Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a perfect little package of bold flavor and spicy goodness. These mini sandwiches combine tender shredded chicken tossed in zippy buffalo sauce, all tucked inside soft, fluffy slider buns. The spicy kick paired with cool, creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing makes them a total crowd-pleaser every time.
I love making these sliders when friends come over for game night or a casual get-together. They’re easy to eat with your hands, which means no fuss and more time chatting and laughing. Plus, you can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less buffalo sauce depending on what you and your guests like.
My favorite way to serve these sliders is with a side of crunchy celery sticks and carrot strips for some fresh snap and color. They remind me of fun parties and cozy nights where everyone grabs a plate, piles on the sliders, and digs in together. Honestly, once you try these, they become the star of your snack spread every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: I recommend rotisserie chicken for quick prep and great flavor. You can also boil chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer. For a vegetarian option, shredded jackfruit or chickpeas work well with buffalo sauce.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is classic, but you can use any hot sauce mixed with melted butter for a homemade touch. Adjust the amount to make it milder or spicier.
Slider Buns: Hawaiian rolls are soft and slightly sweet, which contrasts nicely with the spicy chicken. If you can’t find them, mini brioche buns or other small sandwich buns are good substitutes.
Blue Cheese Crumbles: Blue cheese adds tang and creaminess, but if you’re not a fan, ranch dressing or shredded mozzarella are tasty alternatives.
How Do You Keep the Sliders Moist and Full of Flavor?
The key is mixing the shredded chicken thoroughly with the buffalo sauce before assembling. This ensures every bite has that spicy, tangy flavor. Don’t skip brushing the buns with garlic butter—it adds extra flavor and keeps them from drying out during baking.
- Mix chicken and sauce well in a bowl.
- Brush cut sides of buns with garlic butter for moisture and flavor.
- Bake after assembly to warm everything and lightly toast the buns.
This finishes the sliders perfectly, soft inside with a little crisp outside, and packed with that classic buffalo taste. It’s a simple trick to boost the texture and flavor!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for warming the sliders evenly in the oven.
- Mixing bowl – to toss the chicken with buffalo sauce easily.
- Brush or small spoon – to spread garlic butter on the buns for extra flavor.
- Sharp knife – helps slice the slider buns in half without squishing them.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for getting the sauce and seasoning just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shredded chicken for pulled pork or turkey for a different protein twist that still pairs well with buffalo sauce.
- Add sliced pickles or thinly sliced red onions inside for a crunchy, tangy bite.
- Mix in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for extra gooeyness and a mild spicy flavor.
- For a milder version, use ranch dressing instead of blue cheese or add a drizzle inside the sliders.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls recommended)
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley, for garnish
- Optional: ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 10-15 minutes to bake. So, from start to finish, you’ll be enjoying these sliders in approximately 25 minutes. Fast and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken:
In a mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce. Stir well so every bite gets covered with that spicy, tangy flavor.
2. Prep the Slider Buns:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the slider buns and, without pulling them apart, slice the whole pack horizontally to create a top and bottom layer.
3. Add Garlic Butter:
Mix melted butter with garlic powder in a small bowl. Place the bottom half of the buns on a baking sheet and brush over half the garlic butter mixture. This adds a nice flavor and helps keep the buns soft and tasty.
4. Assemble the Sliders:
Spread the buffalo chicken evenly over the bottom bun half. Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles on top of the chicken for creamy, tangy bites. Then cover with the top bun half and brush the remaining garlic butter over it.
5. Bake and Serve:
Bake the sliders in the oven for 10-15 minutes until the buns are golden and everything is heated through. Remove from oven, sprinkle with dried parsley for a little color, cut into individual sliders, and serve warm. For extra deliciousness, offer ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping or spreading.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for These Sliders?
Yes! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed before shredding and mixing with the buffalo sauce. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for a quicker option.
Can I Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the buffalo chicken and assemble the sliders a few hours before baking. Keep them covered in the fridge and bake just before serving to keep the buns fresh and soft.
How Should I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the buns from getting soggy.
What Can I Substitute for Blue Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, ranch dressing or shredded mozzarella are great alternatives. You can even leave it out and add extra ranch for dipping instead!
