Are you craving a mouth-watering dish that combines the perfect kick of buffalo sauce with tender, juicy chicken? Look no further! This slow cooker buffalo chicken recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of spicy, creamy chicken that practically falls apart with the touch of a fork. Whether you're hosting a game day party, looking for an easy weeknight dinner, or simply want to treat yourself to something incredibly delicious, this recipe is your golden ticket to flavor town!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, 1 cup of buffalo sauce, 1/2 cup of ranch dressing, 1/2 cup of diced celery, 1/4 cup of sliced green onions, and salt and pepper.
- Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps remove any excess moisture.
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- In a slow cooker, place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing until well combined. This will create a flavorful sauce for the chicken.
- Pour the buffalo and ranch sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for 6 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the chicken to become tender and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- After 6 hours, check the chicken for doneness. It should be tender and easily shred with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and stir it into the remaining sauce to ensure it is evenly coated.
- To serve, use a ladle to portion the buffalo chicken onto plates or in bowls. Top with diced celery and sliced green onions for added crunch and flavor.
- This dish can be enjoyed on its own, or served in wraps, on buns, or over rice. Enjoy your delicious buffalo chicken!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, let the chicken marinate in the buffalo sauce mixture for 30 minutes before slow cooking if time permits.
- Use fresh chicken breasts for the best texture and flavor. Frozen chicken can work but may release more water during cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, choose a hot buffalo sauce. For a milder version, opt for a medium or mild sauce.
- Don't overcook! While slow cookers are forgiving, 6-7 hours is typically perfect to keep the chicken tender and juicy.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for some of the ranch dressing.
- Save some extra buffalo sauce on the side for those who want an extra kick when serving.
- This recipe freezes beautifully - store in airtight containers for up to 3 months for a quick future meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
