If you’re craving the bold, spicy, tangy flavors of buffalo wings but want them in a convenient, handheld format, these buffalo chicken sliders are about to become your new obsession. These little powerhouses pack all the heat and flavor of classic buffalo sauce paired with tender, juicy chicken, creamy cheese, and a soft bun that holds everything together beautifully. What makes this recipe so irresistible is the perfect balance between the fiery kick of buffalo sauce, the cooling relief of ranch or blue cheese dressing, and the satisfying texture of melted cheese. Additionally, they’re remarkably easy to prepare—whether you’re using rotisserie chicken for a quick weeknight dinner or shredded chicken from scratch, you’ll have restaurant-quality sliders on your table in about 25 minutes. These are the kind of sliders that disappear within minutes at parties, yet they’re simple enough that even novice cooks can execute them flawlessly. Furthermore, they work equally well as game day appetizers, casual lunch fare, or an impressive dish to serve at gatherings where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
This recipe makes 12 sliders (serves 4–6 people)
- 12 slider buns or dinner rolls
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 1.5 pounds)
- ¾ cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot or similar brand)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 12 slices of cheddar or pepper jack cheese
- ¼ cup diced celery (optional, for crunch)
- 3 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese or ranch powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra heat
- Optional: 6–8 crispy bacon pieces
- Optional: ¼ cup diced red onion
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and position the oven rack to the middle setting for even heat distribution.
2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, tossing until every piece is evenly coated with the spicy mixture.
3. Add the softened butter and ranch dressing to the chicken mixture, stirring gently until well incorporated.
4. Stir in the garlic powder and black pepper, tasting the mixture to adjust heat level if desired.
5. Slice each slider bun horizontally to create a top and bottom half, being careful to keep them slightly attached at the seam.
6. Spread a thin layer of the remaining softened butter on the inside of each bottom bun half.
7. Divide the buffalo chicken mixture evenly among the 12 bun bottoms, spooning approximately 3–4 tablespoons into each slider.
8. Meanwhile, place one slice of cheese directly on top of the chicken filling in each slider.
9. If using optional crispy bacon, crumble a small piece over the cheese in each slider before closing.
10. Close each slider by placing the top bun half over the chicken and cheese, pressing down gently.
11. Arrange all 12 sliders in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
12. Cover the baking sheet tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and prevent excessive browning.
13. Bake covered for 12 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the sliders heat through.
14. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 3–4 minutes until the buns turn golden brown and slightly crispy.
15. Take the sliders out of the oven and allow them to rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
Next, serve these sliders warm, preferably immediately after baking when the cheese is still melted and gooey. Additionally, set out small bowls of ranch dressing and additional buffalo sauce for dipping, allowing guests to customize their heat level and flavor experience. These pair exceptionally well with classic sides like crispy french fries, celery sticks with blue cheese dip, or creamy coleslaw for a cooling contrast. Furthermore, consider offering pickled vegetables, jalapeños, or sliced red onion as optional toppings that guests can add individually. To make a complete meal, serve alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables that balance the boldness of the buffalo sauce. Meanwhile, cold beverages like iced tea, lemonade, or beer complement these spicy sliders perfectly. They’re ideal for game day gatherings, casual parties, potlucks, or any occasion where bold flavors and easy eating are appreciated.
Storage Tips
To store leftover sliders, allow them to cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep for up to three days. However, note that the buns may soften over time, though the buffalo chicken filling remains delicious. When reheating, wrap individual sliders in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20–30 seconds, or place them in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil for about 5 minutes to restore the buns’ texture. Alternatively, you can reheat just the buffalo chicken filling separately and reassemble the sliders with fresh buns for the best texture. For freezing, wrap cooled sliders individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. To use frozen sliders, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat using one of the methods mentioned above. Additionally, you can freeze the buffalo chicken filling separately in an airtight container for up to three months, then use it for sliders, nachos, or salads whenever you need a quick meal.
Helpful Notes
Ingredient Substitutions: If you prefer less heat, use mild buffalo sauce or a buffalo-ranch blend, or reduce the amount of buffalo sauce and add more ranch dressing. Next, you can substitute pepper jack cheese with provolone or Swiss if you prefer milder flavors. Additionally, if you don’t have slider buns, regular dinner rolls or brioche buns work wonderfully. For a healthier option, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs, though thighs remain juicier during cooking.
Preparing the Chicken: To begin with, you can use a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store for the quickest preparation—simply shred it with two forks or your hands. Alternatively, cook chicken breasts or thighs in a slow cooker with buffalo sauce for 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high, then shred with forks. Another option involves poaching chicken breasts in boiling water for 12–15 minutes until cooked through, then shredding and combining with buffalo sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: However, avoid overfilling the sliders, as excessive filling makes them difficult to eat and prevents even heating. Additionally, don’t skip the foil covering during the first baking stage, as this ensures the chicken mixture heats through before the buns brown. Furthermore, be cautious with the heat level—taste the buffalo chicken mixture before assembling sliders so you can adjust the spice level to your preference.
