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Easy Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Best Game Day Recipe

crockpot buffalo chicken sliders - featured image

These Easy Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the ultimate game day appetizer. With just 10 minutes of prep, the slow cooker does all the work, delivering tender, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) dry ranch dressing mix
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
  • 12 slider buns (Hawaiian sweet rolls recommended)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing (for serving)
  • Coleslaw mix or shredded lettuce (optional, for crunch)

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Trim any visible fat, especially if using thighs. Place the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer if possible.
  2. Make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, buffalo hot sauce, dry ranch dressing mix, and brown sugar if using. Stir until the ranch powder is fully dissolved. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken.
  3. Cook low and slow. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and shreds easily with a fork.
  4. Shred the chicken. Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it in a large mixing bowl. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re in a hurry, a hand mixer on low speed will shred it in about 30 seconds.
  5. Return to the sauce. Pour about 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker over the shredded chicken and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more hot sauce if you like it spicier, or a pinch of salt if needed.
  6. Toast the buns (optional but recommended). While the chicken rests, split your slider buns and toast them lightly under the broiler or in a dry skillet. This takes about 2 minutes and prevents soggy buns.
  7. Assemble the sliders. Pile the shredded buffalo chicken onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with a spoonful of blue cheese crumbles or a drizzle of ranch dressing. Add a handful of coleslaw or shredded lettuce for crunch if you like. Place the top bun on and press down gently.
  8. Serve immediately. Arrange the sliders on a platter and watch them disappear. Serve extra hot sauce and ranch on the side for dipping.

Notes

Toast the buns to prevent sogginess. Don’t lift the lid while cooking to maintain heat. For extra saucy chicken, make 1.5 times the sauce mixture and reserve half to stir in after shredding. Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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