These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a fun and spicy treat! They combine shredded chicken tossed in zesty buffalo sauce, all piled between soft mini buns. Perfect for parties!
Fun fact: they disappear faster than I can say “more wings, please!” 😄 I love serving them with a side of ranch for dipping—it’s a delicious match!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Cooked chicken is crucial here. I often use rotisserie chicken for its convenience. If you’re short on time, cooked turkey or a plant-based substitute like lentils or chickpeas works well.
Buffalo Sauce: This gives the sliders their kick. If you’re sensitive to spice, consider using a milder hot sauce or mixing buffalo sauce with ketchup to tone it down.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar melts beautifully. I enjoy a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, vegan cheese can be a good alternative.
Slider Buns: Using dinner rolls is perfect for sliders. You can use whole wheat buns for a healthier option or gluten-free rolls if you need a gluten-free dish.
Ranch Dressing: This is great for drizzling on top. For a healthier version, you could use Greek yogurt mixed with herbs as a tasty substitute.
How Do I Make Sure My Sliders Are Nice and Cheesy?
The secret to melty cheese in sliders is layering it properly. Here are some tips to achieve the best cheesy goodness:
- Evenly spread the buffalo chicken before adding cheese, making sure every bite is flavorful.
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded, as it melts better.
- During the second baking phase, keep a close eye on the sliders to prevent the tops from burning while allowing the cheese to fully melt.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 slider buns (dinner rolls)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (for topping)
For the Butter Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 25 minutes for baking. That means you’ll have delicious buffalo chicken sliders ready to enjoy in just about 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your sliders will bake evenly and get that perfect golden brown on top.
2. Mix the Chicken with Buffalo Sauce:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce. Stir everything together well to coat the chicken evenly with that spicy sauce. Taste it, and if you like it spicier, feel free to add more buffalo sauce!
3. Prepare the Slider Buns:
Take the slider buns and cut them in half horizontally, making sure to keep them attached. Place the bottom halves of the buns in a greased baking dish to form the base of your sliders.
4. Layer the Chicken Mixture:
Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom half of the buns. Make sure to cover them well so every bite is full of flavor!
5. Add the Cheese:
Now sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chicken mixture. The cheese will melt beautifully and add that creamy texture we love.
6. Top with the Buns:
Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese layer, completing your sandwich assembly.
7. Prepare the Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Using a brush or spoon, spread this mixture over the tops of the buns to give them a rich flavor and a lovely golden finish.
8. Bake the Sliders:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This helps everything stay moist and melt together.
9. Finish Baking:
After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This will let the tops get golden brown and the cheese really melt.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re done baking, take the sliders out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle with ranch dressing before serving. Cut them into sliders and enjoy your delicious buffalo chicken sliders with your friends and family!
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Store-Bought Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works great and saves a ton of time. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the buffalo sauce to get it all saucy and flavorful before assembling the sliders.
What If I Don’t Have Buffalo Sauce?
No worries! You can substitute with a mix of hot sauce and melted butter for a similar flavor. A good ratio is about 2 parts hot sauce to 1 part butter, but feel free to adjust based on your spice tolerance.
How Should I Store Leftover Sliders?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes for the best texture, or toss them in the microwave for a quicker option.
Can I Make These Sliders Spicy or Mild?
Definitely! To make them spicier, increase the amount of buffalo sauce or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the chicken mixture. For a milder version, use a milder sauce or mix buffalo sauce with some ranch dressing to tone it down.
