The Ultimate Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches: Quick, Spicy & Irresistibly Delicious

If you’re a fan of the bold, tangy, and spicy flavors of buffalo chicken, then prepare to meet your new favorite meal: Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches! These incredibly quick, flavor-packed chicken sandwiches are not just a meal; they’re an experience, promising a delightful kick and a satisfying, tender bite with every mouthful. Perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or any time you crave a meal that’s both exciting and easy to prepare, this recipe leverages the magic of your Instant Pot to deliver perfectly shredded buffalo chicken in a fraction of the traditional time.

Why You’ll Love These Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

There are countless reasons to add this Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches recipe to your regular rotation. Beyond their mouth-watering taste, they offer unparalleled convenience and versatility. Here’s what makes them truly special:

• Lightning-Fast Preparation: The Instant Pot is a game-changer, transforming chicken breasts into tender, shreddable perfection in minutes. This means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: You’d be surprised how much flavor can be packed into a dish with just a handful of core ingredients. We’re talking chicken, your favorite buffalo wing sauce, and a secret weapon – ranch seasoning mix – to create a symphony of tastes.
• Incredibly Versatile: While perfect on a bun, the shredded buffalo chicken is a culinary chameleon. It shines in salads, makes fantastic wraps, and is a surefire hit in quesadillas for the kids. The possibilities are truly endless!
• Customizable Spice Level: Whether you like it screaming hot or prefer a milder tang, this recipe is easily adjustable to suit every palate in your household. We’ll share tips on how to dial the heat up or down.
• Crowd-Pleaser: From casual family dinners to larger gatherings, buffalo chicken is almost universally loved. These sandwiches are guaranteed to be a hit with both adults and children (with a slight adjustment for the latter!).

Key Ingredients for Unforgettable Flavor

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few high-quality ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes like it took hours. Let’s dive into the stars of the show:

• Chicken Breast: We recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their lean protein and ease of shredding. Cutting them into bite-sized pieces before cooking ensures even cooking and speeds up the process in the Instant Pot. Chicken thighs can also be used for a richer flavor, but may require a slightly longer cook time.
• Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is the classic choice for a reason, delivering that iconic tangy, spicy flavor profile. However, feel free to use your favorite brand. For those who prefer a milder option, brands like Buffalo Wild Wings offer a range of sauces, with their Asian Zing being a popular, less fiery alternative.
• Ranch Seasoning Mix: This is our secret weapon for adding an extra layer of savory, herby goodness that perfectly complements the buffalo sauce. It introduces a creamy, zesty depth that elevates the overall flavor of the shredded chicken.
• Chicken Stock: A small amount of chicken stock is essential for building pressure in the Instant Pot and for deglazing the pot after sautéing, ensuring no delicious browned bits are left behind.
• Butter or Cream Cheese: For those who prefer a less intense heat, incorporating a touch of butter or a block of cream cheese at the end of cooking is a game-changer. It mellows the spice while adding a luxurious creaminess to the sauce, making it more palatable for younger eaters or those sensitive to heat.
• Buns and Toppings: Don’t forget the vessel for your delicious chicken! Sturdy hamburger buns, brioche buns, or slider buns work perfectly. Complement with classic toppings like crumbled blue cheese, a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing, and crisp celery sticks.

Making Perfect Shredded Buffalo Chicken in Your Instant Pot

The Instant Pot truly shines in this recipe, delivering perfectly tender, shreddable chicken with minimal effort. Here’s a detailed look at the process, ensuring success every time:

1. Sautéing for Flavor: Begin by turning on the Sauté function of your Instant Pot and melting a couple of tablespoons of butter. This not only adds richness but also allows you to brown the chicken and onion. Sautéing the chicken creates a delicious fond (browned bits) at the bottom of the pot, which will contribute immense flavor to your sauce. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned, about 5 minutes, then remove it and set aside.
2. Deglazing the Pot: After removing the chicken, add the chicken stock to the hot pot. Immediately scrape the bottom with a wooden or plastic spoon to loosen any browned bits. This crucial step prevents the dreaded “Burn” error and ensures all those flavorful particles are incorporated into your sauce.
3. Layering the Ingredients: Now, add your chicken, onion, salt, garlic powder, and ranch seasoning mix to the pot. On top, layer your cream cheese (if using) and finally, the buffalo wing sauce. The key here is to layer without stirring. This helps to prevent the cream cheese and buffalo sauce from sticking to the bottom and contributing to a “Burn” warning, allowing the Instant Pot to come to pressure efficiently.
4. Pressure Cooking to Perfection: Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and select the high-pressure setting for 5 minutes. While 5 minutes might seem short, the Instant Pot takes about 10-12 minutes to build pressure, during which the chicken begins to cook. This ensures the chicken is incredibly tender and easy to shred.
5. Quick Release and Shredding: Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure. This typically takes about 5 minutes. Once the pin drops, unlock and remove the lid. The chicken will be wonderfully tender, practically falling apart.
6. Finishing the Sauce: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. While the chicken is being shredded, add the mozzarella cheese to the pot and stir until the cream cheese (if used) and mozzarella have completely blended into a smooth, creamy sauce. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, tossing to coat it thoroughly with the flavorful buffalo sauce. Allow it to sit in the pot for a few minutes to thicken and absorb all the delicious flavors.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Pile the buffalo chicken high on your favorite buns, garnish with crumbled blue cheese, and serve with a side of cooling celery sticks or extra ranch dressing.

