Print

Easy Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Perfect Tailgate Recipe

crockpot buffalo chicken sliders - featured image

These Easy Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Sliders for Tailgating are the definition of low-effort, high-reward cooking. They’re messy in the best way, and that’s exactly what tailgating food should be.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1 packet (about 1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 12 slider buns (e.g., Martin’s potato rolls)
  • Blue cheese or ranch dressing (for serving)
  • Pickled jalapeños or celery sticks (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and thighs. Pat them dry with paper towels. Place the chicken in the bottom of your crockpot in a single layer if possible.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Frank’s RedHot sauce, cubed butter, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken.
  3. Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, or on HIGH for 1.5 to 2 hours. At the 2.5-hour mark, check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should read 165°F.
  4. Once the chicken is tender and cooked through, carefully remove it from the crockpot using tongs. Place it on a cutting board or large plate. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  5. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir well to coat every piece in the buffalo sauce. Let it cook on LOW for an additional 15 to 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. While the chicken finishes, preheat your oven to 350°F. Split the slider buns in half and place them cut-side up on a baking sheet. Bake for 3 to 5 minutes, until lightly golden.
  7. Place the bottom halves of the toasted buns on a serving platter or baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of the buffalo chicken onto each bun. Top with a drizzle of blue cheese or ranch dressing, and add pickled jalapeños or celery if desired. Place the top buns on and press down gently.
  8. Serve immediately. These sliders are best enjoyed warm and fresh.

Notes

Toast the buns to prevent sogginess. For best results, cook on LOW. The buffalo chicken tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot buffalo chicken sliders, tailgate recipe, easy sliders, buffalo chicken, game day food