• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Free Bonus
  • About

Boulder Locavore logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Free Bonus
  • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • Free Bonus
    • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • ร—
    Home ยป Recipes ยป Instant Pot ยป Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken recipe

    LAST UPDATED: February 1, 2022 โ€ข FIRST PUBLISHED: August 21, 2020 By Toni Dash 22 Comments

    Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken recipe

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Instant Pot Buffalo chicken title

    Tangy, spicy Buffalo Chicken is SO fast and easy in the Instant Pot! You’ll use this moist, shredded chicken in more things than you can imagine. From sandwiches, to pizza, in soups and appetizer recipes.

    Instant Pot Buffalo chicken title
    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
    Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox (and more recipes every week)!
    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
    Loading
    Instant Pot Buffalo chicken title

    If you love the flavor of Buffalo wings, this will become your new favorite chicken breast recipe!

    It’s so fast and easy in the Instant Pot. 

    The moist, tangy, spicy shredded chicken can be used in so many ways! You’ll love it in this crostini recipe!

    Jump to:
    • Recipe Ingredient Notes
    • Note on Chicken Breast sizes
    • What Buffalo Sauce to Use?
    • A Delicious Cole Slaw Trick!
    • How to Make it โ€“ Step-by-Step
    • How to Make Buffalo Chicken in a Slow Cooker
    • How to Use the Buffalo Chicken
    • How to Store
    • More Recipes Youโ€™ll Love!
    • Recipe

    Recipe Ingredient Notes

    • Buffalo Sauce (homemade or store bought)
    • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
    • Salt and Pepper
    • Unsalted Butter

    Use Fresh or Frozen Chicken Breasts

    The cooking time will accommodate either.

    Note on Chicken Breast sizes

    Lately I’ve noticed boneless chicken breasts can weight almost 1 pound each which require a very different cooking time than a normal 6-8 ounce size.

    This recipe will accommodate any size. 

    Because the chicken will be shredded and cooks with a sauce, any size will turn out great.

    instant pot buffalo chicken shredded in bowl

    What Buffalo Sauce to Use?

    Homemade

    I recommend using Homemade Buffalo Sauce. It’s fast and easy to make.

    It’s has a full, tangy, spicy flavor AND it’s not overly salty as store bought sauces can be.

    Store Bought

    For a store bought option I recommend Franks RedHot Buffalo Wings sauce (see photos). 

    Franks Cayenne Hot sauce (used in my homemade Buffalo Sauce recipe) was used in the original Buffalo sauce. It’s seen as the secret ingredient!

    I will add I find the sauce a bit salty BUT depending on how you use the buffalo chicken, you may not notice it.

    Also for a spicier store bought option try Frank’s RedHot Hot Buffalo Sauce. For spicy heat lovers only.

    buffalo chicken sandwich

    A Delicious Cole Slaw Trick!

    Blue Cheese and ranch dressing are both favorite pairings with buffalo chicken wings. 

    I have a little trick to get the full flavor combination when using this shredded buffalo chicken too!

    It’s a Lazy Girl’s Cole Slaw method.

    Combine store bought cole slaw mix (the greens) with ranch dressing OR blue cheese dressing INSTEAD of cole slaw dressing.

    It makes a creamy slaw that adds both crunch and the classic flavor you’d dip buffalo wings in.

    How to Make it – Step-by-Step

    When cooking in the pressure cooker the sauce will thin out.

    Some of the sauce (4 ounces) is reserved in the beginning to drizzle on the finished chicken or stir into it for a thicker sauce.

    STEP 1: Salt and pepper the chicken breasts on both sides (photo 1).

    instant pot buffalo chicken recipe steps 1-4

    STEP 2: Pour some of the 1 cup of buffalo sauce into the Instant Pot just to make a light coating of the bottom (photo 2). Add the chicken (photo 3) and pour the rest of the 1 cup of sauce over to cover (photo 4).

    STEP 3: Seal the lid and vent. Pressure cook on MANUAL High Pressure for 15 minutes. When complete allow a Natural Release for 5 minutes followed by a quick release of any remaining pressure.

    STEP 4: Remove the cooked chicken and shred using 2 forks or this shredded chicken method with a stand mixer. I don’t recommend a hand held mixer as it can pulverize the chicken.