Mastering the Spice Level

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its adaptability to different spice preferences:

• For a Milder Kick: The original recipe definitely comes with a kick! To temper the heat, you have a few excellent options. Adding 1/2 stick of butter (4 tablespoons) or 1 package (8 ounces) of cream cheese to the pot during the cooking process will significantly mellow the spice, adding a creamy richness. You can also reduce the amount of Buffalo wing sauce, or opt for a milder variety. Many brands, like Buffalo Wild Wings, offer fantastic flavor packs with lower heat levels; we particularly love their Asian Zing for a sweet and tangy twist.
• For an Extra Zesty Punch: If you’re a true heat seeker, feel free to increase the amount of Buffalo wing sauce. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture before pressure cooking. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes after cooking can also enhance the heat without altering the cooking process.

Beyond the Bun: Versatile Serving Ideas

While these Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches are phenomenal on their own, the shredded buffalo chicken is incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into many other delicious dishes:

• Buffalo Chicken Salads: Serve the shredded chicken over a bed of crisp romaine lettuce with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and a generous drizzle of blue cheese or ranch dressing.
• Wraps & Quesadillas: Kids absolutely love this chicken in wraps or quesadillas. Simply spread the chicken on a tortilla, add some shredded cheese, and grill until golden for a quick and easy meal.
• Buffalo Chicken Tacos/Burritos: Fill warm tortillas with the chicken, shredded cabbage slaw, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
• Loaded Baked Potatoes: Spoon the chicken over baked potatoes and top with cheese, green onions, and a sprinkle of blue cheese.
• Buffalo Chicken Dip: This shredded chicken is the perfect base for a hot, cheesy buffalo chicken dip.
• Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Use it as a topping for homemade or store-bought pizza crusts, along with mozzarella and a drizzle of ranch dressing.

Tips for the Best Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

• Don’t Skip the Sauté: Browning the chicken and onion before pressure cooking adds a depth of flavor that you won’t get from simply adding raw ingredients.
• Deglaze Properly: Ensuring all the browned bits are scraped from the bottom of the pot is crucial for preventing a “Burn” notice and for a richer sauce.
• Shredding Made Easy: Once cooked, the chicken will be incredibly tender. You can shred it directly in the pot with two forks, or remove it to a cutting board for easier handling. For a super quick shred, use a hand mixer in a large bowl.
• Let it Thicken: After stirring in the mozzarella, let the chicken sit in the warm pot for a few minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken beautifully and cling to the chicken, creating a more cohesive and flavorful sandwich filling.
• Fresh Toppings: Don’t underestimate the power of fresh toppings. Crumbled blue cheese, finely chopped celery, and a cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing elevate the sandwich experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can! If using frozen chicken breasts, you may need to adjust the pressure cooking time slightly. For whole frozen breasts, increase the time to 10-12 minutes. If they are already cut into bite-sized pieces, 7-8 minutes should suffice. Always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This buffalo chicken is fantastic for meal prep. Prepare the chicken as directed, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What kind of buns work best?

Hearty hamburger buns are a classic choice. Brioche buns add a touch of sweetness and richness, while slider buns are perfect for appetizers or smaller portions. Consider toasting your buns for extra texture!

There you have it – a phenomenal recipe for Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its quick prep time, incredible flavor, and versatile nature, this dish truly delivers. So, fire up your Instant Pot and get ready to enjoy some of the best buffalo chicken you’ve ever tasted!

If you’re as excited about these shredded buffalo chicken sandwiches as we are, don’t let this recipe slip away! Pin this post right now so you can easily find it whenever that buffalo craving hits.