Buffalo chicken sliders are the perfect combination of spicy, tangy, and savoury flavours packed into a soft, fluffy bun. Whether hosting a game day party, preparing a quick lunch, or looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer, these sliders are always a hit.
What makes them so unique? The tender shredded chicken coated in zesty buffalo sauce, melty cheese, and customizable toppings creates a flavour-packed bite that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. Plus, with endless variations, you can adapt the recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
This post will guide you through making the best Buffalo chicken sliders at home. From gathering the right ingredients to nailing the perfect assembly, we’ve got step-by-step instructions, tips, and creative ideas to help you master this dish. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the recipe, gather all the ingredients needed to create the perfect Buffalo chicken sliders. Each component is vital in balancing flavours and textures, ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying.
Chicken Options
- Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: A quick and convenient choice with great flavour.
- Grilled Chicken: Adds a smoky, charred taste to the sliders.
- Baked Chicken: Perfect for seasoning and cooking your chicken from scratch.
Buffalo Sauce
- Store-Bought: Convenient and ready to use; choose your preferred brand.
- Homemade Buffalo Sauce: Combine hot sauce, melted butter, and a pinch of garlic powder for a fresh, customizable sauce.
Slider Buns
- Hawaiian Rolls: Sweet and soft, these buns perfectly complement the spicy chicken.
- Brioche Buns: Rich and buttery, ideal for a more indulgent slider.
- Mini Burger Buns: Classic and sturdy, they hold up well with saucy fillings.
Cheese
- Cheddar: Sharp and tangy, a classic pairing with buffalo flavours.
- Mozzarella: Mild and gooey, adding a creamy texture.
- Provolone: Subtle and melty, complementing the chicken without overpowering.
- Blue Cheese: A bold, tangy choice for those who love traditional buffalo pairings.
Optional Toppings
- Ranch Dressing: Balances the heat with a creamy, tangy flavour.
- Blue Cheese Crumbles: Adds a rich, bold taste to each bite.
- Celery Slices: Provides a refreshing crunch and ties in the classic buffalo wing pairing.
- Pickles: A tangy addition for a zesty twist.
Pro Tip
Toast the slider buns lightly before assembling. This adds texture, enhances flavour, and prevents them from becoming soggy under the saucy chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Buffalo chicken sliders is quick, easy, and rewarding. Follow these simple steps to prepare a dish that will impress your family or guests.
Prepare the Chicken
- Use Rotisserie Chicken:
- Shred a store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience and great flavour.
- Cook Your Chicken:
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder. Bake, grill, or boil until fully cooked, then shred.
- Toss with Buffalo Sauce:
- Combine the shredded chicken in a bowl with warmed buffalo sauce, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.
Assemble the Sliders
- Slice the Buns:
- Carefully slice slider buns in half (horizontally) and place the bottom halves in a greased baking dish.
- Layer the Chicken:
- Spread a generous amount of buffalo chicken on each bun.
- Add Cheese and Toppings:
- Top with your choice of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, or blue cheese) and optional toppings like celery slices, ranch dressing, or pickles.
- Place the Tops:
- Gently place the top halves of the buns over the chicken and toppings.
Bake the Sliders
- Cover with Foil:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminium foil to ensure even heating and prevent the buns from browning too quickly.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the sliders for 10–15 minutes.
- Melt the Cheese:
- Remove the foil and bake for 2–5 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Serve Hot
- Garnish:
- Garnish the sliders with chopped celery, parsley, or extra buffalo sauce for flavour.
- Serve Immediately:
- Serve the sliders warm and fresh for the ultimate experience. Complement them with dipping sauces such as ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Pro Tip
Brush the tops of the buns with melted butter mixed with garlic powder before baking. This adds a golden, flavorful crust and an extra layer of deliciousness.
Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Sliders
To ensure your Buffalo chicken sliders turn out just right, follow these tips to avoid common pitfalls and elevate your sliders to perfection.
Preventing Soggy Buns
- Toast Before Assembling:
- Lightly toast the slider buns before adding the chicken and toppings. This creates a barrier that keeps the buns from soaking up too much sauce.
- Add Sauces Sparingly:
- Avoid overloading the sliders with too much buffalo sauce or toppings like ranch dressing. Provide additional sauce on the side for dipping.
Customizing Spiciness
- Increase the Heat:
- Add extra hot sauce to the buffalo sauce mixture, or include a dash of cayenne pepper for more spice.
- Milder Option:
- Reduce the buffalo sauce and balance it with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a milder, creamier flavour.
- Kid-Friendly Version:
- Swap buffalo sauce for BBQ sauce to make a less spicy alternative.
Making Ahead
- Assemble Early:
- Prepare the sliders for a few hours before assembling them in the baking dish, covering them with foil, and refrigerating them until ready to bake.
- Bake Fresh:
- Bake the sliders just before serving to keep the buns soft yet fresh and the cheese melty.
