Easy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Introduction

These Easy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the ultimate flavor-packed bite-sized treat, combining spicy, tangy, and savory elements in every mouthful. The tender shredded chicken is coated in a rich buffalo sauce, bringing that signature heat and flavor. Topped with melted cheese and creamy ranch dressing, these sliders offer the perfect balance of boldness and comfort.

Perfect for game day, parties, or a quick weeknight dinner, these sliders are incredibly easy to make, yet packed with flavor that will impress anyone. Their simplicity in preparation makes them a go-to recipe for busy nights or gatherings, while their deliciousness guarantees they’ll disappear quickly.

Whether you’re serving them as appetizers, snacks, or a main dish, Easy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a crowd-pleaser. The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, and gooey cheese will have everyone coming back for more, making them a staple in your recipe rotation.

Perfect for:

Game days and tailgates
Family gatherings and parties
Quick weeknight meals
Easy appetizers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why you’ll love these Easy Buffalo Chicken Sliders:

Flavorful: The buffalo sauce gives the chicken a spicy kick, while the ranch dressing and melted cheese add creamy, tangy flavors.
Perfectly Portionable: These sliders are small but packed with flavor, making them great for parties or a family meal.
Quick and Simple: Using shredded rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken makes this recipe fast and easy.
Customizable: You can adjust the heat level and toppings to suit your tastes.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 12 sliders
Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories per slider (depending on toppings and portion size)
Key Nutrients: Protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamin A, calcium

Ingredients

For the Buffalo Chicken:

2 cups cooked chicken (shredded, such as rotisserie or grilled chicken)
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
1/4 cup ranch dressing (plus extra for serving, if desired)
12 slider buns (dinner rolls or soft sandwich buns work well)
2 tablespoons butter (melted)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For the Toppings:

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar for more flavor)
Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

Buffalo Sauce: Adds a tangy, spicy kick to the chicken.
Ranch Dressing: Balances out the heat of the buffalo sauce with its creamy texture.
Shredded Chicken: Pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, makes this dish quick to assemble and easy to prepare.
Cheese: Mozzarella or cheddar cheese adds richness and melts beautifully on top of the chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Buffalo Chicken:

Shred the Chicken:
If you haven’t already, shred your cooked chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or grill and shred your own chicken breasts.
Mix the Chicken with Sauce:
In a large bowl, toss the shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until the chicken is well-coated with the sauce.

Assemble the Sliders:

Prepare the Buns:
Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact. Place the bottom halves of the buns into a baking dish or a large sheet pan.
Top with Buffalo Chicken:
Evenly distribute the buffalo chicken mixture over the bottom buns.
Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese evenly over the buffalo chicken.
Cover with Top Buns:
Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese-covered chicken.

Bake the Sliders:

Brush with Butter:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with a pinch of garlic powder. Brush this butter mixture over the top of the buns to ensure a golden and slightly crispy finish.
Bake:
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are lightly toasted.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve:
Once the sliders are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before slicing them into individual sliders. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired, and serve with extra ranch dressing on the side.

How to Serve

These Easy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are great as an appetizer, snack, or light meal. Serve them with a side of celery sticks and carrot sticks for the perfect buffalo wing experience. You can also pair them with a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade.

Additional Tips

Adjust the Heat Level: If you prefer milder sliders, use a mild buffalo sauce or mix in some honey to balance out the spice.
Add Veggies: For extra crunch, consider adding lettuce or sliced pickles inside the sliders.
Cheese Variations: Try using sharp cheddar for a more robust flavor or Monterey Jack for a creamy melt.

Recipe Variations

Classic Buffalo Chicken Slider: Start with shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with buffalo sauce. Place this spicy chicken mixture onto slider buns, and top with your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing. It’s a simple and classic variation, perfect for a quick and tasty snack.
Buffalo Chicken and Cream Cheese Sliders: For a creamy twist, blend buffalo sauce with cream cheese and ranch dressing. This gives the sliders a smooth, tangy base that complements the heat of the buffalo sauce, making it ideal for those who like a milder version of the traditional buffalo chicken.
Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Sliders: Add a bit of comfort to your sliders by melting sharp cheddar cheese on top of the buffalo chicken. This rich, gooey cheese pairs beautifully with the spicy chicken, making each bite extra satisfying.
Buffalo Chicken with Avocado Sliders: Slice up some ripe avocado and layer it on top of your buffalo chicken. The creamy texture of the avocado helps to balance out the spice, while adding a fresh, healthy element to the sliders. A little lettuce for crunch can also elevate the flavor.
Buffalo Chicken and Bacon Sliders: Crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch to buffalo chicken sliders. The combination of smoky bacon and spicy buffalo chicken is a match made in heaven, and it provides an extra layer of texture that everyone will love.
Buffalo Chicken with Coleslaw Sliders: For a refreshing crunch, top your buffalo chicken with a generous serving of coleslaw. The creamy, tangy slaw contrasts beautifully with the spicy chicken, making this variation both flavorful and texturally interesting.
Buffalo Chicken and Blue Cheese Sliders: If you’re a fan of blue cheese, this variation is for you. Crumbled blue cheese adds a bold, tangy flavor that complements the spiciness of the buffalo chicken, creating a slider that’s rich and full of flavor.
Buffalo Chicken and Pickles Sliders: Add some tangy dill pickles to your buffalo chicken sliders. The sharpness of the pickles balances the heat of the buffalo sauce and adds a nice crunch, making for a satisfying and flavorful bite.
Buffalo Chicken and Spinach Sliders: For a healthier option, sauté fresh spinach and layer it onto your buffalo chicken sliders. The spinach adds a savory, slightly earthy flavor that pairs well with the heat of the buffalo sauce, while also giving the sliders a nutritional boost.
Buffalo Chicken and Garlic Parmesan Sliders: Combine buffalo sauce with a bit of garlic parmesan sauce for an extra flavorful variation. The garlic parmesan adds a rich, savory depth to the sliders, making them feel indulgent while still retaining the classic buffalo flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results, or microwave individually for a quicker option.
Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked sliders (assembled and before baking) by wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Special Equipment

Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish or a sheet pan works well for assembling and baking these sliders.
Sharp Knife: For slicing the sliders evenly after baking.

FAQ Section

Can I use ground chicken instead of shredded chicken?
Yes, ground chicken works well for this recipe. Just cook it thoroughly before mixing with the buffalo sauce.
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from the fridge.
Can I make these sliders spicier?
Absolutely! You can add more buffalo sauce, or even some hot sauce, to increase the heat. You can also serve with spicy jalapeños for an added kick.
What can I serve with these buffalo chicken sliders?
Serve these sliders with classic sides like potato wedges, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

These Easy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a crowd-pleasing dish that brings all the bold flavors of buffalo chicken into a convenient, bite-sized form. With tender, shredded chicken coated in spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch dressing, and melty cheese, these sliders strike the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and comfort.

Perfect for game days, parties, or a casual family dinner, these sliders are quick to prepare and customizable to suit everyone’s taste. The combination of crispy buns and flavorful fillings makes each bite a delightful experience.

Serve them with your favorite sides, or enjoy them on their own as a satisfying snack or meal. Easy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation!