There’s nothing quite like the tantalizing scent of spicy Buffalo chicken wafting through my kitchen, bringing back memories of jubilant game nights and lively gatherings. It was during one of these casual evenings, with friends mingling and laughter filling the air, that I created the ultimate crowd-pleaser: Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders. These fluffy, cheesy delights were a spontaneous hit, effortlessly combining tender, shredded chicken slathered in Frank’s hot buffalo sauce, hugged by soft slider buns.
Perfectly baked to warm, gooey perfection, these sliders elevate any occasion—whether you’re celebrating a victory or simply craving comfort food on a weeknight. The blend of savory and spicy flavors keeps everyone coming back for seconds, while the ease of preparation frees you to enjoy the company of those you love. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into making these irresistible Buffalo Chicken Sliders that promise to be a favorite at your next gathering!
Why will you love Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Irresistible Crowd-Pleasers: These sliders are a guaranteed hit at any gathering, delivering a delicious blend of flavors that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Simple to Make: You’ll need just a handful of ingredients and a bit of prep, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute parties.
Flavor Explosion: Spicy, cheesy, and a little crispy on top, each bite is bursting with the bold taste of buffalo chicken, sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Versatile Options: Customize them easily! Swap out the buffalo sauce for BBQ or add toppings like jalapeños to cater to your crowd’s preferences.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether game day, a family gathering, or a casual dinner, these sliders are the ultimate treat that everyone will love!
Buffalo Chicken Sliders Ingredients
Get ready to indulge in a flavor-packed experience!
For the Sliders
- Slider Buns – These soft and fluffy buns serve as the perfect foundation for your sliders; consider whole wheat buns for a healthier twist.
- Shredded Chicken – The star of the show! Use rotisserie chicken for added convenience and rich flavor.
- Frank’s Buffalo Hot Sauce – This signature sauce brings the spice; feel free to replace it with your favorite hot sauce if preferred.
- Ranch Dressing – Adds creaminess and balances out the heat beautifully; switch to blue cheese dressing for an extra zing.
- Salt – Vital for enhancing all the flavors.
- Ground Black Pepper – A pinch adds depth; you can omit if sensitive to spice.
- Garlic Powder – Adds a savory kick; fresh garlic is a great substitute for a more pronounced flavor.
- Paprika – Introduces a hint of smokiness; smoked paprika offers a rich aromatic twist.
- Shredded Cheese – Melts perfectly on top; cheddar or mozzarella work delightfully well.
- Garlic Butter – Provides a rich, buttery flavor on the slider tops; you can leave it out for fewer calories.
- Italian Seasoning – Complements the garlic and butter; oregano or basil can be used as alternatives.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders
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Preheat the oven to 350°F, allowing the warmth to circulate through your kitchen while you prepare the sliders. Line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup!
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Combine in a mixing bowl the shredded chicken, Frank’s buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix until everything is well blended and the chicken is fully coated in flavor.
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Layer the bottom half of the slider buns into the lined baking dish, creating a cozy base for your delicious filling. Make sure they fit snugly together.
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Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the slider buns, ensuring each bun is generously topped. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chicken before placing the top buns on.
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Mix in a small bowl the melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Brush this rich mixture generously over the top of the buns to enhance their flavor and give a beautiful finish.
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Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Once that time has passed, remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the buns are golden and the cheese is beautifully melted.
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Slice the sliders into individual servings and serve immediately, pairing them with your favorite sides like ranch or extra buffalo sauce for dipping.
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
These sliders will transform your gathering into a flavorful feast that everyone will remember fondly!
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Crispy Celery Sticks:
The crunch and freshness of celery provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy sliders, balancing the meal perfectly. -
Creamy Ranch Dip:
A classic pairing, creamy ranch dressing complements the heat in the sliders and makes a delicious dipping option. -
Tangy Coleslaw:
The cool, tangy slaw adds a delightful crunch and acts as a perfect palate cleanser between spicy bites. -
Sweet Potato Fries:
These crispy fries introduce a slight sweetness that beautifully contrasts the savory flavors of the buffalo chicken. -
Pickle Chips:
Tangy pickles add a burst of acidity, enhancing the overall flavor experience of each slider. They are fun bites alongside your meal! -
Beer or Cider:
A cold craft beer or crisp cider complements the sliders beautifully, its carbonation cutting through the richness. -
Cheesy Nachos:
Layered with melted cheese and jalapeños, nachos add a party vibe that pairs wonderfully with your sliders. -
Fresh Fruit Salad:
A light and refreshing fruit salad introduces a sweetness that contrasts with the sliders’ spice, making it a delightful side. -
Chocolate Chip Cookies:
For dessert, these classic cookies offer a warm, sweet ending that balances the bold flavors of the main dish. -
Iced Lemonade:
A refreshing glass of iced lemonade provides zingy refreshment to cool down the palate after those spicy bites.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with these sliders and tailor them to your taste buds’ delight!
