Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Introduction

Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the perfect balance of heat, tang, and creamy goodness, all packed into a soft, buttery bun. Tender shredded chicken is coated in a bold, zesty buffalo sauce, then layered with cool ranch or tangy blue cheese dressing for a flavor-packed bite every time.

I still remember the first time I made these for a game night—the tray was empty in minutes! The spicy buffalo sauce combined with the creamy dressing and soft buns creates an irresistible contrast of flavors and textures. They’re easy to assemble, making them a go-to for parties, casual dinners, or even a quick snack when you’re craving something bold and satisfying.

What makes these sliders even better is how customizable they are. Add a crisp slaw for extra crunch, a sprinkle of cheese for extra richness, or even a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness. However you serve them, Buffalo Chicken Sliders are always a hit!

Perfect for:

• Game day parties
• Potlucks and gatherings
• Quick and easy dinners
• Spicy food lovers
• Meal prepping

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Here’s why Buffalo Chicken Sliders will become a go-to favorite:

• Spicy and Tangy Flavor: Buffalo sauce brings the perfect balance of heat and tang, making these sliders irresistibly flavorful.
• Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a batch of sliders ready in no time.
• Great for Feeding a Crowd: This recipe makes multiple sliders at once, making it ideal for parties and gatherings.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level, switch up the cheese, or add extra toppings to make it your own.
• Perfectly Portable: These sliders are great for meal prepping, packed lunches, or on-the-go snacks.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 12 sliders
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 18g, Carbs: 22g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Buffalo Chicken Sliders:

• 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
• ½ cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• ¼ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Buffalo Sauce: This spicy, tangy sauce is the star of the dish, coating the shredded chicken with bold flavor.
• Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience, but you can also cook and shred your own chicken breasts.
• Cheese: Mozzarella or cheddar adds a creamy, melty texture that balances the heat of the buffalo sauce.
• Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: A creamy dressing cools down the spice and enhances the overall flavor.
• Slider Buns: Soft, slightly sweet buns or Hawaiian rolls make the perfect base for these sliders.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Buffalo Chicken Sliders:

Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Mixture:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Shred the Chicken: If using fresh chicken breasts, boil or bake them until fully cooked, then shred with two forks. If using rotisserie chicken, shred it into small pieces.
3. Mix with Buffalo Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well coated.

Assemble the Sliders:

4. Slice the Buns: Without separating the individual slider buns, slice the entire pack of rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half in the greased baking dish.
5. Layer the Chicken: Evenly spread the buffalo chicken mixture over the bottom half of the buns.
6. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top of the buffalo chicken.
7. Drizzle with Dressing: Evenly spread ranch or blue cheese dressing over the cheese layer for extra creaminess.
8. Top with Buns: Place the top half of the slider buns over the filling.

Bake and Serve:

9. Brush with Butter: Brush the tops of the buns with a little melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if using.
10. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
11. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped green onions, and serve warm.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Buffalo Chicken Sliders can be served in a variety of ways:

• With Dipping Sauces: Serve with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
• As a Game Day Snack: These sliders make the perfect party food alongside chips, dips, and finger foods.
• With a Side Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad to balance out the richness of the sliders.
• With Fries or Coleslaw: Serve with classic sides like French fries, sweet potato fries, or coleslaw.
• As a Meal Prep Option: Make ahead and pack for lunch throughout the week.

Additional Tips for Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Here are some tips to make your Buffalo Chicken Sliders even better:

• Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience: A store-bought rotisserie chicken saves time and effort.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Use mild buffalo sauce for less heat or add extra hot sauce for a spicier kick.
• Toast the Buns: Lightly toasting the buns before assembling can help prevent sogginess.
• Add More Toppings: Try adding crispy bacon, caramelized onions, or pickled jalapeños for extra flavor.
• Make it Healthier: Use whole wheat slider buns and Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing for a lighter version.
• Double the Recipe: Easily double the ingredients to feed a larger crowd.
• Storage Tips: Leftover sliders can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.

Recipe Variations for Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Here are 10 variations to try for Buffalo Chicken Sliders:

• BBQ Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Mix in a little barbecue sauce with the buffalo sauce for a sweet and smoky twist.
• Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sliders: Use ranch seasoning in the chicken mixture for extra ranch flavor.
• Buffalo Turkey Sliders: Swap chicken for ground turkey for a leaner alternative.
• Buffalo Cauliflower Sliders: Use roasted buffalo cauliflower instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.
• Buffalo Pulled Pork Sliders: Try using shredded pork instead of chicken for a different texture.
• Extra Cheesy Buffalo Sliders: Add an extra layer of cheese or a cheese sauce for a gooey, indulgent bite.
• Spicy Jalapeño Buffalo Sliders: Add sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.
• Buffalo Bacon Sliders: Top with crispy bacon for added crunch and smokiness.
• Buffalo Chicken and Avocado Sliders: Add sliced avocado for a creamy contrast to the spicy chicken.
• Gluten-Free Buffalo Sliders: Use gluten-free slider buns for a gluten-free version.

Freezing and Storage for Buffalo Chicken Sliders

• Freezing: Assemble the sliders, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.
• Storage: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.

Special Equipment for Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Here are some helpful tools for making Buffalo Chicken Sliders:

• Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish works best for assembling and baking the sliders.
• Mixing Bowls: Use for mixing the buffalo chicken mixture.
• Grater – to shred cheese or vegetables if needed.
• Cooling Rack – to allow the sliders to cool slightly before serving, especially if toasting the buns.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing the buns evenly.
• Basting Brush: Helps evenly spread the melted butter on the buns.
• Aluminum Foil: Covering the sliders while baking keeps them from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions for Buffalo Chicken Sliders

1. Can I use store-bought shredded chicken?
   Yes! Pre-cooked shredded chicken makes this recipe even easier.
2. Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the sliders, cover them, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. Can I use a different type of sauce?
   Absolutely! Try honey buffalo sauce for a sweeter twist or a smoky chipotle buffalo sauce.
4. Can I make these in an air fryer?
   Yes! Cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, checking for doneness.
5. What can I use instead of ranch or blue cheese?
   Try sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a garlic aioli for a different flavor.

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Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the perfect combination of spicy, creamy, and savory flavors, making them an instant favorite for any occasion. With tender shredded chicken coated in zesty buffalo sauce, melty cheese, and soft slider buns, every bite is packed with bold, mouthwatering flavor.

This recipe is as easy to make as it is delicious, making it ideal for everything from casual family dinners to game day parties. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or a main dish, these sliders are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Customize them with your favorite toppings or dipping sauces for a personal touch!

I’d love to see how your Buffalo Chicken Sliders turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!