Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish, perfect for game day, parties, or family dinners. These bite-sized sandwiches pack a punch of flavor with tender shredded chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch dressing, and melted cheese—all layered on soft, buttery slider buns. Easy to make and impossible to resist, this recipe is a guaranteed hit for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level or toppings to suit your preferences.
- Crowd Favorite: Ideal for parties, potlucks, and events.
- Versatile: Can be made in advance or tailored to different dietary needs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken
- Shred the Chicken
- Use pre-cooked chicken or cook and shred boneless chicken breasts or thighs.
- Make the Sauce
- In a large bowl, combine buffalo sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Add the shredded chicken and mix until evenly coated.
Step 2: Assemble the Sliders
- Prepare the Buns
- Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the bottom and top halves intact.
- Place the bottom halves into a greased baking dish or lined sheet pan.
- Layer the Filling
- Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns.
- Drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the chicken for added creaminess.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top of the chicken.
- Top with the Bun Lids
- Place the top halves of the buns over the filling to complete the sliders.
Step 3: Add the Butter Topping
- Make the Butter Mixture
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder.
- Brush the Buns
- Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the top of the slider buns with the butter mixture.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning for added flavor and texture.
Step 4: Bake the Sliders
- Preheat the Oven
- Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cover and Bake
- Cover the sliders with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld.
- Uncover and Brown
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Add Garnishes
- Sprinkle chopped green onions or celery for a fresh, crunchy finish.
- Serve Immediately
- Use a spatula to separate the sliders and serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Chicken Tips
- Rotisserie Chicken: A quick and flavorful option for shredded chicken.
- Homemade Chicken: Boil or bake chicken breasts or thighs, then shred using two forks.
Customization Ideas
- Milder Version: Mix buffalo sauce with ranch dressing for a less spicy option.
- Extra Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buffalo chicken mixture.
- Different Cheeses: Try pepper jack, gouda, or Swiss cheese for a unique twist.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the buffalo chicken mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
- Assemble the sliders up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Pairings
Side Dishes
- Veggie Platter: Carrot and celery sticks with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy oven-baked or air-fried wedges.
- Coleslaw: A cool and creamy complement to the spicy sliders.
Drinks
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: Refreshing and balances the heat.
- Beer: A cold lager or IPA pairs perfectly with the buffalo flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
Buffalo Chicken Sliders strike the perfect balance between spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavors. The soft buns soak up the buffalo sauce, while the melted cheese and dressing create a luscious texture. With minimal prep and guaranteed deliciousness, these sliders are a go-to recipe for entertaining or satisfying weeknight cravings.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish, perfect for game day, parties, or family dinners. These bite-sized sandwiches pack a punch of flavor with tender shredded chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch dressing, and melted cheese—all layered on soft, buttery slider buns. Easy to make and impossible to resist, this recipe is a guaranteed hit for any occasion.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tbsp ranch dressing (optional, for creaminess)
- For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls recommended)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- For the Topping:
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce. Add ranch dressing if using for added creaminess. Set aside. - Assemble the Sliders:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping them attached as one slab for easier assembly. Place the bottom half on a baking sheet or in a baking dish.
Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and blue cheese (if using) over the chicken.
Place the top half of the buns on top. - Add the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, dried parsley, and sesame seeds.
Brush the mixture evenly over the tops of the buns. - Bake:
Cover the sliders loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted. - Serve:
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing into individual sliders.
Serve warm with extra buffalo sauce, ranch, or blue cheese dressing for dipping.