Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken

Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken is a tantalizing fusion of tender chicken breast. Zesty buffalo sauce, a simple medley of savory seasonings, and the creamy richness of cream cheese. This dish is the epitome of simplicity meeting bold flavors. And promising a satisfying meal that's quick to prepare and easy to savor.

The tender chicken breast steals the spotlight, flawlessly completed by the enticing heat of spicy buffalo sauce. The addition of carefully selected seasoning adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile. While velvety cream cheese imparts a luscious creamy texture that harmonizes all the elements into a culinary masterpiece.

My recipe for Instant Pot BBQ Beef inspired me to make this shredded chicken recipe, but make it a spicy and with chicken.

Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this Instant Pot buffalo chicken recipe. Where simplicity and boldness collide for an unforgettable dining experience.

Why You'll Love Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken

You'll fall in love with Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken for its irresistible combination of flavors and unparalleled convenience. This dish marries succulent chicken breast with a bold creamy buffalo sauce. Creating a taste sensation that's hard to resist. But what truly sets it apart is the ease of preparation.

With your Instant Pot, you can achieve tender, flavorful buffalo chicken within no time. Making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights. Plus, the addition of cream cheese adds a creamy richness that balances the heat. Elevating the entire dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. So if you're a fan of spicy cuisine or if you are simply looking for a quick, flavorful dinner option. This spicy buffalo chicken recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

Ingredients Needed

To whip up a mouthwatering batch of Instant Pot shredded buffalo chicken you'll need a handful of key ingredients. Each plays a vital role in crafting this delectable dish.

First, you'll need chicken breast to provide a lean and tender protein base.

The buffalo sauce is known for its spicy and tangy character. That infuses the chicken with a burst of fiery flavor that makes this dish so irresistible. Make it as spicy as you like by choosing a hot or mild buffalo sauce.

Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder work together to enhance the overall taste. While adding depth and complexity to the spicy profile.

Chicken broth adds flavor while also helping to tenderize the chicken.

Lastly, we have cream cheese, which introduces a creamy richness. That perfectly offsets the heat of the buffalo sauce, while also contributing to the dish's overall luscious texture.

All the ingredients create a symphony of flavors that'll have you coming back for seconds.

How To Make Buffalo Chicken In The Instant Pot

Buffalo chicken in the Instant Pot is a quick and delicious dish that's perfect for game day or weeknight dinners. Start by getting the chicken broth into the inner pot of the pressure cooker. Season both sides of the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and garlic powder then add to the inner pot. Cover the chicken with your choice of buffalo sauce, I like using Sweet Baby Ray's buffalo wing sauce.

Place the lid on the Instant Pot and turn the steam valve to sealing. Press the pressure cook button, making sure the Instant Pot is on high pressure. then adjust the cooking time to 10 minutes.

Once the cooking time is up do a quick release, then place the chicken on a plate. Add in the cubed cream cheese and place the lid on the pressure cooker. The heat from the hot sauce will help melt the cream cheese. While the cream cheese is melting shredded the chicken breast. Stir the melted cream cheese in to make sure there are no lumps before adding the chicken back in.

Add the shredded chicken back into the now creamy buffalo sauce and stir to coat all the chicken with the sauce. This combination of flavors and simple cooking method makes it a go-to recipe for those who crave a bit of heat and creaminess in their meals.

Substitutions

Here are some substitutions you can consider for this delicious buffalo chicken recipe.

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used in replacement of the chicken breasts. Chicken thighs will bring a slightly different flavor and texture to this shredded buffalo chicken.
• Water is a great option for the chicken broth, you may want to add in a bit of chicken bouillon to add to the chicken flavor. Vegetable broth will also work as a replacement for the chicken stock. Veggie broth will change the flavor profile slightly but will still result in a delicious dish.
• Homemade buffalo sauce would allow you to customize the spiciness of the sauce to your liking.
• Greek yogurt would be a healthier option instead of the cream cheese. Or you could use vegan cream cheese to maintain the creamy texture without dairy.
• Spices and herbs are another way to customize the flavor of this buffalo chicken dish to your liking. Try adding in onion powder, paprika, parsley, or cilantro will bring in sweetness, a smokey flavor, or a hint of fresh herb and citrus flavor.

These substations allow you to adapt the recipe based on your dietary preference and ingredient availability while still enjoying the essence of buffalo chicken in the Instant Pot.

Variations

Let's bring a bit of a twist to this shredded buffalo chicken by adding one or more of these.

• blue cheese crumbles would help to balance the heat of the buffalo sauce while also adding a tangy and creamy flavor.
• Ranch dressing brings a coolness and adds a creamy contrast to the heat.
• Crispy bacon crumbles sprinkled on top of the buffalo chicken brings a smoky and savory touch.
• Add some fresh sliced green onions for a freshness and a mild onion flavor.
• Get extra heat from some jalapeños slices.
• Top Instant Pot buffalo chicken sliders with some coleslaw for a refreshing and crunchy contrast.
• Drizzle a bit of honey over top for a sweet and spicy flavor combination.
• Combine the buffalo chicken with pulled pork for a fusion of flavors and textures.

These variations will allow you to get creative and adapt the recipe to suit your taste. Whether you prefer it spicy, tangy, or with extra toppings, there are many ways to enjoy buffalo chicken from your Instant Pot.

How To Store Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken

Storing this simple recipe is straightforward. Once the dish has cooled down to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To maintain its quality, it's best to keep the chicken and sauce together.

When reheating, you can use the microwave or stovetop, adding a bit of additional buffalo sauce or broth if needed to keep the chicken moist.

For longer storage, you can freeze the buffalo chicken for up to 2-3 months. Just ensure you use a freezer-safe container leave some room for expansion, and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating. This way, you can enjoy your flavorful buffalo chicken whenever you crave it with minimal effort.

Top Tips

Now for some of our top tips to make the best Instant Pot buffalo chicken recipe.

Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your desired preference. You can always add more after cooking if you prefer. Make sure to mix in the cream cheese until there are no lumps. Taste the dish after cooking and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or other spices to suit your taste.

Repurpose leftovers by using the recipe in wraps, sandwiches, salads, or on top of fries or nachos for versatile and delicious meals. Always follow the manufacturer's safety guidelines for your Instant Pot to ensure safe and trouble-free cooking.

Serving Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken

There are various options on how to serve Instant Pot buffalo chicken so here are some of our favorite ways.

Make it a buffalo chicken sandwich and serve on buns with a slice of cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese. Add a bit of coleslaw on top for some added crunch or as a side dish to this main dish. Keep it classic and serve with a side of celery sticks or carrot sticks to get that added crunch.

Instant Pot buffalo chicken pasta would be easy for a quick dinner. Simply cook up some pasta according to the directions on the back of the box. Then serve the spicy chicken over pasta. You could even replace the pasta with white rice or mashed potatoes.

How about serving this easy recipe as buffalo chicken tacos? Then enjoy with some avocado salsa or some tortilla chips. This Instant Pot recipe can be easily turned into a creamy buffalo chicken dip as well.

The possibilities are endless on how to enjoy this simple buffalo creamy chicken recipe.

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Closing

With just a few quick steps you can transform ordinary ingredients into a sensational culinary delight with Instant Pot buffalo chicken. The tender chicken breast is bathed in the bold flavors of buffalo sauce. Then brought to a creamy perfection with cream cheese. Making this perfect to serve for dinner any night of the week.