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These spicy buffalo chicken sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Soft slider buns soaked in garlic butter are packed with juicy shredded chicken tossed in tangy hot buffalo sauce, then topped with melty cheese baked to perfection. They work perfectly as a game day snack, an easy weeknight dinner, or a fun appetizer for any gathering.
I discovered this recipe when craving buffalo chicken dip in sandwich form and now it’s a regular request from friends and family during football season. The blend of heat and creamy ranch just can’t be beat.
Ingredients
- Slider buns: Choose Hawaiian buns, brioche, or any soft sliders for perfect size and texture, avoid large burger buns to keep the sliders bite-sized
- Shredded chicken: Freshly shredded rotisserie chicken works great but canned or pre-cooked shredded chicken gives a time-saving option
- Franks Buffalo hot sauce: This classic brand delivers the perfect balance of heat and flavor, but any buffalo style hot sauce will do
- Ranch dressing: Adds creaminess and cools the spice, regular buttermilk or light ranch all work well, blue cheese dressing is a tasty alternative
- Colby jack cheese: Use shredded or sliced, or switch to Swiss, Monterey Jack, or provolone to customize flavor and meltiness
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to round out the filling
- Butter, garlic, Italian seasoning: Combined for brushing on the buns to add a delicious, aromatic crust when baked, fresh herbs can be added for extra flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the garlic butter:
- Melt butter gently and stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Set aside to let flavors infuse while preparing the filling.
- Mix the buffalo chicken filling:
- In a large bowl combine shredded chicken, hot sauce, ranch dressing, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly so every bit is coated in the sauce.
- Prepare the baking sheet and buns:
- Line a baking sheet or casserole dish with parchment paper. Place the bottom halves of the slider buns on the sheet spaced evenly.
- Assemble the sliders:
- Divide the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns, then top each with cheese slices or a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. Place the top buns in position to close the sliders.
- Brush with garlic butter:
- Generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the top buns, making sure to cover the surface evenly for a golden finish.
- Bake to perfection:
- Place the sliders in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for about 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the buns are lightly golden.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Remove from oven, cut sliders apart if they are still connected, and serve warm with your favorite sides like celery sticks or chips.
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One of my favorite parts is brushing the buns with garlic butter before baking, it adds a rich, savory crunch that brings the whole dish together. I still remember serving these sliders at my nephew’s birthday party and watching them disappear in minutes.
Storage Tips
If you want to save leftovers or prep ahead, keep the chicken filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for longer storage. Avoid assembling the full sliders ahead of time to prevent soggy bread. When ready to eat, assemble just before baking. Leftovers reheat wonderfully in an air fryer or oven to keep the bread from getting soggy and the cheese melty.
Ingredient Substitutions
If buffalo hot sauce is unavailable use a mix of hot sauce and melted butter to mimic the flavor and spice level. Blue cheese dressing can replace ranch for a tangier profile. You can swap shredded chicken for shredded turkey if preferred or use pre-cooked shredded beef for a different twist. For the buns, any soft roll or small sandwich roll will work if sliders are unavailable.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sliders with crunchy celery sticks and carrot sticks for a classic buffalo combo. Ranch or blue cheese dip is perfect for dipping. Potato chips or a simple green salad make great sides. For a fun variation, add pickles or coleslaw inside the slider for an extra layer of texture and flavor. These sliders pair well with cold beer or a crisp iced tea.
Cultural Context
Buffalo chicken originated in Buffalo, New York in the 1960s and quickly became a beloved American bar food classic. This recipe adapts buffalo chicken dip flavors to a handheld form, making it much easier to serve at parties and gatherings. Sliders themselves are a staple in American casual dining, valued for their small size and shareable nature. This recipe brings both of these concepts together in one tasty dish.
Pro Tips
- Toast the buns lightly before assembling if you prefer extra crispness beneath the filling
- Don’t skimp on the garlic butter; brushing it before baking makes a huge difference to the overall flavor
- Adjust the heat by varying the amount of hot sauce or by choosing a milder sauce if preferred
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of buns work best for these sliders?
Soft slider buns such as Hawaiian or brioche are ideal since burger buns are too large. The buns should be fluffy to complement the spicy filling.
- → How can I prepare the chicken filling in advance?
Mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and ranch, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze it up to 3 months. Assemble before baking.
- → Can these sliders be made using an air fryer?
Yes, assemble the sliders directly in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until the cheese melts and buns turn lightly golden.
- → What cheese varieties can be used in these sliders?
Colby Jack is recommended, but Swiss, Monterey Jack, or provolone also work well for a melty, balanced flavor.
- → How do I enhance the flavor of the slider buns?
Brush the tops with a garlic butter mixture made from butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning before baking to add rich aroma and flavor.
- → Are these sliders suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, the filling can be prepared in advance and stored. Avoid assembling too early to keep buns from becoming soggy.