Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

These spicy buffalo chicken sliders bring big flavor with hardly any fuss. Fluffy buns cradle juicy shredded chicken coated in tangy buffalo sauce then baked until cheesy and golden. They are my go to for game nights or anytime I need a crowd pleasing snack that comes together fast.

I remember the first time I made these for a neighbor potluck. People devoured them and everyone wanted the recipe. Now it is my most requested dish for family gatherings.

Ingredients

• Slider buns: choose a sturdy yet soft bread that holds up to saucy fillings. Brioche or Hawaiian rolls work beautifully.
• Shredded chicken: use rotisserie chicken for ease or poach your own for extra juiciness. Look for meat that is moist and not overly seasoned.
• Franks buffalo hot sauce: brings the perfect balance of heat and tang. Franks is the classic but any favorite buffalo wing sauce can work.
• Ranch dressing: cools and rounds out the heat. Go for a creamy quality ranch for extra flavor.
• Salt and ground black pepper: balance and enhance all the seasonings.
• Garlic powder and paprika: deepen the savoriness. Smoked paprika can add extra depth.
• Shredded cheese: sharp cheddar or a cheddar blend melts nicely and brings an extra creamy bite. Check the cheese bag for freshly shredded and avoid prepacked if possible.
• Butter: for the garlic butter coating any real unsalted butter melts best.
• Italian seasoning: infuses the garlic butter with herbiness. Make sure your blend is fresh for a fragrant finish.

Step by Step Instructions

Prep the Oven and Pan:

Preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit and line a nine by nine inch baking sheet or casserole dish with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and keeps the buns from sticking.

Mix the Chicken Filling:

In a mixing bowl combine the shredded chicken buffalo hot sauce ranch salt pepper garlic powder and paprika. Mix until the chicken is well coated and there are no dry spots left.

Assemble the Sliders:

Place the bottom halves of the slider buns in the lined baking dish. Evenly divide the chicken mixture over each bun making sure every piece is generously filled.

Add the Cheese and Top Buns:

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the chicken mixture so it melts into all the crevices. Finish by adding the top halves of the buns to close the sliders.

Make the Garlic Butter:

Melt the butter and mix in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Use a pastry brush to coat the tops of the buns with this mixture until every surface shines.

Bake Covered:

Cover the pan with foil making sure it is not touching the buns. Bake for fifteen minutes to heat through and start melting the cheese.

Bake Uncovered for the Finish:

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional five to ten minutes. Watch for the buns to turn golden and the cheese to become bubbly.

Serve Hot:

Cut the sliders apart while still hot and serve immediately. These are best right from the oven for the gooey cheese and crackly tops.

Save

I love the punch from the buffalo sauce and that little cooling swirl of ranch. The way the whole kitchen smells like garlic and melted cheese brings back memories of rowdy Sunday football with my family cramming around the table grinning with sauce on our faces.

Storage Tips

These sliders are best eaten fresh but leftovers can be stored tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat by covering with foil in a three hundred fifty degree oven until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as this can make the buns rubbery.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap rotisserie chicken with pulled pork or leftover roast turkey for a twist. Try blue cheese dressing instead of ranch for more tang. For those avoiding gluten choose gluten free buns and ensure your hot sauce is gluten free.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these sliders with crisp celery and carrot sticks for a nod to classic buffalo wings. A simple green salad helps balance the richness. If making for a party offer a side of extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Cultural Context

Buffalo sauce originated in Buffalo New York as part of the famous buffalo wing tradition. This slider version celebrates that flavor profile in a fun shareable form. Sliders themselves became popular for easy serving at parties and gatherings.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of chicken works best?

Cooked, shredded chicken breast or rotisserie chicken offer tender texture and soak up the buffalo sauce well.

→ Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely! Mozzarella, Monterey jack, or a cheddar blend work nicely for flavorful melting.

→ Is ranch dressing essential?

Ranch adds creaminess and balances the heat, but you may substitute with blue cheese dressing or omit if preferred.

→ How do I prevent soggy buns?

Avoid overloading with sauce and bake until the tops are golden and cheese fully melted for best texture.

→ Can these be made ahead?

You can assemble in advance, refrigerate, then bake just before serving for fresh, warm sliders.