If you are craving a flavorful, zingy treat that’s perfect for game day or any gathering, this Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe is your new best friend. Combining tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo wing sauce with creamy ranch, melty mozzarella cheese, and soft slider buns, these little sandwiches pack a big punch. They are easy to assemble, bake to perfection, and deliver that irresistible balance of heat, creaminess, and savory goodness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe. From the tender chicken and spicy buffalo sauce to the soft slider buns and melted cheese, every component adds flavor, texture, or that classic tangy kick.
- 12 slider buns: Soft and mini-sized to hold just the right amount of filling without overpowering.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded: The hearty base, providing protein and a tender texture to absorb the sauce.
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce: The star of the dish, bringing heat and that unmistakable buffalo tang.
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing: Adds a cool, creamy contrast to balance the spice perfectly.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top, offering gooey richness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Brushed on top for a golden, flavorful crust with a hint of garlic and onion.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle depth to the buttery topping.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic for a savory finish.
- Optional blue cheese crumbles or sliced green onions: For an extra burst of tang or freshness when serving.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken Mixture
Begin by tossing the shredded cooked chicken breast with the buffalo wing sauce in a medium bowl until every shred is well coated. This step ensures each bite bursts with spicy buffalo flavor, the heart of this recipe.
Step 2: Arrange the Slider Buns
Slice your slider buns horizontally and place the bottom halves evenly in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This base supports the chicken filling, keeping everything neatly together while baking.
Step 3: Layer the Filling
Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom bun halves, then drizzle the ranch dressing on top to add cool creaminess. Next, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the layers for that irresistible melted top.
Step 4: Complete the Assembly
Place the top halves of the slider buns back over the chicken filling. In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic and onion powder, then brush this flavorful blend over the slider tops, setting the stage for a golden, tasty crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the sliders loosely with foil and bake in your preheated 350°F oven for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for 8 to 10 more minutes, until the buns are toasted golden and the cheese has melted beautifully. Let the sliders cool just a bit before serving for easy handling and maximum enjoyment.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle optional blue cheese crumbles or sliced green onions on top just before serving to add pops of flavor and freshness. These garnishes elevate your Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe, making each bite even more dynamic and colorful.
Side Dishes
Pairing your sliders with crisp celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a cool cucumber salad creates a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy, cheesy focus of the sandwiches. A crunchy slaw or even some kettle-cooked chips will round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve the sliders on a wooden board lined with parchment for rustic charm, or stack them carefully on tiered trays for a fun buffet display. You can also offer small bowls of extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for double dipping pleasure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the chicken juicy and the buns from becoming too dry while allowing the flavors to meld even more.
Freezing
You can freeze these sliders before baking by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Keep them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as instructed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes until warm and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the buns soft and avoid sogginess, preserving that fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds extra flavor and saves prep time. Just shred it and toss with buffalo sauce as directed.
How spicy are these sliders?
The sliders have a moderate level of heat from the buffalo wing sauce, balanced by the creamy ranch. You can adjust the spice by using more or less buffalo sauce to suit your taste.
Can I substitute the mozzarella cheese?
Yes, while mozzarella melts beautifully, you can use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend for different flavors and textures in your Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe.
Is it possible to make these vegetarian?
If you want a vegetarian version, try substituting shredded jackfruit or a plant-based chicken alternative tossed in buffalo sauce. The rest of the recipe remains the same and just as delicious.
Can these sliders be made ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the sliders a few hours or even the day before, cover tightly with foil, and bake them fresh just before serving to save time and reduce stress during your event.
Final Thoughts
These Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe are a total crowd-pleaser with their perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and cheesy goodness packed into bite-sized buns. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or just craving comfort food with a kick, these sliders deliver every time. Go ahead and give this recipe a try—you’ll be glad you did!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day or any party. Tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo wing sauce is layered on soft slider buns, topped with ranch dressing and melted mozzarella cheese. A flavorful garlic butter topping adds a golden finish. Easy to assemble and bake, they deliver a perfect balance of heat and creaminess in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 slider buns
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Topping
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Optional Toppings
- Blue cheese crumbles
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken breast with the buffalo wing sauce, stirring until the chicken is evenly coated for consistent flavor.
- Assemble Sliders – Bottom Buns: Slice the slider buns horizontally and place the bottom halves in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Chicken and Toppings: Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns, then drizzle with ranch dressing and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Add Top Buns: Place the top halves of the slider buns over the cheesy chicken layer to complete the sandwich assembly.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the melted unsalted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a flavorful brush-on topping.
- Brush Sliders and Cover: Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the tops of the assembled sliders. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil to keep moisture in during initial baking.
- Bake Covered: Bake the sliders covered for 15 minutes in the preheated oven to warm through and melt the cheese.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until the tops are golden brown and cheese is nicely melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the sliders cool slightly after baking to set before serving warm, optionally topped with blue cheese crumbles or sliced green onions for extra flavor and garnish.
Notes
- For extra heat, mix a little additional buffalo wing sauce into the ranch dressing before drizzling.
- These sliders can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving to save time on game day.
- Use cooked chicken breast leftover from a rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Optional toppings like blue cheese crumbles or green onions add a tangy or fresh contrast.
