Easy Spicy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders
These sliders feature tender, slow-cooked buffalo chicken with a perfect balance of spice and tang, served on soft slider buns. Ideal for game day or casual gatherings, they are quick to prepare and packed with bold flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup (8 fl oz) buffalo wing sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
- 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- About 12 small slider buns (Hawaiian rolls recommended)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for drizzling or dipping (optional)
- Celery sticks, thinly sliced
- Optional add-ons: pickled jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine buffalo wing sauce, melted unsalted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until fully blended.
- Place chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker. Pour the buffalo sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, coating all pieces.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, until chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Remove chicken and shred using two forks or a hand mixer on low speed. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with remaining sauce. If sauce is too thin, cook uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes to thicken.
- Slice slider buns horizontally and toast lightly if desired. Prepare ranch or blue cheese dressing and sliced celery for assembly.
- Assemble sliders by piling buffalo chicken onto buns, drizzling with dressing, adding celery slices, and topping with bun crowns. Add optional toppings like shredded cheddar or jalapeños if desired.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or breasts for leaner option. Avoid lifting slow cooker lid during cooking to retain moisture. Shred chicken while hot for better sauce absorption. If sauce is watery, cook uncovered on high to thicken. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance heat. Slider buns can be swapped for lettuce wraps or gluten-free buns for dietary needs. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and taste better after flavor development overnight.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 15
Keywords: buffalo chicken sliders, slow cooker buffalo chicken, game day snacks, spicy chicken sliders, easy buffalo chicken recipe