Slow Cooker Buffalo Ramen With Chicken

📝Shopping list

To make this slow cooker Buffalo chicken recipe, you will need:

• Buffalo sauce
• Corn - canned 
• Cream cheese 
• Cheddar cheese - shredded
• Chicken broth
• Ranch dressing mix
• Fresh garlic cloves
• boneless, skinless chicken thighs - or breasts
• Ramen

🔪Instructions

This slow cooker chicken ramen recipe involves just a few simple steps:

Preparing Your Slow Cooker

Prepare your slow cooker by coating it with a non-stick agent.  Any nonstick cooking spray or oil will work. Olive oil and avocado oil are my go-to coatings. 

 NOTE: some slow cooker inserts come with a nonstick surface.  Use of a non-stick agent is still suggested. However, oil is sometimes recommended rather than spray to protect the longevity of the non-stick surface.  Check your slow cooker's manual if you have any concerns. 

Alternatively, you can choose to use a slow cooker liner.  

Assembly

🍜 Start by cutting cream cheese into approximately 1" squares.

🍜Add all ingredients, other than chicken and ramen into a greased slow cooker and stir to combine.  The cream cheese won't fully meld in at this point.

🍜Place chicken pieces into the sauce in your crockpot and turn a few times to fully coat with sauce

🍜Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours.  

🍜Removed cooked chicken and set aside.  Stir sauce in slow cooker to incorporate cream cheese chunks.  

🍜 Add dry noodles to the sauce in your slow cooker.  Make sure they are as fully submerged in the sauce as possible.  Cover and allow to continue slow cooking for about 15 minutes

🍜Shred chicken pieces. 

🍜After 15 minutes, gently break apart noodle cakes and stir fully into Buffalo sauce.  Add in shredded chicken and gently stir to fully incorporate

🍜Optional: Top with sliced green onion, chopped fresh cilantro and blue cheese crumbles before serving. 

🍜Enjoy (not optional😉)!

NOTE: Keep in mind that this slow cooker recipe is not soup.  Your slow cooker ramen noodles and chicken will be coated in a thick, creamy, savory sauce.  

🍽Serving suggestions

• Crunchy fresh vegetables on the side:  Fresh celery sticks, raw snow peas, sugar snap peas, and sweet red bell pepper strips all make great side dishes.  Your family's favorite veggies are always the best go-withs! 
• Spicy Boost: To dial up the heat, try topping with a sprinkling of Sriracha or Red Pepper Flakes.  Freshly sliced jalapeños add a crunchy kick. 
• Creamy Toppings:  Bleu Cheese Crumbles, a drizzle of  Ranch Dressing, or a dollop of sour cream are all great. 

🔁Substitutions

1. If you prefer ground chicken, Buffalo chicken sloppy Joe's may be a better recipe for you
2. Replace chicken stock with a veggie-based flavorful broth if that is what you have on hand
3. Matchstick carrots can be used in place of canned corn for an extra veggie boost
4. To spice things up, substitute cheddar cheese with pepper Jack
5. For even more spice, swap Buffalo sauce with a hot wing sauce or even a homemade wing sauce. 

Storing

Store your slow cooker Buffalo ramen noodles recipe in an airtight container or zip-top bag.  It will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.  Reheat and handle leftovers gently as the noodles may start to break apart.  

For best results, I do not recommend freezing this dish.  

😉Hints & hacks

1. Store leftovers of this delicious crowd-pleasing dinner in meal-sized portions. It makes for easy reheat-and-eat weeknight meals.
2. Take care not to overheat leftovers.  Reheated chicken can become dry and rubbery if overcooked.  
3. I always recommend the use of a slow cooker liner. Of course, this is an optional step. I like to purchase my liners in bulk for a less expensive per-piece price.
4. In the market for a new slow cooker? I love mine!
5. The most important step is to always make sure your slow cooker is plugged in and turned on!! 🙄