Time-Saving Tricks: To streamline preparation, shred the chicken and combine it with buffalo sauce and ranch dressing up to one day in advance, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Meanwhile, assemble the sliders up to four hours ahead, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake—simply add 2–3 minutes to the baking time. Additionally, prepare the buns by slicing them the night before to save time on assembly day.
Chef Tips
Tip 1: Use blue cheese crumbles mixed into the chicken filling instead of (or in addition to) blue cheese dressing for a more complex, authentic buffalo wing flavor that truly elevates these sliders.
Tip 2: Toast the buns lightly in a dry skillet before assembling for extra texture and enhanced flavor depth—this professional technique adds a subtle crispness that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the buffalo chicken filling in advance? Absolutely—prepare the filling up to two days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before assembling and baking the sliders.
How spicy are these sliders, and can I adjust the heat level? The heat level depends on your buffalo sauce choice and the amount used. Start with ¾ cup sauce and add more for spiciness, or use milder sauce and add extra ranch dressing for a creamier, less fiery version.
What’s the best cheese for buffalo chicken sliders? Pepper jack cheese offers a spicy complement to the buffalo flavors, while sharp cheddar provides a tangy richness. Blue cheese adds authentic wing-dip flavor, though any melting cheese works.
Can I freeze these sliders uncooked? Yes, assemble uncooked sliders, wrap individually in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to one month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the cooking time.
What dips pair best with buffalo chicken sliders? Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, and creamy coleslaw dressing all complement these sliders beautifully. Additionally, cool sour cream or Greek yogurt provides relief from the spice.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of tender, buffalo-sauced chicken with the cooling creaminess of ranch dressing and melted cheese creates a perfect balance of flavors that keeps people coming back for more. Additionally, the buffalo sauce clings to every piece of chicken, ensuring that each bite delivers consistent spicy, tangy flavor throughout. Meanwhile, the cheese acts as a flavor bridge and provides structural integrity, holding the juicy filling in place while adding richness. Furthermore, the soft, buttered buns provide the ideal contrast to the bold flavors within, creating a sandwich that’s both exciting and satisfying. The beauty of this recipe also lies in its speed—most of the preparation involves simply combining ingredients rather than complicated cooking techniques, making these sliders accessible to cooks of any skill level.
Variations to Try
Blue Cheese & Bacon Version: Next, crumble blue cheese directly into the buffalo chicken mixture and top each slider with crispy bacon pieces for a more decadent take on the classic.
Creamy Buffalo Style: To try something different, reduce the buffalo sauce to ½ cup and add ¼ cup buffalo ranch dip for a creamier, less spicy slider version.
Buffalo Chicken Dip Style: However, combine the buffalo chicken with cream cheese and cheddar to create a dip-like consistency, resulting in ultra-creamy sliders perfect for those who prefer milder flavors.
Crispy Fried Chicken Version: As an alternative, use crispy fried chicken pieces tossed in buffalo sauce instead of shredded chicken for added texture and crunch.
Vegetarian Buffalo Option: For a meat-free version, substitute shredded chicken with crispy fried cauliflower florets or crumbled fried tempeh tossed in buffalo sauce.
Pairing Suggestions
These buffalo chicken sliders shine when accompanied by cooling side dishes that contrast with their heat. Next, consider serving with a creamy blue cheese coleslaw, crispy french fries with ranch dip, or fresh celery and carrot sticks with blue cheese dressing. Additionally, a simple green salad dressed with a mild vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance to the spicy filling. Meanwhile, baked beans or macaroni and cheese add comfort-food appeal for heartier appetites. Furthermore, pickled vegetables or pickled onions offer bright, tangy flavors that complement buffalo sauce beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo chicken sliders bring together bold flavors, convenient serving style, and impressive presentation in one delicious package. Whether you’re hosting a crowd, preparing a quick family dinner, or contributing to a potluck gathering, these sliders deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Additionally, the versatility of this recipe means you can adjust heat levels, cheese choices, and toppings to suit different preferences and dietary needs. Next time you’re craving buffalo wings but want something more substantial and shareable, remember that these sliders are just 25 minutes away from becoming the star of any meal.
Did you love this recipe? If you enjoyed making these Buffalo Chicken Sliders, we’d be thrilled if you’d save this recipe to your favorites, pin it to your Pinterest board, or share it with a friend who’d appreciate it! Your support means everything to us and helps us keep creating delicious recipes to share. Tell us in the comments how your sliders turned out and what toppings you loved—we’d absolutely love to hear about your experience!
