Pin
These spicy buffalo chicken sliders are a crowd-pleasing favorite in my house whenever game day or parties come around. Juicy shredded chicken is coated in tangy hot buffalo sauce with ranch and gooey cheese all tucked into pillowy slider rolls then baked until melty and golden.
I remember making these for a birthday party where they disappeared in minutes. The combination of buffalo heat and cheesy goodness makes them impossible to resist.
Ingredients
- Slider buns: using a soft buttery variety makes all the difference look for a pack that is freshly baked and fluffy
- Shredded chicken: rotisserie or roasted chicken both work for juicy tender texture buy a high quality cooked chicken breast for best flavor
- Frank’s buffalo hot sauce: gives authentic spicy tang use Frank’s for classic taste or your favorite buffalo sauce
- Ranch dressing: cools the heat and adds creaminess pick a ranch with clean ingredients and full flavor
- Salt and black pepper: to enhance overall seasoning freshly ground pepper is best
- Garlic powder: for an extra savory boost make sure your garlic powder is fresh for the boldest punch
- Paprika: adds color and a touch of smokiness try smoked paprika for even more depth
- Shredded cheese: melts into gooey goodness cheddar or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar is crowd-pleasing always grate your cheese fresh if you can
- Butter: for the top helps toast the buns to perfection choose unsalted real butter for rich taste
- Italian seasoning and extra garlic powder: for the topping to infuse the buns with herby aroma select a seasoning blend with oregano basil and thyme
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Filling:
- Combine the shredded chicken with hot buffalo sauce ranch salt black pepper garlic powder and paprika in a large bowl. Stir very well until every piece is coated evenly. Take a moment to really mix so each bite pops with flavor.
- Prepare the Buns:
- Slice the slider buns in half if not pre-sliced and arrange just the bottoms on a parchment lined baking sheet. Make sure they fit snug without gaps for easy assembly.
- Assemble the Sliders:
- Spoon the buffalo chicken filling onto the bottom buns dividing it evenly all the way to the edges. Scatter shredded cheese over the chicken for even melting. Place the top buns on to close up each slider like little sandwiches.
- Make Garlic Butter Topping:
- In a small bowl melt the butter then stir in the remaining garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the tops of all slider buns. This step gives a beautiful fragrant crust once baked.
- Bake the Sliders:
- Cover the baking dish with foil to trap moisture and bake at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for fifteen minutes. Then remove the foil and bake another five to ten minutes until the cheese is bubbly and buns are golden brown on top.
- Serve Hot:
- Carefully lift the sliders using a spatula and cut them apart if necessary. Serve them piping hot alongside your favorite sides or dipping sauces.
Pin
I love using freshly grated cheddar for extra meltiness. My earliest slider memory was with my brother as we both tried (and failed) to wait for them to cool before pulling off a gooey cheese stretch.
Storage Tips
These sliders store beautifully. Let them cool completely then wrap in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at three hundred degrees Fahrenheit to keep the buns from getting soggy and to make the cheese melty again.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use cooked turkey or rotisserie chicken for a quick swap if you do not have freshly cooked chicken. Blue cheese dressing can replace ranch if you like an even more classic buffalo combo. Any favorite melting cheese like Monterey Jack or provolone can take the place of cheddar.
Serving Suggestions
These sliders pair well with crunchy celery sticks carrot sticks and extra ranch or blue cheese dip on the side. For a heartier meal add oven fries coleslaw or a simple green salad. Individual sliders make great hand-held party food for big gatherings.
Pin
Cultural Context
Buffalo chicken sliders are a modern twist on the classic buffalo wing tradition. Buffalo sauce was made famous in Buffalo New York as a spicy tangy coating for fried wings. Turning this flavor combo into baked sliders makes it easier and less messy to eat for parties and family meals.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of chicken works best?
Cooked, shredded chicken such as rotisserie or poached chicken breast makes assembly quick and easy.
- → Can I use a different hot sauce?
Yes, but classic Frank's buffalo sauce gives authentic flavor. Adjust to your preferred spice level.
- → How can I prevent soggy buns?
Layering cheese between chicken and bun top helps, and baking uncovered for the final minutes crisps the buns.
- → What cheese melts best for sliders?
Shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend melt well and add gooey texture.
- → Are these suitable for meal prep?
Assembled sliders can be covered and refrigerated before baking, then baked fresh when ready to serve.