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These spicy buffalo chicken sliders are guaranteed to be the first thing gone at game day, potluck, or family night. Fluffy slider rolls cradle tender shredded chicken that is tossed in spicy buffalo sauce with ranch and cheese, then baked until melty and golden. Perfect when you want a big hit of flavor in hand-held form, and so easy to pull together with simple ingredients.
My family asks for these every time football is on TV and I have made them for nearly every birthday gathering since we first tried them. Nothing gets my kids to the table faster than the aroma of baking buffalo sliders.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Slider buns: Choose a soft buttery roll for best flavor and texture. Hawaiian or potato rolls work beautifully
- Shredded chicken: Use rotisserie or poached chicken for the juiciest result. Make sure it is moist and shredded finely
- Frank's buffalo hot sauce: The classic for that tangy heat. Check the label to ensure you grab the original buffalo style for best taste
- Ranch dressing: Adds a creamy coolness to balance the spice. Opt for buttermilk-based ranch for richness
- Salt and ground black pepper: Season to taste so the flavors pop
- Garlic powder: Provides savory depth throughout the mix and the garlic butter
- Paprika: Brings smokiness and a warm color to the chicken mix
- Shredded cheese: Pick melty cheese like mozzarella, Monterey jack, or a blend. Freshly grated melts best
- Butter: For the glaze on the buns, salted is fine. Melt before mixing
- Italian seasoning: Gives herbal notes and extra interest to the butter on top
How to Make It
- Prepare the pan:
- Line a nine by nine baking dish or sheet with parchment to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Mix the chicken filling:
- In a medium bowl thoroughly mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, ranch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir until every piece is coated and the mixture is evenly spicy and creamy.
- Arrange the buns:
- Cut the slider buns in half horizontally. Place the bottoms snugly into the prepared pan making sure they cover the base without gaps.
- Add the chicken:
- Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns. Spread to cover every edge so each bite gets flavor.
- Top with cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously across the top of the chicken filling. Press very lightly so the cheese settles into the mix.
- Close and glaze:
- Place the remaining bun tops over the cheese. In a small bowl melt the butter then stir in garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Using a pastry brush cover the tops of the buns evenly with the seasoned butter to ensure a golden flavorful crust.
- Bake covered:
- Cover the pan snugly with foil. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for fifteen minutes so the cheese melts and the sliders steam to stay moist.
- Finish and brown:
- After fifteen minutes remove the foil. Continue baking for another five to ten minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese bubbles at the edges.
- Slice and serve:
- Lift the sliders from the pan and use a sharp knife to cut along the bun lines. Serve hot right away for the best gooey texture.
I always use Frank's for the sauce because it gives the right balance of heat and vinegar kick. The best family moment by far was watching everyone's faces when that cheese pull happened the second I cut into the fresh sliders.
Flavor Boosters
Add thinly sliced tomato or shredded lettuce in summer for a fresh touch. Layer provolone or smoked gouda in cooler months to add a richer cheese note. Top each slider with a pickle chip for an extra snap of flavor if you like a little crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sliders with celery sticks and extra ranch for dipping. Pair with chips, potato salad, or a crisp green salad to create a full meal. Great for watch parties and gatherings as you can carry the tray right to the table for easy sharing.
Creative Twists
No ranch? No problem. Use blue cheese dressing or sour cream for a tangy alternative. If you do not have slider buns, use soft dinner rolls or even mini brioche buns for a rich flavor. For milder sliders, cut the hot sauce with a little melted butter or add extra ranch to taste. Mix up the cheeses—Monterey jack, cheddar, or pepper jack all work well and will melt smoothly for that classic cheese pull.
Bake these sliders the same day for that gooey pull and flavorful crust. They are always a hit and are easy enough for any celebration or cozy night in.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of chicken works best for sliders?
Shredded cooked chicken, such as rotisserie or poached breast, works well for tender, flavorful sliders.
- → Can I make these sliders less spicy?
Yes. Reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder hot sauce to tone down the heat.
- → What cheese pairs best with buffalo chicken?
A blend of mozzarella and cheddar provides creamy melt and balances the spicy buffalo flavors.
- → How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?
Line the buns and don't overfill with sauce. Baking helps firm the texture and keep buns crisp.
- → Can these be prepared ahead of time?
Prepare and assemble the sliders in advance, then bake just before serving for the best texture.