Oh my goodness, do I have a treat for you! If you love a meal that brings heat, flavor, and a big dose of comfort, then you are going to be absolutely smitten with my Easy Crockpot Shredded Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches. Imagine coming home after a long day and being greeted by the heavenly aroma of tender, spicy chicken just begging to be piled high on a soft bun. It’s like a warm hug, but in sandwich form!
I stumbled upon this recipe during a gathering with friends, where someone made a similar dish. Let’s just say, I couldn’t stop raving about it. We had such a blast, sharing our love for spicy food and laughing over our unfortunate attempts at handling the heat. Since that day, this dish has been a staple in my dinner rotation—and it always draws in compliments from everyone who takes a bite. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up in the crockpot, which is basically my best friend in the kitchen. Ready to dive in? Let’s see what makes this recipe so special!
What’s in Easy Crockpot Shredded Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches?
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the show! I love using chicken breasts because they shred beautifully and soak up all that delicious flavor. Plus, it’s lean and perfect for a healthy meal.
Buffalo Sauce: I always go for Frank’s RedHot, but feel free to use your favorite brand. This is what gives the chicken its irresistible spicy kick that buffalo lovers crave.
Ranch Dressing: This creamy dressing adds a nice cool contrast to the heat of the buffalo sauce. I usually have some around for drizzling on top because, honestly, more ranch is always better!
Cream Cheese: This ingredient makes everything super creamy and rich. Once it melds with the buffalo sauce, it creates a dreamy texture that you’ll love.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Simple seasonings that ramp up the flavor. I always have a jar of garlic powder on hand—it’s like magic!
Salt and Pepper: Just the basics to enhance all those fabulous flavors.
Hamburger or Sub Sandwich Buns: You’ve got options! Choose whichever bun you’re in the mood for—each adds its own unique touch.
Optional: Sliced Celery or Pickles: These make for great garnishes, giving the sandwich a little crunch and a fresh pop of flavor!
Is Easy Crockpot Shredded Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Good for You?
Okay, let’s chat about health. These sandwiches aren’t just tasty—they also pack some upsides!
– **Chicken Breasts**: They are an excellent source of lean protein, which helps keep you full and supports muscle health.
– **Buffalo Sauce**: While it gives you that delicious heat, keep in mind it usually contains sodium. I recommend opting for low-sodium options if you’re watching your salt intake.
– **Cream Cheese**: While it adds creaminess, it’s also a little rich, so moderation is key here, especially if you’re counting calories.
This dish is perfect for a hearty meal without feeling overly indulgent, especially if you load up on the veggies with the garnish!
Ingredients
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup buffalo sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
– 1/2 cup ranch dressing (plus more for serving)
– 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 6 hamburger or sub sandwich buns
– Optional: sliced celery or pickles for garnish
*Serves 6*
How to Make Easy Crockpot Shredded Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches?
1. Start by placing the chicken breasts in your trusty crockpot. Don’t worry about it being a fancy setup; just layer them in there!
2. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken.
3. Pour over the buffalo sauce, ensuring each piece is nicely coated. Then, toss that cream cheese right on top—trust me, it’s going to make everything divine!
4. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to be cooked through, tender, and easy to shred.
5. Once the cooking time is up, grab two forks and shred the chicken right in the crockpot. Mix it all together until everything is well combined; it’s so satisfying!
6. To serve, spoon generous amounts of your shredded buffalo chicken onto sandwich buns. Drizzle some ranch dressing on top and if you’re feeling fancy, garnish with sliced celery or pickles.
7. Sit back and enjoy your sandwiches with chips or whatever sides you fancy—they’re a match made in heaven!
Serving Suggestions and Fun Variations!
Feeling a little adventurous? Here are some ideas:
– Feel free to switch up the sauce! Try making it a pineapple teriyaki chicken if you’re feeling tropical, or go for a sweet BBQ sauce for a less spicy option.
– Top it off with some shredded cheese—because cheese makes everything better, right?
– Serve those sandwiches up with a side of carrot or cucumber sticks; they cut through the spiciness and pair perfectly with ranch dressing!
I hope you give this Easy Crockpot Shredded Buffalo Chicken Sandwich a try! Trust me, it’s perfect for game days, casual dinners, or whenever you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. I can’t wait for you to dive in and enjoy it as much as I do. Don’t forget to share your sandwich creations with me—I’m always here for a good food story! Happy cooking!
