Easy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders for Game Day
These easy slow cooker buffalo chicken sliders are the perfect game day food—juicy, tangy, and buttery, with a secret ingredient that makes the sauce cling to the meat. Set it and forget it for a crowd-pleasing, no-fuss meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 sliders 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Hot Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), cut into cubes
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 12–16 slider buns (brioche, potato rolls, or Hawaiian sweet rolls)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter for toasting buns
- Optional toppings: blue cheese crumbles, ranch or blue cheese dressing, shredded lettuce, sliced pickled jalapeños
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Trim any visible fat or gristle first. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, and ranch seasoning mix until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken. Then, add the chicken broth around the edges—don’t pour it directly on top.
- Put the lid on and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours, until the chicken is tender enough to shred easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Carefully transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board or large bowl. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, use a hand mixer on low speed for 20-30 seconds.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker with all the sauce. Stir well to coat every piece. Let it sit on warm for 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- While the chicken rests, preheat your oven to 350°F. Split the slider buns in half and place them cut-side up on a baking sheet. Brush the cut sides with melted butter. Bake for 5-7 minutes, until golden and slightly crisp.
- Place a generous scoop of buffalo chicken on the bottom half of each bun. Add your toppings. Top with the other half of the bun and press down gently.
- Serve immediately. These sliders are best warm, right after assembly.
Notes
For the best texture, let your chicken come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before adding it to the slow cooker. Toasting the buns is crucial to prevent sogginess. Use a slotted spoon to serve the chicken to let excess sauce drip off. The chicken tastes even better the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 780
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 24
Keywords: buffalo chicken sliders, slow cooker sliders, game day food, easy appetizer, shredded chicken sliders