If you are searching for a crowd-pleasing game day treat or a fun dinner idea, this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe is an unbeatable choice. Packed with tangy, spicy Buffalo sauce and tender shredded chicken, these sliders bring warmth, bold flavor, and cheesy goodness all nestled within soft slider buns. It’s a recipe that requires minimal hands-on time but delivers maximum satisfaction, making it a favorite to keep coming back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential to build the bright flavors and perfect textures in this dish. Every ingredient has a job, from imparting spicy heat to creamy coolness to gooey cheesiness, ensuring each slider is as delicious as the last.
- 2 lb boneless chicken: The base of the recipe, chicken soaks up all the rich Buffalo flavor as it slow cooks to tender perfection.
- 1 (12-oz) bottle Frank’s Wing Sauce: This iconic hot sauce packs the classic Buffalo kick that defines the dish.
- 1 (1-oz) package ranch dressing mix: Adds a hint of creamy, tangy undertone that balances the spice beautifully.
- 12 slider buns: Soft, small buns are perfect for individual sandwiches and make serving easy.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts over the chicken to add richness and a mild sharpness that complements the sauce.
- 1/4 cup bottled ranch dressing: A cool drizzle to finish the sliders and enhance every bite with creaminess.
How to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Start by placing the boneless chicken breasts into your slow cooker. Pour in the entire bottle of Frank’s Wing Sauce along with the ranch dressing mix. This combination is the magic that infuses the chicken with a vibrant, tangy heat. Set your slow cooker on LOW and let the chicken immerse itself in these flavors for 4 to 6 hours. The slow heat gently breaks down the meat, making it incredibly tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Shred and Return to Slow Cooker
Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks or your preferred shredding method. Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker, stirring well to coat all the pieces with the remaining sauce. Let it cook on LOW for an additional 30 minutes so every shred soaks up even more zest and moisture. This step elevates the texture and ensures each bite bursts with sauce.
Step 3: Prepare Slider Buns
While the chicken finishes in the slow cooker, slice the slider buns in half and arrange the bottom halves on a baking sheet. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on the bottom buns. Place them under your oven’s broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This adds a golden, cheesy base that pairs perfectly with the spicy chicken.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
Once the chicken and cheese-topped buns are ready, pile the tender Buffalo chicken high onto the cheesy bottom halves. Add a drizzle of bottled ranch dressing on top of the chicken for a creamy, cooling contrast. Finally, cap each slider with the top bun. Serve these warm for the ultimate comforting and flavorful snack or meal.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes takes these sliders from good to unforgettable. Crisp celery sticks or thinly sliced green onions add a nice crunch and fresh bite that contrasts beautifully with the rich, spicy chicken. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley can also brighten the presentation and add a hint of herbaceous aroma.
Side Dishes
Complement your sliders with classic sides like a crisp garden salad, crunchy coleslaw, or seasoned potato wedges. These sides bring balance, texture, and wholesome flavors to the meal. For an extra indulgent touch, creamy macaroni and cheese or crispy seasoned fries are always a winning pairing that your guests will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe into a party centerpiece by arranging the sliders on a large platter surrounded by bowls of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. You can also serve sliders on small wooden boards or slate plates with colorful napkins for an elevated casual feel. For a picnic or tailgate, pack sliders in airtight containers and keep chilled until ready to warm and serve.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Buffalo chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Keep the shredded chicken separate from the buns if possible to avoid sogginess. Chilling in portions allows for quick warming and assembly later.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Simply transfer the shredded chicken mixture to a freezer-safe bag or container and store it for up to 3 months. You can thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently in a skillet or microwave. Slider buns are best stored separately and fresh buns can be used when ready to serve.
Reheating
For the best texture and flavor when reheating your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe, warm the shredded chicken gently in a skillet over low heat or in a microwave-safe dish covered with a damp paper towel. Reheat the slider buns briefly in the oven or toaster oven until soft and warm. Assemble with fresh cheese and dressing to enjoy like new.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give a slightly richer flavor and can remain juicy during cooking. Just adjust the cooking time if needed, but generally 4 to 6 hours on LOW works well for both.
What if I like it less spicy?
To tame the heat, you can reduce the amount of Frank’s Wing Sauce or add a bit more ranch dressing mix to mellow the spice level. Adding extra cheese or drizzling more ranch dressing when serving also helps balance the heat.
Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe for a stovetop or Instant Pot. For stovetop, simmer the chicken and sauce covered on low heat until tender, about 1 to 1.5 hours. In an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for about 20 minutes.
What type of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is classic and melts beautifully for this recipe, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a cheese blend for different flavor profiles and levels of creaminess.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Definitely! Diced onions, bell peppers, or celery added at the start will cook down and blend into the sauce, adding extra flavor and nutrition. Just be mindful that it might change the texture slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe is the kind of dish that sparks joy at every meal, whether it’s a simple family dinner or a lively party spread. The ease of the slow cooker combined with the bold flavors and comforting textures makes it a recipe that’s both impressive and effortless. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
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Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (12 sliders)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a delicious and easy crowd-pleaser perfect for game days or casual gatherings. Tender shredded chicken cooked in spicy Frank’s Wing Sauce combined with ranch dressing mix creates a flavorful filling. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and creamy bottled ranch dressing on soft slider buns, these sliders offer a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and cheesy flavors with minimal effort, made conveniently in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
Chicken & Sauce
- 2 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 (12-oz) bottle Frank’s Wing Sauce
- 1 (1-oz) package ranch dressing mix
To Assemble
- 12 slider buns
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup bottled ranch dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker Mixture: Place the boneless chicken, Frank’s Wing Sauce, and ranch dressing mix into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: Set the slow cooker to LOW and cook the mixture for 4 to 6 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred it thoroughly using two forks.
- Return and Simmer: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring to mix with the sauce. Cook on LOW for an additional 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Melt the Cheese on Buns: Preheat the oven broiler. Place the bottom halves of the slider buns on a baking sheet, top each with shredded cheddar cheese, and place under the broiler just until the cheese melts and bubbles slightly.
- Assemble the Sliders: Remove the cheesy buns from the oven, spoon the buffalo chicken mixture generously onto each bun, then drizzle or spread bottled ranch dressing over the chicken. Cap with the top halves of the slider buns and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier slider, add extra Frank’s Wing Sauce or some cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
- Shredding chicken can be easier if you let it rest a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices.
- Substitute ranch dressing mix with blue cheese dressing mix for a different flavor twist.
- To make sliders ahead, prepare chicken in slow cooker and keep refrigerated, then assemble and broil cheese just before serving.
- Use Hawaiian rolls or other soft buns as an alternative for a sweeter slider base.
