The first time I made these, the hot sauce hit the skillet and sizzled like a summer cookout. These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are everything you want on a busy weeknighttangy, creamy, and just spicy enough to wake up your dinner table. They’ve been making the rounds through potlucks and game day spreads, but honestly? They’re even better on a Tuesday evening with a side of celery and something cold to sip.
This dish starts with cooked shredded chicken, gets a bold Buffalo makeover, and lands inside soft, toasty slider buns. A drizzle of ranch or a blanket of melty cheese adds that cozy “just one more bite” feel. It’s like your favorite wings met a cozy sandwich, no muss, no fryer. The best part? You can use rotisserie chicken and knock it out in under 25 minutesa reliable choice when dinner needs to happen fast.
Started making these in the fall of 2019, right after my nephew’s pee-wee football game. Kids were starving, and I had leftover roast chicken and a block of pepper jack. Tossed it together on instinctgot three requests for the “spicy buns” recipe that night. Learned real quick that lightly buttering the tops of the rolls before baking gives them that golden glow and extra crisp. Been saving tired weeknights with this one ever since.
Yesica Andrews
Buffalo Chicken Sliders Perfect Weeknight Dinner
These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a fantastic choice for Fast Dinner Recipes and Football Food cravings. Tender shredded chicken mixed with Frank’s buffalo sauce and creamy ranch, layered on fluffy slider buns and topped with melted cheese, make these sliders a must-try for any Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipes fan. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, they’re an ideal easy dinner or game day treat.
Set your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper.
Combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a mixing bowl.
Arrange the bottom halves of the slider buns evenly on the baking sheet.
Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture over each bottom bun and sprinkle shredded cheese on top, then cover with the bun tops.
In a small bowl, blend melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, and gently brush this mixture over the slider tops.
Cover the sliders with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes at 350°F.
Take off the foil and continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts and the buns turn a light golden color.
Cut the sliders apart and serve hot alongside your favorite sides for a delicious meal.
Notes
For extra flavor, serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best results.
Why You’ll Love These Buffalo Chicken Sliders
These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are truly a go-to recipe you’ll adore. They’re comforting, incredibly quick to prepare, and bursting with bold flavor. Versatile enough for any occasion, they’re perfect for game day spreads or easy weeknight dinners. Here’s why they’ll become a favorite:
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, these sliders are a lifesaver for busy evenings.
Accessible Ingredients: You’ll likely find most of what you need right in your pantry, or they’re easy to pick up at any grocery store.
Big Flavor, Less Mess: No fryer needed! Soft rolls, tangy buffalo chicken, and luscious melty cheese come together for a delicious, easy cleanup meal.
Perfect for Crowds: Whip up a batch for your next game day gathering or family get-togetherthey’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and disappear fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these delightful sliders is a breeze, using staple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Here’s a quick overview:
Ingredient
Amount
Tips
Slider buns
9-pack
Use soft, fluffy buns for best results.
Shredded chicken
1 1/2 cups
Rotisserie chicken works perfectly!
Frank’s Buffalo hot sauce
1/2 cup
Adjust the amount to control spice.
Ranch dressing
2 Tbsp
Adds a creamy balance to the heat.
Seasonings
See recipe
Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika amp up the flavor.
Shredded cheese
1 cup
Cheddar or a melty blend like mozzarella are great choices.
Garlic butter
2 Tbsp + seasonings
Key for golden, flavorful bun tops.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders Step-by-Step
This process is straightforward, beginner-friendly, and incredibly satisfying. Let’s get started:
Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper. While the oven heats, combine the shredded chicken, hot sauce, ranch, and seasonings in a mixing bowl until well combined.
Assemble: Arrange the bottom halves of the slider buns in the prepared baking dish. Spread the chicken filling evenly over the bun bottoms, then generously sprinkle with shredded cheese. Place the top halves of the buns back on.
Butter Those Buns: In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix it with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Brush this flavorful butter mixture evenly over the tops of the slider buns for a golden, aromatic finish.
Bake: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the tops are lightly crisp and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
Serve: Once out of the oven, slice the sliders apart and serve immediately. They pair wonderfully with crisp celery sticks or a refreshing light salad to balance the richness.
Tips, Substitutions, and Troubleshooting
Too Spicy? Add extra ranch or use less Buffalo sauce for a milder version.
No Ranch? Replace with blue cheese dressing or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Buns Overbrowning? Reduce bake time slightly or keep foil on longer for a softer top.
Want More Cheese? Mix a little cheese with the chicken or add extra on top before baking.
Storage and Reheating
These sliders are best fresh, but they can be stored for a quick lunch the next day:
Storage Method
Time
Best Reheating Tips
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days
Warm in the oven at 300°F or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Freezer
Up to 1 month
Wrap individually and reheat in a 350°F oven until hot.
Expert Says
Buffalo chicken sliders combine spicy tanginess with tender protein, making them a flavorful option for game day or casual meals. The capsaicin in hot sauce can boost metabolism slightly, while shredding the chicken helps distribute flavors evenly, ensuring each bite delivers balanced heat and moisture.
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Finding the Perfect Balance with Buffalo Chicken Sliders
After several attempts tweaking spice levels and sauce thickness, I finally nailed these Buffalo Chicken Sliders. One batch was too spicy, another too soggy, but each try brought me closer to a recipe that’s flavorful, healthful, and just right for family nights. This version reflects all those little lessons learned over time.
FAQs (Buffalo Chicken Sliders)
How can I make Buffalo Chicken Sliders spicier?
To increase the heat, add more hot sauce or mix in cayenne pepper to the sauce. Using a spicier wing sauce variety can also help. Balancing the spice with creamy ingredients like ranch or blue cheese dressing will keep flavors smooth without overpowering the sliders.
What is the best type of bun for this recipe?
Soft slider buns or small brioche buns work perfectly, as they hold the filling without falling apart. Toasting the buns lightly adds texture and prevents sogginess. Choose buns that are slightly sweet to complement the spicy and tangy flavor of the dish.
Can I prepare the sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook and shred the chicken in advance, then mix it with the sauce when ready to serve. Assemble sliders right before eating to keep buns from getting soggy. This flexibility makes it a great option for fast dinners or football food prep.
What side dishes pair well with this meal?
Classic sides like celery sticks and carrot sticks with ranch dip balance the spice nicely. French fries or coleslaw add satisfying texture and flavor contrast. For a lighter option, consider a crisp garden salad or pickles to refresh the palate.
How can I make this dish keto-friendly?
Swap slider buns for lettuce wraps or low-carb bread to reduce carbs. Use full-fat ingredients like blue cheese and mayonnaise to boost fat content. Ensure the wing sauce contains no added sugars to keep it keto compliant without losing signature flavor.
Conclusion
These Buffalo Chicken Sliders come together in under 30 minutes, delivering that perfect mix of spicy tang and melty comfort you’ll crave on busy nights. The golden, buttery buns and cozy filling make the whole kitchen smell like home. You’ll definitely want to make them againtrust me.
Feel free to swap in blue cheese dressing for a tangy twist or toss in extra veggies for a fresh crunch. Leftovers? Just reheat gently in the oven to keep that melty goodness intacta little trick I’ve picked up from my aunt’s kitchen that never fails. Simple, flexible, and full of flavor.
Do you have a special slider or game day favorite that warms your heart? I’d love to hear your stories or see your photosdrop a comment or pin this recipe to share with family and friends. Recipes like these are little acts of love, best enjoyed together.
