Buffalo Chicken Sliders: The Ultimate Guide

When it comes to party food, game-day snacks, or even casual dinners, nothing quite hits the spot like buffalo chicken sliders. These bite-sized sandwiches pack all the bold, tangy flavors of buffalo wings into a convenient slider, making them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a group of friends or looking for an easy dinner option, these sliders are sure to be a hit.

In this guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about buffalo chicken sliders—from the essential ingredients and step-by-step recipe to serving suggestions and tips for customizing your sliders to perfection. By the end of this article, you’ll be fully equipped to whip up the best buffalo chicken sliders at home!

What Are Buffalo Chicken Sliders?

Simply put, buffalo chicken sliders are mini sandwiches that feature shredded chicken coated in spicy buffalo sauce, topped with melted cheese, and nestled between soft slider buns. Their compact size makes them perfect for appetizers, but don’t be surprised if they become the main course. These sliders are designed to be both flavorful and convenient, making them a versatile dish for any occasion.

Why Buffalo Chicken Sliders Are So Popular

The popularity of buffalo chicken sliders lies in their universal appeal. They can be served as:

• A snack for game day
• An appetizer at casual get-togethers or potlucks
• A quick and easy weeknight dinner

Their addictive combination of spicy buffalo sauce and creamy dressing (like ranch or blue cheese) makes them irresistible. If you’re looking for the perfect pairing, check out the Best Ranch Dressing: Food Editor’s Pick to find the top choices for your sliders. Plus, who doesn’t love mini sandwiches that are easy to grab and eat?

This article will cover everything from the history of buffalo chicken flavors to essential ingredients, recipe variations, and frequently asked questions to help you make the most delicious sliders possible.

A Brief History of Buffalo Chicken Flavors

To appreciate buffalo chicken sliders, it’s important to understand the origin of buffalo chicken. If you love exploring new chicken recipes, try out these 4-Ingredient Chicken Breast Recipes for more simple and delicious options. The now-famous buffalo wing was first created in Buffalo, New York, in 1964. Traditionally, buffalo sauce is a mixture of hot sauce and melted butter, delivering that signature tangy and spicy kick.

Over time, this iconic flavor has evolved into a variety of dishes—buffalo chicken sliders being one of the most popular adaptations. By combining the classic taste of buffalo wings with the ease of sliders, this dish has become a fan favorite across the country.

Essential Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Making the perfect buffalo chicken sliders starts with gathering a few key ingredients. While you can get creative with customizations, sticking to the basics ensures you’ll get that iconic buffalo flavor every time.

Core Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Making perfect buffalo chicken sliders starts with gathering the right ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the essential components you’ll need to create these flavorful sliders.

Shredded Chicken

The chicken is the heart of your sliders. I usually opt for rotisserie chicken because it’s quick, flavorful, and already cooked. For more ways to incorporate rotisserie chicken into your meals, try these Quick & Easy Rotisserie Chicken Dinners for even more inspiration. However, you can also prepare your own chicken breasts or thighs at home if you prefer more control over the seasoning.

• Rotisserie Chicken: Convenient, pre-cooked, and tender.
• Homemade Chicken: If you prefer to season and cook your own chicken, this works just as well. Cook the chicken breasts or thighs, then shred them.

Buffalo Sauce

Buffalo sauce is what gives these sliders their signature spicy kick. You can easily use store-bought sauces like Frank’s RedHot, or, if you prefer a more customized flavor, make your own sauce. For more ideas, check out this recipe for Chicken Brine to make your chicken even more tender and flavorful.

• Store-bought: Convenient and consistently tasty.
• Homemade: Allows you to control the spice and flavor (more on that later).

Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing

Balancing out the heat from the buffalo sauce is key. Both ranch and blue cheese dressing are popular choices for this, and it’s really about personal preference. I personally prefer ranch because it’s creamy and mild, while blue cheese offers a more intense flavor.

• Ranch Dressing: Adds a creamy, mild contrast to the spicy chicken.
• Blue Cheese Dressing: Provides a bold, tangy flavor for those who love stronger cheeses.

Cheese

Melted cheese on top of your sliders adds that gooey, delicious layer that makes them irresistible. My favorite is mozzarella because it melts beautifully, but other cheeses like cheddar and pepper jack are also great choices depending on your taste.

