BEST BUFFALO CHICKEN SLIDERS

Remember that chaotic Sunday, the one where the game was on, everyone was starving, and I was somehow designated head chef? That’s the day I discovered the magic of Buffalo Chicken Sliders. Quick to assemble, packed with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser, these little sandwiches saved the day – and they can save yours too! Get ready to whip up a batch of the best Buffalo Chicken Sliders you’ve ever tasted; I promise they’ll be a surefire hit!

Why You’ll Love These Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Okay, let’s be real. There are a million Buffalo chicken recipes out there. So why these sliders? Well, let me tell you:

• They’re FAST: Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
• They’re EASY: This isn’t some fancy, complicated recipe. Simple ingredients, straightforward instructions. Even a novice cook can nail this.
• They’re FLAVORFUL: That classic Buffalo wing flavor, but in slider form. Tangy, spicy, and utterly addictive.
• They’re VERSATILE: Use rotisserie chicken for extra speed, adjust the spice level to your liking, and customize the toppings to your heart’s content.
• They’re a CROWD-PLEASER: Seriously, who can resist a warm, cheesy Buffalo Chicken Slider? They’re always a hit at parties, potlucks, or just a casual weeknight dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our troops! Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing sliders:

• Chicken: Cooked and shredded. Rotisserie chicken is the ultimate shortcut, but you can also poach or bake your own chicken breasts. About 2 cups shredded.
• Buffalo Wing Sauce: Use your favorite brand! Frank’s RedHot is a classic for a reason, but feel free to experiment.
• Cream Cheese: Softened. This adds richness and creaminess.
• Ranch Dressing: A must-have for that cool, tangy counterpoint to the spicy Buffalo sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded. I prefer sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but mild or Colby Jack will also work.
• Slider Buns: Hawaiian rolls are my go-to for their sweetness and soft texture, but any slider bun will do.
• Butter: Melted, for brushing the tops of the buns.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a touch of savory flavor to the buttery topping.
• Optional Toppings: Blue cheese crumbles, chopped celery, shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, avocado – get creative!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make these delicious Buffalo Chicken Sliders:

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the chicken mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, and ranch dressing. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
3. Assemble the sliders: Slice the slider buns in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
4. Add the cheese: Sprinkle about half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the bottom buns.
5. Pile on the chicken: Spoon the Buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the cheese-covered buns.
6. Top with more cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture.
7. Cover with the top buns: Place the top halves of the slider buns over the cheese.
8. Make the buttery topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and garlic powder.
9. Brush the buns: Brush the tops of the slider buns with the melted butter mixture.
10. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the buns are golden brown.
11. Add toppings (optional): Once the sliders are out of the oven, add any desired toppings, such as blue cheese crumbles, chopped celery, or shredded lettuce.
12. Serve: Slice the sliders apart and serve immediately.

Tips for the BEST Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Want to take your sliders to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks:

• Don’t overbake: Overbaked sliders will be dry and tough. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Use good quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the sliders will taste. Splurge on a good quality Buffalo wing sauce and fresh, flavorful cheese.
• Adjust the spice level: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a milder Buffalo wing sauce or use less of it. You can always add more later!
• Toast the buns: For extra flavor and texture, lightly toast the slider buns before assembling the sliders.
• Make them ahead of time: You can assemble the sliders ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Keep them warm: If you’re serving these at a party, keep them warm in a slow cooker or on a warming tray.

Variations and Customizations

The beauty of these Buffalo Chicken Sliders is that they’re so easy to customize. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Blue Cheese Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Substitute blue cheese crumbles for the cheddar cheese, or add them as a topping.
• Ranch Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Add extra ranch dressing to the chicken mixture, or serve with a side of ranch for dipping.
• Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for extra heat.
• BBQ Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Mix a little BBQ sauce into the Buffalo wing sauce for a smoky, sweet and spicy flavor.
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Add crumbled bacon to the chicken mixture for a smoky, salty flavor.
• Vegetarian Buffalo “Chicken” Sliders: Use shredded jackfruit or vegetarian chicken substitute in place of the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when served with the right sides. Here are a few of my favorite pairings:

• Celery and Carrot Sticks with Ranch or Blue Cheese Dip: A classic pairing that provides a cool, crisp contrast to the spicy sliders.
• Coleslaw: A creamy, tangy coleslaw is the perfect complement to the rich, spicy sliders.
• Potato Salad: A classic summer side dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
• Mac and Cheese: A comforting and cheesy side dish that’s perfect for a casual meal.
• Sweet Potato Fries: A slightly sweet and savory side dish that pairs well with the spicy sliders.

Other Chicken Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you’re a chicken lover like me, you’re always on the lookout for new and delicious chicken recipes. Here are a few of my favorites that I think you’ll enjoy:

• Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps: Quick, easy, and packed with flavor, these wraps are perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
• Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers: These grilled skewers are bursting with flavor and perfect for a summer barbecue.
• Street Corn Chicken Bowl: A vibrant and flavorful bowl inspired by Mexican street corn. It’s a delicious and healthy meal.
• Garlic Chicken Wraps: A simple yet satisfying meal option with garlicky chicken and fresh veggies.
• Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: A flavor explosion in a bowl with crispy chicken and a creamy, spicy sauce.
• Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls: A comforting and easy appetizer or snack filled with cheesy chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few frequently asked questions about Buffalo Chicken Sliders:

• Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Monterey Jack, provolone, or even a sprinkle of blue cheese would be delicious.
• Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the sliders a few hours in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Can I freeze these sliders? While you *can* freeze them, I don’t recommend it. The texture of the buns and the cheese can change during freezing and thawing.
• How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy? Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the chicken mixture before assembling the sliders. You can also lightly toast the buns before adding the filling.
• What’s the best way to reheat leftover sliders? The best way to reheat leftover sliders is in the oven. Wrap them in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the buns may become a little soggy.

Final Thoughts

These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. So, go ahead and give them a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And don’t be afraid to get creative and customize them to your liking. Happy cooking!

Best Buffalo Chicken Sliders

These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a quick, easy, and flavorful crowd-pleaser perfect for game day or a casual weeknight dinner. They feature shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and ranch, topped with cheddar cheese, and baked until golden brown and bubbly.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup Ranch dressing
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 12 slider buns Hawaiian rolls recommended
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Optional toppings: blue cheese crumbles, chopped celery, shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, avocado

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking dish
• Large bowl
• small bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• knife
• cutting board
• foil

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, and ranch dressing. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
3. Slice the slider buns in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
4. Sprinkle about half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the bottom buns.
5. Spoon the Buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the cheese-covered buns.
6. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture.
7. Place the top halves of the slider buns over the cheese.
8. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and garlic powder.
9. Brush the tops of the slider buns with the melted butter mixture.
10. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the buns are golden brown.
12. Once the sliders are out of the oven, add any desired toppings, such as blue cheese crumbles, chopped celery, or shredded lettuce.
13. Slice the sliders apart and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t overbake the sliders. Adjust the spice level to your liking. Toast the buns for extra flavor. Make them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Serve with celery and carrot sticks with ranch or blue cheese dip, coleslaw, potato salad, mac and cheese, or sweet potato fries.