If you’ve ever craved something spicy, creamy, and ridiculously easy to make, then this Slow Cooker Buffalo Ranch Chicken is for you.
Imagine tender chicken, smothered in a zesty buffalo sauce and a smooth ranch dressing, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s a combination of flavors you didn’t know you needed but will soon be obsessed with.
This dish brings together the heat of buffalo sauce with the coolness of ranch in a way that makes it irresistible. Whether you serve it over rice, stuff it in buns for a sandwich, or toss it on top of a salad, it’s the kind of dish that feels comforting and indulgent, without the hassle. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a quick meal, this dish delivers.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Buffalo Ranch Chicken
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both simple and delicious, this one’s for you. Here’s why it’s so great:
- Minimal Prep Time – Just toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it do its thing while you get on with your day.
- Tender, Shredded Chicken – The slow cooker keeps the chicken juicy and tender, shredding perfectly after a few hours.
- Perfectly Balanced Sauce – The mix of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing provides the ideal balance of spicy, creamy, and tangy flavors.
- Versatile Serving Options – Serve over pasta, rice, or in buns for sandwiches—it’s great in almost any form.
This recipe is ideal for those who love comfort food with a bit of heat and tang, and it’s made even easier with the slow cooker.
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Buffalo Ranch Chicken
The ingredients for this dish are simple, but the flavor is anything but. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – The base of your dish, perfect for slow cooking as it stays moist and shreds easily.
- Buffalo Sauce – This brings the heat and tanginess that make this dish so addictive.
- Ranch Dressing – A creamy dressing that balances the spiciness of the buffalo sauce and adds a smooth, tangy flavor.
- Cream Cheese – This helps make the sauce rich and velvety, giving it a creamy texture.
- Garlic Powder – A simple seasoning that adds a savory depth to the sauce.
- Onion Powder – Enhances the overall flavor and gives the sauce a nice, well-rounded taste.
These simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Ranch Chicken
Making this dish couldn’t be easier. Here’s how you do it:
- Prepare the Chicken – Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and place them in the slow cooker.
- Make the Sauce – In a separate bowl, combine buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, cream cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth.
- Slow Cook – Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the Chicken – Once the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce.
- Serve – Serve the buffalo ranch chicken over pasta, rice, or in sandwiches. Garnish with extra ranch dressing or cheese for added flavor.
With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a hearty, comforting meal ready to enjoy.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Buffalo Ranch Chicken
These enchiladas pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some options to complete your meal:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Steamed Rice | The rice absorbs the creamy buffalo ranch sauce, making it a perfect base for the chicken. |
| Garlic Bread | Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for sopping up all the delicious sauce. |
| Coleslaw | A tangy, fresh coleslaw adds a crunchy, refreshing contrast to the creamy chicken. |
| Roasted Vegetables | Roasted veggies like carrots or broccoli add a healthy and flavorful contrast. |
| Corn on the Cob | Sweet corn on the cob balances the spice of the buffalo sauce with its natural sweetness. |
| Corn Chips | Serve the chicken on top of crispy corn chips for a fun, taco-like twist. |
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Buffalo Ranch Chicken
This recipe is great for leftovers, and storing or reheating is easy:
How to Store Leftovers
- Let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Reheat on low heat in a skillet, adding a little more buffalo sauce or ranch dressing if needed.
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully heated.
- Slow Cooker: Reheat on low for about 1 hour if you prefer using the slow cooker.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Buffalo Ranch Chicken
To make this dish even better, keep these tips in mind:
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result. Chicken breasts are leaner but work well too.
- Add heat by tossing in some jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a bit of hot sauce to kick it up a notch.
- Top with extra cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
- Serve it in tacos for a fun twist or use it as a filling for wraps.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add 30-60 minutes of cooking time on low.
2. Can I make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Add some jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili powder to the sauce for a spicy kick.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce the night before and store it in the fridge. Just cook it the next day.
4. Can I use a different protein?
You can use chicken thighs, pork, or even beef for a different flavor profile.
5. How can I serve this in a different way?
Serve the shredded chicken in tacos, sandwiches, or on top of baked potatoes for a creative spin.
This Slow Cooker Buffalo Ranch Chicken is a flavor-packed dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether you serve it over rice, in buns, or on top of a salad, it’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table!
Slow Cooker Buffalo Ranch Chicken
Equipment
- Slow Cooker For cooking the chicken and sauce
- Large Skillet For searing or browning the chicken if desired
- Wooden Spoon For stirring the sauce
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, combine the buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, cream cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Serve the shredded chicken over rice, in sandwiches, or on a salad. Garnish with extra ranch dressing or shredded cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result.
- For a spicier version, add jalapeños or more hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated easily on the stove or microwave.
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