• Mozzarella: Mild and melty, a great base for any slider.
• Cheddar: Adds a sharp, rich flavor.
• Pepper Jack: Perfect for those who like a little extra heat in their sliders.

Slider Buns

Soft, pillowy buns are crucial for sliders. Hawaiian rolls are my favorite—they have a slight sweetness that balances the heat of the buffalo sauce beautifully. If you want to take it up a notch, you can try making your own Tried & True Honey Butter Rolls, which are fantastic for sliders. However, other options work just as well depending on what you have on hand.

• Hawaiian Rolls: Sweet and soft, ideal for sliders.
• Dinner Rolls: A firmer option that holds up well against saucy fillings.

Optional Add-Ins

To enhance the flavor and texture of your buffalo chicken sliders, consider adding some finely chopped veggies. These add a satisfying crunch and freshness to each bite.

• Green Onions: Adds freshness and a slight onion flavor.
• Celery & Carrots: A classic pairing with buffalo sauce that adds extra crunch.

By using these ingredients, you’ll have a well-rounded, flavorful batch of buffalo chicken sliders that are sure to impress.

Why Hawaiian Rolls Work Best

I love using Hawaiian rolls for buffalo chicken sliders because of their soft texture and slightly sweet taste. The sweetness perfectly complements the spiciness of the buffalo sauce, creating a balanced bite every time. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can try brioche buns or gluten-free options based on your preference.

Step-by-Step Recipe Breakdown for Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Now that we have the ingredients ready, let’s walk through the process of making delicious buffalo chicken sliders. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of flavorful sliders ready to serve in no time.

1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture

Start by shredding your chicken. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, remove the meat from the bones and shred it with your hands or two forks.

• Toss the shredded chicken in a large bowl with buffalo sauce. I usually use Frank’s RedHot, but feel free to experiment with your favorite brand or homemade sauce.
• Add a generous amount of ranch or blue cheese dressing to the mixture. This helps balance the heat and keeps the chicken moist.
• For a little extra crunch, mix in some finely chopped celery and green onions. The vegetables will provide a nice texture that complements the tender chicken. You could also try these Crispy Chicken Cutlet Recipes for a crunchy alternative to shredded chicken.

2. Assemble the Sliders

• Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the buns connected. This makes it easier to assemble the sliders.
• Place the bottom half of the buns in a baking dish and spread the chicken mixture evenly across the rolls.
• Top the chicken with a layer of shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or your cheese of choice.
• Place the top half of the buns over the chicken and cheese.

3. Bake to Perfection

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Melt some butter and mix it with garlic powder and onion flakes. Brush this mixture over the tops of the buns for extra flavor.
• Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. This will help the cheese melt and the sliders heat through without drying out.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the tops of the buns are golden brown and crispy.

Let the sliders cool for a few minutes before cutting them into individual portions. Then, they’re ready to serve!

Tips for Making Sliders Ahead of Time

If you’re prepping for a party, you can make buffalo chicken sliders ahead of time. Here are a few tips:

• Prepping in Advance: Prepare the chicken mixture a day before and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, assemble the sliders and bake.
• Avoiding Soggy Buns: Assemble the sliders right before baking to avoid soggy buns. Storing the chicken and buns separately ensures they stay fresh.

Recipe Variations & Customizations for Buffalo Chicken Sliders

One of the best things about buffalo chicken sliders is how easy they are to customize. From changing up the cheese to adding different veggies, there are endless ways to make this dish your own.

Customizing the Cheese Options

While mozzarella is my favorite cheese for these sliders, you can switch it up based on your personal taste:

• White Cheddar: A sharp, rich cheese that pairs well with the spicy buffalo sauce.
• Blue Cheese: If you’re a fan of bold flavors, add crumbled blue cheese for an extra tangy kick.
• Pepper Jack: For those who like it spicy, pepper jack adds a little more heat to the dish.

Homemade Buffalo Sauce vs. Store-Bought

If you want to take your sliders to the next level, try making your own buffalo sauce. It’s simple to prepare and allows you to customize the heat level.

