Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Introduction

Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the perfect bite-sized combination of spicy, tender chicken and soft, fluffy buns, bringing all the bold flavors of buffalo wings into a convenient, handheld treat. These sliders are loaded with tangy buffalo sauce, melted cheese, and a creamy drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing, making them an irresistible choice for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party, serving up a weeknight dinner, or looking for a fun snack, these sliders deliver the perfect balance of heat and flavor in every single bite.

The first time I made these, I couldn’t believe how easily they came together, and how quickly they disappeared. The buffalo sauce, combined with the juicy chicken and melted cheese, created the ideal filling, all sandwiched between soft, buttery buns. The aroma as they baked in the oven was mouthwatering, and by the time they were ready, everyone was ready to dig in.

What I love most about Buffalo Chicken Sliders is how customizable they are. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste, try different cheeses, or even swap out the ranch for a smoky chipotle mayo for an extra kick. Whether served as appetizers, a fun game day snack, or a family dinner, these sliders are sure to make any meal feel a little more exciting and flavorful.

Perfect for:

  • Game day snacks
  • Family dinners
  • BBQ parties
  • Casual gatherings
  • Spicy food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Buffalo Chicken Sliders will become your go-to party food:

  • Bold Flavor: The spicy buffalo sauce brings a kick of heat, while the creamy dressing balances the flavor perfectly.
  • Miniature Portions: Bite-sized sliders are easy to serve and even easier to eat.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
  • Customizable: Adjust the level of heat to your liking, and swap ingredients to suit dietary preferences.
  • Great for Sharing: Serve these sliders at parties or events for a fun and interactive dish.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 12 sliders
  • Calories per slider: Approximately 250-300 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Buffalo Chicken Sliders:

  • 1 ½ lbs cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 12 slider buns
  • ½ cup buffalo sauce
  • ½ cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Shredded Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken or cook fresh chicken breasts for the perfect filling.
  • Buffalo Sauce: The classic spicy, tangy sauce that makes these sliders irresistible.
  • Slider Buns: Soft, small buns are the perfect vessel to hold the juicy, saucy chicken.
  • Cheese: Shredded cheddar or mozzarella adds a creamy, melty texture to each slider.
  • Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: These creamy dressings cool the heat from the buffalo sauce and add a rich flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Shred the Chicken: If you’re using cooked chicken breasts, shred them into bite-sized pieces with two forks or your hands.
  2. Heat the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Prepare the Sliders:

  1. Prepare the Buns: Slice the slider buns in half and set them aside. If desired, toast the cut side of the buns in a skillet or oven until golden brown for extra flavor.
  2. Melt the Butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter and add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Brush the butter mixture over the cut sides of the slider buns.

Assemble the Sliders:

  1. Layer the Chicken: Spoon a generous portion of buffalo chicken onto the bottom half of each slider bun.
  2. Add the Cheese: Top the chicken with shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese.
  3. Finish the Slider: Place the top halves of the buns onto the sliders to complete them.

Bake the Sliders:

  1. Bake the Sliders: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled sliders on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden.

Serve:

  1. Garnish and Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

How to Serve

  • At Parties: Arrange the sliders on a platter with a side of extra dressing for dipping.
  • With Side Dishes: Serve with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
  • For Game Day: Serve as part of a spread of appetizers, like wings, nachos, and mozzarella sticks.
  • As a Meal: These sliders are hearty enough for a main dish, paired with chips or baked potatoes.
  • Spicy Kick: Add jalapeño slices on top of the sliders for an extra level of heat.

Additional Tips

  • Shred the Chicken Fine: For a better texture, make sure to shred the chicken finely so it soaks up more of the buffalo sauce.
  • Toast the Buns: Toasting the buns before assembling the sliders adds extra flavor and prevents them from getting soggy.
  • Adjust the Heat: If you like your sliders milder, use a mild buffalo sauce or mix the buffalo sauce with ranch dressing.
  • Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken breast can save time and make this dish even faster to prepare.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the buffalo chicken and assemble the sliders ahead of time, then bake them when ready to serve.

Recipe Variations

  1. BBQ Chicken Sliders: Replace the buffalo sauce with barbecue sauce for a sweeter flavor.
  2. Chicken Parmesan Sliders: Add marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for an Italian twist.
  3. Spicy Ranch Sliders: Mix ranch dressing with a bit of hot sauce for a tangy, spicy kick.
  4. Crispy Chicken Sliders: Bread and fry the chicken for an extra crunchy texture.
  5. Vegetarian Buffalo Sliders: Use plant-based chicken or cauliflower instead of chicken for a vegetarian option.
  6. Cheesy Garlic Buffalo Sliders: Add a layer of melted garlic butter cheese on top for a cheesy, garlicky twist.
  7. Teriyaki Chicken Sliders: Swap buffalo sauce with teriyaki sauce for an Asian-inspired flavor.
  8. Sweet and Spicy Sliders: Mix honey and sriracha for a sweet and spicy buffalo sauce alternative.
  9. Mango Habanero Sliders: Use a mango habanero sauce for a fruity, spicy version.
  10. Buffalo Bacon Sliders: Top the buffalo chicken with crispy bacon for extra crunch and flavor.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Freeze the assembled but unbaked sliders on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes.
  • Storage: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for best results.

Special Equipment

  • Slow Cooker: Perfect for cooking and shredding the buffalo chicken without much effort. Set it and forget it for tender, flavorful chicken.
  • Griddle or Panini Press: Ideal for toasting slider buns and creating a golden, crispy texture on the outside.
  • Shredding Claws: Handy for shredding chicken quickly after it’s cooked in a slow cooker or pressure cooker.
  • Meat Thermometer: Ensures that your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature (165°F) for perfect results.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: For mixing the buffalo sauce with shredded chicken and other ingredients like ranch or blue cheese.
  • Basting Brush: Great for applying buffalo sauce evenly to the sliders or brushing on extra sauce for added flavor.
  • Baking Sheet: For assembling and baking the sliders in the oven for a crispy finish, especially if you’re making a slider “tray.”
  • Food Processor: Useful for finely chopping ingredients like celery or onions to add texture to your buffalo chicken mixture.
  • Silicone Spatula: Ideal for scraping out the last bits of buffalo sauce or chicken from the slow cooker or mixing bowl.
  • Serving Platter: A large, attractive platter to present your buffalo chicken sliders at parties or gatherings.

FAQ

  1. Can I use regular chicken instead of shredded chicken? Yes, you can use whole chicken breasts, but shredding makes it easier to toss with the sauce and fill the sliders.
  2. Can I make these sliders without baking? Yes, you can serve them without baking, but the melted cheese and toasted buns make them even more delicious.
  3. Can I make this recipe without buffalo sauce? Absolutely! You can use any sauce you like, such as barbecue or teriyaki.
  4. Are these sliders spicy? They’re spicy due to the buffalo sauce, but you can adjust the heat level by using a mild buffalo sauce or mixing in some ranch.
  5. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the sliders ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a fun, flavorful twist on the classic buffalo wings, packed with tender, spicy chicken, melty cheese, and served on soft buns. These sliders are perfect for any gathering, from game day to a casual dinner. With their bold, tangy flavor and satisfying crunch, they’re sure to be a hit at your next party or even as a delicious treat just for yourself.

Easy to prepare and fully customizable, you can adjust the heat level to suit your tastes, add toppings like pickles or ranch, or serve them with your favorite side dishes. These sliders are quick to make and full of flavor, making them the perfect choice for any occasion.

I can’t wait to see how you serve up your Buffalo Chicken Sliders! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your creative take. Don’t forget to share your tips and variations in the comments. Happy cooking!

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