Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Buffalo Chicken Sliders are little bites of spicy, tangy, and juicy chicken wrapped up in soft, fluffy buns. They're packed with that classic buffalo sauce punch, with a perfect balance…
Tip: save now, cook later.Buffalo Chicken Sliders are little bites of spicy, tangy, and juicy chicken wrapped up in soft, fluffy buns. They’re packed with that classic buffalo sauce punch, with a perfect balance of heat and flavor that makes every bite exciting. These sliders are small but mighty, making them a great option for a snack or a party appetizer.
I love making these sliders when I want something quick but memorable. The spicy buffalo sauce coated chicken pairs wonderfully with a cool slice of cheese or a dollop of ranch or blue cheese dressing, which helps keep the flavors balanced. I usually add a few crunchy pickles or celery sticks on the side to give a refreshing contrast to the heat.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy these sliders is to serve them at casual get-togethers. They’re so easy to eat with your hands and always a hit with everyone around. Plus, they’re fun to make because you can make the chicken ahead of time and just assemble the sliders right before serving. These mini sandwiches always bring a bit of excitement to the table and make everyone ask for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut here. It’s fully cooked and juicy, saving you time. You could also poach chicken breasts or use leftover cooked chicken.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: This is the heart of the flavor. Frank’s RedHot is classic, but you can try other hot sauces or mix hot sauce with melted butter for a milder taste.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: These dressings cool down the heat and add creaminess. If dairy-free, try a dairy-free ranch or avocado-based dressing.
Slider Buns: Soft and slightly sweet buns work best. If you can’t find sliders, small dinner rolls or mini sandwich buns make a good substitute.
Blue Cheese: Optional but adds a tangy punch. If you don’t like blue cheese, shredded cheddar or mozzarella can work instead.
Butter and Garlic Powder: Brushing butter and garlic on buns adds flavor and creates a nice golden top when baked. You can skip the garlic if you prefer a simpler taste.
How Do I Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders Turn Out Juicy and Not Dry?
The key is to keep the chicken moist and flavorful. Here’s how I do it:
- Use cooked shredded chicken and toss it in plenty of buffalo sauce so every bite’s coated well.
- Don’t overbake the sliders; 15-20 minutes is enough to warm through without drying out the chicken.
- Brushing the buns with melted butter before baking keeps them soft and adds flavor.
- Adding ranch or blue cheese dressing adds moisture and balances the heat.
- Cover the sliders with foil while baking to trap steam and avoid drying.
With these tips, your sliders will be juicy, flavorful, and really satisfying every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking dish or sheet pan – perfect for warming the sliders evenly without drying them out.
- Mixing bowl – to toss the chicken with buffalo sauce easily and get every piece coated.
- Basting brush – lets you spread melted butter on the buns for a golden, flavorful top.
- Knife – for slicing slider buns cleanly in half.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shredded chicken for pulled pork or turkey for a different twist that still soaks up buffalo sauce well.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of blue cheese for a milder heat and melty texture.
- Add thinly sliced celery or cucumber inside for a fresh crunch that balances the spice.
- Mix in a little honey with buffalo sauce to tone down the heat and add a touch of sweetness.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sliders:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- ¼ cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls)
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional for topping)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll spend around 30 minutes before serving these tasty sliders warm and melty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Buffalo Chicken:
In a medium bowl, mix the shredded cooked chicken with the buffalo wing sauce until every bit is nicely coated with spicy goodness.
2. Getting the Sliders Ready:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, placing the bottom halves onto a baking sheet or into a baking dish. Spread a thin layer of ranch or blue cheese dressing on each bottom bun.
3. Assembling and Baking:
Evenly spread the buffalo chicken mixture on the bottom halves of the buns. If you like, sprinkle some crumbled blue cheese on top. Put the top halves back on. Next, mix melted butter with garlic powder and a pinch of salt; brush this over the tops of the buns. Cover everything with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes until warm and the buns are gently toasted.
4. Serving:
Take the sliders out of the oven and serve warm. Enjoy them just as they are or with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. They’re perfect little bites full of spicy, creamy flavor!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for These Sliders?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before shredding and mixing with the buffalo sauce. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method for faster thawing.
How Can I Make These Sliders Less Spicy?
To reduce the heat, mix your buffalo wing sauce with a little melted butter or honey before tossing with the chicken. You can also serve extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side to help cool down the spice.
Can I Prepare These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the sliders but wait to bake until you’re ready to serve. You can cover and refrigerate them for up to a day, then bake just before serving to keep buns fresh and warm.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven covered with foil or microwave a slider for 30-60 seconds until warmed through.