How to Make Homemade Buffalo Sauce

• Ingredients: Hot sauce (Frank’s works great), butter, garlic powder, and paprika.
• Method: Melt the butter and mix in the hot sauce and spices. Adjust the ratio of butter to hot sauce depending on how mild or spicy you want your sliders.

Store-bought buffalo sauce, like Frank’s RedHot, is always a reliable and convenient option if you’re short on time.

Adding Veggies or Coleslaw

For a crunchy twist, consider adding a layer of coleslaw or extra veggies:

• Coleslaw: Pile a layer of tangy coleslaw on top of the chicken for a refreshing crunch that balances the heat.
• Veggie Swaps: Swap out the celery and green onions for shredded carrots or bell peppers for more variety.

Adjusting the Spice Level

Whether you like your buffalo chicken sliders mild or spicy, it’s easy to adjust the heat to your liking:

• To Make It Spicier: Add extra buffalo sauce or mix in some habanero sauce for a fiery kick.
• To Make It Milder: Use less buffalo sauce and more ranch dressing to tone down the heat.

Serving Suggestions and Sides for Buffalo Chicken Sliders

To complete your buffalo chicken slider meal, you’ll want to serve them with a few tasty sides and dips. Here are some of my favorite pairings:

Best Sides to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Sliders

• Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness of the fries balances out the spiciness of the sliders perfectly.
• Garlic Parmesan Fries: For a more indulgent option, these fries are packed with flavor.
• Coleslaw or Fresh Salad: A light, crunchy coleslaw or a crisp salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sliders.

Dips and Extras

• Blue Cheese Dressing: Serve extra blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
• Extra Buffalo Sauce: For those who like things extra spicy, provide additional buffalo sauce for dipping.
• Carrot and Celery Sticks: A classic pairing with buffalo chicken, these veggies add a fresh crunch and are great for scooping up any extra sauce or dressing.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Buffalo Chicken Sliders

If you have leftovers or want to make these sliders in advance, here’s how to store and reheat them properly.

How to Store Leftover Sliders

• Storing in the Fridge: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container. It’s best to separate the chicken from the buns to prevent sogginess.
• Shelf Life: Buffalo chicken sliders will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

Reheating Methods

• Oven Method: Reheat your sliders in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes. This keeps the buns crispy and the chicken juicy.
• Microwave Method: If you’re short on time, you can microwave the sliders in 30-second intervals until they’re warm. However, the buns may get a bit soft with this method.

Pro Tip: Reheat the chicken and buns separately to avoid sogginess. You can always toast the buns for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can You Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders in Advance?

Yes, you can prepare buffalo chicken sliders ahead of time by prepping the chicken mixture and storing it separately from the buns. When you’re ready to serve, assemble and bake the sliders. This prevents the buns from getting soggy.

How Do I Make My Buffalo Chicken Sliders Less Spicy?

If you prefer a milder slider, simply reduce the amount of buffalo sauce in the chicken mixture or use a mild sauce. Adding extra ranch dressing can also help mellow out the heat.

What Type of Chicken Should I Use?

• Rotisserie Chicken: This is my favorite option because it’s flavorful and saves time.
• Homemade Shredded Chicken: If you have time, cook your own chicken breasts or thighs and shred them for the sliders.

What Other Cheeses Work Well with Buffalo Chicken Sliders?

While mozzarella and cheddar are popular choices, other cheeses like blue cheese or pepper jack can elevate the flavor of the sliders.

Can I Make These Sliders in a Crockpot?

Yes! To make buffalo chicken sliders in a crockpot, cook the chicken with buffalo sauce on low for 4-5 hours. Once the chicken is cooked and shredded, assemble the sliders and finish them off in the oven to crisp up the buns.

What Are the Best Slider Buns for Buffalo Chicken Sliders?

• Hawaiian Rolls: My personal favorite because of their soft texture and slight sweetness.
• Brioche Buns: Another soft and sweet option.
• Gluten-Free Buns: Perfect for those with dietary restrictions who still want a great slider experience.

Conclusion: Why You Should Try Making Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Buffalo chicken sliders are the perfect combination of flavor and convenience. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and ideal for any occasion—whether you’re serving them for a party, a family dinner, or just because you’re craving something delicious. With the tips and tricks outlined in this guide, you can create your own version of these sliders and wow your guests (or yourself). Happy cooking!