Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the perfect little bite of spicy, tangy, and tender chicken all piled high on soft, fluffy slider buns. These mini sandwiches bring together shredded chicken tossed…
Tip: save now, cook later.Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the perfect little bite of spicy, tangy, and tender chicken all piled high on soft, fluffy slider buns. These mini sandwiches bring together shredded chicken tossed in a zesty buffalo sauce with a cool, creamy dressing to balance out the heat. They’re great for game days, parties, or just a fun dinner that everyone loves.
I love making these sliders because they’re so easy to put together, and the flavors always hit the spot. I usually mix the buffalo chicken with a bit of ranch or blue cheese dressing right before serving—it keeps the chicken juicy and gives each slider a nice creamy touch. Plus, you can add celery or pickles for some crunch if you like a variety of textures in every bite.
One of my favorite ways to serve these is with a side of crunchy veggie sticks or some simple oven-baked fries. They’re super satisfying without being too heavy, and because the sliders are small, everyone can grab as many as they want. These sliders always bring smiles and plenty of seconds at our table, which is the best kind of dinner success in my book!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using cooked, shredded chicken breast keeps these sliders tender and juicy. If you prefer, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds flavor and saves time.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Classic Frank’s RedHot is my go-to for that perfect spicy kick. If you want less heat, mix half buffalo sauce with melted butter or BBQ sauce.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a nice tang and melts well. For a creamier option, try Monterey Jack or even mozzarella. Blue cheese crumbles bring that bold flavor but are optional for picky eaters.
Slider Buns: Soft, fluffy buns are best to hold all the juicy fillings without falling apart. Hawaiian rolls are a delicious alternative with a touch of sweetness.
Blue Cheese Dressing: It cools down the spice and adds creaminess. Ranch dressing works well too if blue cheese isn’t your favorite.
How Do You Get the Perfect Balance of Heat and Creaminess in Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Balancing spicy buffalo chicken with creamy elements is key to tasty sliders. Here’s how I do it:
- Coat shredded chicken evenly in buffalo sauce for a consistent spicy flavor.
- Warm the chicken gently to bring out the flavors without drying it out.
- Toast buns with butter for a slight crunch and rich flavor that holds fillings well.
- Add blue cheese or ranch dressing right before serving to cool down the heat and add moisture.
- Top with fresh chopped green onions or celery for a refreshing crunch that contrasts the soft chicken.
This combination keeps each bite flavorful but not overwhelming, and the textures play nicely together.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for tossing the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce evenly without making a mess.
- Skillet or microwave-safe bowl – to warm the chicken mixture and melt cheese slightly for extra flavor.
- Basting brush – handy for spreading melted butter on slider buns for a golden, tasty toast.
- Toothpicks or small skewers – help keep the sliders together, especially if you add lots of toppings.
- Baking sheet or serving platter – for arranging the sliders neatly and making them easy to grab at parties.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for pulled pork or shredded turkey to switch up the protein while keeping it tender and tasty.
- Try pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a little extra spicy kick that complements the buffalo sauce.
- Add sliced pickles or tangy coleslaw for crunch and a refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken.
- Mix ranch dressing in place of blue cheese dressing if you prefer a milder, creamier flavor.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
For The Sliders:
- 8 slider buns
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup blue cheese dressing
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ½ cup shredded iceberg lettuce or finely chopped celery (optional for crunch)
- Butter for brushing buns (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 5 minutes to assemble, so you can have these tasty sliders ready in under 20 minutes! It’s a quick and fun snack or meal that’s perfect when you’re short on time but want big flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken:
In a medium bowl, toss the shredded cooked chicken with the buffalo wing sauce until the chicken is fully coated. If you like, warm this mixture briefly in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for about 1 minute to make it hot and flavorful.
2. Toast the Buns:
Brush the slider buns with melted butter if you want a richer flavor. Toast them lightly in a skillet or oven until they turn golden brown. This adds a nice texture and keeps buns from getting soggy.
3. Assemble the Sliders:
On the bottom half of each toasted bun, layer a generous amount of the buffalo chicken mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Add a spoonful of blue cheese dressing over the chicken and cheese. If you love blue cheese, sprinkle some crumbles on top as well. Add chopped green onions and optional shredded lettuce or celery for a fresh crunch.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Place the top bun on each slider and secure with a toothpick or small skewer if needed. Serve the sliders immediately while warm, and offer extra blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. These sliders are fantastic for game days, parties, or a delicious snack anytime!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken beforehand. Thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Once thawed, shred and proceed with the recipe as usual.
Can I Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the buffalo chicken and slice the buns a few hours in advance. Assemble the sliders just before serving to keep the buns from getting soggy. You can also keep the chicken warm in a slow cooker if needed.
How Should I Store Buffalo Chicken Slider Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the buffalo chicken in the microwave or on the stove, and toast the buns fresh before assembling to keep everything tasty.
What Are Good Substitutions for Blue Cheese Dressing?
If you’re not a fan of blue cheese dressing, ranch dressing works perfectly as a milder, creamy alternative. You can also use a mix of sour cream and a splash of hot sauce if you want to keep it simple.
