Save to Pinterest These buffalo chicken sliders combine tender shredded chicken tossed in a spicy hot sauce and melted butter blend, all nestled in soft slider buns. Topped with fresh shredded lettuce, crisp red onion, celery, and a drizzle of creamy ranch dressing, they offer a delightful balance of heat and coolness. Baked briefly until cheese melts, they make a perfect appetizer or game day snack that’s easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors.
The first time I made these sliders was for a Sunday football gathering, and honestly, I underestimated how quickly they'd disappear. My brother-in-law reached for one 'just to taste' and ended up eating three before halftime even started. Now they're the most requested item whenever friends come over for game day.
I learned the hard way that rotisserie chicken works beautifully here—one particularly hectic Friday, I skipped cooking chicken from scratch and nobody noticed the difference. The sliders were actually better because the meat was already tender and well-seasoned from the store.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded: Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor, but poached breasts work perfectly too
- 1/3 cup hot sauce: Franks RedHot is the classic choice, but any cayenne-based sauce will give you that authentic buffalo flavor
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: This tames the heat just enough and helps the sauce cling to every strand of chicken
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth that makes the sauce taste homemade rather than straight from the bottle
- 8 slider buns: Soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls are my secret—they contrast beautifully with the spicy filling
- 1 cup shredded lettuce: Iceberg or romaine adds the perfect crunch and freshness to cut through the richness
- 4 slices cheddar cheese, halved: Sharp cheddar stands up to the bold flavors without getting lost
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing: Homemade is best, but a good store-bought brand works perfectly for busy days
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives: These add a mild onion bite and make everything look restaurant-worthy
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion: Optional, but they add a sharp bite that brightens each bite
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery: Classic buffalo pairing that adds essential crunch and fresh flavor
Instructions
- Preheat your oven:
- Get it to 350°F so it's ready when you are—this little bit of oven time melts everything together beautifully
- Make the buffalo sauce mixture:
- Whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, and garlic powder until smooth, then toss in the shredded chicken until every piece is coated
- Prep your buns:
- Slice them in half and arrange the bottom halves on a baking sheet, leaving a little room between each one
- Assemble the sliders:
- Pile the saucy chicken onto each bun bottom, then top with a half slice of cheddar cheese
- Bake until melty:
- Pop them in for 5-7 minutes, just until the cheese is bubbly and everything's warmed through
- Add the fresh toppings:
- Pull them out and layer on lettuce, red onion, celery, then drizzle with ranch and scatter chives over everything
- Top and serve:
- Press the bun tops on gently and get these to the table immediately while the cheese is still melted
Save to Pinterest These sliders have become my go-to when I want to feed a crowd without spending all day in the kitchen. Last month my neighbor texted me the next morning asking for the recipe because her husband wouldn't stop talking about them.
Making Them Ahead
I've discovered you can prep the buffalo chicken mixture up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, just reheat it gently in a skillet before assembling—the sauce actually gets better as it sits.
Heat Level Hacks
Not everyone handles spice the same way, and I've learned to adjust accordingly. Start with less hot sauce and offer extra on the side for the heat-seekers in your group. You can always add more, but you can't take it back.
Serving Suggestions
These sliders work beautifully as part of a spread, especially alongside other finger foods. Keep them in mind for parties, game days, or casual weeknight dinners when you want something fun and satisfying.
- Cut them in half to stretch 8 sliders into 16 bite-sized appetizers
- Set up a toppings bar so guests can customize their own sliders
- Pair with extra ranch and blue cheese dressing for dipping
Save to Pinterest There's something universally satisfying about handheld food that packs this much flavor. These sliders always bring people to the table faster than anything else I make.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of chicken works best for these sliders?
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Shredded cooked chicken breast is ideal for a tender bite; rotisserie chicken can be a convenient option.
- → Can I adjust the spice level of the buffalo sauce?
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Yes, adding cayenne pepper will increase the heat, while reducing hot sauce or butter can mellow it.
- → Are there alternatives to ranch dressing for topping?
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Blue cheese dressing makes a classic alternative, adding a tangy richness that pairs well with buffalo flavors.
- → How long should the sliders be baked?
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Bake the assembled sliders for 5-7 minutes at 350°F until cheese melts and buns warm through.
- → What sides or drinks pair well with these sliders?
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Crisp lagers or light IPAs complement the spice well, and simple sides like celery sticks enhance the experience.
