Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Short description

These Buffalo Chicken Sliders feature tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, topped with melted cheese and creamy ranch (or blue cheese), all nestled in soft slider buns—ideal for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple & Fast: Uses pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, ready in about 20 minutes.

• Flavor-Packed: Combines spicy buffalo sauce with creamy dressing and melty cheese.

• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect finger food for parties or a fun family meal.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• slider buns or dinner rolls

• shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)

• buffalo hot sauce

• shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack)

• ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing

• butter (melted, for brushing buns)

• optional garnish: chopped parsley or cilantro

• optional extras: diced jalapeño peppers

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 °F (180 °C).

2. Slice buns in half horizontally; place bottoms in a baking dish and toast 2–3 minutes.

3. Sprinkle half the cheese over the bottom buns.

4. In a bowl, toss shredded chicken with buffalo sauce; spoon evenly over cheese.

5. Drizzle or spread ranch (or blue cheese) dressing over the chicken.

6. Top with remaining cheese, add bun tops, and brush with melted butter.

7. Bake 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and sliders are heated through.

8. If desired, garnish with parsley or cilantro and serve while warm.

Servings and timing

• Prep Time: ~10–15 minutes

• Cook Time: ~10–15 minutes

• Total Time: Approximately 20–30 minutes

• Servings: about 6 sliders (double to make 12)

variations

• Cheese swap: try pepper jack for heat, blue cheese for tanginess, or mozzarella for mildness.

• Dressings: use blue‑cheese instead of ranch, or thin with a touch of yogurt for lighter flavor.

• Buns: Hawaiian rolls, brioche, whole‑wheat, or gluten‑free slider buns all work well.

• Extra heat: add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce to the chicken mixture.

• Sweet and savory twist: mix honey into buffalo sauce for balanced flavor.

• Protein substitute: shredded turkey or pork can replace chicken.

storage/reheating

• Make‑ahead: Prepare buffalo chicken mixture up to 3–4 days ahead and refrigerate.

• Refrigeration: Store in airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Keep chicken separate from buns to avoid sogginess.

• Freezing: Freeze only the chicken mixture for up to 3 months. Assemble and bake when needed.

• Reheating:

  • Oven/toaster oven: 325–350 °F for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.

  • Microwave: short bursts of 30 seconds to avoid soggy buns.

  • Optionally wrap individual sliders when storing to preserve texture.

FAQs

What kind of chicken should I use?

Use shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked leftover chicken. Breast or thigh meat both work great.

Can I make buffalo chicken sliders ahead of time?

Yes—prepare and refrigerate the chicken mixture 1–4 days in advance, assemble and bake when ready.

How do I prevent soggy bottoms?

Toasting the bottom buns before assembling and placing cheese under the chicken helps keep them crisp.

Can I freeze the assembled sliders?

It’s best to freeze only the chicken mixture. Whole sandwiches don’t freeze well due to soggy buns and texture loss.

How long is the filling good in the fridge?

Buffalo chicken mixture lasts up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator.

Can I use other sauces instead of buffalo?

Yes—substitute with BBQ sauce or ranch seasoning for a different flavor profile, though it changes the character. Not classic buffalo, but tasty.

How many sliders per person?

Plan on 2–3 sliders per person when served with side dishes; if serving as the main, prepare about 3–4 per person.

What are good side dishes to serve with sliders?

Serve with fries, potato wedges, coleslaw, celery/carrot sticks, chips, mac & cheese or potato salad. Ranch or blue cheese dip on the side is a hit too.

Can I make a milder version?

Yes—use mild buffalo sauce or mix buffalo sauce with ranch to reduce heat. Add honey for sweetness.

Conclusion

These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a perfect mix of spicy, savory, and cheesy, all in a bite‑sized package. They’re quick to assemble, ideal for entertaining, and endlessly adaptable. Prep in advance, customize to your taste, and serve warm for maximum delight. Whether it’s game day, a casual dinner, or a snack with friends, these sliders are sure to satisfy.