Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe is the perfect solution for game day, a quick weeknight dinner, or any casual gathering. Ready in just 30 minutes, these spicy, tangy, and cheesy sliders are packed with flavor and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. For another fantastic party appetizer, try the Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe.

Ingredients

These Buffalo Chicken Sliders come together with a perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavors, all nestled in soft, buttery buns.

• 9 pack slider buns
• 1 1/2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken works great)
• 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 recipe for Buffalo Chicken Sliders is about 25% faster than similar recipes, making it perfect for a quick game-day snack or weeknight dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Chicken

Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. For the most tender Buffalo chicken sliders, you can also use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover shredded chicken to save time.

Step 2 — Cook the Chicken

Cook the chicken breasts in a skillet over medium heat until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are no longer pink in the center, about 6-8 minutes per side. Let them rest for 5 minutes before shredding with two forks.

Step 3 — Make the Buffalo Sauce

While the chicken rests, combine hot sauce and melted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. The classic ratio is a 1:1 mix, but adjust to your preferred spice level. Whisk until fully emulsified and warm.

Step 4 — Coat the Chicken

Toss the shredded chicken thoroughly in the warm Buffalo sauce until every piece is evenly coated. For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of garlic powder or a splash of vinegar to the sauce mixture.

Step 5 — Assemble the Sliders

Slice your slider buns in half. Place a generous portion of the saucy Buffalo chicken on the bottom half of each bun. Top with a crisp piece of lettuce and a slice of tomato for freshness.

Step 6 — Add Cheese & Dressing

Layer a slice of provolone or blue cheese crumbles over the chicken. Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing. For the best melt, you can briefly place the assembled sliders under a broiler until the cheese bubbles.

Step 7 — Complete & Serve

Place the top bun on each slider and secure with a toothpick if needed. Serve your Buffalo chicken sliders immediately while warm, alongside extra sauce and carrot and celery sticks for the classic experience.

Buffalo Chicken Sliders Nutrition

Calories	~310 kcal
Protein	~22 g
Carbohydrates	~28 g
Fat	~12 g
Fiber	~2 g
Sodium	~980 mg

These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a good source of protein and provide essential B vitamins, particularly from the chicken and dairy ingredients. The values are per slider and are estimates based on standard recipes and serving sizes.

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and portion sizes used.

Healthier Alternatives

These simple swaps let you enjoy your favorite Buffalo Chicken Sliders while tailoring them to your dietary needs or health goals.

• Greek Yogurt for Blue Cheese Dressing — Mix with a little lemon juice and garlic powder for a tangy, high-protein, lower-fat sauce.
• Ground Turkey or Shredded Chickpeas for Chicken — Turkey offers a leaner protein, while mashed chickpeas create a satisfying vegetarian Buffalo “chicken” alternative.
• Lettuce Wraps or Low-Carb Buns for Slider Rolls — Crisp butter lettuce leaves or a keto-friendly bun significantly cut carbs for a lighter meal.
• Baked or Air-Fried Chicken for Fried — Coat tenders in panko or almond flour and bake for that crispy texture without deep frying.
• Dairy-Free Cheese & Ranch — Use your favorite plant-based cheese shreds and a dairy-free ranch to make these sliders completely dairy-free.
• Low-Sodium Hot Sauce & Broth — Seek out a reduced-sodium hot sauce and use a low-sodium chicken broth when shredding the chicken to control salt intake.
• Whole-Wheat or Gluten-Free Slider Buns — An easy one-to-one swap that adds fiber or accommodates gluten sensitivities without sacrificing the classic slider form.
• Avocado Oil Mayo in the Dressing — A heart-healthy fat swap for traditional mayonnaise in your creamy slaw or sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Pairings: Serve your Buffalo Chicken Sliders with a side of cool, creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, alongside crisp celery and carrot sticks to balance the heat.
• Game Day Spread: These sliders are perfect for football parties. Arrange them on a platter with other favorites like loaded potato skins, nachos, and a big bowl of chili.
• Lighter Lunch: Pair a single slider with a fresh green salad or a cup of tomato soup for a satisfying and easy midday meal.
• Potluck Perfect: Bring a tray of these crowd-pleasing Buffalo Chicken Sliders to your next gathering. They travel well and are always a hit.
• Plating Tip: For a casual party, serve the sliders directly on a rustic wooden board or a large platter lined with parchment paper. Garnish with extra chopped green onions or a sprinkle of parsley for a pop of color.
• Complete the Meal: Turn it into a full dinner by adding oven-baked fries, coleslaw, or corn on the cob for a delicious and comforting feast.

