Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Sliders (Party-Ready)

If you’re hunting for the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s effortless and packed with flavor, look no further than these Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Sliders (Party-Ready). Imagine tender, juicy chicken slow-cooked in a tangy buffalo sauce, perfectly shredded and piled high on soft slider buns, topped with melted cheddar and a sprinkle of green onions. Whether you’re hosting a game day, a casual get-together, or just craving a delicious handheld meal, these sliders bring the heat and the comfort in one bite. Plus, they come together with minimal prep and maximum flavor — exactly what busy home cooks need.

What Sets This Recipe Apart

These sliders stand out because they balance bold buffalo flavors with a creamy, savory finish that everyone will love. Cooking the chicken in the crockpot means you get melt-in-your-mouth texture without constant attention. The blend of garlic, onion powder, and paprika deepens the flavor profile, while the chicken broth keeps everything moist and juicy. Adding cheddar cheese and green onions on top not only adds creaminess and freshness but also makes these sliders totally irresistible. Optional turkey bacon provides an extra smoky crunch for those who want to take it up a notch.

Unlike traditional buffalo chicken recipes that require frying or grilling, this one is all about convenience without sacrificing taste—making it perfect for parties or simple weeknight dinners. And if you love buffalo chicken in other forms, you might enjoy dishes like Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese Crunch Bake or Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti that bring that signature spicy flair to other comforting dishes.

Ingredient Breakdown

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the sliders. These cook down tender and shred easily in the crockpot.
• 1 cup buffalo sauce: Adds that signature tangy, spicy kick. Choose your preferred heat level.
• 1 cup chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist and infuses it with savory depth.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides warm, aromatic flavor that complements the buffalo sauce.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a smoky undertone and beautiful color.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
• 8 slider buns: Soft and small, perfect for handheld servings and soaking up all the delicious juices.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly over the chicken for creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Sliced green onions for garnish: Adds freshness and a mild onion crunch.
• Turkey bacon strips (optional, for garnish): A crispy, smoky topping that enhances texture and flavor.

Prep & Cook Tools

• Crockpot/Slow Cooker: The essential appliance for hands-off, slow cooking to tenderize the chicken.
• Mixing bowl: For combining spices and sauces before adding to the crockpot.
• Forks or shredding claws: To shred the cooked chicken effortlessly.
• Basting brush (optional): For adding extra buffalo sauce to buns or chicken.
• Knife and cutting board: To slice green onions and prepare optional toppings.
• Baking sheet or skillet: For toasting slider buns and optional turkey bacon.

The Method for Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Sliders (Party-Ready)

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Sauce

Begin by placing the 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. In a bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour this flavorful mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated to absorb all the spices and heat.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for about 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should be tender enough to shred easily with two forks. The slow cooking blends the buffalo sauce with the chicken broth and spices, creating a juicy base with plenty of flavor.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks or shredding claws to shred the meat finely. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it well to coat with the remaining sauce. Let it soak up even more flavor for 10 minutes on warm.

Step 4: Toast the Slider Buns and Prepare Garnishes

While the chicken is resting, preheat your oven or skillet. Toast the slider buns lightly until golden brown. If using, cook the turkey bacon strips until crisp. Slice green onions thinly for a fresh garnish.

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

Pile a generous amount of shredded buffalo chicken onto each bottom bun. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the hot chicken so it melts slightly. Add turkey bacon strips if desired, then top with sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor. Cap with the top buns and serve immediately.

How to Make It Lighter

• Use low-sodium buffalo sauce and chicken broth to reduce salt content.
• Swap regular cheddar cheese with a reduced-fat version or a dairy-free alternative.
• Choose whole wheat slider buns for added fiber and nutrients.
• Skip the turkey bacon or substitute with a plant-based bacon alternative for fewer calories.
• Load up on fresh vegetable toppings like lettuce, cucumber slices, or shredded carrots for extra crunch and nutrition.

Flavor Logic

The magic of Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Sliders (Party-Ready) lies in the harmony between heat, tanginess, and savoriness. The buffalo sauce delivers that iconic spicy tang, brightened by the acidity and richness of the sauce, while the chicken broth tames the heat and keeps the meat juicy. Garlic and onion powders bring depth without overpowering the main flavors, and paprika adds a subtle smokiness that complements the buffalo sauce perfectly.

Cheddar cheese adds a creamy, melty texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken and spicy sauce. Green onions give fresh herbal notes and a bit of crunch, balancing richness and heat. Optional turkey bacon provides a crispy, savory element that rounds out the flavor profile. Together, these components create a well-rounded bite that’s spicy, creamy, tangy, and satisfying.

Make-Ahead & Storage

These sliders are fantastic for meal prep and entertaining because the crockpot shredded chicken can be made ahead of time. Prepare the buffalo chicken mixture and cook it in the crockpot up to 2 days in advance. Store the cooled shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, add cheese to melt, and assemble the sliders fresh.

Slider buns are best toasted right before serving to keep them soft yet slightly crisp. Cook turkey bacon just before serving for maximum crunch. Any leftover sliders can be wrapped individually and refrigerated for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the shredded chicken (without buns or toppings) for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Your Top Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and tend to be even juicier and more flavorful after slow cooking. Just use the same cooking times and follow the steps as written.

How spicy are these sliders?

The heat level depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. Mild buffalo sauce will give a gentle kick, while hot or extra-hot versions will turn up the spice. You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce or mix it with a little extra chicken broth if you want to tone down the heat.

Can I make these sliders without a crockpot?

Yes, you can cook the chicken in a covered pot on the stovetop over low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours until tender. Alternatively, bake chicken breasts covered with sauce at 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes until cooked through, then shred and mix with sauce. The crockpot just makes it easier and more hands-off.

What are some great sides to serve with these sliders?

Classic sides like celery sticks and carrot sticks with ranch or blue cheese dressing complement the buffalo flavor perfectly. Crispy fries, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad are also excellent choices. If you want to keep the buffalo theme going, try pairing with Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Cups for a fun twist.

Try These Next

• Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese Crunch Bake – A creamy, cheesy pasta bake with a spicy buffalo twist.
• Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti – Combines rich Alfredo sauce with buffalo chicken in a comforting baked pasta dish.
• Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Cups – Bite-sized appetizers that pack a buffalo chicken punch in every cheesy cup.

Ready to Cook?

Gather your ingredients, fire up your crockpot, and get ready to wow your guests with these irresistible Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Sliders (Party-Ready). Whether it’s a casual party or a family meal, these sliders deliver big flavor with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, letting you focus on toasting buns and prepping garnishes while the chicken transforms into a spicy, tender filling. Serve them up hot, cheesy, and garnished just right for a guaranteed hit. Happy cooking and even happier eating!

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