Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

Get ready to meet your new favorite party snack: Buffalo Chicken Sliders! These little flavor bombs are everything you want in a game-day bite—spicy, cheesy, creamy, and perfectly nestled inside soft, buttery Hawaiian rolls. They come together fast, feed a crowd, and disappear even faster. Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding hungry teens, or just craving something bold and satisfying, these sliders absolutely deliver.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Quick to Assemble: With cooked rotisserie chicken and store-bought rolls, most of the work is already done for you. Just mix, layer, and bake.
• Flavor-Packed: The spicy tang of buffalo sauce, the cool creaminess of ranch, and the richness of melted cheese—every bite is a flavor explosion.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s game day, a potluck, or a casual weekend hangout, these sliders are always the first thing to disappear from the table.
• Perfect Texture: Buttery tops, soft rolls, gooey melted cheese, and tender chicken… it’s comfort food with a spicy kick.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These sliders are wonderfully simple, yet every ingredient plays a starring role. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: Super convenient and full of flavor. No need to cook—just shred and go.
• Buffalo Sauce: Use a classic like Frank’s RedHot for that signature spicy, tangy punch.
• Ranch Dressing: Cools down the heat and adds creamy richness. Blue cheese dressing is a solid alternative if you prefer that flavor combo.
• Shredded Cheese: Use a melty cheese like mozzarella or cheddar. A mix of both gives the best gooey, stretchy texture.
• Hawaiian Rolls: Soft and slightly sweet, these rolls balance the spice and hold everything together.
• Butter: Melted and brushed on top for a golden, rich finish.
• Garlic Powder & Parsley (optional): Add to the melted butter for extra flavor and a beautiful finish.

Variations

Feel like switching things up? These sliders are super flexible:

• Add Blue Cheese Crumbles: For a tangy, bold twist that buffalo wing lovers adore.
• Make it Extra Spicy: Mix in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Swap the Dressing: Not a ranch fan? Try blue cheese or even creamy Caesar.
• Use Different Rolls: Brioche sliders or mini ciabatta buns also work well if you prefer something less sweet than Hawaiian rolls.
• Add Veggies: A layer of thinly sliced celery or pickles can add crunch and brightness.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking dish or sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken with buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Stir until the chicken is fully coated and juicy.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally (keep the rolls together—don’t separate). Place the bottom half in your prepared baking dish.

Layer the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom half. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese, then place the top half of the rolls back on.

Step 4: Butter the Tops

Melt the butter and mix in garlic powder and parsley if using. Brush the tops of the rolls generously.

Step 5: Bake

Cover with foil and bake for about 15 minutes, then uncover and bake another 5-7 minutes until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Let them cool slightly before cutting into individual sliders. Serve warm and melty!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overload the Rolls: It’s tempting to pile on the filling, but too much can make them soggy or fall apart.
• Line Your Pan: Buffalo sauce is sticky. Parchment paper or a light spray of oil helps with cleanup.
• Use Pre-Shredded Cheese for Speed: But if you have time, shredding your own cheese melts better and tastes richer.
• Double the Recipe for a Crowd: These go fast—one batch might not be enough!

How to Serve

These sliders shine brightest fresh out of the oven, warm and gooey. Here’s how to take them to the next level:

Serve With:

• Celery and Carrot Sticks: Classic buffalo sidekick for crunch and balance.
• Potato Wedges or Fries: For a more filling spread.
• Pickles: A briny counterpoint to the spicy, cheesy richness.
• Cold Beer or Lemonade: Refreshing drinks that cool things down.

Garnish Ideas:

• Chopped green onions or fresh parsley sprinkled on top after baking for color and a burst of freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover sliders tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Wrap the entire tray (before baking) in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.

Reheating

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. This keeps them from drying out.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the sliders and refrigerate them (unbaked) for up to a day. When ready to serve, brush with butter and bake as usual.

What cheese works best for this recipe?
Mozzarella melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that complements the buffalo sauce. Cheddar adds sharpness—try a mix of both for the ultimate cheesy topping.

Can I use homemade chicken instead of rotisserie?
Definitely. Just shred any cooked chicken breast or thigh meat. Roasted or poached works well—just make sure it’s seasoned.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can! Swap out the chicken for shredded jackfruit or plant-based chicken. Just make sure your buffalo sauce is vegetarian-friendly.

Final Thoughts

These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the kind of dish you’ll come back to again and again. They’re spicy, cheesy, irresistibly delicious, and incredibly easy to throw together. Perfect for parties, game nights, or a fun family dinner. Give them a try—you might just find yourself making a double batch next time!

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