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Chef Amber

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders (Easy Recipe)

Tender shredded buffalo chicken piled on slider buns with melted cheese and pickles. Made effortlessly in the slow cooker for hands-off cooking.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Course: lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken Breasts: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts for lean, shreddable meat
  • Buffalo Sauce: 1 cup of your favorite brand (Frank's RedHot is classic)
  • Ranch Dressing: ½ cup for cooling creaminess and flavor balance
  • Butter: 2 tablespoons for richness and to mellow the heat
  • Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon for savory depth
  • Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon for aromatic flavor
  • Slider Buns: 12 soft Hawaiian rolls or potato slider buns
  • Provolone Cheese: 12 slices for melty, mild cheese that doesn't overpower
  • Dill Pickles: 12-15 pickle chips for tangy crunch
  • Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: For serving on the side

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the buffalo sauce over the chicken, then add the ranch dressing, melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder. Gently stir to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce mixture.
  2. Step 2: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The chicken should be so tender that it falls apart when you press it with a fork.
  3. Step 3: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, pulling the meat apart along its natural grain. The chicken should shred very easily if it's properly cooked.
  4. Step 4: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and toss it thoroughly with all the sauce remaining in the pot. Let it sit on the warm setting for 15-20 minutes to absorb maximum flavor. This is the secret step that makes restaurant-quality buffalo chicken.
  5. Step 5: While the chicken rests, preheat your oven to 350°F. Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottom halves on a baking sheet. Top each bottom bun with a generous portion of buffalo chicken, a slice of provolone cheese, and a pickle chip. Place the top buns on and brush them lightly with melted butter if desired. Bake for 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts and the buns are lightly toasted. Serve immediately with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Notes

Nutrition Facts (per serving): Carbs: 28g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 9g