Description
These Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors simmered to tender perfection in a slow cooker. Featuring juicy shredded chicken coated in a rich honey buffalo sauce, these sliders are easy to assemble and great for gatherings, game days, or a casual meal. Served on soft rolls with optional lettuce and blue cheese sauce, they deliver a satisfying bite with balanced heat and sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 lb / 1 kg boneless skinless chicken breasts (3 large or 4 small)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 3/4 cup hot sauce of choice (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp tomato ketchup (or Australian tomato sauce)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (or onion powder)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch (corn flour)
To Serve
- 7 rolls
- Lettuce of choice (optional)
- Blue Cheese Sauce (optional, see recipe below)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce and Chicken: In a slow cooker, combine butter, hot sauce, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, tomato ketchup, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until the butter melts and the sauce is well mixed. Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker, submerging them in the sauce mixture.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours (240 minutes), or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork. This slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sweet and spicy sauce thoroughly.
- Shred the Chicken and Thicken the Sauce: Remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Turn the slow cooker to high and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the sauce has thickened and coats the chicken well.
- Assemble the Sliders: Split the rolls and layer them with the honey buffalo chicken mixture. Add optional lettuce and drizzle with blue cheese sauce if desired. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can adjust the heat level by choosing a milder or hotter sauce depending on your preference.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the soy sauce and rolls are gluten-free.
- Blue cheese sauce complements the sliders by adding a creamy, tangy flavor contrast but can be omitted for dairy-free diets.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- For added crunch, consider adding sliced celery or pickles in the sliders.
