I couldn’t wait to make this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken recipe after perfecting my own Homemade Ranch Seasoning. The chicken is cooked slowly, resulting in tender, spicy, tangy, and rich flavors. The versatility of this dish is incredible – it can be used in sandwiches, dips, salads, pizza, and so much more. I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of ways to enjoy this incredibly easy and delicious shredded buffalo chicken, so make sure you don’t miss it! I guarantee you’ll want to make this recipe repeatedly during football season and the holidays.
What is Buffalo Sauce?
If you haven’t tried this American favorite before, Buffalo Sauce is essentially a blend of hot sauce (typically Frank’s Red Hot Sauce) and butter. This creates a delightfully tangy, spicy, and slightly decadent sauce that is commonly used for coating fried chicken, among other dishes. In our recipe for slow cooker buffalo chicken, we’ve taken it up a notch by incorporating ranch seasoning mix. This mix, composed of buttermilk powder, herbs, and spices, adds a tremendous burst of flavor to the sauce and gives it a creamy touch. Trust us, it’s absolutely irresistible!
What Kind of Hot Sauce to Use
As previously stated, buffalo sauce typically consists of Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, although you have the option to substitute it with any vinegar-based cayenne flavored hot sauce of your preference for this recipe. Personally, I tried the ALDI version of Frank’s and it turned out excellent!
Can I Substitute the Ranch Mix?
The ranch seasoning mix adds an abundance of flavor to this sauce, so I recommend not skipping it whenever possible. In case you don’t have the necessary ingredients to make your own ranch seasoning mix, you can easily substitute it with a store-bought packet. Alternatively, if you prefer using your own herbs and spices but lack buttermilk powder, the sauce will still taste delicious, albeit slightly less creamy.
How to Use Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken
Now, let’s get to the exciting part. How can you make the most of this mouth-watering shredded buffalo chicken? The possibilities are endless! Allow me to share a few suggestions:
I can’t help but salivate as I type all of that! This deliciousness is absolutely incredible.
How to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken – Step by Step Photos
Mix together 2 tablespoons of buttermilk powder, ½ teaspoon of dried parsley, ¼ teaspoon of dried dill, ¼ teaspoon of onion powder, ⅛ teaspoon of garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon of lemon pepper, ⅛ teaspoon of sugar, ⅛ teaspoon of salt, and ⅛ teaspoon of pepper. Combine this ranch seasoning mixture with one 12 oz. bottle of vinegar-based hot sauce.
In the bottom of a slow cooker, add approximately 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast. Cut 4 tablespoons of butter into chunks and evenly distribute them on top of the chicken.
Place the chicken and butter in the slow cooker and then pour the hot sauce mixture on top.
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and let the chicken cook on low heat for a duration of four hours.
If the chicken is not tender and easily shreddable after four hours, let it cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Shred the chicken completely, then savor the deliciousness!
