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Keto Crockpot Buffalo Chicken - Easy, Spicy, and Low-Carb Comfort Food

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 to 2.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thighs also work)
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup buffalo hot sauce (look for zero-sugar options; Frank’s RedHot is a classic)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but great for depth)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste, depending on your hot sauce)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (full-fat for keto)
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing or 1/4 cup sour cream (choose one; use ranch for classic flavor)
  • 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, for serving)
  • Fresh celery and scallions (for crunch and garnish)
  • Lettuce leaves or cauliflower rice (for serving options)

Method
 

  1. Prep the crockpot: Lightly grease the insert or use a liner. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup simple.
  2. Layer the chicken: Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in a single layer at the bottom of the crockpot.
  3. Make the sauce base: In a small bowl, mix buffalo hot sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
  4. Slow cook: Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or on High for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
  5. Add creaminess: Cut the cream cheese into chunks and add it to the crockpot. Add ranch dressing or sour cream. Stir gently, then cover and cook for another 10–15 minutes to melt.
  6. Shred the chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir well so every strand is coated in the creamy buffalo sauce.
  7. Taste and adjust: Add more hot sauce for extra heat, or a splash of ranch/sour cream to mellow the spice. Season with a pinch more salt if needed.
  8. Serve: Spoon into lettuce cups, pile over cauliflower rice, or serve with celery sticks. Top with blue cheese crumbles and sliced scallions if you like.