Buffalo Chicken Sliders bring the bold, spicy flavors of classic buffalo wings to a convenient, handheld format perfect for game day, casual gatherings, or weeknight dinners. These mini sandwiches pack a serious flavor punch with tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy buffalo sauce, then topped with cooling ranch or blue cheese for the perfect balance.
What makes these sliders special is how they transform a messy finger food into something slightly more sophisticated but equally delicious. The soft, buttery buns soak up just enough sauce while providing the perfect vehicle for that signature buffalo chicken experience without the need for a stack of napkins.
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in just 45 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute entertaining
- Easily scalable for small family dinners or larger gatherings
- Customizable heat level—make them as mild or spicy as you prefer
- Great make-ahead option; the flavors actually improve with a little time
- Kid-friendly format with grown-up flavors that everyone will enjoy
Ingredients
- 1 package (9-count) slider buns
- 1½ cups chicken, cooked and shredded
- ½ cup Frank’s Buffalo hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking sheet or square casserole dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Frank’s Buffalo hot sauce, ranch dressing, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir until all the chicken is evenly coated in the spicy sauce mixture.
- Without separating the individual rolls, slice the entire slider bun package horizontally (keeping tops and bottoms connected). Place the bottom half of the slider buns in the lined baking dish.
- Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the buns. Make sure to go all the way to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the chicken layer.
- Place the top half of the slider buns over the cheese layer. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the tops of the buns with this garlic butter mixture.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Use a sharp knife to cut along the lines of the slider buns to separate them. Serve immediately while hot and gooey.
Tips & Variations
- For a time-saving shortcut, use rotisserie chicken from the grocery store
- Add a layer of thinly sliced celery for extra crunch and authentic buffalo wing flavor
- Substitute pepper jack cheese for mozzarella if you want an extra kick of heat
- Make it lighter by using Greek yogurt mixed with ranch seasoning instead of prepared dressing
- For a crowd-pleasing variation, offer both ranch and blue cheese options on the side
- Create a buffalo chicken “bar” with different heat levels of sauce for guests to customize their own sliders
Serving Suggestions
These buffalo chicken sliders pair perfectly with classic wing accompaniments like celery and carrot sticks with extra blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping. For a complete meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad, coleslaw, or sweet potato fries to balance the heat of the buffalo sauce.
For entertaining, arrange the sliders on a platter with small bowls of extra buffalo sauce, ranch, and blue cheese dressing so guests can add more of their favorite flavors.
Notes
- Sliders can be assembled up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes
- For best results, use buffalo sauce rather than plain hot sauce for the authentic flavor profile
FAQs
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the buffalo chicken mixture and assemble the sliders up to a day ahead. Store covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.
How spicy are these sliders?
The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. For milder sliders, look for a “mild” buffalo sauce, or mix regular buffalo sauce with a bit of butter to tame the heat.
Can I use canned chicken instead of fresh?
While fresh or rotisserie chicken provides the best texture and flavor, canned chicken can work in a pinch. Be sure to drain it well and break it up thoroughly before mixing with the buffalo sauce.
Can I freeze these sliders?
Yes, you can freeze assembled but unbaked sliders for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Ingredients
- 1 package (9-count) slider buns
- 1½ cups chicken, cooked and shredded
- ½ cup Frank's Buffalo hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking sheet or square casserole dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Frank's Buffalo hot sauce, ranch dressing, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir until all the chicken is evenly coated in the spicy sauce mixture.
- Without separating the individual rolls, slice the entire slider bun package horizontally (keeping tops and bottoms connected). Place the bottom half of the slider buns in the lined baking dish.
- Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the buns. Make sure to go all the way to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the chicken layer.
- Place the top half of the slider buns over the cheese layer. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the tops of the buns with this garlic butter mixture.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Use a sharp knife to cut along the lines of the slider buns to separate them. Serve immediately while hot and gooey.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 230 kcal
