Name: Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Ingredients: 1/2 packet of ranch seasoning; Salt and pepper; 2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts (small to medium in size); 1/2 cup Frank’s Buffalo Sauce

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This Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken is so easy to make and can be used in so many other dishes! Just the right amount of heat from the buffalo sauce and great for meal prepping.

buffalo chicken made in the instant pot in a bowl with a spoon

When it comes to making chicken recipes, buffalo chicken is by far one of my favorites! I love the fact you can use it so many ways and it’s full of protein and low in carbs.

Not to mention, it’s crazy just changing the sauce up transforms the entire dish!

ingredients labeled to make buffalo chicken in the Instant Pot

Ingredients Needed for Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken

packet of ranch seasoning – we are only going to be using half of the packet, so you can save the rest for later

Salt and pepper – just to season, so you won't need a ton

boneless skinless chicken breasts – you will need about two pounds. I used chicken that was smaller, if you use bigger pieces you may need to increase the cooking time.

Frank’s Buffalo Sauce

How to Make Shredded Buffalo Chicken in the Instant Pot

Pour the Franks buffalo sauce into the bottom of the inner pot.

After you have seasoned the chicken with salt and pepper, lay it on top of the sauce and sprinkle ranch seasoning.

Place the lid on the Instant Pot and turn the valve to the sealing position.

Pressure cook on high for 12 minutes, then release the pressure quickly

Shred the chicken and place it back in the sauce to coat well.

close up of Instant Pot buffalo chicken still in the inner pot

Can You Make Buffalo Chicken in the Slow Cooker?

Absolutely! Add the chicken to the bottom of the crockpot.

Season with salt, pepper, and sprinkle the ranch on.

Pour in the buffalo sauce.

Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours. Once it has finished cooking, shred the chicken and return to the sauce before serving.

instant pot buffalo chicken in a bowl next to celery sticks and buffalo sauce

Can You Use Frozen Chicken?

I haven’t tested this recipe using frozen chicken, but the Instant Pot is excellent at cooking frozen poultry.

You will want to add about a ¼ – ½ cup of water or chicken broth in the bottom with the buffalo sauce.

Depending on the size of the chicken (boneless), you will need to pressure cook it using high pressure for 15 minutes. Just to be safe, let it naturally release for 10-12 minutes after it has finished cooking.

Be sure the internal temperature is 165 degrees before serving.

What if My Chicken Isn’t Cooked All the way?

You can add it back to the Instant Pot for an additional 2 minutes on high pressure. Don’t worry, it won’t take nearly as long to come to pressure, since you just used it and it’s already warmed up.

Ways to Serve Buffalo Chicken

Lettuce wraps
On a salad
By itself
On a bun – you can treat this like a BBQ pork sandwich and add all of your favorite toppings.
Use smaller buns for sliders – this is an easy game day dish!
Over regular or cauliflower rice
Tacos – using corn or flour tortillas

instant pot buffalo chicken next to sauce, celery sticks, and chives

Easiest Ways to Shred Chicken

While two forks can be easy enough you can also use meat claws to shred the chicken. But an easier way is to use a hand mixer and you can have shredded chicken in under 2 minutes!

How to Store

Once the chicken has cooled, transfer it to a container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Is it Okay to Freeze Buffalo Chicken?

Sure! I recommend freezing buffalo chicken in individual portions so when it comes time for your use, you can grab what you need without having to reheat an entire batch!

Tips for Making

If you like a spicier sauce, use more of Frank's Buffalo sauce before or after cooking.
You can add a little Ranch or Blue Cheese if it’s too spicy straight from the Instant Pot.
I like a saucier recipe, but if you want to reduce the amount of sauce, after you shred the chicken, place it in a different bowl. Then pour in buffalo sauce from the Instant Pot a little at the time.
If you would rather dice the chicken instead of shredding it, that’s fine too!

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