Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Wraps with Shredded Tender Meat
Tender shredded chicken simmered in buffalo sauce creates the perfect filling for wraps or sandwiches. The slow cooker method ensures incredibly moist chicken that falls apart easily, while the buffalo sauce adds tangy heat. Ideal for game day gatherings, casual dinners, or meal prep. This hands-off approach lets you set it and forget it while developing rich flavors. The reserved cooking broth keeps the meat juicy and can be used to adjust consistency.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ lbs boneless skinless chickenchicken thighs1:1protein
use bone-in for more flavor
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 large bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- salt
- 1 cup Buffalo wing saucehot sauce + butter3:1 ratioheat spiceadds dairy
mix 3/4 cup hot sauce with 1/4 cup melted butter
- 8 medium tortillas or rolls
Instructions
- 1
Place chicken, chicken broth, bay leaf, salt and black pepper in slow cooker
- 2
Cover and cook on high 2 to 3 hours or low 3 to 4 hours
- 3
Remove chicken from pot and place in bowl to cool
- 4
Strain broth through fine mesh strainer, discard solids and reserve 1 cup broth
- 5
Shred chicken into bite-size pieces using two forks
- 6
Return shredded chicken and 1/2 cup reserved broth to slow cooker
- 7
Pour buffalo wing sauce over chicken and stir to coat
- 8
Cook on low 1 hour to heat through
- 9
Serve in warm tortillas
Tips
Reserve extra cooking broth to add moisture if chicken seems dry after shredding.
Warm tortillas in microwave for 15 seconds or dry skillet for better wrapping flexibility.
Shred chicken while still warm for easier handling and better texture.
Good to Know
refrigerate up to 3 days in airtight container
can be made 1 day ahead and reheated
warm in tortillas with ranch dressing or desired toppings
Common Mistakes
don't skip straining broth to avoid gritty texture
reserve cooking liquid to prevent dry chicken
shred while warm to avoid tough texture
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
mix 3/4 cup hot sauce with 1/4 cup melted butter
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, add 1-2 hours to cooking time. No need to thaw first, the slow cooker will safely cook frozen chicken through.
What if I don't have buffalo sauce?
Mix 3/4 cup hot sauce with 1/4 cup melted butter and 1 tablespoon vinegar for homemade buffalo sauce.
How long will leftovers keep in the fridge?
Properly stored pulled buffalo chicken will keep 3-4 days refrigerated in an airtight container. Reheat gently with splash of broth.