Introduction
Oh, the delicious aroma that fills the kitchen when you’re making something truly special! This Buffalo Ranch Slow Cooker Chicken recipe is like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something incredibly flavorful with minimal fuss. I remember the first time I made this – it was a game-changer for my meal prep and my family absolutely devoured it. It’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- So Fast: Seriously, the most hands-on time is just a few minutes!
- Super Easy: Just toss everything in and let the slow cooker do the work.
- Perfect for Gifting: Make a big batch and portion it out for friends or neighbors.
- Always a Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike can’t get enough of this creamy, spicy goodness.
Ingredients
Gathering these simple ingredients is a breeze, and the magic they create is truly something special!
- 3 lbs. Chicken Breast or Tenders: You can use either, and they both work beautifully. Tenders are a little quicker to cook, but breasts are just as yummy.
- 2 Tablespoons Ranch Dressing Powder: This is the secret weapon for that irresistible ranch flavor! Look for it in the spice aisle.
- 1 cup Buffalo Wing Sauce: Choose your favorite heat level – mild, medium, or hot!
- 8 oz. Cream Cheese: This is what makes it so wonderfully creamy and rich.
How to Make It
Get ready for the easiest, most delicious chicken you’ve ever made. You’re going to love how this comes together!
- First things first, place your chicken breasts or tenders right into your slow cooker. No need to chop or anything, just lay them in there.
- Next, generously sprinkle that ranch dressing powder all over the chicken. This is where the flavor really starts building!
- Now, pour that glorious buffalo wing sauce all over the chicken and the powder. Mmm, can you smell it already?
- Dot the cream cheese on top of everything in the slow cooker. It might look a little odd at first, but trust me, it melts into pure creamy perfection.
- Pop the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on the LOW setting for 4-6 hours, or if you’re in a bit of a hurry, you can cook it on HIGH for 2-3 hours. You want the chicken to be completely cooked through and super tender.
- Once it’s done, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or in a bowl. Use two forks to easily shred the chicken.
- Finally, return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker with all that creamy, saucy goodness. Stir it all together until the chicken is perfectly coated. And voilà! Your delicious Buffalo Ranch Chicken is ready to be enjoyed.
Substitutions & Additions
This recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also a great canvas for your own culinary creativity!
- Spice Level: If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce along with the buffalo wing sauce. For a milder version, use a milder wing sauce or even just some tomato sauce with a touch of chili powder.
- Ranch Kick: Not a fan of the powder? You can use about 1/4 cup of creamy ranch dressing instead, but you might want to add a little extra seasoning.
- For Extra Flavor: I sometimes like to add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a little garlic powder for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Tips for Success
A few little tricks can make this recipe even more foolproof!
- Don’t Overcrowd: If your slow cooker is very full, the chicken might not cook as evenly. If you’re doubling the recipe, consider using two slow cookers.
- Check for Tenderness: The best way to know if your chicken is ready is to check its tenderness. If it’s not shredding easily with forks, it just needs a little more time.
- Prep Ahead: You can absolutely have everything ready to go in the slow cooker the night before. Just assemble the ingredients, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply turn on the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
How to Store It
This Buffalo Ranch Chicken is fantastic for leftovers and meal prep!
Once cooled, store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop.
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are wonderfully forgiving and stay incredibly moist. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, as they can sometimes take a bit longer to get super tender.
Q: What can I serve this with besides sliders?
A: Oh, the possibilities are endless! It’s amazing over rice, baked potatoes, in tacos, on salads, or even mixed into pasta.
Q: How do I make Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sliders?
A: It’s super simple! Grab some soft brioche buns or pretzel rolls. Toast them lightly if you like. Pile your shredded Buffalo Ranch Chicken on top. Then, add your favorite toppings like cool bleu cheese crumbles, crunchy matchstix carrots, or some fresh, creamy coleslaw for the ultimate slider experience!
Easy Buffalo Ranch Slow Cooker Chicken
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Forks for shredding chicken
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 3 lbs Chicken Breast or Tenders Boneless, skinless
- 2 Tablespoons Ranch Dressing Powder
- 1 cup Buffalo Wing Sauce Choose your favorite heat level
- 8 oz Cream Cheese Cut into cubes
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts or tenders into the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle ranch dressing powder over the chicken.
- Pour buffalo wing sauce over the chicken and powder.
- Dot cream cheese on top of the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred using two forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the sauce.