    Return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot and stir in with the sauce to coat. 

    Use as is or refrigerate with the sauce for later use.

    instant pot buffalo chicken shredded in IP

    How to Make Buffalo Chicken in a Slow Cooker

    Salt and pepper the chicken as described.

    Pour the whole 1 1/2 cups of sauce into the crock pot along with the butter pieces. Place the chicken in and turn to coat.

    Cook on LOW for 5-6 hours until the chicken is cooked through.

    Shred the chicken and place back into the sauce for 20 minutes to soak up the sauce.

    How to Use the Buffalo Chicken

    The possibilities are endless for how to use this!

    • In a sandwich on bread or buns (regular or gluten-free)
    • On pizza
    • Tossed with cooked pasta
    • Spice up cool crisp salad greens (adds some protein too)
    • In soups
    • Buffalo Chicken Dip
    • In lasagna instead of ground beef
    • In quesadillas with loads of cheese
    • Stuffed into celery and drizzled with ranch dressing
    • In lettuce wraps
    • In Stuffed Peppers
    • Grilled Cheese sandwiches
    • for Meal Prep with some rice and some of the sauce
    shredded buffalo chicken meal prep

    How to Store

    Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

    Store with any sauce to keep chicken moist and from drying out.

    NOTE: due to the butter some of the sauce may congeal when in the refrigerator. Warm in the microwave before using and the sauce will liquefy again.

    How to Freeze It

    After the chicken has cooled, add it with the liquid to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 4 months.

    Pro Tip: freeze the chicken in portions sizes of 1 or 2 cups so the entire batch doesn’t need to be thawed at once.

    To defrost, leave in the refrigerator overnight.

    More Recipes You’ll Love!

    • Buffalo Cauliflower
    • Instant Pot Pulled Pork
    • Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Taco Meat
    • Meatloaf in an Instant Pot
    • Creamy Tuscan Chicken
    buffalo chicken sandwich with Instant Pot

    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

    Please SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TWITTER and PINTEREST!

    Recipe

    Instant Pot Buffalo chicken title

    Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken

    Tangy spicy shredded Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken is easy and delicious. It can be used in so many ways from sandwiches to pizza, in soups and appetizer recipes.
    5 from 64 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Natural Release time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Servings: 9 1/2-cup servings (4 1/2 cups total yield)
    Calories: 160kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 2 pounds boneless skinless Chicken Breast fresh or frozen
    • ¼ teaspoon ground Black pepper
    • 1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt
    • 12 ounces Buffalo Sauce homemade or Franks RedHot Buffalo Wings sauce (1 12-ounce bottle)
    • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter

    Instructions

    Instant Pot

    • Salt and pepper the chicken breasts on both sides.
    • Measure out 1 cup of the buffalo wings sauce. Reserve the rest.
      Pour some out of the 1 cup into the Instant Pot to cover the bottom of the insert (about 1/4 cup; doesn't need to be exact).
    • Place the chicken on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken breasts.
    • Add the butter on top.
    • Lock the Instant Pot lid. Turn the valve to seal and select manual high pressure for 15 minutes (fresh or frozen chicken).
    • When the cooking is finished, allow it to naturally release for 5 minutes, and then do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
    • Using two forks, shred the chicken. Top with chopped parsley.
    • Serve warm on your favorite buns with some ranch dressing, on a bed of greens, or in a bowl with white rice.

    Slow Cooker

    • Salt and pepper the chicken as described.
    • Pour the whole 1 1/2 cups of sauce into the crock pot along with the butter pieces. Place the chicken in and turn to coat.
    • Cook on LOW for 5-6 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
      Shred the chicken and place back into the sauce for 20 minutes to soak up the sauce.
    • Shred the chicken and place back into the sauce for 20 minutes to soak up the sauce.

    Notes

    How to Store
    Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
    Store with any sauce to keep chicken moist and from drying out.
    NOTE: due to the butter some of the sauce may congeal when in the refrigerator. Warm in the microwave before using and the sauce will liquefy again.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 160kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 1341mg | Potassium: 373mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 186IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg
    Instant Pot Buffalo chicken title
    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
    Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox (and more recipes every week)!
    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
    Loading
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!
    « Banana Bread Cookies
    Creamy Asparagus Soup recipe »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Erik says

      March 30, 2022 at 6:12 pm

      What do you do with the remaining half cup of hot sauce?

