If you’re craving a crowd-pleaser that combines juicy, spicy chicken with melty cheese and soft, pillowy buns, this Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Imagine tender shredded chicken blended with tangy buffalo wing sauce and garlic, all baked inside buttery slider buns until golden and irresistible. Perfect for game days, cozy dinners, or casual parties, these sliders deliver bold flavors in every bite and come together surprisingly fast. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be the star of your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each adding something special to the dish—whether it’s the savory chicken, the spicy buffalo punch, or the creamy cheese that brings everything together. Having quality basics on hand makes all the difference in this slider experience.
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken: Use rotisserie or poached chicken for tender, flavorful meat that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce: This adds the perfect spicy kick that defines the buffalo flavor.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Brings richness and helps coat the chicken for a silky texture.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth and a subtle savory note to balance the heat.
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls: Soft buns that hold up well to the juicy filling and bake beautifully golden.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese: Melts perfectly and adds creamy, gooey goodness.
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing: A cooling, tangy drizzle that contrasts with the spicy chicken delightfully.
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley (optional): Fresh herbs brighten the dish and add a lovely splash of color.
- Nonstick cooking spray or additional melted butter for brushing: Ensures the buns brown beautifully and add extra flavor.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. This step sets you up for perfectly baked sliders with minimal fuss.
Step 2: Mix the Buffalo Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce, melted butter, and garlic powder. Stir until every shred is coated with that zesty, buttery sauce. This marinade is where all the bold flavor happens, so make sure it’s evenly mixed.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
Carefully slice the slider buns horizontally, keeping each top and bottom attached. Place the bottom halves snugly in your prepared baking dish. Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly across the buns, then drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing. Top generously with shredded cheese before placing the buns’ tops back on.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Brush the tops of the sliders with extra melted butter or spray with nonstick cooking spray to help the tops brown beautifully. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, until the cheese is gooey and the buns have a gorgeous golden hue.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve Warm
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped green onions or parsley over the top if desired. Slice the sliders apart and serve them warm for the ultimate comforting experience.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped green onions or parsley adds vibrant color and a subtle crunch that elevates these sliders visually and texturally. Consider a light drizzle of extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on top to keep things creamy and cool.
Side Dishes
Buffalo chicken sliders pair wonderfully with crisp celery sticks, crunchy carrot batons, or even a fresh garden salad to balance the richness and spice. For a more indulgent spread, sweet potato fries or crispy potato chips are perfect companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Try skewering the sliders with decorative picks and placing them on a wooden board for a rustic party vibe. Layered in a casserole dish for potlucks, they also make an irresistible buffet centerpiece. You can even serve the sliders with small bowls of extra buffalo sauce and dressings for dipping fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover sliders tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days and maintain their delicious flavor and texture when stored properly.
Freezing
You can freeze fully assembled but unbaked sliders by wrapping the baking dish tightly in foil and placing it in the freezer. For best results, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Frozen sliders keep well for up to two months.
Reheating
Reheat sliders in the oven at 350°F for about 10 to 15 minutes, covered with foil to keep moisture in. Avoid microwaving to maintain the soft texture of the buns and to keep the cheese perfectly melted without getting rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in the Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is ideal because it’s already cooked and juicy, which saves you time and infuses great flavor right from the start.
What are some alternatives to buffalo wing sauce?
If you prefer milder flavors, try using barbecue sauce or a honey mustard blend. For a spicy twist, mix buffalo sauce with a bit of hot honey or cayenne.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
You can swap the shredded chicken for shredded jackfruit or cauliflower tossed in buffalo sauce for a tasty vegetarian option that still delivers on texture and flavor.
Is it better to use ranch or blue cheese dressing?
Both work wonderfully, but it depends on your preference. Ranch offers a milder, creamy taste, while blue cheese adds a punchier, tangy bite. Some people even use a mix for the best of both worlds.
How spicy are these Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
The heat level mainly depends on your buffalo wing sauce choice. Most standard sauces provide a moderate, enjoyable kick that can be toned down with extra dressing or increased by adding more sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe is a guaranteed winner whenever you need something flavorful, comforting, and totally crowd-friendly. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in, these sliders bring that perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and chewiness that everyone loves. Give them a try—you’ll quickly see why they become such a favorite fast!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer or main course, perfect for game day, parties, or quick dinners. Featuring tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce and melted cheese on soft slider buns, these spicy chicken sliders are sure to delight your guests with every bite.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Sliders
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley (optional)
- Nonstick cooking spray or additional melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup.
- Mix Chicken with Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, melted butter, and garlic powder. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Prepare Slider Buns: Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms attached. Place the bottom halves of the buns evenly in the prepared baking dish as the base layer.
- Assemble Sliders: Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the buns. Drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the chicken for creamy contrast, then sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Place the top halves of the buns over the assembled layers.
- Brush and Bake: Brush the tops of the buns with additional melted butter or lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. Cover loosely with foil to retain moisture and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired. Slice the sliders apart and serve warm to enjoy the melty, spicy goodness.
Notes
- These sliders are ideal for game day, parties, or quick family dinners.
- You can assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate before baking for convenience.
- Feel free to swap ranch for blue cheese dressing or use both for a richer flavor profile.
- To make it less spicy, reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce or choose a milder version.
