Looking for a zingy, ultra-satisfying dinner that comes together with almost zero fuss? This Easy Shredded Buffalo Chicken is what weeknight dreams are made of—juicy pulled chicken simmered in tangy buffalo sauce, with a hint of spice and all the bold, crave-worthy flavor you love. Whether you pile it high on a salad, tuck it into wraps, or serve it over rice, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Easy: Just stir everything together in one pot and let it simmer—hardly any prep or cleanup required!
- Big Buffalo Flavor: Every bite is juicy, tangy, and packed with that addictive spicy kick you love in buffalo dishes.
- Versatile & Meal Prep Friendly: Pile it on salads, use it in wraps, make sandwiches, or freeze portions for lightning-fast meals.
- Whole30 & Dairy-Free Options: Easily adapt for dietary needs without sacrificing any of that crave-worthy taste!
Ingredients You’ll Need
I absolutely adore how the simplest ingredients can transform into something so mouthwatering! Each one is carefully chosen to deliver that classic Easy Shredded Buffalo Chicken flavor—extra juicy, perfectly savory, and just the right amount of kick. Here’s what goes into the magic:
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: The blank canvas for all the buffalo goodness—tender, lean, and perfect for soaking up flavor.
- Whole30 compliant buffalo sauce: The star of the show! Choose your favorite brand for the heat level you adore, or use a homemade version for extra control.
- White vinegar: Adds a touch of tang that brightens and balances the dish. Don’t skip it!
- Ghee or butter: Melts into the sauce for a richer, silkier finish—ghee for Whole30 or butter for extra decadence.
- Salt: Just enough to wake up all the flavors and make them pop.
- Garlic powder: Adds that savory backbone and subtle depth you want in your buffalo chicken.
- Onion powder: Builds on the savoriness, tying all the seasonings together.
- Sliced green onion (optional): For freshness and a pretty pop of green right at the finish.
Variations
The beauty of Easy Shredded Buffalo Chicken is just how simple it is to riff on—customize flavors, spice levels, or even get creative with different proteins to perfectly fit your cravings or dietary needs! Don’t be afraid to make it your own.
- Mild or Spicy: Use a mild buffalo sauce for a family-friendly version—or go wild with extra hot sauce stirred in at the end for heat lovers!
- Swap the Protein: Try boneless chicken thighs for extra tenderness, or swap in rotisserie chicken for serious speed—just let it simmer briefly to heat and soak in the sauce.
- Add Veggies: Stir in shredded carrots, celery, or even baby spinach for an easy built-in veggie boost.
- Bake or Slow Cook: Make it hands-off by assembling all ingredients in a slow cooker (cook on low for 4-5 hours) or bake covered in the oven at 350°F until the chicken shreds easily.
How to Make Easy Shredded Buffalo Chicken
Step 1: Combine Everything in One Pot
Add your chicken breasts, buffalo sauce, white vinegar, ghee or butter, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder right into a large pot. Give everything a good stir to make sure those seasonings and sauce are evenly distributed—that’s where the flavor magic starts! There’s no special technique here; just toss it all in.
Step 2: Simmer to Tender Perfection
Set the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover with a lid and let your chicken cook undisturbed for 25-30 minutes. You want the chicken to be cooked through (no pink in the center) and fork-tender—this ensures easy shredding later on!
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is totally cooked, pull the breasts out and place them on a plate or cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat—pulling apart effortlessly thanks to that simmer bath. Get it as fine or chunky as you like!
Step 4: Stir Back and Serve
Add that gorgeous shredded chicken back into your pot and stir it well so it soaks up all the saucy goodness left behind. This is where all the flavors marry together into that classic Easy Shredded Buffalo Chicken you’ll crave again and again. Sprinkle with green onion if you like and serve hot!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Shredded Buffalo Chicken
- Juicy Every Time: Don’t overcook! Pull the chicken as soon as it’s cooked through—overcooking can lead to dry shreds, so checking at the 25-minute mark is key.
