Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes are the ultimate comfort dish that packs a flavorful punch! Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, the tender, spicy chicken nestles inside sweet, creamy potatoes, bringing warmth and satisfaction with each bite. The irresistible aroma fills your kitchen, making mouths water in anticipation.
Why This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes Is a Must-Try
There’s something truly special about this dish that keeps you coming back for more. Here are a few reasons to love it:
- It combines wholesome ingredients for a balanced meal.
- The slow cooker does all the work for you.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be customized to individual preferences.
With its irresistible combination of flavors and textures, you won’t be disappointed with this delightful recipe.
Ingredients and Key Notes
Gathering the right ingredients is crucial for making these Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes shine. Each component contributes to the overall flavor profile, creating a delightful harmony of spicy, savory, and sweet. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne
- 4 sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
- Chopped green onions (for serving)
- 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese (plus additional for serving)
Choose high-quality ingredients for the best flavor, and feel free to adapt based on your pantry staples!
How to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes
Preparing this dish is a breeze, thanks to the slow cooker. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious meal:
- Lightly coat a slow cooker with nonstick spray and place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine hot sauce, coconut oil, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne, then microwave until the coconut oil is melted and stir until smooth. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours or on low for 4 to 5 hours until the chicken is cooked through. Remove and shred the chicken.
- About 30 minutes before the chicken is done, preheat your oven to 400°F. Prick sweet potatoes and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour until tender.
- Before the chicken is done, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry and add it to the cooking liquid in the slow cooker. Whisk to combine and cook on high for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and toss to coat in sauce.
- For the blue cheese yogurt dressing, whisk together Greek yogurt, milk, white vinegar, black pepper, and blue cheese in a small bowl.
- Split open the baked sweet potatoes, top with buffalo chicken, drizzle with blue cheese dressing, and garnish with green onions. Serve hot.
Prep ~15 minutes, Cook ~4 to 5 hours, Total ~4 to 5 hours 15 minutes, Servings ~4, Kcal ~500.
Plan Ahead
You can prepare elements of this dish in advance for an even easier meal. Chop the ingredients the night before, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. The shredded chicken can also be stored in the crock pot until you’re set to do a final mix before serving. This makes meal prep simple and stress-free!
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and enjoy them later:
- Refrigerate any remaining Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the shredded chicken separately from the sweet potatoes for up to 3 months.
- When reheating, gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop and add a splash of water to keep it moist. The freshness cue is when the chicken is heated through but still tender.
Perfect Pairings
Enhance your meal with these tasty sides:
- Fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette
- Crunchy vegetable sticks with hummus
- Quinoa or brown rice for added fiber
- Sliced avocado for creaminess
- Light coleslaw for crunch
Flavor Twists and Substitutions
Feel free to experiment with these creative options to make the dish your own!
- Swap the hot sauce for barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick prep option.
- Top with diced avocado or use avocado dressing for a creamier texture.
- Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers or shredded carrots into the sauce mix for added nutrition.
- Try adding different cheese varieties, like feta or a dairy-free option for those with lactose intolerance.
Pro Tips for Best Results
Follow these tips to elevate your cooking game:
- Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Don’t rush the cooking time; slow and low means tender meat.
- Allow sweet potatoes to cool slightly before cutting to retain more moisture.
- Stir the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Adjust the cayenne for heat according to your preference.
Your Questions Answered
-
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and tenderness. If using frozen, increase the cooking time accordingly. -
Are there any alternatives for blue cheese?
Yes! You can use goat cheese or omit the cheese entirely for a lighter option. -
How do I know when sweet potatoes are done?
They should be fork-tender. If there is resistance when you poke them, they need more time. -
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook the sweet potatoes. -
What goes well with these sweet potatoes?
A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables complement the richness of the buffalo chicken perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes is an inviting dish that combines comfort food with vibrant flavor. It’s easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends around the table. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this wonderful meal soon! If you’re interested in more slow cooker recipes, consider trying an easy chicken pot pie, or explore a flavorful chicken burrito bowl to expand your slow cooking repertoire.
Print
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting blend of spicy buffalo chicken and sweet, creamy potatoes, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne
- 4 sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
- Chopped green onions (for serving)
- 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese (plus additional for serving)
Instructions
- Lightly coat a slow cooker with nonstick spray and place the chicken in the bottom.
- Combine hot sauce, coconut oil, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne in a microwave-safe bowl, microwave until the coconut oil is melted, and stir until smooth. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours or on low for 4 to 5 hours until the chicken is cooked through. Remove and shred the chicken.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F about 30 minutes before the chicken is done. Prick sweet potatoes and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour until tender.
- Mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry and add it to the cooking liquid in the slow cooker. Whisk to combine and cook on high for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and toss to coat in sauce.
- Whisk together Greek yogurt, milk, white vinegar, black pepper, and blue cheese in a small bowl for dressing.
- Split open the baked sweet potatoes, top with buffalo chicken, drizzle with blue cheese dressing, and garnish with green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
Feel free to customize with your choice of hot sauce or cheese. Can be made in advance for easier meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: slow cooker, buffalo chicken, sweet potatoes, comfort food, meal prep
