This delightful recipe for slow cooker buffalo chicken sandwiches offers a tangy and savory treat for lunch or dinner. Tender chicken breast, marinated in a zesty buffalo sauce and slow-cooked to perfection, then shredded and served on a soft brioche bun with creamy cheese. It's the perfect combination of flavors that will leave your taste buds tingling.
The main ingredients for this recipe are quite common and can be easily found in your home. However, the buffalo sauce may need to be purchased separately if it's not a staple in your kitchen. When going to the supermarket, look for it in the condiments section. Also, brioche buns can be found in the bakery section and provide a softer, sweeter taste than regular bread.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
Chicken breast: This is the main star of the recipe. A lean source of protein, it cooks wonderfully in the slow cooker, becoming tender and easy to shred.
Buffalo sauce: This sauce lends a tangy, spicy flavor to the chicken and gives it its characteristic 'buffalo' taste.
Ranch dressing mix: Provides a herby and tangy contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce, enhancing the overall taste of the chicken.
Brioche buns: A type of French bread that is soft, sweet, and buttery, it complements the spicy chicken by providing a mild, sweet base.
Cream cheese: Adds a smooth, creamy texture and slightly tangy flavor that pairs well with the spicy chicken.
One reader, Brendon Riddick says:
This slow cooker buffalo chicken sandwiches recipe is a game-changer! The chicken turns out so tender and flavorful, and the buffalo sauce adds the perfect kick. It's incredibly easy to make and always a hit with my family and friends. I love how the cream cheese balances out the heat. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Making Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
How to prepare the slow cooker: Place the slow cooker on a flat, stable surface and ensure it is clean and dry before use.
How to shred the chicken: Use two forks to pull the chicken apart into small, shredded pieces directly in the slow cooker. Mix the shredded chicken well with the sauce to ensure it is evenly coated.
How to assemble the sandwiches: Spread a generous amount of cream cheese on the bottom half of each brioche bun. Add a portion of the buffalo chicken on top of the cream cheese, then cover with the top half of the bun. Serve and enjoy!
How To Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
Enjoy that spicy and smoky flavor with that chicken sandwich by applying buffalo sauce. Try this buffalo chicken sandwich for lunch for a tasty meal!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2lbschicken breast,boneless skinless
- 1cupbuffalo sauce
- 1pkgranch dressing mix
- 8brioche buns,toasted
- 8ozcream cheese,for spreading
Instructions
-
Add chicken, buffalo sauce and ranch dressing mix to slow cooker and mix ingredients together well.
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Cook in slow cooker on Low for 6 hours.
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Shred the chicken in the slow cooker with two forks and mix well with the sauce before adding to your sandwiches with cream cheese as a spread on your buns.
Nutrition
- Calories: 471.76kcal
- Fat: 26.28g
- Saturated Fat: 10.78g
- Trans Fat: 0.12g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.91g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.51g
- Carbohydrates: 22.22g
- Fiber: 0.88g
- Sugar: 3.59g
- Protein: 34.74g
- Cholesterol: 123.53mg
- Sodium: 403.56mg
- Calcium: 116.02mg
- Potassium: 428.67mg
- Iron: 3.12mg
- Vitamin A: 130.97µg
- Vitamin C: 0.55mg
Helpful Technique for Making Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
To ensure your chicken is tender and easy to shred, make sure to cook it on low heat for the full 6 hours. Cooking on a higher heat for a shorter time can result in tougher meat. Also, when shredding the chicken, use two forks and pull in opposite directions. This will give you the perfect shredded texture for your buffalo chicken sandwiches.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and marinate meats the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use a slow cooker: Slow cookers are great for hands-off cooking and can save time on meal prep.
One-pot meals: Opt for recipes that require only one pot or pan to minimize cleanup time.
Batch cooking: Cook large quantities of food and freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals later.
Organize your kitchen: Keep your kitchen well-organized to easily find ingredients and cooking tools, saving time during meal preparation.
Invest in kitchen gadgets: Use time-saving kitchen gadgets like food processors, blenders, and instant pots to streamline meal prep.
Follow the recipe: Read the recipe thoroughly before starting to ensure you have all the ingredients and understand the steps, preventing any last-minute confusion.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
chicken breast - Substitute with pulled pork: Pulled pork can be used as a flavorful and tender alternative to chicken breast, adding a rich and smoky taste to the dish.
buffalo sauce - Substitute with hot sauce and butter: Combining hot sauce and butter can replicate the tangy and spicy flavor of buffalo sauce, providing a similar taste profile for the dish.
ranch dressing mix - Substitute with homemade ranch seasoning: Creating a homemade ranch seasoning mix using ingredients like dried herbs, garlic powder, and onion powder can replace the packaged ranch dressing mix while offering a fresher and customizable flavor.
brioche buns - Substitute with pretzel buns: Pretzel buns can provide a chewy and slightly salty contrast to the savory buffalo chicken, adding a unique texture and flavor to the sandwiches.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can offer a tangy and creamy element similar to cream cheese, while also providing a lighter and healthier alternative for the recipe.
Presentation Ideas for Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
Elevate the bun choice: Opt for a high-quality brioche bun to add a touch of luxury and richness to the dish. The soft, buttery texture of the brioche will complement the bold flavors of the buffalo chicken.
Artful plating: Arrange the shredded buffalo chicken on the brioche bun with precision, ensuring an eye-catching presentation. Consider using tweezers to delicately place the chicken for a refined and elegant look.
Garnish with finesse: Sprinkle a pinch of finely chopped chives on top of the buffalo chicken for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. This subtle garnish adds a touch of sophistication to the dish.
