If you’re looking to wow your friends at your next gathering or simply craving something irresistibly flavorful and easy to make, this Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender shredded chicken drenched in tangy buffalo wing sauce, balanced with creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing, all tucked into soft slider buns with gooey melted cheese. These sliders bake up golden and bubbling, delivering a spicy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying bite every single time. They’re not just game day snacks—they’re a full-on flavor fiesta that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe keeps things delightfully simple, relying on a handful of key ingredients that bring flavor, texture, and color to every bite. Each element is essential, combining to create a harmonious and crave-worthy slider experience.
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonders here, saving you time while providing tender, juicy meat.
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce: The star of the show, this sauce delivers that signature spicy kick.
- 2 tablespoons ranch or blue cheese dressing: Adds a cool, creamy contrast that tones down the heat just perfectly.
- 12 slider buns: Soft and small, perfect for handheld portions with just the right amount of bun to filling ratio.
- 6 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to add a cheesy layer that binds everything together.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Brushed on top for golden, rich flavor and a wonderful texture.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Gives the butter a savory depth that complements the buffalo sauce nicely.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional for garnish): Adds a fresh burst of color and a hint of herbal brightness.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s ready to bake your sliders to perfection. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will keep the buns from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the buffalo wing sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing. Stir everything together well so that the chicken is evenly coated with sauce, ensuring every bite packs a punch of spicy, creamy goodness.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
Take your slider buns and slice them in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact. Place all the bottom halves in the greased baking dish, forming a solid base for your filling. Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the tops of these bottom buns, making sure every slider gets a generous amount of filling. Lay the cheese slices over the chicken next, then carefully place the top halves of the buns over everything, sandwiching it all together.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches and Bake
Mix the melted butter with garlic powder and brush this flavorful mixture over the tops of the buns. This step ensures the sliders bake up golden and fragrant. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil to keep the sliders moist as they cook. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 5–7 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and the tops have turned a beautiful golden brown.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped parsley if you want a pop of color and freshness. Serve the sliders warm for the best gooey, spicy, and melty experience.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
A bit of chopped parsley works wonders not only to brighten the plate but also to add a subtle freshness that balances the richness of the sliders. If you’re feeling adventurous, crumbled blue cheese on top before baking adds an extra punch of flavor that fans of bold tastes will love.
Side Dishes
Buffalo Chicken Sliders shine best with classic accompaniments. Celery sticks paired with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing are an unbeatable combo—offering cool crunch to contrast the sliders’ heat. You can also serve a simple garden salad or crispy fries to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, consider serving the sliders on a large wooden board stacked high with plenty of napkins nearby. You can also line the baking dish with parchment and serve straight from it for a cozy, family-style feel. If you want to impress, add small flags or toothpicks to each slider for easy picking and an extra festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover Buffalo Chicken Sliders, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making them perfect for a quick reheat and snack later on.
Freezing
You can freeze these sliders before baking to save time on busy days. Assemble them as usual, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze. When ready to enjoy, bake them straight from frozen, adding extra baking time to ensure they’re heated through and melty.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. This method keeps the buns from getting soggy and preserves that fresh-from-the-oven texture we all love.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for the sliders?
Absolutely! While provolone or mozzarella are classic choices because of their meltability, cheddar, pepper jack, or even a mix of cheeses can add delicious twists to your Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe.
Is there a way to make these sliders less spicy?
Yes. You can reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce or opt for a milder wing sauce to tone down the heat. Adding more ranch or blue cheese dressing also softens the spiciness while keeping lots of flavor.
Can I prepare the chicken filling ahead of time?
Definitely. The chicken mixture can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just mix everything well, cover, and keep it chilled until you’re ready to assemble and bake the sliders.
What’s the best type of slider bun to use?
Soft slider buns are ideal because they hold up well during baking without becoming dry or overly dense. Hawaiian rolls are a fantastic alternative too, offering a sweet contrast to the spicy filling.
How can I make the Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the slider buns with gluten-free rolls or mini gluten-free buns available at many grocery stores. Just be sure to check all sauces and dressings to confirm they’re gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe has everything you could want—bold, spicy flavor balanced by creamy cheese and tender chicken, all wrapped in a soft bun that’s perfect for sharing. Whether it’s game day, a casual party, or a cozy night in, these sliders bring a comforting yet exciting bite to the table. Give them a try, and I promise they’ll quickly become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer or Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the ultimate game day or party snack—spicy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor. Shredded chicken is tossed in tangy buffalo sauce, layered onto soft slider buns with melty cheese, and baked until golden. They are quick to prepare and always a crowd favorite, perfect for gatherings or a flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce
- 2 tablespoons ranch or blue cheese dressing
Slider Assembly
- 12 slider buns
- 6 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese
Topping
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix Chicken with Sauces: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing until the chicken is evenly coated with the spicy and creamy mixture.
- Prepare Slider Buns: Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves intact to serve as sandwich layers. Place the bottom halves evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Assemble Sliders: Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns. Layer 6 slices of provolone or mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken, then place the top halves of the slider buns over the cheese and chicken filling.
- Butter and Season the Tops: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder and brush this mixture generously over the tops of the slider buns to add flavor and help them crisp during baking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to warm through and melt the cheese quietly.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired for freshness and color, and serve warm as a delicious appetizer or main course.
Notes
- Add crumbled blue cheese on top of the chicken for extra flavor and tang.
- You can substitute slider buns with Hawaiian rolls for a slightly sweet flavor contrast.
- Serve with celery sticks and extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for classic dipping options.
