Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Ingredients

• Chicken: Boneless chicken breast halves are great for this buffalo chicken sandwich recipe. You can also use boneless thighs or a combination of the two for even more flavor.
• Celery: Fresh and coarsely chopped, plus additional ribs to accompany the sandwiches.
• Buffalo wing sauce: There are a several premade wing sauce options available. Choose your favorite or easily make your own with our buffalo wing sauce recipe.
• Chicken stock: Added to the slow cooker to thin the consistency of the wing sauce. You can use a premade stock from the store or make your own chicken broth ahead of time.
• Butter: Adding butter to the slow cooker gives the sauce a creamier texture and mouthfeel.
• Ranch mix: Powdered ranch salad dressing mix is the only dry seasoning added to this recipe. It packs a huge flavor punch and  garlicky, herbal ranch seasoning adds balance to the hot and tangy wing sauce.
• Buns: Toasted hoagie buns are a perfect companion to the shredded buffalo chicken as they are sturdy enough to hold up the sauce. If you want to turn things up a notch try baking your own buns, like these homemade garlic hoagie rolls.
• Optional toppings: Blue cheese or ranch salad dressing. Whether you’re in the blue cheese camp or on team-ranch, the creamy and cool addition of salad dressing completes the Buffalo wing flavor profile.

Directions

Step 1: Slow-cook the chicken

In a three or four quart slow cooker, mix in the chicken, chopped celery, buffalo wing sauce, chicken stock and ranch salad dressing mix and stir to combine. Set the slow cooker to low, cover and let the chicken cook for three to four hours or until it cuts easily with a fork. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred the meat with two forks. Place the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, add the butter and mix well to marry with the sauce.

Step 2: Serve the sandwiches

Using tongs, place a generous amount of chicken onto a hoagie roll and drizzle with the salad dressing of your choice. Grab several napkins and enjoy with crunch celery sticks for the complete buffalo chicken experience.

Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe Variations

• Add crunchy slaw: For added crunch and extra flavor, top the shredded Buffalo chicken sandwiches with your favorite coleslaw. Don’t have a favorite slaw? Try one of these recipes from our test kitchen.
• Give it a Mexican twist: Add a can of black beans to the slow cooker and put the mixture in a giant tortilla. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and enjoy as a shredded buffalo chicken burrito.
• Make it a salad: Serve the buffalo chicken on a bed of chopped lettuce. Add some tomatoes, chopped celery and carrots, crumbled blue cheese and your favorite creamy salad dressing.

How to Store a Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The chicken can be reheated in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave for a couple minutes or until heated through.

Can you freeze buffalo chicken sandwiches?

Yes, but freeze the chicken and buns separately. Allow the buffalo chicken to cool and place it into a freezer-safe container or zipper bag and freeze it for up to three months. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated when ready to use.

Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Tips

Can you use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Yes! If you have leftover rotisserie chicken this is a great way to use it up.  Simply pull it apart, place it into a saucepan or slow cooker with the other ingredients and allow it to simmer until the flavors become incorporated.

What can I serve with a buffalo ranch chicken sandwich?

One of the most popular accompaniments to buffalo wings, apart from celery and carrot sticks, are onion rings. This sandwich is no exception. To keep the meal healthy, try this crispy baked onion ring recipe.

Can this buffalo chicken sandwich recipe be made gluten-free?

Absolutely. Check the label on the wing sauce you’re using to verify it’s not hiding any gluten. Then substitute the hoagie with your favorite gluten-free buns or wraps.