If you are craving a crowd-pleasing, flavorful, and juicy sandwich that comes together faster than you’d expect, the Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe is your new best friend. This dish combines tender shredded chicken bathed in a tangy, buttery buffalo sauce, all nestled in a soft bun with crunchy lettuce and cool ranch to balance every spicy bite. Whether it’s game day, a busy weeknight, or an easy weekend treat, these sandwiches pack a punch with minimal effort and maximal satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe comes alive with simple, carefully chosen ingredients that bring bold flavors and perfect textures. Each component plays its part—from the punchy Frank’s Red Hot sauce to the creamy butter that finishes the chicken, ensuring every sandwich bursts with that classic buffalo taste and melts in your mouth.
- 2 large chicken breasts: The star of the dish, offering juicy and tender meat that shreds beautifully after pressure cooking.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté the onions and add a subtle fruitiness that deepens the sauce’s flavor.
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped): Adds a mild sweetness and texture that complements the spicy sauce perfectly.
- 3/4 cup Frank’s Red Hot sauce: The essential buffalo sauce base, giving the recipe its signature tang and heat.
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar: Adds brightness and balances the richness of the buffalo sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Develops complexity with savory, umami notes.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the sauce with a gentle, aromatic punch that enhances every bite.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Melts into the sauce after cooking, rounding out flavors for a silky finish.
- Buns: Soft and sturdy buns hold all the spicy, saucy goodness without falling apart.
- Ranch dressing: Offers a cool, creamy counterpoint to the heat, perfect for drizzling or dipping.
- Shredded iceberg lettuce: Adds a refreshing, crunchy texture to complete the sandwich experience.
How to Make Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Start by pressing the sauté button on your Instant Pot and adding the olive oil. Toss in the chopped onions and cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are soft and fragrant. This step helps build the flavor base for the buffalo sauce, so don’t skip it. Once done, turn off the sauté function to pause cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Next, pour in the Frank’s Red Hot sauce, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder into the pot. Give it all a thorough stir to blend these bold flavors together, ensuring your buffalo sauce will be vibrant and perfectly balanced.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts right into the pot with the sauce, then stir gently so they are well coated in the spicy mixture. The sauce will do its magic during pressure cooking, infusing the chicken deeply with flavor.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Chicken
Seal your Instant Pot with the lid and set the valve to “sealing.” Choose the high pressure setting and cook for 10 minutes. Don’t worry about the time it takes to reach pressure; it usually takes between 5 to 10 minutes, which gives the chicken plenty of time to absorb those delightful buffalo notes.
Step 5: Prep the Sandwich Fixings
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the shredded lettuce and buns. If you love ranch as much as I do, now’s the perfect time to whip up a batch of your favorite ranch dressing to use as a cooling drizzle on the sandwich.
Step 6: Release the Pressure
Once the timer rings, let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes to keep the chicken juicy and tender. Afterward, carefully perform a quick release to let out any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
Step 7: Shred and Coat the Chicken
Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and set aside. Add the butter to the remaining sauce in the Instant Pot and let it melt. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces then return it to the pot. Stir the shredded chicken into the buttery sauce so every piece gets coated in that luscious buffalo flavor.
How to Serve Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes takes these sandwiches from great to unforgettable. I love topping mine with crisp shredded iceberg lettuce for crunch and a generous drizzle of ranch dressing to tame the heat. You can also add sliced pickles for an extra zip or a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs if you want a fresh twist.
Side Dishes
These sandwiches pair beautifully with classic sides like crispy French fries or crunchy celery sticks that echo traditional buffalo wings. For a healthier option, a simple coleslaw or a fresh green salad brings refreshing balance to the meal without competing with the buffalo flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Mix things up by offering sliders for a fun party appetizer or serving your shredded buffalo chicken over toasted bread as an open-faced sandwich. You can even turn this recipe into a buffalo chicken salad or wrap it in tortillas for a handheld twist. The possibilities are endless, and each variation lets you savor the familiar buffalo flavors in exciting ways.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe keep really well in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen as the sauce mellows overnight.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the shredded buffalo chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Keep the buns and fresh toppings separate so they stay fresh and delicious when you reheat the chicken.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the shredded chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently to keep it moist and evenly heated. Add a splash of water or extra butter if the sauce looks too thick. Then, pile it back on a bun with fresh lettuce and ranch for the perfect revival of this tasty sandwich.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will yield even juicier, more tender results and are a fantastic choice for this recipe. Just keep the same cooking time, but adjust if your thighs are very large or bone-in by adding a few minutes.
How spicy is this Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe?
The heat level is moderate thanks to Frank’s Red Hot sauce, which offers that signature buffalo tang without overwhelming spice. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less hot sauce or mixing in a little honey to mellow the spice.
Do I have to use an Instant Pot? Can I cook this on the stove?
The Instant Pot is key for speed and tender, juicy chicken here, but you can definitely simmer the sauce with chicken breasts on the stove covered for about 25-30 minutes until cooked through, then shred and toss in the sauce.
Is ranch dressing necessary, or are there other good options?
Ranch adds a creamy, cooling element that perfectly balances the spicy buffalo sauce, but blue cheese dressing is a classic alternative that works beautifully if you prefer a stronger flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just double-check your buns are gluten-free or swap for lettuce wraps or gluten-free sandwich bread. The filling itself is naturally gluten-free, making this recipe flexible for many dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful, and downright addictive sandwich, I can’t recommend the Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe enough. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that brings comfort food to the next level with minimal fuss and tons of vibrant, saucy flavor. Give it a try and get ready to make this one a family favorite that you’ll reach for over and over again!
