Buffalo Chicken Sliders: A 10-Minute Game Day Winner

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Buffalo Chicken Sliders have become my absolute go-to for any gathering, big or small. I first discovered how amazing these little flavor bombs were at a friend’s Super Bowl party, and I was instantly hooked. The combination of spicy, shredded chicken, melty cheese, and those perfectly soft, buttery buns is just pure comfort food magic. They smell incredible as they bake, filling the whole house with that irresistible buffalo wing aroma. Making these easy buffalo chicken sliders is surprisingly simple, and they’re always a massive hit, which is why I love them as buffalo chicken slider appetizers. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These Buffalo Chicken Sliders

These sliders are a crowd-pleaser for so many reasons!

• Incredible Flavor: The perfect balance of spicy buffalo chicken and creamy, melty cheese creates an unforgettable taste.
• Quick Prep Time: With just 10 minutes of prep, you can whip these up even on busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love these mini sandwiches, especially when served with a milder heat level.
• Budget-Friendly: Using rotisserie chicken makes this a cost-effective way to enjoy a delicious appetizer.
• Perfectly Spicy: These spicy buffalo chicken sliders deliver just the right amount of heat without being overwhelming.
• Party Ready: They’re ideal for game days, birthdays, or any get-together – truly the ultimate buffalo chicken slider party food.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize with your favorite additions for truly homemade buffalo chicken sliders.
• Satisfyingly Spicy: Enjoy these spicy buffalo chicken sliders with a cooling ranch or blue cheese dip.

Ingredients for Homemade Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Gathering the right buffalo chicken slider ingredients is the first step to deliciousness! Here’s what you’ll need to create these amazing sliders:

• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken – I love using rotisserie chicken for its convenience and flavor, but baked chicken works too!
• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce – Frank’s RedHot is my go-to for that classic tangy kick.
• 1 tablespoon melted butter – This helps the sauce coat the chicken perfectly.
• 12 Hawaiian-style slider buns – Their subtle sweetness is the ideal contrast to the spicy chicken. Any soft dinner rolls will work in a pinch.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese – Mozzarella gives a great melt, but cheddar adds a nice sharpness.
• 2 tablespoons ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing (optional) – For an extra creamy, cooling layer.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – This is for brushing the tops of the buns to make them golden and delicious.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a savory depth to the butter topping.
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley – For a touch of color and subtle herby flavor.

How to Make Easy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Whipping up these delightful sliders is a breeze, making it a truly quick buffalo chicken slider recipe. You’ll have a batch of these irresistible appetizers ready in no time, perfect for any occasion!

1. Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Buns. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks. Then, take your slider buns and carefully slice them horizontally as a whole block. This makes assembly super simple for our buffalo chicken slider appetizers.
2. Step 2: Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling. In a medium bowl, toss your cooked shredded chicken with the buffalo wing sauce and the 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Give it a good stir to ensure every piece of chicken is coated in that delicious, spicy sauce. The aroma is already amazing!
3. Step 3: Assemble the Sliders. Place the bottom half of your sliced buns into the prepared baking dish. Now, layer on half of the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese. Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the cheese. If you like, drizzle with your optional ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for an extra layer of flavor. Top with the remaining cheese.
4. Step 4: Add the Topping and Bake. In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons of melted butter with the garlic powder and dried parsley. Brush this glorious mixture evenly over the top buns. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and the cheese is gloriously melted and bubbly. This is a key step in this quick buffalo chicken slider recipe.

Pro Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Want to elevate your slider game? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to make these truly shine!

• Rotisserie Chicken is Your Friend: For the ultimate shortcut, grab a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. It’s already seasoned and tender, saving you precious prep time for these homemade buffalo chicken sliders.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: If you’re cooking chicken specifically for the sliders, poach or bake it until just cooked through. Overcooked chicken leads to dry, less flavorful filling.
• Toast the Bottom Buns: Before adding the chicken mixture, I like to give the bottom half of the slider buns a quick toast in the oven for a minute or two. This creates a slight barrier to prevent them from getting soggy from the sauce.
• Butter the Tops Generously: The butter mixture with garlic powder and parsley brushed over the top buns is crucial for that golden, irresistible finish. Don’t be shy with it!
• Serve with Cooling Sides: Pair these spicy delights with a side of celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a creamy coleslaw to balance the heat.

What’s the secret to perfect shredded buffalo chicken sliders?

