Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a fun and spicy twist on your classic chicken sandwich. They’re packed with tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy, slightly spicy buffalo sauce, all piled onto…
Tip: save now, read later.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a fun and spicy twist on your classic chicken sandwich. They’re packed with tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy, slightly spicy buffalo sauce, all piled onto small, soft slider buns. These little bites bring just the right kick without being too overwhelming, making them perfect for parties or a casual dinner.
I love making these sliders when friends come over because they’re easy to eat, and everyone can grab one (or three!). The combo of spicy buffalo sauce with cool, creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing always gets rave reviews. I usually add a little crunch with shredded lettuce or celery sticks on the side, which helps balance out the heat.
One of my favorite things about Buffalo Chicken Sliders is how quick they come together. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time. They’re a great way to mix up your dinner routine when you want something flavorful but fast. Plus, they’re totally shareable, which is always a win in my book!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut here—it’s already cooked and juicy. You can also boil chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Leftover chicken works well too and saves time.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is my go-to for the right tang and heat. If you want a milder option, mix it with a bit of honey or use a buffalo sauce with less spice. For dairy-free, check the ingredient list as some sauces include butter or cheese.
Butter: Adding melted butter softens the heat and adds richness. You can replace it with olive oil for a lighter version, but it won’t have quite the same creamy feel.
Slider Buns: Soft, slightly sweet buns work best for these sliders. If you can’t find sliders, small dinner rolls or soft sandwich buns are good substitutes.
Blue Cheese & Dressing: Blue cheese crumbles add bold flavor, but if you’re not a fan, ranch dressing is a great creamy alternative. For a dairy-free choice, use a vegan ranch or skip these toppings entirely.
How Can I Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders Without Them Getting Soggy?
Keeping the sliders from getting soggy is key! Here’s how to do it:
- Don’t over-saturate the chicken with sauce—toss it gently to coat without drenching.
- Toast or bake the buns lightly before assembling, which creates a barrier against moisture.
- Keep the slider buns connected during baking to ease handling and even heating, then cut after cooking.
- Add creamy toppings like blue cheese or ranch right before serving, not too early to prevent sogginess.
- If you add lettuce or celery, serve them on the side for crunch instead of inside the slider.
With these tips, your sliders stay tasty, with that perfect soft bun and spicy juicy chicken combo every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for warming the sliders evenly without drying them out.
- Mixing bowl – makes tossing the chicken in buffalo sauce easy and mess-free.
- Butter brush or spoon – helps spread melted butter evenly on the chicken or buns for extra flavor.
- Sharp knife – for slicing the slider buns cleanly without squishing them.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shredded turkey to use holiday leftovers and enjoy a milder flavor.
- Try pepper jack cheese instead of blue cheese for a creamy, spicy twist.
- Add thinly sliced pickles for a tangy crunch that cuts the heat nicely.
- Mix in sautéed onions or bell peppers to add sweetness and extra texture.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled chicken breasts)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 12 slider buns (soft and slightly sweet)
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, for topping/filling)
- 2 tablespoons ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Optional: shredded lettuce or celery sticks for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to bake, so you can have these delicious sliders ready in about 20 minutes total. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal and perfect for serving up during game day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, and melted butter. Toss everything together thoroughly so the chicken is nicely coated with the sauce and butter.
2. Assemble the Sliders:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully slice the slider buns in half horizontally, but keep all the buns connected to make it easier to bake and slice later. Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the buns. If you like, add a spoonful of ranch or blue cheese dressing on top, then sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the chicken.
3. Bake and Serve:
Place the top halves of the buns back on the sliders. Put them on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until everything is warmed through and the buns are lightly toasted. Remove from the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top, and then cut the sliders apart. Serve them hot, optionally with some shredded lettuce or celery sticks on the side for a crunchy, fresh contrast.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before shredding and mixing it with the buffalo sauce. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for a quicker option.
How Can I Make These Sliders Less Spicy?
To tone down the heat, mix some extra melted butter or a bit of honey into the buffalo sauce before tossing with the chicken. You can also serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the spice.
Can I Prepare Buffalo Chicken Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the buffalo chicken mixture and assemble the sliders, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving to keep the buns fresh and toasty.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven to keep the buns from getting soggy, heating until warmed through.
