If you’re on the hunt for a game day superstar or a flavorful, crowd-pleasing treat, look no further than this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe. Imagine tender, juicy chicken slow cooked to perfection and drenched in tangy wing sauce, balanced by a hint of cool Ranch dressing, all nestled inside soft little slider buns—each bite bursting with irresistible flavor and texture. These sliders are comfort food at its finest, perfect for parties, family dinners, or whenever you crave something that combines convenience and crave-worthy taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe uses a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. From tender chicken breasts to the spicy kick of wing sauce, every component is key to making these sliders unforgettable.
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts: The main protein that becomes perfectly tender and shreddable after slow cooking.
- 1 cup wing sauce, divided: Delivers that signature spicy Buffalo flavor that every bite needs.
- ½ sweet onion, chopped finely: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Ranch dressing: Offers a cooling creaminess that beautifully balances the heat.
- 12 slider buns: Soft and small, these buns hold just the right amount of chicken for a perfect handheld experience.
How to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken and Slow Cooking
Start by adding the chicken breasts to your slow cooker. Top them with half a cup of wing sauce and the finely chopped sweet onion, which adds a subtle sweetness that contrasts wonderfully with the heat. Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours, until the chicken is tender enough to shred with ease.
Step 2: Shredding and Mixing
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks or a stand mixer if you want to speed things up. Don’t forget to reserve about a quarter cup of the flavorful cooking liquid before discarding the rest. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, add the reserved liquid along with the remaining half cup of wing sauce, and stir everything together until every piece is perfectly coated in that tangy Buffalo goodness.
Step 3: Assembling Your Sliders
Grab your slider buns and pile on roughly a quarter to a third cup of the saucy shredded chicken into each. For the ultimate flavor burst, drizzle additional wing sauce on top and add a splash of Ranch dressing. Close them up and get ready to indulge in these scrumptious sliders that will surely become favorites at your gatherings.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your sliders elevates them from delicious to downright irresistible. Fresh chopped celery or green onions add that lovely crunch and pop of color, while a little extra drizzle of Ranch or blue cheese dressing adds richness and contrast. If you love an extra kick, toss on some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for a melty finish.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair perfectly with classic game day sides that complement their flavors without overpowering them. Think crispy sweet potato fries, crunchy coleslaw, or simple carrot sticks with Ranch dip on the side. A fresh, lightly dressed salad also works wonderfully to balance out the richness and spice.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe into a taco-style platter by serving the shredded chicken in mini tortillas instead of buns. Or, make a slider bar with bowls of toppings like pickles, sliced onions, and shredded lettuce so guests can customize their own. For parties, place them on a large serving tray lined with parchment paper and garnish with fresh herbs for a festive, approachable presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the shredded chicken and sauces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Keep the slider buns separate to prevent sogginess, and assemble just before serving to maintain that perfect bite.
Freezing
Buffalo chicken freezes beautifully. Portion the shredded chicken with sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or use a gentle defrost setting in the microwave, then reheat thoroughly.
Reheating
For reheating, the stovetop or microwave both work well. Warm the shredded chicken in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep it juicy and evenly heated. If using a microwave, cover loosely and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between to avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you a slightly richer, more tender texture and can even add a bit more flavor, thanks to their higher fat content. Cooking times remain about the same, but always check for doneness.
What type of wing sauce is best for this recipe?
I recommend using a classic sauce like Frank’s RedHot Wing Sauce for that authentic Buffalo flavor. It strikes the perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and buttery notes, but feel free to adjust according to your heat preference.
Can I make these sliders spicy or mild?
You can easily tailor the heat by adjusting how much wing sauce you add or choosing a milder sauce. Adding extra Ranch dressing also helps tone down the spice while keeping the creamy texture intact.
Are these sliders suitable for meal prep or entertaining?
Yes! This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe is fantastic for both meal prep and entertaining. It’s super simple to make ahead, easy to reheat, and guests always love the flavor-packed, easy-to-eat sliders on game day or casual gatherings.
What can I use instead of slider buns?
If you don’t have slider buns on hand, mini dinner rolls or even small sandwich buns work great. For a low-carb option, lettuce wraps or sturdy tortillas can also be used for a different but equally delicious experience.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the combination of slow-cooked tenderness and bold Buffalo flavor in these sliders. I can’t recommend this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe enough if you want an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that brings warmth and excitement to any table. So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite appetizer or meal!
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Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
Description
Enjoy these delicious Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders, perfect for game day or parties. Tender chicken breasts slowly cooked with wing sauce and onions, then shredded and mixed with tangy wing sauce and creamy Ranch dressing, served on soft slider buns for a flavorful and easy-to-serve appetizer.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup wing sauce, divided
- ½ sweet onion, chopped finely
To Serve
- Ranch dressing
- 12 slider buns
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker and top with ½ cup of wing sauce and the finely chopped sweet onion. Cover with the lid.
- Cook the Chicken: Cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks or a stand mixer for ease. Reserve ¼ cup of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker, and discard the rest.
- Mix Chicken with Sauce: Place the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker bowl. Add the reserved ¼ cup of cooking liquid and the remaining ½ cup of wing sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly.
- Assemble Sliders: Place about ¼ to ⅓ cup of the buffalo chicken mixture onto each slider bun. Optionally garnish with additional wing sauce and Ranch dressing for extra flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the sliders warm as a perfect game day appetizer or party snack. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For wing sauce, Frank’s Wing Sauce is recommended for the best flavor.
- Using a stand mixer to shred chicken saves time and effort.
- Customize the sliders with extra Ranch or wing sauce to taste.
- To keep sliders warm before serving, cover tightly with foil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
