Introduction

Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or easy weeknight dinner? This Easy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe delivers bold flavor and satisfying crunch in just 30 minutes. Perfect for game day or a quick family meal, these sliders are a guaranteed hit. For more cheesy, shareable ideas, try the Cheesy Sausage & Bacon Baked Dip Recipe or the Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce.

Ingredients

These Buffalo Chicken Sliders come together with a perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and savory flavors, all baked into soft, buttery buns for an irresistible appetizer or easy meal.

• 9 pack slider buns
• 1 1/2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
• 1/2 cup Frank’s buffalo hot sauce
• 2 Tbsp ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp paprika
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• 2 Tbsp butter, melted
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp Italian seasoning

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	10 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes

Context: This streamlined process makes these Buffalo Chicken Sliders about 30% faster to prepare than typical recipes that require cooking and shredding a whole chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Chicken

Season 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. For extra flavor, you can use a pre-made ranch seasoning packet.

Step 2 — Cook the Chicken

Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can also use an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or bake it at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Tip: Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before shredding. This keeps it juicy and makes it easier to pull apart with two forks.

Step 3 — Shred and Sauce the Chicken

Use two forks to shred the rested chicken into fine pieces. In a large bowl, toss the shredded chicken with ½ to ¾ cup of your favorite Buffalo sauce until it’s evenly and generously coated.

Tip: For a creamier, milder Buffalo chicken, mix in 2-3 tablespoons of ranch or blue cheese dressing with the hot sauce.

Step 4 — Prepare the Slider Buns

Slice a 12-pack of Hawaiian rolls or potato slider buns in half horizontally, keeping them connected. Lightly toast the cut sides in the oven or a buttered skillet for 2-3 minutes until just golden. This creates a barrier against sogginess.

Step 5 — Assemble the Sliders

Spread a thin layer of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the bottom bun halves. Pile the saucy Buffalo chicken evenly over the dressing. Top with a layer of shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese and, if desired, crumbled blue cheese.

Step 6 — Add the Top and Butter

Place the top bun halves over the filling. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter and whisk in ½ teaspoon garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese. Brush this garlic butter generously over the top of the buns.

Step 7 — Bake to Melt and Crisp

Bake the assembled Buffalo Chicken Sliders in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the tops are golden brown and crisp.

Tip: For extra crispy edges, cover with foil for the first 8 minutes, then uncover for the final bake.

Step 8 — Slice and Serve

Let the sliders cool for 2-3 minutes after baking. Use a sharp serrated knife to slice along the perforations into individual sliders. Serve immediately with extra Buffalo sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Buffalo Chicken Sliders Nutrition

Calories	~320 kcal
Protein	~22 g
Carbohydrates	~28 g
Fat	~14 g
Fiber	~2 g
Sodium	~980 mg

Note: Nutritional values are estimates per slider and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Healthier Alternatives

These simple swaps let you enjoy the classic taste of Buffalo Chicken Sliders while tailoring them to your dietary needs.

