Buffalo Chicken Sliders have become my go-to for game days and potlucks because they’re just so incredibly satisfying! I remember the first time I made them for a Super Bowl party; the aroma of spicy chicken and melted cheese filled my kitchen, and they disappeared within minutes. These easy buffalo chicken sliders are a crowd-pleaser, offering that perfect kick of heat balanced with creamy ranch and sweet Hawaiian rolls. They’re incredibly versatile, working wonderfully as main dishes or as delightful buffalo chicken slider appetizers. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love These Buffalo Chicken Sliders
These sliders are a guaranteed hit for so many reasons:
- Incredible Flavor: The perfect balance of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, and sweet rolls creates an unforgettable taste sensation.
- Lightning Fast Prep: Thanks to using pre-cooked chicken, these are truly quick buffalo chicken sliders, ready in minutes.
- Budget-Friendly: Feeding a crowd doesn’t have to break the bank; these are incredibly economical.
- Family Approved: Even picky eaters love the mild heat and sweet bread, making them a family-friendly option.
- Versatile Serving: They’re fantastic as appetizers or a light dinner – perfect for any occasion.
- Effortless Entertaining: Prepare them for parties and enjoy more time with your guests.
- Speedy Weeknight Meal: When you need dinner fast, these quick buffalo chicken sliders save the day.
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Slider Sandwiches
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to making amazing shredded buffalo chicken sliders at home. I always opt for rotisserie chicken because it’s already cooked and seasoned, which makes this recipe incredibly fast. The King’s Hawaiian rolls are a must for their perfect sweetness that balances the spice. Don’t worry if you can’t find them; any soft slider buns will work, though the sweet ones really make these buffalo chicken slider sandwiches shine.
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken – rotisserie chicken is my favorite for convenience and flavor
- 12 King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls – these add a touch of sweetness that complements the spice
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing – for that cool, creamy tang
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce – choose your favorite heat level!
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded – sharp cheddar melts beautifully
- 1/4 cup butter, melted – to brush on top for golden deliciousness
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt – adds a punch of savory flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning – for an herby aroma
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Let’s dive into how to make buffalo chicken sliders! It’s a straightforward process that delivers big flavor. First, get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting the cheese perfectly melted and the rolls delightfully golden. While the oven heats up, you’ll work on the filling. Grab a large bowl; this is where the magic happens. Combine the 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken with the 1/2 cup ranch dressing and the 1/2 cup buffalo sauce. Mix it all together until the chicken is evenly coated in that vibrant, spicy sauce. You’ll start to smell that classic buffalo chicken aroma – it’s fantastic!
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce. Mix until the chicken is well-coated.
- Step 3: Take your entire block of 12 King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls and carefully slice them horizontally in half using a serrated knife. This keeps them together for easy handling.
- Step 4: Place the bottom halves of the rolls into a baking dish. They should fit snugly.
- Step 5: Spread the spicy buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom rolls. Try to get an even layer across all of them.
- Step 6: Generously sprinkle the 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture. Seeing that cheese piled on is always a good sign!
- Step 7: Carefully place the top halves of the rolls back on top of the cheese and chicken mixture.
- Step 8: In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup melted butter with the 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning. This makes for a delicious, savory topping.
- Step 9: Brush the tops of the assembled sliders with this seasoned butter mixture. It will give them a beautiful golden sheen and extra flavor.
- Step 10: Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be completely melted and bubbly, and the tops of the rolls to be a lovely golden brown. The aroma as they bake is incredible, confirming you know how to make buffalo chicken sliders that are just right.
- Step 11: Once they’re out of the oven, let them sit for just a minute before slicing into individual sliders. Serve these delicious buffalo chicken sliders warm and enjoy the amazing taste!
Pro Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Want to elevate your game with these sliders? I’ve picked up a few tricks that make all the difference:
- Using rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver for these quick buffalo chicken sliders.
- Shredding your own cheese from a block melts much better than pre-shredded, giving you that gooey goodness.
- Don’t skip the seasoned butter topping; it adds a fantastic savory crust to the rolls.
- Letting the mixture sit on the bottom buns for a few minutes before adding the tops helps them meld together.
What’s the secret to perfect buffalo chicken sliders?
The key to perfect buffalo chicken sliders is the balance of flavors and textures. Using a good quality ranch dressing and a flavorful buffalo sauce is crucial. The sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls cuts through the spice perfectly, creating the best buffalo chicken sliders. For more tips on flavor balancing, check out this guide on flavor profiles.
Can I make buffalo chicken sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble these sliders up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re heated through.
How do I avoid common mistakes with buffalo chicken sliders?
