Description

This Spicy Shredded Buffalo Chicken Sandwich recipe delivers tender, slow-cooked chicken infused with classic buffalo heat and bold flavors. Perfectly shredded and layered with crunchy veggies and creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing, this sandwich offers a delicious balance of spicy, tangy, and savory notes. Ideal for a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare in a slow cooker and perfect for buffalo sauce lovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Sauce

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons ranch dressing mix
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Sandwich Components

6 hamburger buns or rolls of choice (brioche, kaiser, or whole grain suggested)
1/2 cup blue cheese or ranch dressing
1 cup shredded lettuce
1/2 cup thinly sliced carrots
1/4 cup thinly sliced celery

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Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Pour the buffalo sauce over the chicken, add the ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, cayenne pepper if using, and drizzle the melted butter on top. Stir gently to coat evenly.
Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. For quicker shredding, you can use a hand mixer on low speed to shred the chicken rapidly.
Mix with Sauce: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix well with the remaining sauce to ensure every shred is coated in buffalo flavor.
Prepare the Buns: Toast your chosen buns or rolls lightly to add texture and help them hold up against the moist filling.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a generous layer of blue cheese or ranch dressing on the bottom bun. Add a hearty portion of shredded buffalo chicken, then layer with shredded lettuce, sliced carrots, and celery for crunch and freshness.
Add Extra Sauce: Drizzle additional buffalo sauce or your preferred dressing over the veggies for an added flavor boost and moisture.
Finish and Serve: Place the top bun on the sandwich and press gently to secure all ingredients. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and crunchy in every bite.

Notes

You can adjust the cayenne pepper amount or buffalo sauce quantity to tailor the heat level to your preference.
To make the sandwich gluten-free, substitute buns with gluten-free rolls or lettuce wraps.
For a creamier sauce twist, mix buffalo sauce with ranch or blue cheese dressing plus a little honey for a sweet-heat flavor combo.
Leftover shredded chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Use sturdy buns like brioche or kaiser rolls to prevent sogginess due to the saucy filling.