The secret to truly tender and flavorful chicken is to use a good quality buffalo wing sauce and ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated. For the absolute best buffalo chicken sliders, I recommend using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for maximum moisture and flavor. For more information on chicken preparation, you can check out our about me page.

Can I make buffalo chicken sliders with blue cheese ahead of time?

You can assemble the sliders (up to the baking step) a few hours ahead. Keep them covered and refrigerated. If you’re adding blue cheese dressing, it’s best to add it just before baking to prevent the buns from getting too soggy.

How do I avoid common mistakes with buffalo chicken slider buns?

The biggest mistake is soggy buns! To avoid this, lightly toast the bottom buns before assembling, and don’t let the chicken mixture sit on the buns for too long before baking. Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate for even browning. For more baking tips, visit our homepage.

Best Ways to Serve Buffalo Chicken Sliders

These sliders are incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic choice for any occasion. They truly shine as buffalo chicken slider party food, but they’re also a hit for a casual weeknight dinner.

• Classic Pairings: Serve these sliders with classic sides like celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a cooling ranch or blue cheese dip. This offers a refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken.
• Heartier Meal: For a more substantial meal, serve them alongside a creamy coleslaw, potato salad, or even sweet potato fries. They make a fantastic main course.
• Appetizer Spread: Arrange these delicious mini buffalo chicken sandwiches on a platter with other appetizers like chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, or a hearty dip. They are always the first to disappear!

Nutrition Facts for Buffalo Chicken Sliders

When you’re enjoying these irresistible sliders, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting. Here’s a breakdown per serving (which is one delightful slider):

• Calories: 210
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Protein: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on the specific buffalo wing sauce and cheese you use for your homemade buffalo chicken sliders. For more details on our data sources, please see our privacy policy.

How to Store and Reheat Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Even though these sliders are best enjoyed fresh, you might have some delicious leftover buffalo chicken sliders. To keep them tasting great, let them cool completely before storing. I like to use airtight containers, stacking them carefully if needed. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to freeze extras for a later craving, wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and they can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, the oven is your best friend. For refrigerated sliders, bake them at 325°F (160°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. For frozen ones, you might need an extra 5-10 minutes, so keep an eye on them to prevent the buns from drying out. If you have any questions about storage, feel free to contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Chicken Sliders

What are buffalo chicken sliders?

Buffalo chicken sliders are essentially mini sandwiches featuring shredded chicken coated in a spicy buffalo sauce, typically layered with cheese and served on small, soft slider buns. They’re a popular appetizer or party food, offering all the bold flavors of buffalo wings in a convenient, handheld format. They are a fantastic way to enjoy that classic chicken wing taste!

How to make buffalo chicken sliders?

Making these sliders is quite straightforward! You’ll typically combine cooked shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce and a bit of butter. Then, you layer this mixture with cheese onto the bottom halves of slider buns, top them with the other half, brush the tops with a melted butter mixture, and bake until golden and bubbly. It’s a simple process that yields incredibly satisfying results. For more on our recipes, check out our affiliate disclaimer.

Can I use different types of buns for buffalo chicken sliders?

Absolutely! While Hawaiian-style slider buns are fantastic due to their slight sweetness, you can use any soft dinner rolls or mini buns. Just make sure they’re soft enough to soak up some of the delicious filling. The key is finding small, manageable buns that complement the spicy chicken filling.

What are good buffalo chicken slider toppings besides cheese?

Beyond the essential cheese, many delicious buffalo chicken slider toppings can enhance your sliders. Consider adding a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing for a cooling contrast, or top with thinly sliced celery, red onion, or even a bit of creamy coleslaw for added texture and flavor. Pickles also add a great tangy crunch! For information on data privacy, please refer to our GDPR policy.

Variations of Buffalo Chicken Sliders You Can Try

While this recipe is fantastic as is, I love playing around with different flavor combinations and methods. Here are a few ideas to switch things up and create your own unique mini buffalo chicken sandwiches:

• Make them Cheesy: Instead of just mozzarella or cheddar, try a blend of Monterey Jack and pepper jack for an extra kick. A sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese on top before baking is also amazing!
• Slow Cooker Method: For an even easier approach, toss your shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and a tablespoon of butter into a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours. This results in incredibly tender, flavorful chicken perfect for sliders.
• Spicy Kick: If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the chicken mixture. You can also top with thinly sliced jalapeños before baking for an extra spicy bite.
• Healthier Option: Use whole wheat slider buns and opt for a lighter ranch or blue cheese dressing. You can also add finely shredded carrots or celery directly into the chicken mixture for added nutrients and crunch.

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