Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Let me introduce you to the MVP of any party spread: buffalo chicken sliders.

These bite-sized flavor bombs pack a punch of spicy, tangy buffalo sauce paired with juicy shredded chicken and a melty blanket of cheese, all tucked into soft, buttery buns.

They’re perfect for Super Bowl Sunday, tailgates, potlucks, or any gathering where finger food is a must.

Trust me, these sliders disappear faster than you can say, “Where’s the ranch?”

They’re also surprisingly easy to make, meaning you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time cheering for your favorite team (or pretending to care about football).

Let’s dive in!

Why I Love These Sliders

Buffalo chicken sliders are the ultimate party food. They’re quick to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to disappear before halftime.

Plus, they offer the perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and creamy flavors wrapped in a soft, buttery bun.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Filling:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice)
• 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional but highly recommended)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for extra richness)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better)

For the Sliders:

• 12 Hawaiian rolls (or any soft dinner rolls)
• 6 slices of provolone or cheddar cheese (halved to fit the rolls)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing the tops)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for that golden-brown, savory finish)

Ingredient Breakdown

Cooked, Shredded Chicken: Save time by using rotisserie chicken, or cook and shred your own. The tender, shredded texture soaks up the buffalo sauce beautifully.

Buffalo Sauce: This is the heart and soul of the recipe. Frank’s RedHot gives that perfect balance of heat and tanginess. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.

Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: These creamy options provide a cool contrast to the heat. Ranch is a safer bet if you’re feeding a crowd, but blue cheese fans will swear by its sharp, tangy bite.

Unsalted Butter: It adds a velvety richness to the buffalo sauce, mellowing the heat just a bit.

Hawaiian Rolls: These slightly sweet, pillowy rolls are the ideal base for your sliders. Their sweetness balances the spicy buffalo chicken perfectly.

Provolone or Cheddar Cheese: The cheese acts like a cozy blanket, melting into the chicken and binding the whole thing together.

Melted Butter + Garlic Powder + Dried Parsley: Brushing this mixture on top of the rolls gives them a golden, flavorful crust that takes these sliders to the next level.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Filling

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the buffalo sauce, butter, and garlic powder. Stir until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth and heated through.
2. Add the shredded chicken to the saucepan and stir until it’s fully coated in the buffalo sauce. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Pro tip: If you like it extra saucy, add a splash more buffalo sauce!
3. Optional: Stir in the ranch or blue cheese dressing for a creamy, tangy kick.

Step 2: Assemble the Sliders

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Without separating the rolls, slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally to create a top and bottom layer. Place the bottom layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly across the bottom layer of rolls. Don’t skimp—you want every bite to be packed with flavor.
4. Layer the cheese slices on top of the chicken mixture. Halve the slices if necessary to fit them snugly.
5. Place the top layer of rolls over the cheese.

Step 3: Add the Buttery Topping

1. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley.
2. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls. This step not only adds flavor but also gives the sliders that irresistible golden sheen.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

1. Cover the sliders loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the tops from browning too quickly.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Let the sliders cool for 5 minutes before cutting them apart. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making them easier to handle.
2. Serve warm with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a few crumbles of blue cheese for a fancy touch.

Tips for Success

• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the chicken filling up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat before assembling the sliders.
• Spice Level: Not a fan of too much heat? Use a mild buffalo sauce or mix it with extra ranch dressing.
• Cheese Swap: If provolone or cheddar isn’t your thing, try mozzarella, pepper jack, or even gouda for a fun twist.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair these sliders with celery sticks and carrot sticks for a classic buffalo chicken setup. A side of crispy potato wedges wouldn’t hurt either!

Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

Pin this post for later!