Keto Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken

Keto Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken is a flavorful, spicy, and satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken and a rich buffalo sauce, making it the perfect meal for those following a low-carb lifestyle.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Keto Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a low-carb meal without sacrificing flavor. The tender chicken is coated in a bold buffalo sauce, which adds a tangy, spicy kick to the dish. Here’s why it’s such a crowd-pleaser:

• Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: This dish contains no starchy ingredients, making it perfect for anyone following a keto or low-carb diet.
• Minimal Effort: With the slow cooker doing most of the work, this recipe requires little hands-on time, allowing you to set it and forget it.
• Flavor-Packed: The buffalo sauce delivers a zesty and spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken, creating a satisfying dish every time.
• Versatile: This recipe can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from a main dish to a snack or appetizer.

What Type of Chicken To Use?

Here I am using 2 large chicken breasts, but you can substitute with chicken thighs and make it a keto slow cooker buffalo chicken thighs or tenderloins (as you wish). Make sure to trim any excess fat from the chicken thigs before placing it in the crockpot.

Note – Cooking time may slightly vary on the type of chicken pieces you are using.

How To Make The Low Carb Buffalo Sauce?

Here I am using Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo sauce. But you can make a homemade sauce. Here the steps to follow:

Ingredients

• 1 1/3 cup Frank’s red hot sauce
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 3 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• salt to taste

Instructions

1. Heat a saucepan over medium heat, add hot sauce, butter, paprika, pepper, vinegar, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Whisk well until well combined and the butter melts.
3. Once it starts to simmer, remove from the heat and allow the sauce to cool and thicken on its own.
4. Adjust salt as per your taste.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to make sure your keto buffalo chicken turns out perfectly:

Use Bone-In Chicken: Bone-in chicken adds extra flavor and moisture to the dish. If you prefer it, just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Adjust the Spice Level: Buffalo sauce can vary in heat, so feel free to adjust the amount to suit your taste. For a milder version, reduce the buffalo sauce and add a touch of cream cheese for a creamy, less spicy version.

Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is done cooking, shred it to allow the buffalo sauce to coat every piece, making each bite more flavorful.

Cook on Low: Slow cooking on low heat for 6-7 hours ensures the chicken becomes perfectly tender. You can cook it on high for 3-4 hours, but the texture may not be as tender.

Variations of Keto Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken

This keto buffalo chicken recipe is adaptable to different tastes and occasions. Here are some variations to try:

• Buffalo Chicken Dip: Shred the chicken and mix it with cream cheese, ranch dressing, and shredded cheese for a creamy buffalo chicken dip. Serve it with veggie sticks or keto crackers.
• Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves to wrap the buffalo chicken for a fresh and low-carb alternative to tortillas.
• Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Rice Bowl: Serve the shredded chicken over cauliflower rice for a complete meal that’s low-carb and filling.
• Buffalo Chicken Tacos: If you’re craving tacos, use low-carb tortillas or even coconut flour tortillas to create delicious buffalo chicken tacos.

How to Serve Keto Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken

This dish is versatile and can be served in multiple ways:

• On its Own: Enjoy the buffalo chicken as a standalone meal with a side of roasted vegetables, avocado, or a light salad.
• Wraps or Lettuce Cups: For a lighter, more refreshing option, wrap the buffalo chicken in lettuce leaves or low-carb tortillas.
• Over Cauliflower Rice: Create a satisfying, low-carb bowl by serving the shredded chicken over cauliflower rice.
• As Appetizers: Serve the buffalo chicken as a dip or in mini sliders for a crowd-pleasing party snack.

How to Store Keto Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken

Storing this dish is simple, and it keeps well for a few days or even longer if frozen:

Freezing: For longer storage, place the cooled buffalo chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a slow cooker or on the stove.

Refrigeration: Once cooled, store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Recipe FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, chicken thighs add more flavor and moisture to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly since thighs may require a little extra time to cook through.
• Is buffalo sauce keto-friendly? Many buffalo sauces are high in sugar, so it’s important to use a sugar-free version or make your own by mixing hot sauce with butter and vinegar. Always check the label to ensure it’s low in carbs.
• Can I cook this on high instead of low in the slow cooker? Yes, you can cook the chicken on high for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time, but for the most tender chicken, slow cooking on low for 6-7 hours is ideal.
• What can I use in place of ranch dressing? Blue cheese dressing is another great option that pairs wonderfully with buffalo sauce, just be sure it’s low-carb. Alternatively, you can make your own ranch dressing using keto-friendly ingredients.
• Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker? Absolutely! Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or celery to the slow cooker with the chicken. They will absorb the buffalo sauce and become deliciously flavorful.

Still Hungry! Try these other keto chicken recipes:

• Keto Chicken Alfredo Casserole
• Easy Low Carb Chicken Cacciatore
• Low Carb Stir Fry Chicken With Vegetables
• Keto Friendly Chicken and Waffles

Final Thoughts

Keto Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken is the ultimate low-carb meal that combines bold flavors, minimal effort, and maximum satisfaction. Whether you enjoy it as a main dish, a snack, or an appetizer, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Its versatility allows for endless customization, making it perfect for a variety of occasions. So go ahead, let your slow cooker work its magic, and enjoy a dish that’s both healthy and packed with flavor!