Turn up the flavor and bring the heat with these Buffalo Chicken Sliders, a spicy, saucy, and satisfying bite-sized favorite that’s guaranteed to steal the show! Shredded chicken tossed in zesty buffalo sauce is piled high onto soft slider buns, then topped with melty cheese and a touch of ranch or blue cheese for the perfect balance of bold and creamy. Whether you’re hosting game day, a casual get-together, or just feeding a hungry family, these sliders pack a punch in every delicious bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Big Flavor in a Small Package: Spicy, tangy, and ultra-satisfying.
Perfect for Sharing: Made for parties, potlucks, or easy family meals.
Fast & Flexible: Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut or make it from scratch.
Customizable Toppings: Add slaw, pickles, or extra cheese to make them your own.
Irresistibly Addictive: One bite and everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
Creating Buffalo Chicken Sliders is a breeze, especially with the right ingredients on hand.
Here’s what you’ll need to bring these delicious bites to life:
Shredded cooked chicken: The star of the show! You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own.
Buffalo sauce: This spicy sauce adds that signature kick. Choose your favorite brand or make your own for a personal touch.
Ranch dressing: Creamy and tangy, it balances the heat of the buffalo sauce. Feel free to swap it for blue cheese dressing for a classic twist.
Slider buns: Soft and fluffy, they cradle the filling perfectly. Look for whole wheat or gluten-free options if needed.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty and rich, it adds a delicious layer of flavor. You can also experiment with pepper jack for extra heat.
Sliced green onions: These add a fresh crunch and a pop of color. They’re optional but highly recommended!
Olive oil: A little oil helps to heat the chicken mixture without sticking. You can substitute with any cooking oil you prefer.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning. Adjust to your taste for the perfect flavor balance.
For those who like it spicy, consider adding diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture.
And remember, the exact quantities for each ingredient are listed at the bottom of the article for easy printing.
Happy cooking!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Making Buffalo Chicken Sliders is a straightforward process that anyone can master.
With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious appetizer that will impress your friends and family.
Let’s dive into the steps!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
This ensures that your sliders bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
While the oven heats up, you can prepare the chicken mixture.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, salt, and pepper.
Mix everything well until the chicken is evenly coated.
This is where the magic begins!
The spicy buffalo sauce and creamy ranch create a flavor that’s hard to resist.
Step 3: Heat the Mixture
Next, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
Once the oil is hot, add your buffalo chicken mixture.
Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through.
This step helps meld the flavors together, making each bite even more delicious.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
Now it’s time to assemble your sliders!
Slice the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the buns.
Don’t be shy—load them up!
Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, followed by the sliced green onions for that fresh crunch.
Step 5: Bake the Sliders
Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese and chicken.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
You want the cheese to be melted and the tops to be golden brown.
The aroma will be irresistible!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once they’re out of the oven, let the sliders cool for a few minutes.
Then, slice them into individual servings.
Serve warm and watch as your guests devour them!
These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Tips for Success
Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option.
Don’t skip the green onions; they add a fresh crunch!
For extra flavor, let the chicken mixture sit for a few minutes before assembling.
Keep an eye on the sliders while baking to avoid over-browning.
Serve with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
Equipment Needed
Baking dish: A 9×13 inch dish works perfectly. You can also use a cast-iron skillet for a rustic touch.
Skillet: A non-stick skillet is ideal for heating the chicken mixture. Any skillet will do!
Mixing bowl: A large bowl for combining ingredients. A sturdy plastic or glass bowl works well.
Spatula: For mixing and serving. A silicone spatula is great for scraping every last bit!
Variations
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for an extra kick.
BBQ Chicken Sliders: Swap out the buffalo sauce for your favorite barbecue sauce for a sweeter, smoky flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Use shredded jackfruit or cauliflower instead of chicken for a plant-based twist.
Gluten-Free Sliders: Opt for gluten-free slider buns to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Mix in cream cheese with the chicken for an even creamier texture.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with celery sticks: The crunch complements the sliders perfectly and adds a refreshing touch.
Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing: A must-have for dipping and balancing the heat.
Offer a side of sweet potato fries: Their sweetness contrasts beautifully with the spicy sliders.
Craft a signature cocktail: A cold beer or a spicy margarita enhances the flavor experience.
FAQs about Buffalo Chicken Sliders
As you dive into making these Buffalo Chicken Sliders, you might have a few questions. Here are some common queries that can help you along the way:
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Sliders ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken mixture and assemble the sliders a few hours in advance. Just cover them and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
What can I substitute for ranch dressing? If ranch isn’t your thing, blue cheese dressing is a classic alternative that pairs perfectly with buffalo flavors. You can also try a yogurt-based dressing for a lighter option.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven for the best texture.
Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Sliders? Yes! You can freeze the assembled sliders before baking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What sides pair well with Buffalo Chicken Sliders? These sliders go great with crunchy veggies, like carrot and celery sticks, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with chips or fries for a hearty meal.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Sliders are more than just a recipe; they’re a celebration of flavor and togetherness.
Each bite is a delightful mix of spicy and creamy, making them a hit at any gathering.
I love how they bring friends and family together, sparking laughter and conversation over shared plates.
Whether it’s game day or a casual get-together, these sliders never fail to impress.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and create some delicious memories.
Trust me, once you serve these, they’ll become a staple in your home cooking repertoire!
Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound shredded cooked chicken
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1/4 cup ranch dressing
12 slider buns
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated.
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the buffalo chicken mixture and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Slice the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves in a baking dish. Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the buns.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chicken, then add the sliced green onions.
Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese and chicken. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture.
Substitute the ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for a classic buffalo flavor.