Buffalo Chicken Sliders: How To Make The Best Chicken Sliders?
Jennifer
Buffalo chicken sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. With tender shredded chicken coated in zesty buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, and melted cheese all sandwiched between buttery rolls, this recipe is perfect for game days, parties, or a quick family dinner. Let’s dive into how to make this simple yet irresistible dish that’s guaranteed to impress.
IN This Post:
History of Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe:
The story of buffalo chicken sliders combines two beloved culinary traditions: the classic slider and the bold flavors of buffalo chicken. Sliders, which emerged in the early 20th century, became a hit with diners for their compact size and convenience. Originally served as mini hamburgers, they have since evolved to include a variety of fillings, such as pulled pork, vegetables, and flavorful chicken.
Buffalo chicken, on the other hand, has its roots in the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, where the now-famous buffalo wing was first introduced in the 1960s. The tangy, spicy kick of buffalo sauce paired with tender chicken quickly became a sensation, inspiring numerous dishes like dips, pizzas, and now sliders. This fusion of flavors elevated sliders into a crowd-pleasing option perfect for both casual and festive occasions.
Today, buffalo chicken sliders are celebrated for their balance of heat, creaminess, and cheesiness. These mini sandwiches are a favorite at parties, potlucks, and game-day gatherings, offering a versatile and flavorful twist on traditional slider recipes. They combine the best of both worlds, delivering bold flavors in a shareable, bite-sized format.
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe:
Packed with Flavor: Buffalo chicken sliders deliver a mouthwatering combination of spicy, tangy, and creamy flavors. The buffalo sauce brings the perfect amount of heat, balanced by the coolness of ranch dressing and the gooey richness of melted mozzarella cheese. Each bite offers a burst of flavor that’s hard to resist.
Quick and Easy: This recipe is incredibly convenient, especially when using pre-cooked chicken. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can prepare these sliders in under 30 minutes. Whether you need a quick meal for the family or a last-minute dish for a party, these sliders are a stress-free option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Perfect for Sharing: The small, bite-sized nature of these sliders makes them ideal for sharing with friends and family. They’re a hit at game-day parties, potlucks, or any gathering. Their portability and fun presentation make them a crowd favorite, ensuring everyone gets a taste of these delicious treats.
Customizable: A standout feature of this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes and preferences. If you prefer less heat, reduce the buffalo sauce or swap it out for a milder option. Looking for extra crunch? Add crispy onions, celery, or even a sprinkle of blue cheese. This recipe is designed to suit a variety of preferences and can easily be tailored to your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: There’s a reason these sliders are a fan favorite. With their soft rolls, melted cheese, and savory chicken filling, they check all the boxes for a comforting and flavorful dish. They’re guaranteed to disappear quickly at any event, and you’ll likely find guests asking for the recipe before the tray is empty.
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly shredded chicken and cheese elevate the flavor and texture of this recipe. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it often contains additives that affect melting.
- Adjust the Heat: For a spicier kick, add extra buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Prefer a milder version? Use less buffalo sauce and more ranch dressing.
- Brush Butter Twice: For perfectly golden, shiny buns, brush the butter mixture both before and after baking.
- Serve Immediately: Buffalo chicken sliders taste best warm, straight from the oven, when the cheese is melty and the flavors are at their peak.
- Customize Your Toppings: Add sliced jalapeños, crispy onions, or a sprinkle of blue cheese for extra flavor and texture.
How to Store and Reheat Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
1. Storing Leftovers: Keep leftover sliders fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Make sure they are securely sealed to keep them fresh and flavorful.
2. Reheating in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Wrap the sliders in foil to prevent drying out and heat for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
3. Microwave Option: For a quicker method, heat the sliders in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warm. However, the oven method is recommended for the best texture.
How To Make This Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe?
Buffalo Chicken Sliders: How To Make The Perfect Chicken Sliders?
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing Bowls
- Pastry Brush
- Sharp Knife
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 1/2 cups shredded chicken rotisserie chicken works best
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce e.g., Frank’s RedHot
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 2 Tbsp. honey
- 4 Tbsp. butter melted
- 12- count King’s Hawaiian rolls
- 1 tsp. garlic salt
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese freshly grated
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will prevent the sliders from sticking and make cleanup easier later.
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: Combine the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, honey, minced garlic, and a pinch of black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly to ensure the chicken is fully coated with the flavorful sauce. Adding honey gives a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.
- Slice the Rolls: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally without separating them into individual pieces. This keeps the structure intact, making it easier to assemble and bake the sliders. Position the bottom half carefully on the lined baking sheet, ensuring it is evenly placed for easy layering of the filling.
- Layer the Filling: Evenly spread the buffalo chicken mixture over the bottom half of the rolls. Sprinkle a generous layer of freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, ensuring every bite will be cheesy and delicious.
- Add the Top Rolls: Place the top half of the rolls back over the filling, aligning them carefully so the sliders stay uniform. This will help them bake evenly and look appealing when served.
- Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with Italian seasoning and garlic salt. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the tops of the rolls with this flavorful butter mixture. Save a small amount of the butter mixture for later.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil, ensuring it’s loosely tented to avoid sticking to the rolls. Bake the sliders in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and brush the tops of the rolls with the remaining butter mixture. Return the sliders to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until the tops turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Take the sliders out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes to set. Once slightly cooled, slice and serve the sliders warm. Enjoy their rich, cheesy, and spicy goodness!
Notes
- These sliders are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored and reheated as described above.
- For added crunch, top with crispy onions or celery slices before serving.
- Use blue cheese dressing instead of ranch for a tangy twist.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped chives or parsley on top of the baked sliders for added color and flavor.
- Pair these sliders with a side of coleslaw or potato wedges for a complete meal.
- Try using shredded rotisserie chicken for a time-saving and flavorful shortcut.
| Nutrition Facts (Per Serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Protein | 16g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 59mg |
| Sodium | 822mg |
| Fiber | 0.2g |
| Sugar | 3g |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on portion size and toppings.
Tips and Variations:
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist.
- Spice it Up: Add more buffalo sauce or include sliced jalapeños for an extra kick of heat.
- Swap the Dressing: Use blue cheese dressing instead of ranch for a tangier flavor that complements the buffalo sauce.
- Make it Low-Carb: Replace the Hawaiian rolls with lettuce wraps or keto-friendly buns for a lighter option.
- Add Veggies: Include shredded lettuce, thinly sliced celery, or even pickled onions to add a fresh crunch.
- Customize the Butter Glaze: Try mixing honey with the melted butter for a touch of sweetness on the rolls.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, you can assemble the sliders, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Reheat in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
Absolutely! Swap ranch for blue cheese dressing for a tangier flavor.
Serve with celery sticks, carrot sticks, coleslaw, or potato wedges for a complete meal.
Add more buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture for extra heat.
Buffalo chicken sliders are a delicious blend of bold flavors, creamy textures, and cheesy goodness. Perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Make them today and see how quickly they become everyone’s favorite!
Don’t forget to check out other Sliders recipes and share your results and leave a comment below. We’d love to hear your feedback!
