Easy Spicy Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Ranch Coleslaw
A quick and satisfying slow-cooked buffalo chicken slider recipe with creamy ranch coleslaw, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 27 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 27 minutes to 7 hours 27 minutes (low) or 3 hours 27 minutes to 4 hours 27 minutes (high)
- Yield: 12 sliders (about 6 servings, 2 sliders per serving) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cups shredded coleslaw mix (green and purple cabbage with carrots)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 12 slider buns or small soft rolls (potato buns recommended)
- Optional: extra hot sauce for drizzling or dipping
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup hot sauce, 1/4 cup melted butter, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper to prepare the buffalo sauce.
- Place chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of the crockpot. Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the chicken, coating each piece well. Avoid stirring too much.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and shreds easily. If sauce is too watery, uncover and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot and mix gently with the sauce.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded coleslaw mix, ranch dressing, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Toss well to combine.
- Lightly toast slider buns in a skillet or oven until golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Assemble sliders by spooning buffalo chicken onto the bottom half of each bun, topping with ranch coleslaw, and placing the bun top on. Add extra hot sauce if desired.
- Serve warm with napkins nearby as sliders can be messy.
Notes
Do not skip the butter in the buffalo sauce as it mellows the heat and adds richness. Avoid overcrowding the crockpot for even cooking. Shred chicken while warm for best texture. If sauce is too thin, reduce by broiling or sautéing. Make coleslaw fresh to keep it crunchy. Salt can be adjusted at the end to control seasoning. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free, use vegan ranch and dairy-free butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sliders
- Calories: 350400
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 28
Keywords: buffalo chicken, crockpot, slow cooker, sliders, ranch coleslaw, spicy chicken, easy dinner, game day recipe