Name: Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 recipe of shredded chicken; 1/2 cup ranch dressing; 1/3 cup hot sauce; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp ground black pepper; 2 cups shredded cheese, Mexican blend; Dinner rolls (quantity enough to fill a 9×13 casserole dish, about 12 rolls); 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp garlic powder

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If you’re craving a snack that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for sharing, these Buffalo Chicken Sliders will quickly become your new go-to. Imagine tender shredded chicken tossed in a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce, balanced by creamy ranch dressing and melted Mexican blend cheese, all nestled inside soft dinner rolls brushed with flavorful garlic butter. Buffalo Chicken Sliders are an irresistible combination of fiery heat and comforting textures, making them an amazing appetizer, party treat, or even a satisfying meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Putting together Buffalo Chicken Sliders is straightforward, relying on a handful of simple ingredients that each play an important role. From the juicy shredded chicken to the savory Mexican blend cheese, and the punchy hot sauce paired with creamy ranch, every component adds a unique layer to the rich, bold flavor and tender texture of these sliders.

Shredded chicken: The star protein, providing a hearty, tender base that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
Mexican blend shredded cheese (2 cups): A melty, gooey topping that adds creaminess and a slight tangy kick.
Ranch dressing (½ cup): Helps cool down the heat with its creamy, herbal notes while binding the chicken mixture.
Hot sauce (⅓ cup): Gives the sliders their signature buffalo kick — spicy, tangy, and flavorful.
Salt (¼ tsp) and ground black pepper (¼ tsp): Essential seasonings that enhance all the other tastes.
Unsalted butter (2 Tbsp, melted): Used to create a buttery garlic glaze for the buns.
Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Adds a fragrant, herby dimension to the butter glaze.
Garlic powder (½ tsp): Gives a warm, roasted garlic flavor to the buttery topping.
Dinner rolls: Soft, pillowy buns that cradle the filling — perfect for handheld enjoyment.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Chicken

Start by heating your oven to 350°F to get it ready for baking later. While that’s warming up, make your shredded chicken. Whether you’re using leftover cooked chicken or poaching fresh breasts, aim for tender, juicy shreds so the sliders are flavorful and moist.

Step 2: Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling

In a large bowl, combine your shredded chicken with ranch dressing, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. This blend is where the magic happens — creamy ranch cools down the zesty hot sauce, while salt and pepper bring all the flavors into focus. Give everything a good stir so each bite is full of that irresistible buffalo punch.

Step 3: Prepare Your Slider Buns

Cut your dinner rolls in half, separating the top and bottom. Arrange just the bottom halves snugly in a 9×13 baking dish or on a baking sheet. This forms a sturdy, yet soft base to hold your saucy delicious chicken mixture without getting soggy too quickly.

Step 4: Assemble the Sliders

Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls. Next, sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese generously over the chicken to lock in moisture and add that gooey, melty goodness everyone loves. Carefully place the top buns back on, creating little pockets of pure flavor.

Step 5: Add the Garlic Butter Glaze and Bake

Whisk together the melted unsalted butter with Italian seasoning and garlic powder to make a fragrant glaze. Using a pastry brush, coat the tops of the buns with this butter mixture — this adds delicious color and rich flavor as they bake. Cover the dish with foil to keep the sliders moist and bake for 15 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted perfectly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once baked, these Buffalo Chicken Sliders are ready to be devoured! The combination of spicy, tangy chicken, melty cheese, and buttery, herby buns creates a mouthwatering experience you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Garnishes

To elevate your Buffalo Chicken Sliders, top them with sliced celery or finely chopped green onions for a fresh crunch and pop of color. A dollop of extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side adds a creamy contrast to the heat and makes every bite more indulgent.

Side Dishes

Buffalo Chicken Sliders pair wonderfully with simple, crisp sides. Think crunchy carrot sticks, celery sticks, or even seasoned potato wedges. A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette also balances the richness of the sliders perfectly, rounding out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve these sliders on mini pretzel buns or top them with a slice of pickled jalapeno for extra zing. Arranging multiple sliders on a wooden board with small bowls of ranch, blue cheese, and extra hot sauce invites hands-on sharing—perfect for casual get-togethers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Buffalo Chicken Sliders make excellent leftovers. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sliders tightly packed to maintain moisture, and they’ll still taste delicious the next day.

Freezing

If you want to save these for longer, wrap each assembled slider individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. This way, you’ll have convenient, flavorful sliders ready whenever you want.

Reheating

To reheat, unwrap the sliders and place them in a baking dish covered with foil. Heat at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melted again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the buns soggy and dry out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Sliders without shredded chicken?

Yes! If you don’t have shredded chicken on hand, you can use cooked rotisserie chicken from the store and shred it yourself. Alternatively, shredded turkey or even shredded jackfruit for a vegetarian option can work well with the buffalo sauce.

How spicy are Buffalo Chicken Sliders?

The level of spice depends on the hot sauce you use. Classic buffalo sauce brings a medium heat that is balanced by the ranch dressing, but you can adjust by choosing a milder or hotter sauce according to your preference.

Can I use store-bought buffalo chicken instead of making my own?

Absolutely! Using pre-made buffalo chicken makes this recipe even quicker and easier. Just mix it with ranch dressing and proceed with the assembly and baking steps as usual.

What kind of cheese works best for Buffalo Chicken Sliders?

The Mexican blend cheese used in this recipe melts beautifully and adds a nice flavor. However, cheddar, mozzarella, or even blue cheese crumbles can be fantastic alternatives depending on your taste.

Can I prepare Buffalo Chicken Sliders ahead of time before baking?

Yes, these sliders can be assembled and stored covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. This is great for parties or meal prep so you can simply pop them in the oven right before serving.

Final Thoughts

Buffalo Chicken Sliders are such a fun, flavorful dish that never fails to impress. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just craving a spicy, cheesy bite, these sliders bring all the cozy, finger-licking goodness you want. Give them a try—you won’t regret adding these to your recipe rotation!

Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or meal featuring tender shredded chicken tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce, topped with melted Mexican cheese blend and creamy ranch dressing, all nestled inside soft dinner rolls and brushed with garlic butter for extra flavor.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the sliders.
Prepare Shredded Chicken: Make a recipe of shredded chicken by cooking and shredding it; this can be grilled, boiled, or rotisserie chicken depending on preference.
Mix Chicken with Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with ranch dressing, hot sauce, salt, and ground black pepper, mixing well to evenly coat the chicken with the buffalo flavor.
Prepare Rolls: Cut the dinner rolls in half and carefully remove the tops. Arrange the bottom halves snugly in a 9×13-inch casserole dish or baking sheet, forming the base for the sliders.
Assemble Sliders: Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottoms of the rolls, then sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend on top. Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese layer to close the sliders.
Brush with Garlic Butter: Combine melted butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Brush this flavorful mixture generously over the tops of the buns using a pastry brush.
Bake Sliders: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes at 350°F. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and tops are lightly golden.
Serve: Remove from oven, let slightly cool, then serve and enjoy these warm and savory buffalo chicken sliders.

Notes

For the shredded chicken, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds extra flavor.
If you prefer less spicy sliders, reduce the hot sauce amount or use a milder sauce.
To enhance the texture, toast the rolls lightly before assembling.
These sliders can be made ahead, assembled, then baked just before serving.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven covered to maintain moisture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American