Are you craving a tasty and quick meal? Meet your new favorite dish: Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps. This simple recipe features tender, juicy chicken dressed in spicy buffalo sauce. With just a few fresh ingredients, you’ll create a wrap that’s bursting with flavor. Follow along as I guide you through the easy steps to make this delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Seasonings and Oils
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh Ingredients
– 1 head of butter lettuce or romaine, leaves separated
– 1/2 cup shredded carrots
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
– Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
I love using these ingredients for my Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps. The chicken is the star here. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to work with and cook well in the slow cooker.
Buffalo sauce gives these wraps their kick. You can use store-bought sauce or make your own. The chicken broth adds moisture, making the chicken juicy and tender.
For seasonings, I like to keep it simple. Olive oil helps the spices stick to the chicken. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth. Smoked paprika gives a warm flavor. Don’t forget salt and pepper to bring it all together.
Fresh ingredients are key for the wraps. Butter lettuce or romaine works best. The leaves are sturdy and perfect for holding the filling. Shredded carrots and chopped green onions add crunch and color. Blue cheese is an optional treat for those who enjoy its tangy flavor. Fresh cilantro brightens up the dish too if you want a pop of herbaceous flavor.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way to a tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
– Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
– In a bowl, mix buffalo sauce, chicken broth, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This creates a tasty marinade.
Cooking Process
– Pour this marinade over the chicken. Make sure the chicken is well coated.
– Cover the slow cooker. Set it to low for 6 to 8 hours. The chicken will become tender and full of flavor.
Shredding and Serving
– After cooking, remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
– Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Mix it with the remaining sauce for extra taste.
– Take a lettuce leaf and fill it with the buffalo chicken. Add toppings like shredded carrots, chopped green onions, and blue cheese if you like.
– You can also add fresh cilantro for a pop of flavor. Arrange your wraps on a platter for a fun presentation.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Buffalo Chicken
To make your chicken tender and juicy, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cook them on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking method keeps the chicken moist. Check the chicken at the 6-hour mark. If it shreds easily, it’s done. If you want to adjust spiciness, use less buffalo sauce. You can mix in a little honey or cream to cool it down.
Assembling the Lettuce Wraps
For filling the wraps, use a lettuce leaf. Place a good amount of the buffalo chicken in the center. Be careful not to overfill; you want to wrap it easily. Fold the sides in and then roll it up. To serve, arrange the wraps on a big platter. You can place extra toppings in small bowls for guests. This way, they can customize their wraps.
Enhancing Flavor
Add toppings to boost flavor. Shredded carrots and chopped green onions work great. If you like blue cheese, sprinkle it on top. For a fresh taste, add cilantro as a garnish. Want to make your buffalo sauce? Mix hot sauce with melted butter and a pinch of garlic powder. This gives a tasty twist to your wraps!

Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can change proteins easily for your wraps. Turkey works great as a leaner choice. Tofu is excellent for a plant-based option. Both options soak up the buffalo sauce well. You can also try different sauces to switch things up. A honey mustard sauce adds sweetness. Teriyaki sauce brings a nice Asian twist.
Serving Suggestions
You can pair these wraps with many tasty sides. Fresh veggie sticks or a simple salad are great options. If you have leftovers, get creative! You can turn the buffalo chicken into a pizza topping. It also makes a great filling for sandwiches or quesadillas.
Dietary Adjustments
If you need a gluten-free option, check your buffalo sauce label. Many brands are gluten-free. You can also use gluten-free wraps if you want something different. For a low-carb version, use extra lettuce leaves. You can make “boats” by using large lettuce leaves for filling.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your slow cooker buffalo chicken, store leftovers right away. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. Place the chicken in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It will last for up to four days in the fridge.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze buffalo chicken, let it cool completely first. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out excess air to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until hot.
Meal Prep Ideas
Incorporate buffalo chicken into your weekly meal prep easily. Cook a larger batch and portion it into containers. Pair with fresh veggies or rice for quick meals. These portions are great for grab-and-go lunches or snacks. Keep the toppings separate until you are ready to eat.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time. Check that your chicken reaches 165°F for safety.
What type of lettuce is best for wraps?
Butter lettuce is best for wraps. It is soft and adds a nice crunch. Romaine is also a good choice if you prefer a stronger leaf.
Can I make this recipe in advance for meal prep?
Absolutely! You can prepare the buffalo chicken ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. Just reheat it before serving.
How do I make the buffalo chicken less spicy?
To reduce spiciness, use less buffalo sauce. You can also mix in some ranch dressing to cool it down. Adding a bit of honey can help balance the heat.
What are some good side dishes to serve with buffalo chicken wraps?
Some great sides include carrot sticks, celery, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with sweet potato fries for a tasty treat.
This article covered how to make delicious buffalo chicken lettuce wraps. You learned the main ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for a perfect dish. I shared ideas for variations and storage, plus answers to common questions.
Buffalo chicken wraps are easy, fun, and offer many options for taste. Enjoy trying different flavors and make these wraps your own! Cooking should bring joy with every bite.
