Buffalo Chicken Sliders are small bites packed with big, bold flavor. These little sandwiches are loaded with tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, topped with cool, creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing, and nestled in soft slider buns. The perfect mix of spicy, tangy, and creamy makes them a total crowd-pleaser.
I love making these sliders when friends come over because they’re so easy to grab and enjoy with your hands—no forks or plates needed! The buffalo sauce gives just the right kick, and I always add some crunchy celery on the side to balance the spice. Honestly, they’re a fun twist when you want that classic buffalo chicken taste but in a snack-size form.
One tip I’ve learned is to warm the buns just a little before assembling; it softens them up and makes everything go down just right. Whether it’s game day, a casual party, or just a weeknight treat, these sliders are quick to whip up and disappear way too fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using rotisserie chicken because it’s already cooked and easy to shred. You can also poach chicken breasts or thighs and shred those for a homemade touch.
Buffalo sauce: Frank’s RedHot is classic, but you can swap it for any hot sauce mixed with melted butter to control spice level. For less heat, try buffalo wing sauce labeled ‘mild.’
Slider buns: Soft dinner rolls work best here. If you can’t find slider buns, small hamburger buns or even mini brioche buns are good options.
Cheese: Cheddar melts well and adds a nice sharp flavor. If you prefer, mozzarella or pepper jack cheese can bring a different twist to the sliders.
Dressing: Ranch or blue cheese dressing cools down the spice and adds creaminess. Greek yogurt mixed with herbs can be a lighter substitute.
How Do You Get Soft, Gooey Cheese on Your Buffalo Sliders?
Melting the cheese perfectly is key to these sliders. Here’s how I do it:
- Assemble the sliders with chicken and cheese on bottom buns, buns on top.
- Brush the tops with melted butter mixed with garlic powder for extra flavor and a golden shine.
- Cover loosely with foil to keep moisture in and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until cheese melts and sliders warm through.
- Check near the end so the buns don’t get too crispy—soft buns with melty cheese are the goal!
This simple step makes the sliders gooey and delicious, a real crowd-pleaser every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking dish or rimmed sheet pan – perfect for warming sliders evenly and melting cheese just right.
- Mixing bowl – to toss the shredded chicken in buffalo sauce easily without making a mess.
- Basting brush – lets you spread garlic butter on buns evenly for extra flavor and a golden finish.
- Knife – to slice the slider buns in half cleanly and safely.
- Measuring spoons – handy to get your garlic powder and melted butter just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use pulled pork or shredded beef instead of chicken for a different protein with rich flavor.
- Swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack for a little extra spice and melty texture.
- Add sliced pickles or jalapeños for crunch and tang that contrast nicely with the heat.
- Mix ranch dressing with chopped fresh chives or dill to brighten the cool topping.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 8 slider buns or small dinner rolls
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (cut in half or torn to fit sliders)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (iceberg or romaine)
- ¼ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and assemble, plus about 10-12 minutes to bake until the cheese melts and sliders are warmed through. It’s a quick and easy recipe perfect for a fast snack or party appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, toss the shredded chicken with the buffalo wing sauce until the chicken is evenly coated with the spicy sauce.
2. Assemble the Sliders:
Slice the slider buns horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms as pairs. Place the bottom halves in a baking dish or on a sheet pan. Distribute the buffalo chicken evenly over the bottoms. Then, place a piece of cheddar cheese on top of the chicken on each slider.
3. Add the Finishing Touches and Bake:
Mix the melted butter with garlic powder. Brush this garlic butter over the tops of the slider buns, then place the tops on the sliders. Cover loosely with foil and bake for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven and top each slider with shredded lettuce and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro if you like, and serve warm with extra dressing on the side.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before shredding. To thaw quickly, place frozen chicken in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the shredded buffalo chicken and assemble the sliders without baking. Store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then bake right before serving to keep the buns soft and cheese melty.
How Should I Store Leftover Sliders?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent the buns from drying out, or warm individually in the microwave.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level of Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Definitely! Use milder buffalo sauce or mix the sauce with a little melted butter to tone down the heat. For extra kick, add more hot sauce or diced jalapeños as a topping.