Cream cheese quenelle: Instead of simply spreading the cream cheese on the bun, create a quenelle of cream cheese using two spoons. This elegant presentation technique will impress the judges with its attention to detail.
Balance the plate: Accompany the buffalo chicken sandwich with a small side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. The vibrant colors and textures of the salad will provide a visually appealing contrast to the main dish.
Use edible flowers as a garnish: Add a touch of elegance by delicately placing edible flowers on the plate. The vibrant colors and delicate petals will elevate the visual appeal of the dish, showcasing your attention to detail.
Incorporate microgreens: Sprinkle a few carefully selected microgreens on top of the buffalo chicken for a burst of flavor and a visually stunning finish. The tiny, vibrant greens will add a sophisticated touch to the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Slow Cooker Sandwiches
- Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance used for simmering food at a low temperature over a long period of time.
- Forks: Utensils with two or more prongs used for picking up and eating food.
- Brioche buns: Soft, slightly sweet bread rolls made with a high egg and butter content, perfect for sandwiches.
- Mixing bowl: A deep bowl used for mixing ingredients together.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, and pureeing ingredients.
- Measuring cup: A container used for measuring liquid or dry ingredients.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible utensil used for lifting, spreading, or flipping food.
- Cutting board: A durable board used for cutting and preparing food.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and slicing ingredients.
- Plates: Flat, round dishes used for serving food.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
- To store leftover buffalo chicken in the refrigerator, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked buffalo chicken for up to 3 months:
- Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
- If using a container, make sure to leave some headspace for expansion during freezing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- To reheat frozen buffalo chicken:
- Thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- Transfer the thawed chicken to a saucepan or microwave-safe dish.
- Heat the chicken over medium-low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and to prevent the sauce from burning.
- It's not recommended to freeze the assembled sandwiches, as the buns may become soggy upon thawing. Instead, freeze the buffalo chicken separately and assemble the sandwiches when ready to serve.
- If you have leftover cream cheese spread, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It's not recommended to freeze the cream cheese spread, as it may affect its texture and consistency upon thawing.
How To Reheat Leftover Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
The best way to reheat leftover slow cooker buffalo chicken is to place the shredded chicken and sauce in a covered dish and heat it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until it's heated through. This method helps to preserve the moisture and flavor of the chicken while ensuring that it's evenly heated.
Another option is to reheat the buffalo chicken in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to the pan to help keep the chicken moist and prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until the chicken is heated through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat the shredded chicken in the microwave. Place the chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat it on high for 1-2 minutes, or until it's heated through. Be sure to stir the chicken halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
For a crispy twist, try reheating the buffalo chicken under the broiler. Spread the shredded chicken on a baking sheet and place it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until it's heated through and slightly crispy on top. Keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent it from burning.
If you have leftover brioche buns, you can refresh them by wrapping them in foil and placing them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until they're warm and slightly crispy on the outside. This will help to restore their texture and make them taste freshly baked.
Interesting Trivia About Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
Buffalo chicken sandwiches are a popular dish in the United States, particularly in the city of Buffalo, New York, where they originated. The dish is typically made with fried chicken wings coated in a spicy buffalo sauce. However, this slow cooker buffalo chicken sandwiches recipe offers a convenient and delicious alternative by using tender shredded chicken breast cooked in buffalo sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a flavorful and satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Plus, the creamy cream cheese spread adds a delightful contrast to the spicy buffalo flavor.
Is Making Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this slow cooker buffalo chicken sandwiches recipe is quite high. The ingredients, such as chicken breast, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing mix, are affordable and readily available. The total cost for a household of 4 people would be approximately $20. This recipe offers a convenient and budget-friendly option for a delicious meal. Rating: 9/10
Is This Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
The slow cooker buffalo chicken sandwiches recipe, while undeniably delicious, may not be the healthiest option due to a few key ingredients:
- The buffalo sauce and ranch dressing mix are likely high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues when consumed in excess.
- Cream cheese, although rich and creamy, is high in saturated fat and calories, which can lead to weight gain and increased risk of heart disease if consumed regularly.
- Brioche buns, while tasty, are made with butter and eggs, making them higher in calories and fat compared to whole grain buns.
However, the recipe does use lean chicken breast, which is a good source of protein and low in fat.
To make this recipe healthier without sacrificing flavor, consider the following modifications:
- Opt for a low-sodium or homemade buffalo sauce to reduce the overall sodium content.
- Replace the ranch dressing mix with a blend of dried herbs and spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and parsley.
- Swap the cream cheese for a lower-fat spread, such as Greek yogurt or avocado, which can provide creaminess with fewer calories and more nutrients.
- Choose whole grain or sprouted buns instead of brioche to increase the fiber content and provide more complex carbohydrates.
- Add some vegetables to the sandwich, such as shredded carrots, lettuce, or sliced tomatoes, to boost the nutrient profile and add freshness to the dish.
Editor's Opinion on This Slow Cooker Sandwich Recipe
This slow cooker buffalo chicken sandwiches recipe is a delightful combination of tender, flavorful chicken and zesty buffalo sauce. The use of ranch dressing mix adds a delicious depth of flavor. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a mouthwatering dish. Serving the shredded buffalo chicken on brioche buns with a creamy spread of cream cheese adds a rich and indulgent element to the dish. It's a perfect choice for a casual gathering or a weeknight meal, and it's sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a little kick of heat in their food.
Enhance Your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a mouthwatering experience with its tender chicken breast infused with the bold flavors of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing mix. The slow cooking process ensures that the flavors meld together perfectly, creating a delectable filling for your brioche buns. The addition of cream cheese adds a creamy and indulgent touch, elevating the overall taste. Trust in the simplicity and deliciousness of this recipe, and you'll be rewarded with a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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