Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Introduction
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or an easy dinner that packs bold flavor, these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are your answer. Imagine fluffy, golden slider buns stuffed with tender shredded chicken, drenched in tangy Frank’s buffalo hot sauce, and smothered with gooey melted cheese. The aroma of garlic butter brushing over the tops will have everyone hovering near the oven. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a casual get-together, or just craving a fast and flavorful dinner, these sliders are a hit every single time. With a balance of spice, creaminess, and cheesy indulgence, they disappear almost as quickly as you make them.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty | Cuisine | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 25 minutes | 35 minutes | 9 sliders | Easy | American | All year round |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold flavor in every bite – The tangy buffalo sauce paired with ranch dressing creates a spicy-creamy balance that’s irresistibly addictive.
- Perfect for sharing – These sliders can be pulled apart easily, making them ideal for parties, potlucks, or family dinners.
- Quick and easy – With just 10 minutes of prep and a short bake time, you can whip these up even on a busy weeknight.
- Customizable heat level – Adjust the hot sauce to your preference for mild, medium, or fiery spice.
- Make-ahead friendly – You can prep the filling in advance and assemble just before baking for stress-free entertaining.
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders – The Ultimate Game Day Treat
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 sliders 1x
Description
Fluffy slider buns filled with juicy shredded chicken tossed in Frank’s hot buffalo sauce and cheese, baked to cheesy perfection. Perfect for game day or an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 9 pack slider buns
- 1 1/2 cups shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup Frank’s buffalo hot sauce
- 2 Tbsp ranch dressing
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×9 baking sheet or casserole dish with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, hot sauce, ranch, salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika.
3. Add the bottom of the slider buns to the lined baking sheet.
4. Divide the chicken filling between all the buns. Top with cheese and close with the top buns.
5. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Brush the tops of the buns with a pastry brush.
6. Cover baking sheet with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until lightly golden and the cheese has melted.
7. Cut and serve immediately while still hot.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Adjust buffalo sauce amount to control spice level.
Try swapping cheddar for pepper jack for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
Ingredients
- 9 pack slider buns
- 1 1/2 cups shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup Frank’s buffalo hot sauce
- 2 tbsp ranch dressing
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Garlic butter topping
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
Ingredient Tips
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Slider buns | Choose soft, bakery-fresh buns for the best texture. Hawaiian sweet rolls also work great. |
| Shredded chicken | Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver and adds extra juiciness. |
| Frank’s buffalo hot sauce | The classic choice for authentic buffalo flavor—adjust for spice preference. |
| Ranch dressing | Adds creaminess to balance the heat; use homemade for a fresher taste. |
| Shredded cheese | Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend all work well for meltiness and flavor. |
| Butter | Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness. |
| Garlic powder | Fresh garlic can be used for a more intense flavor, but powder mixes evenly. |
| Italian seasoning | Adds a herby aroma to the buttery topping. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×9 baking sheet or casserole dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare the filling by mixing shredded chicken, buffalo hot sauce, ranch dressing, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a medium bowl until well coated.
- Arrange the buns by placing the bottom halves of the slider rolls on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add the filling evenly over the buns, making sure each one gets plenty of saucy chicken.
- Top with cheese so it melts over the filling during baking, adding creamy richness.
- Close the sliders with the top halves of the buns.
- Make the garlic butter by melting butter in a small bowl, then stirring in garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Brush the tops of the buns generously with the garlic butter mixture for golden, flavorful crusts.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes to heat through.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve hot by cutting into individual sliders and pairing with your favorite sides.
Helpful Tips
- Use freshly baked buns for the softest texture.
- For a spicier kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce directly to the garlic butter.
- Shred the chicken finely so it distributes evenly across all sliders.
- Keep an eye on the tops during the last few minutes to avoid over-browning.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Warm chicken first before mixing with sauce so the sliders heat more evenly.
- Seal in moisture by brushing the tops with garlic butter before baking.
- Layer cheese strategically—under and over the chicken—for maximum meltiness.
- Let them rest 2–3 minutes before cutting so the filling stays put.
Recipe Variations
- BBQ Chicken Sliders – Swap buffalo sauce for smoky BBQ sauce and use coleslaw as a topping.
- Buffalo Cauliflower Sliders – Replace chicken with roasted buffalo cauliflower for a vegetarian twist.
- Blue Cheese Buffalo Sliders – Add crumbled blue cheese inside for a sharp, tangy contrast.
- Breakfast Buffalo Sliders – Add scrambled eggs and cheddar for a spicy breakfast version.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
Prepare the chicken filling up to 2 days ahead and store in the fridge. Assemble the sliders just before baking for the freshest texture. For freezing, assemble without the garlic butter topping, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time, and brush with garlic butter midway through baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sliders hot on a large platter so guests can grab and go. Add celery sticks and carrot sticks with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a classic buffalo pairing. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Pairing Ideas
These sliders pair perfectly with crisp, cold beers or a refreshing lemonade. For wine lovers, a chilled Sauvignon Blanc balances the spice nicely. Serve with potato wedges, sweet potato fries, or a light salad.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warm to keep buns from getting soggy, or use the microwave for 20–30 seconds for a quick fix.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but fresh or rotisserie chicken will give better texture and flavor. If using canned, drain well before mixing with the sauce.
2. How can I make these less spicy?
Reduce the buffalo sauce and increase the ranch dressing for a milder flavor.
3. Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely—pepper jack, provolone, or Monterey Jack are all great options.
4. Can I prepare these ahead for a party?
Yes, assemble them a few hours in advance, cover tightly, and bake just before serving.
5. What’s the best way to shred chicken quickly?
Use a hand mixer on low speed with warm cooked chicken for quick, even shredding.
6. Do I have to cover them with foil?
Yes, covering helps the cheese melt and keeps the tops from browning too fast.
7. Can I use homemade buffalo sauce?
Definitely—it will give a fresher, customizable flavor.
Nutrition Information
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 slider | 210 | 12g | 18g | 10g | 1g | 3g |
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the ultimate blend of heat, creaminess, and cheesy comfort. They’re perfect for everything from busy weeknight dinners to festive game day gatherings. Make them once, and you’ll find yourself craving them again and again.