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        March 30, 2022 at 9:48 pm

        Are you meaning the excess not used for the Instant Pot method? You can use it for anything you want to; other dishes or recipes.

        Reply
    2. Angela says

      October 01, 2021 at 10:39 am

      5 stars
      That was officially the easiest recipe involving meat we’ve cooked in the Instant Pot and it was a big hit. Thank you! I needed a quick use for some chicken and am a little burned out on bbq chicken and chicken tacos. But this! Fantastic. And the whole family loved it, even the child with some aversion to spiciness (the cabbage and ranch cooled it down enough for him). It was enjoyed by all. Thank you! Stocking up on buffalo sauce so we can keep this handy. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        October 01, 2021 at 5:14 pm

        So glad to hear it Angela! This is a favorite in our house too!

        Reply
    3. Sandra says

      August 26, 2020 at 2:37 pm

      5 stars
      This was a huge hit at my house! A new favorite for weeknights!

      Reply
    4. Laura Reese says

      August 25, 2020 at 11:34 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe was so easy. Perfect weeknight meal.

      Reply
    5. Suzy says

      August 25, 2020 at 8:48 am

      5 stars
      This is the best way to cook chicken! So tasty!

      Reply
    6. wilhelmina says

      August 24, 2020 at 7:53 am

      5 stars
      This is a great weeeknight meal. So easy and just the right kick of spice. My family really enjoyed it!

      Reply
    7. Catalina says

      August 22, 2020 at 6:36 am

      5 stars
      What a great idea for dinner tonight! My whole family will love this recipe! Love how easy is to make it!

      Reply
    8. Dawn N says

      August 22, 2020 at 6:14 am

      Yum!!! I love buffalo chicken anything and canโ€™t wait to try this out!

      Reply
    9. Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says

      August 22, 2020 at 1:27 am

      I know for sure this Buffalo Chicken is would be a huge hit in my house!

      Reply
    10. Natasha says

      August 21, 2020 at 7:06 pm

      5 stars
      This was absolutely delicious and so easy to make! My family complimented me over and over on this meal! Next time I will make more and double up on the ingredients!

      Reply
    « Older Comments
    5 from 64 votes (50 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Picture of Toni

    Welcome! Iโ€™m Toni Dash. Iโ€™m a Certified Nutrition Coach and the professional writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavoreยฎ. Iโ€™m so glad you are here!

    More about me โ†’

    Featured on....

    BoulderLocavore.com Featured By Press

    Grilling Recipes

    • Ultimate Burger Grill Guide title photo with burgers on a charcoal grill Ultimate Burger Grill Guide: How to Grill the Perfect Burger
    • steak on grill with flames How to Grill Steak Perfectly: Everything You Need to Grill Like a Pro
    • grilled porterhouse steak title Perfect Porterhouse Steak on the Grill
    • Grilled Kabob Recipes on grate (titled image) Grilled Kabob Recipes: 20 Must Make Recipes for Summer
    • bruschetta chicken title image Bruschetta Chicken recipe โ€“ Baked, Grilled or Stove Top
    • Chicken Shish Kabobs title Easy Grilled Chicken Shish Kabobs

    TRENDING RIGHT NOW

    • Ultimate Burger Grill Guide title photo with burgers on a charcoal grill Ultimate Burger Grill Guide: How to Grill the Perfect Burger
    • How to Make Moist Homemade Shredded Chicken Breast title How to Make Moist Homemade Shredded Chicken Breast Recipe
    • Instant Pot Jambalaya Instant Pot Jambalaya Recipe: Quick & Easy Comfort Food
    • Sparkling Cranberry Vodka Punch Sparkling Cranberry Vodka Punch Recipe
    • homemade ketchup title image The Best Homemade Ketchup โ€“ Made with Fresh Tomatoes!
    • Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs with lime wedges on a pewter platter Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs

    Footer

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram

    Contact | About | Privacy Policy | Disclosure Policy | Accessibility Statement | Cookie Policy


    SIGN ME UP to get FREE recipes directly to my inbox!

    Don't miss our TRAVEL SECTION!


    Copyright ยฉ 2010-2025 All Rights Reserved

    Boulder Locavore is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.