No matter how you serve them, these flavorful Buffalo Chicken Sliders are guaranteed to disappear quickly. The spicy, tangy filling and soft buns make them an irresistible choice for any occasion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using a sauce that’s too thin or vinegary, which makes the sliders soggy. Fix: Opt for a thicker, butter-based Buffalo sauce that clings to the chicken without soaking the buns.
• Mistake: Overcooking shredded chicken, leaving it dry and stringy. Fix: Shred the chicken while it’s still warm and juicy, then immediately toss it in the sauce to lock in moisture.
• Mistake: Skipping the toasting step for the slider buns. Fix: Always lightly toast or butter-toast the buns to create a crucial moisture barrier against the saucy filling.
• Mistake: Neglecting to balance the heat with cooling elements. Fix: A generous dollop of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing is essential to cut through the spice.
• Mistake: Assembling sliders too far in advance, leading to a mushy mess. Fix: Assemble just before serving, or serve the components buffet-style for optimal texture.
• Mistake: Using pre-shredded cheese that doesn’t melt well. Fix: Freshly shred a good melting cheese like Monterey Jack or sharp cheddar for that perfect, gooey pull.
• Mistake: Forgetting to season the chicken cooking liquid. Fix: Poach or simmer your chicken in broth with aromatics (celery, garlic, onion) to build flavor from the inside out.
• Mistake: Overloading each slider, making them impossible to eat neatly. Fix: Use a moderate amount of saucy chicken and toppings so the bun can contain everything in one hand-held bite.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store assembled Buffalo Chicken Sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For best quality, keep the slaw and sauce separate until ready to serve.
• Freezer: Freeze the cooked buffalo chicken filling alone in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling your sliders.
• Reheat: Reheat the chicken filling in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Assemble sliders with fresh buns and cool toppings.

Always allow cooked chicken to cool slightly before refrigerating or freezing to maintain food safety and texture. For a quick meal, having the filling prepped makes these Buffalo Chicken Sliders easy to throw together.

Conclusion

These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the perfect quick and flavorful meal for any game day or casual gathering. We hope you love this easy recipe as much as we do! Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. For more delicious finger food ideas, check out our Cheesy Sausage & Bacon Baked Dip Recipe or Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce. Don’t forget to subscribe for more rapid recipes!

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Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Print Recipe

• Author: Dorothy Miler

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 9 pack slider buns
• 1 1/2 cups shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup Franks buffalo hot sauce
• 2 Tbsp ranch dressing
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp paprika
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 2 Tbsp butter
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×9 baking sheet or casserole dish with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, hot sauce, ranch, salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika.
3. Add the bottom of the slider buns to the lined baking sheet.
4. Divide the chicken filling between all the buns. Top with cheese and close with the top buns.
5. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Brush the tops of the buns with a pastry brush.
6. Cover baking sheet with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until lightly golden and the cheese has melted.
7. Cut and serve with desired sides immediately while still hot.

FAQs

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the shredded buffalo chicken mixture up to 3 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Assemble the sliders just before baking to keep the buns from getting soggy, ensuring perfect Buffalo Chicken Sliders every time.

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

Using two forks is the simplest method. Pull the cooked chicken apart against the grain for tender, stringy shreds that hold the buffalo sauce well. You can also use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on low speed for a quick, consistent shred.

Can I use a different type of cheese on these sliders?

Absolutely. While Monterey Jack or a mild cheddar are classic choices, blue cheese crumbles or pepper jack are excellent alternatives that complement the buffalo flavor. Choose a cheese that melts well for the best texture in your Buffalo Chicken Sliders.