- Buffalo Sauce Boost: Let your shredded chicken simmer in the sauce for a few extra minutes after shredding to infuse even more spicy flavor.
- Shredding Shortcut: Use a hand mixer on low to shred chicken quickly and evenly right in the pot (just be careful of splatter!).
- Diary-Free All The Way: Choose ghee instead of butter and double-check your buffalo sauce if you need the recipe to stay strictly dairy-free or Whole30 compliant.
How to Serve Easy Shredded Buffalo Chicken
Garnishes
A finishing touch of sliced green onions adds a burst of color and freshness, but you can also sprinkle on chopped cilantro, a handful of crumbled blue cheese (if not dairy-free), or even a whisper of finely diced celery for more crunch. The deep orange of the buffalo sauce pops with anything green!
Side Dishes
This Easy Shredded Buffalo Chicken pairs beautifully with cool, crisp salads (think romaine or iceberg), roasted veggies, sweet potato fries, or even classic celery sticks and carrot batons. For a heartier meal, try serving it atop white rice, cauliflower rice, or baked potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful: stuff it into lettuce cups for a party-ready bite, pile it inside tortillas or wraps for the ultimate buffalo chicken tacos, or even spoon it on flatbread pizzas with a drizzle of ranch. Mix leftovers into scrambled eggs for a spicy brunch or use in loaded quesadillas for game day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Shredded Buffalo Chicken is the gift that keeps on giving! Store cooled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—it stays juicy and flavorful for lunchboxes and quick dinners all week long.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Easy Shredded Buffalo Chicken! Portion it into freezer bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge for a lightning-fast meal that tastes just as delicious as fresh.
Reheating
Reheat your chicken gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of buffalo sauce or a drizzle of water if needed to loosen things up. Stir well and heat just until warmed through for best texture and flavor.
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for Easy Shredded Buffalo Chicken?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw your chicken breasts before starting the recipe for even cooking and the best, juiciest results. If cooking from frozen, increase the simmering time and check the internal temperature to ensure doneness.
-
What if I don’t have buffalo sauce or want a homemade version?
No buffalo sauce? No problem! You can easily make your own by whisking together hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot), melted ghee or butter, and a splash of vinegar to taste. Adjust for spice and richness as you prefer.
-
Can I make Easy Shredded Buffalo Chicken in the slow cooker?
Definitely! Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for about 4-5 hours, or until the chicken shreds easily. It’s a wonderful hands-off option for busy days!
-
Is this recipe spicy? How do I control the heat?
The heat level depends on your buffalo sauce and personal preference. For milder results, select a mild buffalo sauce and skip any extra hot sauce at the end. For spice lovers, stir in a few extra dashes of your favorite hot sauce after shredding.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s packed with flavor, endlessly versatile, and as easy as it gets, you can’t beat Easy Shredded Buffalo Chicken. I hope you love it as much as I do—don’t forget to make extra for tomorrow’s lunch, and let me know how you serve yours!
Print
Easy Shredded Buffalo Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Shredded Buffalo Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. Tender shredded chicken cooked in buffalo sauce with a hint of tangy vinegar and savory spices, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup Whole30 compliant buffalo sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ghee or butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Sliced green onion, optional
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a large pot and stir. Heat the pot over medium heat. Bring the chicken and buffalo sauce to a simmer and then cover with a lid. Cook for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and use two forks to shred the meat. Add the meat back to the pot and stir in the buffalo sauce. Top with sliced green onion and serve however you prefer. Enjoy!
Notes
- Add all of the ingredients to a large pot and stir.
- Heat the pot over medium heat. Bring the chicken and buffalo sauce to a simmer and then cover with a lid. Cook for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and use two forks to shred the meat. Add the meat back to the pot and stir in the buffalo sauce. Top with sliced green onion and serve however you prefer. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
