Easy, Small Batch Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken
I don’t know if you’ve heard, but fall is officially slow cooker season. Kidding. It’s obviously what some of us live for every year, and I’m here for it. I’m also here for all of the buffalo chicken recipes, so it’s only right to combine the two. This slow cooker buffalo chicken is pretty much a foundation for [one thousand] future recipes, so I need to share it with you immediately. 🙂
Yes, this is one of my smaller batch recipes. It’s perfect for a dinner for four, or in our case, a dinner for two with leftovers for a couple of days. You can safely keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, which gives you plenty of time to eat them up.
You know those little crockpots that people use for cheese dip? Like the two quart-ish size? That’s what I use for my small batch slow cooker recipes, like this one and my date night short ribs. The reason I use the smaller one is because the compact space ensures that the chicken is covered with sauce and veggies, and doesn’t dry out. You can definitely use a larger one, though! Just be sure to really coat the chicken in sauce before you cook it! Or, of course, if you’re doubling this recipe – use a bigger one. 🙂
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken:
- Chicken Breasts (totaling about one pound)
- Kosher Salt
- White Onion
- Jalapeño
- Garlic
- Ranch Seasoning Mix (store-bought is good, this one is better)
- Black Pepper
- Raw Honey
- Buffalo Sauce (like Frank’s)
- Unsalted Butter
This recipe makes about a pound of shredded buffalo chicken, but feel free to increase the amount if you’re feeding a crowd. Also feel free to adjust the ingredients to fit your tastes! Use one clove of garlic if you aren’t a big fan, or add less onion if you think you want less. The basics of the recipe are what matters; your judgment is just as important! And this buffalo chicken is pretty forgiving, so other than making it too spicy, you can’t really go wrong.
Recipes that use Shredded Buffalo Chicken:
- Buffalo Chicken Sliders (*the* most popular post on my blog – just top the buffalo chicken with cheese and ranch dressing, and you’re set!)
- Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Buffalo Chicken Caesar Salad
Be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make this one! I love seeing everything you make! And as always, email me directly with any questions! I hope you love this buffalo chicken as much as we do!
xx Sara
slow cooker shredded buffalo chicken
Equipment
- slow cooker
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts totaling about 1 - 1 1/2 pounds
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 white onion, finely diced about 1/2 cup
- 1 tsp. finely chopped jalapeno
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced about 1 tablespoon
- 1 1/2 tsp. dry ranch seasoning mix
- freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tbsp. honey
- 1/3 cup buffalo sauce such as Frank's Original
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, about 1/4 tsp. per chicken breast. Set the low cooker setting to "high".
- Place chicken breasts inside the slow cooker. Add onion, jalapeño, and garlic. Sprinkle in ranch seasoning mix and black pepper, then pour in honey and hot sauce. Use tongs to mix everything together.
- Cover and cook on high for 2 hours, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Once chicken is cooked through, shred it directly inside the crockpot. Add butter, then turn heat to low. Toss the shredded chicken again with tongs, then allow the chicken to rest in the slow cooker for about an hour. Toss occasionally to continue coating the chicken in sauce.
- Turn off heat, uncover, and let the chicken sit for about 15 minutes so the sauce thickens.
- Serve on lettuce wraps, sliders, or whatever you please!
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Make sure to follow on Pinterest @aflavorjournal and on Instagram @aflavorjournal
Comments & Reviews
The slow cooker option definitely enhance the flavor of the dish. This looks so mouth melting and definitely amazing.
Thank you, Veena! The slow cooker options give so much flavor with such little effort!
A great recipe to try this holiday season. So delicious!
Thank you so much!
This is such a great idea for parties and gatherings! Love how easy it is yet has such crowd pleasing flavors!
I totally agree, Amy! The easier the better when it comes to feeding a bunch of people!
I love all things buffalo, especially chicken! Slow cooker meals are a go-to for me during the week, and I love the lettuce wrap idea, too!
Me too, Jaida! Slow cooker meals are the best go-to for busy days … I don’t know what I would do without them!
These made awesome lettuce wraps for dinner last night. Love the smaller crockpot – makes just enough!
I’m so glad you love it, Kylee! I’m such a huge fan of the smaller crockpot recipes, too!
My husband loves buffalo wings but I don’t care for them – mostly because they are messy and greasy. I made this earlier this week and we both LOVE it. The buffalo flavor he loves and none of the mess or grease. Thanks for a great recipe!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Rebecca! It’s definitely MUCH easier to eat than wings!
This slow cooker buffalo chicken looks so delicious! I can’t wait to use this to top salads, rice bowls, and tacos!
All of those are perfect ideas for this recipe, Jenni! I love the versatility!
Those are all perfect ideas for slow cooker buffalo chicken! I love the versatility!
My son would LOVE for me to make this for dinner this week! I haven’t used my slow cooker in awhile-this looks like the perfect recipe to make with it!
I hope you get to make it for him! It’s a great excuse to get the slow cooker out again!
Yep! Definitley making this for my husband on a football Sunday! He’ll love it!
I hope he does, Nicole!
This makes me happy, all of that buffalo flavor is one of my favorites, especially for entertaining. I love that is made in the slow cooker, set it and forget it kind of recipes are the best!
Buffalo flavor is one of my favorites, too! And you can’t beat the slow cooker recipes. Especially during the busy holiday season!
I absolutely love the flavors in this simple chicken meal. It’s perfect for busy mums to make. I’m saving this recipe and will give it a try. Thanks for sharing.
We love this healthy crockpot buffalo chicken recipe and its perfect for making a buffalo chicken sandwich. So easy to set it and let it go and have dinner ready in no time. Thank you for the recipe!
I’m so glad that you enjoy it, Riley!! Thank YOU for making it!