Buffalo Chicken Sliders

These buffalo chicken sliders are proof good things come in small packages! These little beauties are spicy, cheesy, buttery, and just plain addictive. 

Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the big game, or just in the mood for something indulgent, these sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

The mix of tender chicken tossed in tangy Buffalo sauce, melted cheese, and soft buns brushed with garlic butter? It’s dangerous (in the best way).

Don’t forget to serve them with a side of ranch or blue cheese for dipping!

Why You’ll Love These Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Party-Perfect: These sliders are ideal for game-day gatherings, potlucks, or any casual event. You can easily scale them up and serve to a crowd while staying warm and delicious.

Time-Saver: Using rotisserie chicken and simple pantry ingredients means these sliders come together in under 30 minutes.

Full of Flavor: The combination of spicy Buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, and melty cheese creates an irresistible blend of heat, richness, and tang.

Make-Ahead Magic: These sliders can be assembled hours before baking and stored in the refrigerator.

Ingredients

• Slider Buns: Hawaiian rolls add a subtle sweetness that complements the spicy Buffalo sauce.
  
• Shredded Cooked Chicken: The main protein, ideally from a rotisserie chicken, for convenience and flavor.
  
• Buffalo Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is the classic choice for authentic Buffalo flavor.
  
• Ranch Dressing: It helps cool down the Buffalo sauce’s heat. 
  
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Mild, melty cheese creates the perfect stretchy texture.
  
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Optional sharp cheese adds extra flavor, depth, and color.
  
• Unsalted Butter: When brushed on the buns, it creates a golden, flavorful top crust.
  
• Garlic Powder: It adds savory depth to the butter topping.
  
• Chopped Parsley: It adds color and subtle flavor and provides a fresh contrast to the rich, spicy filling.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders

These sliders are so easy, and that’s why they’re perfect for entertaining.

1. Prep the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Make the creamy buffalo chicken. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly.

3. Assemble the sliders. Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves intact. Place the bottom half of the buns in the prepared baking dish. Spread the creamy Buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the buns. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella (and cheddar, if using) over the chicken. Place the top half of the buns back on.

4. Prepare the butter topping. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the buns.

5. Bake the sliders. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.

6. Serve. Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm. Pair with celery sticks and extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping!

Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Sliders

These easy tips will ensure your sliders come out perfect.

• Quality is key. Opt for a trusted Buffalo sauce brand like Frank’s RedHot for an authentic, zesty flavor.
  
• Pick the best buns. Use Hawaiian rolls for a sweet and tender contrast to the spicy Buffalo chicken. Or try brioche slider buns for a richer flavor.
  
• Dial down the heat. If you prefer milder sliders, use 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce instead of 3/4 cup and increase the ranch dressing slightly.
  
• Be strategic. Mix mozzarella and cheddar cheeses for a gooey texture and a hint of sharpness. Spread the cheese evenly to ensure every bite is cheesy.
  
• Go heavy on the garlic. Don’t skimp on the garlic butter topping. It adds rich flavor and helps the sliders brown beautifully.
  
• Add some accessories. Serve with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and extra ranch or blue cheese dip for a classic Buffalo-inspired experience.
  
• Get ahead of the game. Assemble the sliders up to a day in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, brush with garlic butter and adjust baking time by adding a few extra minutes.
  
• Have fun with variations. Customize your sliders by adding bacon crumbles, caramelized onions, or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor. You can also substitute ranch with blue cheese dressing for a tangier taste.

How to Store

If you have leftover sliders, follow these storage tips.

To Store: Store leftover assembled sliders in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also store the buffalo chicken mixture separately in the fridge in an air-tight container for 3-4 days to maintain freshness.

To Freeze: Assemble the sliders without the butter topping, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. For the chicken mixture, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or assembling.

To Reheat: Reheat sliders in a 350°F oven, wrapped in foil, for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. For the chicken mixture alone, microwave it in a covered dish or reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.