A common pitfall is overbaking, which can dry out the chicken. Keep an eye on them and bake just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Another mistake is not slicing the rolls evenly; a serrated knife makes this task much easier for consistent sliders. For more baking tips, you might find this article on baking techniques helpful.
Best Ways to Serve Buffalo Chicken Sliders
These delicious little sandwiches are so versatile! They’re fantastic on their own, but I love serving them as part of a larger spread. For an appetizer setup, a platter of these buffalo chicken sliders alongside some celery sticks and carrot sticks is classic. I always make sure to have extra buffalo chicken sliders with ranch dressing or blue cheese for dipping – it’s a must! For a more substantial meal, pair them with a simple side salad or some crispy sweet potato fries. They really are perfect for any gathering, from casual game nights to more festive parties. You can find great side dish ideas at this recipe collection.
Nutrition Facts for Buffalo Chicken Sliders
When you’re enjoying these delightful buffalo chicken sliders, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting per serving. Each slider is packed with flavor, and here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information:
- Calories: 666 kcal
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1200mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the brand of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. For more information on understanding nutritional labels, you can refer to resources like the FDA’s Nutrition Facts Label guide.
How to Store and Reheat Homemade Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Even though these buffalo chicken sliders are usually gobbled up in minutes, sometimes you end up with delicious leftovers! Once they’ve cooled down a bit, it’s best to store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you’ve made a big batch and want to freeze them for later, wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and they’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. These homemade buffalo chicken sliders are fantastic reheated!
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is super simple. For a quick warm-up, you can pop them in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, though they might be a little softer. My favorite way to reheat them is in a toaster oven or a regular oven at around 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, until they’re heated through and the tops are a little crispy again. An air fryer also works wonders! For more reheating tips, consider this guide on food reheating methods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Chicken Sliders
What are buffalo chicken sliders?
Buffalo chicken sliders are essentially mini sandwiches made with shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, typically served on sweet slider buns with a creamy dressing like ranch or blue cheese. They’re a popular appetizer or snack, especially for game days or parties, offering a flavor-packed bite that’s easy to eat.
Can I use a different type of chicken?
Absolutely! While rotisserie chicken is incredibly convenient, you can certainly use other cooked chicken. Boiled and shredded chicken breast or even leftover cooked chicken works perfectly. Just ensure it’s cooked through and nicely shredded before mixing with the buffalo sauce and ranch for your homemade buffalo chicken sliders.
What can I serve with buffalo chicken sliders?
These sliders are quite versatile! They pair wonderfully with classic bar snacks like potato chips or pretzels. For a more complete meal or appetizer spread, consider serving them with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and extra dips like blue cheese or ranch dressing. Sweet potato fries or a simple side salad also make great accompaniments to these flavorful mini sandwiches. You can find more appetizer ideas at this link.
Are buffalo chicken sliders spicy?
The spiciness of buffalo chicken sliders really depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. Most standard buffalo sauces offer a medium heat, but you can easily find mild or extra-hot versions to suit your preference. You can also adjust the amount of sauce you use to control the heat level, making them as mild or as fiery as you like!
Variations of Buffalo Chicken Sliders You Can Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, there are so many ways to customize your homemade buffalo chicken sliders! If you’re looking for something healthier, try using whole wheat slider buns and a lighter ranch dressing. For those who love extra heat, you can definitely amp up the spice by using a hotter buffalo sauce or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture – these will be your new favorite spicy buffalo chicken sliders!
Another fun variation is to switch up the cheese; a pepper jack or a sharp cheddar blend can add a different dimension of flavor. If you’re short on time or don’t want to turn on the oven, you can also make these in a slow cooker! Just combine the chicken, buffalo sauce, and ranch in the slow cooker and cook on low until heated through, then serve on slider buns. These are truly adaptable chicken slider recipes buffalo style!
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Buffalo Chicken Sliders: 10 Amazing Bites
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a perfect blend of spicy buffalo chicken, creamy ranch, and sweet Hawaiian rolls, baked until golden and gooey with melted cheddar. They are an ideal appetizer for parties or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 12 King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce. Mix well.
- Slice the entire block of Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half with a serrated knife.
- Place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
- Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom rolls.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture.
- Place the top halves of the rolls on top.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic salt and Italian seasoning.
- Brush the tops of the rolls with the seasoned butter.
- Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Slice into individual sliders and serve warm.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken is recommended for ease and flavor.
- Shred your own cheese for better melting.
- Serve with extra ranch or blue cheese for dipping.
- Can be made ahead by assembling and refrigerating before baking.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat in the oven or air fryer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 666 kcal
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