- BBQ Sauce: Swap out buffalo sauce for BBQ sauce to create a sweeter, tangy alternative that everyone will enjoy.
- Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for a unique flavor boost that adds richness and character.
- Veggie Boost: Add sautéed bell peppers or onions to the chicken mixture for a colorful, flavorful crunch that complements the sliders beautifully.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use non-dairy ranch and cheese alternatives to create a delicious, dairy-free version without sacrificing taste.
- Spicy Kick: Toss in some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to amp up the heat and give these sliders an extra kick.
- Slaw Topping: Top the sliders with a fresh coleslaw or pickled veggies for a crispy texture that perfectly balances the spicy chicken filling.
- Whole Wheat Buns: For a healthier twist, use whole wheat buns instead of traditional slider buns, adding extra fiber to your meal.
- Garlic Lovers: If you adore garlic, use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder. It’ll enhance the depth of flavor and create a fragrant aroma.
Enjoy creating your own delicious twists on these unforgettable sliders!
Expert Tips for Buffalo Chicken Sliders
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Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the chicken filling ahead of time, but wait to assemble the sliders until just before baking to prevent them from getting soggy.
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Perfectly Golden: Keep an eye on the sliders while they bake; the cheese should be fully melted and the tops should be golden brown for the best flavor and texture.
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Serving Suggestion: Serve warm with extra buffalo sauce or ranch on the side for a delightful dip—this flavor pairing will elevate your buffalo chicken sliders even more!
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Customize Wisely: Don’t hesitate to swap out ingredients! Try BBQ sauce instead of buffalo for a sweeter version, but keep in mind that the flavor profile will change.
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Storage Strategy: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to maintain that delicious fluffy texture!
Make Ahead Options
These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to save time on busy weeknights! You can prepare the chicken filling up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Simply mix together the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and seasonings, then cover tightly to keep out air and moisture. The slider buns should be assembled just before baking to prevent them from getting soggy. When you’re ready to enjoy, layer the prepared filling into the buns, brush with garlic butter, and bake as directed for a delightful dish that’s just as delicious as if made fresh!
Storage Tips for Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Room Temperature: Buffalo chicken sliders are best enjoyed warm, but if left out, they should not be kept at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; this will help maintain their flavor and texture.
Freezer: If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze the sliders for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating: To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through and the cheese is gooey again.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe ingredients for my Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Absolutely! When choosing your ingredients, look for fresh slider buns that feel soft and fluffy, without any hard edges or dark spots. For shredded chicken, rotisserie chicken should be moist and tender. If you’re using vegetables like jalapeños, choose firm ones without blemishes.
What is the best way to store leftover Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Very! To keep your sliders at their best, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover with foil to retain moisture, and bake in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to bring back that fluffy texture.
Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Certainly! To freeze, wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven to ensure they stay delicious.
What should I do if my sliders turn out soggy?
No worries! To prevent soggy sliders, ensure you’re assembling them close to baking time. If you’ve already had soggy sliders, consider toasting the bottom buns in the oven before adding the chicken mixture. Also, avoid adding too much sauce; a finely balanced amount will keep them perfect.
Can these Buffalo Chicken Sliders be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can make them gluten-free by using gluten-free slider buns. Ensure that any sauces, including the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing, are also labeled gluten-free to keep your sliders suitable for any dietary needs.
My cheese didn’t melt properly. What went wrong?
This can happen if the oven temperature is too low or if the buns are too tightly packed, preventing heat circulation. Make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F and allow enough space between the buns for heat to reach every part. Additionally, using shredded cheese instead of slices often melts more consistently.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Irresistibly Cheesy and Spicy Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, and line a 9x9 baking dish with parchment paper.
- Combine the shredded chicken, Frank’s buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a mixing bowl.
- Layer the bottom half of the slider buns into the lined baking dish.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the slider buns and top with shredded cheese.
- Mix melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, and brush over the top of the buns.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Slice the sliders and serve immediately, optionally garnished with fresh parsley.
