray, then place the chicken breasts along with ¾ of the bottle of hot sauce and all of the ranch seasoning into the crock.
    5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 12 ounces hot sauce, 1 ounce ranch seasoning
    A crockpot filled with buffalo chicken.
  • Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3½-4 hours.
  • Add the butter and the remaining ¼ bottle of hot sauce, and shred the chicken with two forks. Stir to combine.
    1½ tablespoons unsalted butter
    Two forks shredding chicken in a crockpot.
  • To assemble sandwiches, place cheese and chicken on a toasted bun. Top with ranch or blue cheese dressing and Ranch Fried Pickles.
    6 hamburger buns, 6 slices gouda cheese, Ranch dressing, Ranch Fried Pickles
    a crockpot buffalo chicken sandwich on a plate.

Video

Becky’s Tips

  • Nutritional information is for the chicken only, not the assembled sandwiches.
Storage: Store crockpot Buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Calories: 269kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 42gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 133mgSodium: 2081mgPotassium: 810mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 238IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave a comment!

How to Make Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Step by Step

Cook the Chicken: Spray your crockpot with nonstick spray, then place 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts along with ¾ of a 12-ounce bottle of hot sauce and all of a 1-ounce ranch seasoning packet into the crock. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3½-4 hours.

A crockpot filled with buffalo chicken.

Shred the Chicken: Add 1½ tablespoons of unsalted butter and the remaining ¼ of a 12-ounce bottle of hot sauce, and shred the chicken with two forks. Stir to combine.

Two forks shredding chicken in a crockpot.

(Optional) Make Sandwiches: To assemble sandwiches, place 1 slice of cheese and a heaping portion of chicken on a toasted bun. Top with ranch or blue cheese dressing and Ranch Fried Pickles.

a crockpot buffalo chicken sandwich on a plate.

Meet Becky Hardin

Becky Hardin is a wife and mother living in Saint Louis Missouri. She founded The Cookie Rookie in 2012 as a creative way to share recipes. Now, she is a trusted resource for easy cooking around the world, being featured in Taste of Home, The Kitchn, ABC’s Home and Family, and more. Here at The Cookie Rookie she is the editor in chief of all recipes and continues to enjoy sharing her passion for cooking for busy families. She has since founded two additional food blogs, Easy Chicken Recipes and Easy Dessert Recipes.

4.63 from 32 votes (21 ratings without comment)
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58 Comments
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Sherry
Sherry
September 3, 2023 8:56 pm

This looks so great! Question: do you shred the cooked chicken in the crockpot or take it out first? Thanks!

Samantha Marceau
September 5, 2023 9:12 am
Reply to  Sherry

We shred it right in the crockpot for convenience!

Kristin Chipps
Kristin Chipps
August 12, 2022 2:47 am

Will be trying this!! How do you make the ranch fried pickles?? can’t wait!5 stars

Samantha Marceau
August 12, 2022 9:00 am
Reply to  Kristin Chipps

Follow the recipe linked here!

Ashley
Ashley
June 26, 2022 4:35 pm

Super simple prep.. literally 3 ingredients into crock pot! I thought it was perfect, but a little hot/spicy for 2 out of 4 people. I subbed ciabatta rolls for the onion rolls. Didn’t end up putting fried ranch pickles on because they turned out really thick and soft. Will definitely make again!4 stars

Samantha Marceau
June 27, 2022 9:35 am
Reply to  Ashley

We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Ashley! Feel free to adjust the spice to your tastes!

Charlie
Charlie
February 10, 2021 4:06 pm

These are delicious, though I found chicken thighs made for juicier meat.4 stars

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
February 12, 2021 3:03 pm
Reply to  Charlie

Thanks for stopping by, Charlie!

Jessica
Jessica
March 6, 2020 8:14 am

Wow, this sounds amazing! Can’t wait to try it!

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
March 9, 2020 7:14 pm
Reply to  Jessica

I hope you enjoy it!!

Kayte
Kayte
July 20, 2019 10:13 am

How many people will this feed roughly? Thanks in advance!

Billy
Billy
February 15, 2019 4:17 pm

Ranch fried pickles sound so bomb. Thanks so much for this recipe! Definitely excited to try this at home.5 stars

Courtney Minor
February 19, 2019 2:19 pm
Reply to  Billy

Thanks for stopping by Billy. Ranch fried pickles really are BOMB. :)

Erin
Erin
January 24, 2019 11:03 am

This is one ultimate sandwich! So much easier to make than I thought it would be too!5 stars

lauren kelly
lauren kelly
January 24, 2019 10:54 am

Homemade buffalo sauce is everything! I am so excited to make this, especially in the slow cooker!5 stars

Rachael Yerkes
Rachael Yerkes
January 24, 2019 10:40 am

This looks like the best chicken sandwich ever! We will definitely be adding this one to the dinner rotation!5 stars