Pro Tip
Use the broiler for the last 1–2 minutes of baking for a professional touch. This creates a golden, crispy cheese topping that enhances the texture and appearance of your sliders.
Creative Variations to Try
If you want to give your Buffalo chicken sliders a unique twist, try these creative variations. Whether you want extra cheesiness, a spicy twist, or a vegetarian option, there’s something for everyone.
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
- Double the Cheese:
- Use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella to create a gooey, melty texture in every bite.
- Provolone Addition:
- Layer provolone over the chicken for an extra creamy finish.
- Extra Cheese Garnish:
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on the buns before baking for a bubbly crust.
Spicy Bacon Buffalo Sliders
- Crispy Bacon Slices:
- Add a slice of crispy bacon to each slider for a smoky, savoury layer.
- Spicy Twist:
- Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper on the bacon before cooking for an added kick.
- Maple Bacon Option:
- Glaze the bacon with maple syrup for a sweet and spicy balance.
Vegetarian Option
- Crispy Cauliflower:
- Replace chicken with roasted or fried cauliflower tossed in buffalo sauce for a satisfying vegetarian twist.
- Jackfruit Alternative:
- Use shredded jackfruit for a texture that mimics pulled chicken. Toss with buffalo sauce for the same spicy kick.
- Plant-Based Cheese:
- Opt for dairy-free cheese to keep this variation completely vegan.
Gluten-Free Option
- Gluten-Free Slider Buns:
- Swap traditional buns with gluten-free buns available at most grocery stores.
- Lettuce Wraps:
- Opt for large lettuce leaves to wrap the buffalo chicken and toppings, creating a low-carb, gluten-free alternative.
Pro Tip
Mix a drizzle of honey into the buffalo sauce to add a sweet and spicy twist. This creates a bold and balanced flavour profile, perfect for those who enjoy sweetness in their spice.
Serving Suggestions and FAQs
Once your Buffalo chicken sliders are hot and ready, it’s time to think about the perfect accompaniments and answers to common questions to make serving and enjoying them even more straightforward.
Serving Ideas
- Classic Pairings:
- Serve sliders with celery and carrot sticks for a fresh, crunchy side that balances the heat.
- Side Dishes:
- Pair with fries, onion rings, or a fresh green salad for a more substantial meal.
- Game Day Favorites:
- Add a side of coleslaw or creamy potato salad to keep the menu fun and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I make these sliders in advance?
Yes! Assemble the sliders in the baking dish, cover them with foil, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Bake them according to the instructions when you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best way to reheat sliders?
Wrap the sliders in foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed. This keeps the buns soft while reheating the filling evenly.
How do I make buffalo sauce from scratch?
It’s simple! Combine:
- ½ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Whisk until smooth and adjust to taste.
Pro Tip
Serve your sliders immediately after baking to enjoy the crispy buns, melty cheese, and warm filling at their best flavour and texture.
Conclusion
Buffalo chicken sliders are the ultimate combination of simplicity and bold flavours. With tender chicken coated in spicy buffalo sauce, melty cheese, and perfectly soft buns, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, preparing a family dinner, or looking for an easy appetizer, these sliders will surely be a hit.
The best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to experiment with variations like adding bacon, using cauliflower for a vegetarian twist, or adjusting the spiciness to your preference. Plus, with helpful tips for making ahead and reheating, these sliders are as practical as delicious.
Now it’s your turn! Try this recipe at home and bring a touch of restaurant-quality flavour to your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your creations, tips, or any questions in the comments section or tag us on social media—we’d love to see your Buffalo chicken slider masterpieces!
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling:
- 2 cups Shredded chicken (rotisserie, baked, or grilled)
- ½ cup Buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese shredded (or your preferred cheese: mozzarella, provolone, or blue cheese)
For the Sliders:
- 12 Slider buns (Hawaiian rolls, brioche, or mini burger buns)
- 2 tbsp Butter, melted
- ½ tsp Garlic powder optional, for brushing buns
Optional Toppings:
- ¼ cup Ranch dressing
- ¼ cup Blue cheese crumbles
- ¼ cup Celery slices
- Pickles As needed
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Cook or Shred Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or cook chicken breasts by baking, grilling, or boiling until fully cooked. Shred with two forks.
- Toss with Buffalo Sauce: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
Assemble the Sliders
- Slice Slider Buns: Slice the buns horizontally and place the bottom halves in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the Filling: Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the buns.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken.
- Optional Toppings: Add ranch dressing, blue cheese crumbles, celery slices, or pickles, if desired.
- Top with Buns: Place the top halves of the buns over the chicken and cheese layer.
Bake the Sliders
- Brush with Butter: Mix melted butter with garlic powder (optional) and brush over the tops of the buns.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to heat through.
- Melt Cheese: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 2–5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the buns are golden.
Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish: Sprinkle with extra celery slices, parsley, or a drizzle of buffalo sauce for presentation.
- Serve Warm: Serve immediately with sides like fries, onion rings, or coleslaw.
