Buffalo Chicken Sliders are tiny, tasty sandwiches that pack a spicy punch! Made with shredded chicken tossed in a zesty buffalo sauce and topped with creamy ranch dressing, they’re irresistible.
These sliders are perfect for game day or any fun gathering. Trust me, there’s always room for just one more slider, right? I love serving them with crispy veggies on the side for a crunch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for this recipe. It’s quick and flavorful! You could also use leftover grilled chicken or even shredded turkey.
Buffalo Sauce: Adjust the heat level with your favorite buffalo sauce. If you want a milder option, try a sweet chili sauce instead. For more heat, consider adding some hot sauce.
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can be good alternatives too for a creamier texture or added spice.
Ranch Dressing: I usually add ranch for extra creaminess, but you can skip it for a lighter version. Blue cheese dressing works well if you want a more authentic Buffalo experience.
Slider Buns: Sweet slider buns are my favorite, but regular hamburger buns or even whole grain versions will work too. Just be sure they can hold the filling!
How Do I Make Sure My Sliders Stay Moist and Flavorful?
Keeping your sliders juicy and tasty is all about balancing the flavors and moisture. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce thoroughly, so every piece is coated.
- Don’t skip brushing the garlic butter mixture on top; it adds flavor and helps brown the buns.
- Cover the sliders with foil while baking to trap moisture and prevent them from drying out.
- Remove the foil for the last few minutes to allow the tops to crisp up nicely.
These steps will help ensure your Buffalo Chicken Sliders are flavorful and not dry, making them a hit at any gathering!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Buffalo Filling:
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing (optional)
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (sweet or regular)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried herbs (such as thyme or oregano)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to bake, making it a quick and tasty dish overall! You’ll have delicious Buffalo Chicken Sliders ready in about 40 minutes—perfect for parties or game day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will make sure the sliders cook evenly and come out perfectly warm and golden.
2. Mix the Buffalo Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, half of the cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing (if you’re using it). Stir everything together well so the chicken is nicely coated in the spicy sauce.
3. Prepare the Slider Buns:
Carefully slice the slider buns in half, keeping the top and bottom halves connected. Now, place just the bottom halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will be the base for your sliders.
4. Assemble the Sliders:
Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the buns. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture. Place the top halves of the buns on top, creating little sandwiches.
5. Add Flavor with Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, dried herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Brush this tasty mixture over the top of the slider buns to add flavor and help them brown nicely.
6. Bake the Sliders:
Cover the sliders with aluminum foil and pop them in the oven to bake for about 15-20 minutes. This will heat them through while keeping them moist.
7. Final Baking:
After 15-20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and let the sliders bake for another 5-10 minutes. This will get the tops golden brown and melt the cheese to perfection.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re done baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, cut the sliders apart and serve them warm. You can garnish with fresh parsley for a lovely touch. Enjoy your delicious Buffalo Chicken Sliders!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you have frozen cooked chicken, make sure to thaw it first. The best way to thaw is in the refrigerator overnight, but if you’re short on time, you can also place the sealed chicken in a bowl of cold water for about an hour. Once thawed, shred it before mixing with the buffalo sauce.
What If I Don’t Have Ranch Dressing?
No worries! If you don’t have ranch dressing on hand, you can substitute it with blue cheese dressing for a classic buffalo flavor, or simply omit it altogether if you prefer. The buffalo sauce will still provide plenty of flavor!
How Should I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the sliders in foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the oven will keep the buns crispy!
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the buffalo chicken mixture and assemble the sliders without baking them. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just bake them according to the recipe instructions. This way, you’ll have a quick and delicious meal ready to go!
