Tender shredded buffalo chicken made hands-off in the slow cooker, piled on soft slider rolls with melty cheese. Easy, crowd-pleasing, and heat-adjustable.
5tablespoonsunsalted butter, divided(2 tablespoons to optionally brush on rolls)
1½tablespoonsdry ranch seasoning mix
½teaspooncelery salt
1teaspoonbrown sugar
1teaspoonapple cider vinegar
12slider rollsHawaiian-style or dinner rolls
6 to 8slicesprovolone or Monterey Jackhalved (optional)
Optional for serving: Hot sauce, ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing, pickle chips, shredded lettuce or a celery slaw.
Instructions
Add chicken, hot sauce, 3 tablespoons butter, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and vinegar to the slow cooker. Toss to coat.
Cook on Low 4 to 5 hours or High 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken shreds easily.
Shred chicken in the cooker with two forks and stir to coat in sauce. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed.
Split rolls. Pile buffalo chicken onto the bottoms, add cheese if using, then cap with the tops.
Optional oven finish: Arrange assembled sliders in a baking dish, brush tops with 2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle with seeds if using. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes (or broil 1 to 2 minutes) until warm and the cheese melts.
No-oven option: Place cheese over the chicken in the slow cooker, cover 3 to 5 minutes to melt, then assemble.
Video
Notes
For more helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes check out my post above.TIPSUse thighs (or a mix) for extra juiciness and avoid overcooking breasts. Adjust the heat by adding butter for a milder flavor or extra hot sauce after shredding. Lightly toast or bake assembled sliders to prevent the rolls from getting soggy. For parties, keep the chicken warm and assemble to order.VARIATIONSHoney-Buffalo: stir in 2 tablespoons honey after shredding; Garlic-Parmesan: add ½ teaspoon extra garlic powder and toss finished sliders with 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan; Ranchy: use 2 tablespoons ranch mix or drizzle ranch on the meat; Blue Cheese: add ½ cup crumbles before melting; Dip-Style: mix in 4 ounces softened cream cheese; Dairy-Free: skip cheese and finish with crunchy celery slaw.SERVING SUGGESTIONSTop with pickle chips, shredded lettuce or celery slaw, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese; serve with oven fries, a green salad, or corn on the cob; for a buffet, set out toppings and let everyone build their own.
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