Name: Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes (5-Ingredients!) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs; ½ cup red hot sauce, such as Frank’s Red Hot; 1 ⅓ tablespoon butter, divided; 4 small whole scrubbed sweet potatoes; 1 teaspoon melted butter (from the 1 ⅓ tablespoon total); ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon lime juice; ¼ teaspoon sea salt; 1 tablespoon chopped chives or green onion

If you’re looking for a hands-off dinner that’s bursting with flavor and so easy to throw together, you’ve got to try this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes (5-Ingredients!) Recipe. Seriously, this one is a game-changer. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty, spicy, and downright delicious without standing over the stove. Plus, it’s done in one slow cooker — so less mess, more yum.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Simple: Just 5 ingredients and minimal prep—perfect for busy days.
One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in the slow cooker for easy cleanup.
Bursting with Flavor: The buffalo sauce adds a spicy kick that keeps you coming back for more.
Meal-Prep Friendly: High in protein and satisfying, great for leftovers or freezing.

A white plate holds a soft orange sweet potato wedge as the base layer, topped with shredded light-colored cooked chicken pieces dressed in a bright orange sauce. Thin green chive stalks are sprinkled on top and around the dish. A light creamy white sauce is drizzled over the chicken and sweet potato. To the side of the plate, there are pale celery stalks with leafy ends. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with part of a fork visible to the right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients pair perfectly to deliver a creamy, spicy, and comforting meal. Grab fresh sweet potatoes and keep an eye out for a good-quality hot sauce—you’ll notice the difference.

Red hot sauce: I love Frank’s Red Hot here; it brings authentic buffalo flavor without being overly salty.
Butter: Adds richness that balances the heat—unsalted is best so you control the saltiness.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Both work, but thighs stay juicier and more tender in the slow cooker.
Sweet potatoes: Go for small whole ones so they cook evenly with the chicken underneath.
Plain Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and a hint of tang without heaviness—perfect as a topping.
Lime juice: Brightens up the dish and complements the buffalo tanginess well.
Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
Chopped chives or green onion: Freshness and a mild bite in the final garnish make all the difference.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own by swapping out a few things or adding extras for a twist. Feel free to experiment so it fits you and your family perfectly!

Spicy Level: If you want it hotter, add more hot sauce or a dash of cayenne. For less heat, use half the sauce and add a pinch of smoked paprika for flavor.
Chicken Choice: I often use thighs because they stay juicy, but chicken breasts work fine too, especially if you prefer leaner meat.
Dairy-Free: Swap Greek yogurt for a coconut-based yogurt or skip it altogether for a dairy-free version.
Extra Veggies: Toss in some sliced bell peppers or corn into the slow cooker for added color and nutrition.

How to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes (5-Ingredients!) Recipe

Step 1: Coat the Chicken and Butter Your Sweet Potatoes

Start by placing your chicken right into the slow cooker. Pour about a quarter cup of your red hot sauce over the chicken and toss it around so every piece gets a nice spicy coating. Then dot the chicken with a tablespoon of butter to help keep things juicy and add richness. Meanwhile, melt a teaspoon of butter and rub that onto the skins of your sweet potatoes—this little trick helps the skins get tender and flavorful while cooking.

Step 2: Layer and Slow Cook

Place the sweet potatoes evenly on top of the buffalo-coated chicken in the slow cooker. Cover it up and cook on high for about 4 hours, or on low for 6 hours. You’re aiming for juicy, cooked-through chicken and fork-tender sweet potatoes. This timing worked perfectly for me, but it can vary slightly depending on your slow cooker size and model, so check early if using low heat.

Step 3: Finish and Serve with Creamy Yogurt

Once done, shred or slice the chicken right in the slow cooker—or plate whole pieces if you want to keep it rustic. Spoon some plain Greek yogurt mixed with lime juice over the top for a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce. Sprinkle with chopped chives or green onions for that fresh pop of color and bite. I absolutely love how these final steps bring the dish together—trust me, it’s magic.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes (5-Ingredients!) Recipe

Butter Balance: Don’t skip the butter on the sweet potatoes—it keeps the skins tender and adds flavor without extra salt.
Slow Cooker Size: I use a 6-quart slow cooker and found the timing just right; bigger or smaller models may need time adjustments.
Chicken Texture: Thighs are my go-to if you want super juicy chicken, but breasts work if you prefer lean protein.
Hot Sauce Choice: Stick to a good-quality hot sauce like Frank’s—other brands vary widely in saltiness and heat.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes (5-Ingredients!) Recipe

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds one thick, orange sweet potato wedge at the bottom. On top of the sweet potato is a layer of shredded light brown chicken, drizzled with a creamy white dressing and a few drops of orange sauce. Small green chive pieces are scattered over the chicken and plate. To the left side of the plate, there are a couple of pale green celery stalks. A silver fork rests on the edge of the plate. In the soft background, another plate with a similar dish is partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For garnishes, I always go with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt mixed with a splash of lime juice—this cools down the buffalo spice perfectly. Then, I sprinkle freshly chopped chives on top for a bit of color and that mild onion-y crunch. Sometimes I add a handful of fresh cilantro for a hint of brightness, especially if I’m feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this dish with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli to keep things light. If you want extra comfort, crispy roasted Brussels sprouts or corn on the cob make fantastic sides that complement the buffalo flavors without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I like to plate the sweet potatoes split open on a serving platter with shredded buffalo chicken piled high and a drizzle of the leftover sauce. Add small bowls of lime-yogurt dressing and chopped chives on the side so guests can customize their plates. It’s fun, colorful, and looks way fancier than it actually is!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it’s a perfect dish for meal prep. Just reheat gently to keep the chicken tender and sweet potatoes soft.

Freezing

This recipe freezes really well! I portion out the chicken and sweet potatoes into freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm it up gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheating

I recommend reheating on low heat in a covered pan on the stove to keep the chicken moist. Microwaving works too—just cover and heat in 30-second bursts to avoid drying out the chicken. Don’t forget to add a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a spoonful of yogurt after reheating to brighten the flavors again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this slow cooker recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts or thighs to ensure even cooking and food safety. Using frozen chicken can make the cooking time unpredictable and may result in undercooked or unevenly cooked meat.
Can I make this recipe spicier or milder?

Absolutely! For extra heat, add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper. To tone down the spice, reduce the amount of hot sauce or substitute with a milder wing sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes (5-Ingredients!) Recipe is naturally gluten-free when you use gluten-free hot sauce, so be sure to check your sauce label if you have sensitivities.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?

You’ll know they’re ready when they’re fork-tender—poke them with a fork or skewer, and it should slide in easily without resistance.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes (5-Ingredients!) Recipe has become such a staple in my kitchen because it’s straightforward, comforting, and bursting with flavor without any fuss. Whether you’re feeding family or prepping ahead for busy days, I promise this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy and delicious slow cooker meals can be!