• Greek Yogurt for Ranch/Blue Cheese — Use plain Greek yogurt as a base for your sauce. It adds a creamy, tangy punch with more protein and less fat than traditional dressings.
• Ground Turkey or Chickpeas for Chicken — Swap shredded chicken for lean ground turkey or mashed chickpeas. Turkey offers a lighter profile, while chickpeas provide a satisfying, plant-based alternative.
• Lettuce Wraps for Slider Buns — For a lower-carb option, use large butter lettuce leaves. They add a fresh crunch and let the spicy buffalo flavor shine through.
• Baked, Not Fried, Chicken — Instead of frying, bake or air-fry your chicken. You still get a crispy texture with significantly less oil, making for a lighter slider.
• Low-Sodium Hot Sauce & Broth — Choose a low-sodium hot sauce and, if your recipe calls for it, use a low-sodium chicken broth. This cuts down on salt without sacrificing the essential buffalo kick.
• Dairy-Free Cheese & Mayo — For a dairy-free version, use vegan cheese shreds and a dairy-free mayonnaise or avocado-based spread to keep the creamy element.
• Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Buns — Opt for whole wheat slider buns for extra fiber, or use certified gluten-free buns to make the entire dish celiac-friendly.
• Add Veggie “Buffer” — Mix finely shredded carrots or celery into the chicken filling. It bulks up the sliders with extra nutrients and a subtle, fresh texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these Buffalo Chicken Sliders with a classic side of celery sticks and cooling blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping to balance the heat.
• For a casual game day spread, serve them alongside other finger foods like loaded potato skins, onion rings, or a simple veggie platter.
• Turn them into a satisfying meal by adding a side of crispy french fries, baked sweet potato fries, or a light coleslaw.
• For a fun plating tip, spear each slider with a decorative toothpick and arrange them on a rustic wooden board or platter for easy grabbing.
• These sliders are perfect for potlucks, tailgates, or weeknight dinners where you want maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
• Offer a variety of extra toppings like extra blue cheese crumbles, sliced jalapeños, or pickles so guests can customize their Buffalo Chicken Sliders.

No matter how you serve them, these crowd-pleasing Buffalo Chicken Sliders are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using low-fat chicken breast, which dries out during baking. Fix: Opt for chicken thighs or a mix of dark and white meat for juicier shredded Buffalo chicken.
• Mistake: Drowning the chicken in straight hot sauce, making it overly acidic and wet. Fix: Combine your hot sauce with melted butter or a creamy base like ranch to create a balanced, clingy sauce.
• Mistake: Skipping the toasting step for the slider buns. Fix: Lightly toast or butter and toast the buns to prevent sogginess and add a crucial textural contrast.
• Mistake: Overloading sliders with too much saucy chicken, causing a messy collapse. Fix: Use a moderate, consistent portion (about 2-3 tablespoons) per slider for the perfect bite.
• Mistake: Adding cold cheese directly from the fridge, which won’t melt properly. Fix: Let cheese come to room temperature or use pre-shredded cheese for even melting over your warm Buffalo chicken.
• Mistake: Not seasoning the chicken cooking liquid, resulting in bland meat. Fix: Poach or bake chicken with aromatics like garlic, onion, and a pinch of salt in the water or broth.
• Mistake: Serving immediately after assembly, which can steam the buns. Fix: Let the assembled Buffalo Chicken Sliders rest for 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the bun stabilizes.
• Mistake: Using only one type of hot sauce without considering its vinegar and heat level. Fix: Taste and adjust your sauce mix; balance a classic cayenne sauce with a touch of something smokier or sweeter for depth.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store leftover Buffalo Chicken Sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken has cooled to room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in a heavy-duty freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: For best results, reheat in a preheated 350°F oven or toaster oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave for 30-60 seconds, though the buns may soften.

Always use a food thermometer to ensure the chicken filling reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F when reheating. For optimal texture, assemble sliders with fresh buns and sauce just before serving.

Conclusion

These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the perfect easy appetizer or game day snack. For more crowd-pleasing party food, try our Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe or Don’t Tell the Doctor Dip Recipe. We hope you love this recipe—please leave a comment and subscribe for more!

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FAQs

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the shredded buffalo chicken mixture up to two days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Assemble the sliders just before serving to keep the buns from getting soggy. This makes these Buffalo Chicken Sliders perfect for easy entertaining.

What’s the best way to shred the chicken for these sliders?

Using two forks is the classic method, pulling the meat apart against the grain. For the easiest and fastest shredding, use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on low speed for about 30 seconds. This creates perfectly shredded chicken for your sliders.

How can I adjust the spice level of the buffalo sauce?

Control the heat by using a milder hot sauce or by adding a bit more melted butter to the sauce to tame it. For extra spice, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a hotter variety of buffalo sauce. This lets you customize the flavor to suit everyone enjoying these Buffalo Chicken Sliders.