Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Spicy buffalo chicken sliders have become my go-to dish for fun family dinners and casual gatherings. Each bite packs serious flavor with the perfect mix of heat and creamy ranch, all nestled inside soft slider buns. Whether you are hosting game night or need an easy weeknight treat, these sliders come together with simple steps and guaranteed crowd appeal.

I whipped these up for a last-minute get-together with neighbors and there were none left by the end of the evening. Now my friends send reminders for the recipe before every potluck.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Slider buns: the pillowy foundation that holds everything together. Get a bakery fresh pack for best texture.
• Shredded chicken: the heart of the sliders. Use leftover roast or rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor.
• Franks buffalo hot sauce: gives the signature tangy heat. Look for the original flavor for best results.
• Ranch dressing: cools the heat and adds a creamy balance. Choose a thick and flavorful brand.
• Salt: enhances all the other flavors. A fine sea salt is ideal.
• Ground black pepper: brings gentle warmth and depth. Freshly cracked is preferred.
• Shredded cheese: creates the melty topping. Cheddar offers boldness but Monterey Jack makes it extra gooey.
• Butter: helps the tops get deliciously golden while baking. Use real unsalted butter for richness.

How to Make It

Preheat and Prepare the Dish:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a nine inch square baking dish with parchment paper covering the bottom and allowing for easy lifting later.

Make the Chicken Buffalo Mixture:

In a medium mixing bowl combine the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir thoroughly until every piece of chicken is coated and vibrant in color.

Prepare the Buns:

Place the bottom halves of the slider buns close together in a single snug layer on the lined baking dish. Press them gently to help keep their shape.

Layer and Assemble the Sliders:

Spoon generous portions of the chicken mixture onto each bun bottom, making sure the filling is evenly distributed. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the chicken, then cover each with the top half of the buns.

Butter Baste the Tops:

Melt the butter in a microwave or on the stove. Pour into a small bowl. Add a pinch of granulated garlic and a pinch of Italian seasoning if you have them. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the tops of the buns, ensuring every spot is shiny.

Bake Covered:

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for fifteen minutes. This allows the filling to warm and the cheese to melt without browning the bread too early.

Finish Baking for the Golden Top:

Remove the foil and slide the dish back into the oven. Bake for another five to ten minutes, watching carefully. The tops should turn golden and the cheese bubbles at the edges.

Cut and Serve:

Use a sharp knife to separate the sliders along the seams. Serve immediately while the cheese is hot and gooey. Pair with extra ranch or crunchy celery sticks for a classic buffalo touch.

My favorite part is the buttery topping that crisps in the oven and soaks each bun with flavor. My kids are always eager to brush the tops and sneak extra cheese between the layers. One holiday everyone got in on the assembly line and the kitchen was filled with laughter and the smell of buffalo sauce.

Flavor Boosters

Brush the tops of the buns with melted butter and a pinch of granulated garlic or Italian seasoning before baking for added depth. Stir finely chopped celery into the chicken mixture for crunch, or sprinkle minced chives over finished sliders for color and light onion flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with sliced pickles on the side for a vinegary crunch. Pair with carrot and celery sticks to channel the classic buffalo wing spread. Consider a side of crispy oven fries or coleslaw for a heartier meal. Sometimes I cut each slider in half for bite sized mini pieces which disappear quickly as appetizers at parties.

Creative Twists

Try using cooked turkey instead of chicken for a tasty variation. Colby Jack or pepper jack cheeses offer a new flavor twist. For a milder version, opt for half buffalo sauce and half barbecue sauce. Gluten free slider buns work well with this filling. You can even replace the meat with cooked buffalo style cauliflower florets for a vegetarian version.

These sliders are always a hit and disappear fast no matter the crowd. Take your time to layer and brush the buns well, and enjoy every gooey, spicy bite!

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?

Use parchment paper to line the baking dish and avoid overfilling with sauce. Baking uncovered towards the end ensures the buns stay crisp.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Assemble the sliders and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add butter topping just before baking for the best texture and flavor.

→ What cheese works best for these sliders?

Shredded mozzarella or cheddar melt well, but any cheese you prefer can be used for extra richness and flavor.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken saves time and works perfectly for this dish. Simply shred and mix with the buffalo sauce mixture.

→ Are there variations for different spice levels?

Adjust the amount or type of buffalo sauce to control heat. For a milder version, mix in more ranch or use a mild buffalo sauce.