When the week gets busy and the craving for comfort food hits hard, this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken with Greek Yogurt steps in like a cozy hug. The slow cooker hums in the background, filling the kitchen with that unmistakable scent of spicy buffalo sauce mingling with a hint of garlic and onion. Somewhere between the bubbling sauce and the tender chicken simmering away, I usually get distracted by the smell and forget what I was doing for a moment. It’s that kind of food that makes you pause and savor, even if your day is a little chaotic.
The chicken shreds effortlessly after hours of slow cooking, soaking up the rich sauce. Mixing in the Greek yogurt feels almost like a small act of rebellion against the usual heavy, creamy buffalo dips—it lightens the whole dish without losing any punch. And just when you think it can’t get better, the fresh chives sprinkled on top add a subtle crispness that makes each bite more exciting. It’s not a perfect kitchen moment every time—sometimes I over-shred or forget to stir well—but it’s real, satisfying, and always worth it.
- Slow cooker ease means minimal hands-on time, perfect for busy evenings.
- The Greek yogurt adds tang and creaminess while keeping things lighter—though it’s a bit different from the classic buffalo creaminess you might expect.
- Versatile enough to switch up meals: toss it in a salad, pile it on a sandwich, or enjoy straight from the bowl as a quick snack.
- Cooking low and slow guarantees tender chicken every time, but it does take a few hours, so plan ahead.
If you’re wondering about the spice level, it has a good kick but nothing that will clear a room—unless you happen to be sensitive like me, then maybe keep some water nearby.
Print
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken with Greek Yogurt
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Tender slow cooker buffalo chicken made healthier with creamy Greek yogurt for a tangy and spicy twist. Perfect for sandwiches, salads, or a protein-packed snack.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup buffalo wing sauce
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
In a small bowl, mix together the buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
Pour the buffalo sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
Add the unsalted butter on top of the chicken and sauce.
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.
Remove about 1/4 cup of the sauce from the slow cooker and mix it with the Greek yogurt in a separate bowl until smooth.
Stir the Greek yogurt mixture back into the shredded chicken in the slow cooker until fully combined.
Sprinkle chopped fresh chives on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
Don’t worry about fancy equipment here; a basic slow cooker will do the trick without fuss. I like serving this buffalo chicken on toasted bread with a crisp side salad or tucked inside a wrap for an easy lunch the next day. If you want to mix things up, I sometimes swap the chives for green onions or add a splash of lime juice for a bit of brightness—though I haven’t tested that every time, so it’s a bit of a gamble. For a creamier texture, a dollop more Greek yogurt works, but it can mellow the spice more than I usually want. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try stirring in some blue cheese crumbles just before serving. It’s a bit rich, but hey, sometimes you just need that.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead? Absolutely. They might be even juicier but could require a slightly different cook time.
How spicy is this dish? It has a balanced heat that most people enjoy, but you can always adjust the buffalo sauce amount to your liking.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, store in an airtight container and thaw in the fridge before reheating gently.
Is the Greek yogurt added at the end? Yes, it’s mixed in after shredding to keep that creamy, tangy texture without cooking out the yogurt’s freshness.
Slow cooker buffalo chicken like this makes weeknights feel a little less hectic and a lot more delicious. When you’re ready for a meal that’s simple but full of flavor, this recipe is waiting for you to hit start and forget about it until dinner’s ready.