Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Buffalo Chicken Sliders are little bites of spicy, tangy, and tender chicken tucked into soft, fluffy slider buns. They pack all the bold flavors of classic buffalo wings—hot sauce, buttery…
Tip: save now, cook later.Buffalo Chicken Sliders are little bites of spicy, tangy, and tender chicken tucked into soft, fluffy slider buns. They pack all the bold flavors of classic buffalo wings—hot sauce, buttery goodness, and a touch of cool ranch or blue cheese—into a fun, easy-to-eat sandwich that’s perfect for snacking or casual meals.
I love making these sliders when friends come over because they’re quick to prepare and always disappear fast. The combo of spicy chicken and creamy toppings is a sure crowd-pleaser, and I often add a little crunchy celery on the side to bring a fresh twist. One tip I like is to toast the buns just a bit to keep them from getting soggy and to add a little crispness that contrasts nicely with the juicy chicken.
Serving these sliders with some simple sides like carrot sticks, chips, or a fresh salad makes for a laid-back meal that’s full of flavor without a lot of fuss. Whenever I make Buffalo Chicken Sliders, I know everyone’s going to be smiling and coming back for seconds—there’s just something so fun about sharing a platter of these spicy, saucy little sandwiches!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor, but you can cook your own chicken breasts or thighs and shred them. For a vegetarian option, shredded jackfruit works well with the sauce.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is classic, but you can mix hot sauce with melted butter to adjust the heat. If you want less spice, reduce the hot sauce amount or use a milder sauce.
Slider Buns: Soft dinner rolls are ideal for that fluffy texture. If unavailable, mini brioche buns or small sandwich rolls are just as tasty.
Dressing & Cheese: Ranch or blue cheese dressing adds creaminess and balances heat. Blue cheese crumbles add tangy bites, but you can swap for shredded cheddar or omit the cheese for a milder taste.
How Do I Keep the Slider Buns from Getting Soggy?
Soggy buns can ruin the slider experience. Here’s a simple way to keep them just right:
- Toast the buns lightly under a broiler or in a toaster oven before assembling. This adds a slight crisp layer that resists moisture.
- Brush the inside of the buns with a little melted butter or oil; this creates a barrier.
- Assemble the sliders close to serving time to prevent the sauce from soaking in too long.
These steps help keep your sliders fresh and tasty, making every bite enjoyable without the bun falling apart.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan – perfect for warming and mixing the buffalo sauce with the chicken evenly.
- Mixing bowl – helps toss the shredded chicken with sauce without making a mess.
- Sharp knife – for slicing the slider buns cleanly without squishing them.
- Cutting board – a sturdy surface to slice buns and prep any veggies or toppings.
- Serving platter or tray – great for arranging the sliders nicely when serving guests.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for pulled pork or shredded beef for a different meaty twist that still holds sauce well.
- Add sliced pickles or jalapeños for an extra tangy or spicy crunch that wakes up the flavors.
- Use pepper jack or cheddar cheese instead of blue cheese for a milder, creamy melt.
- Mix in finely chopped celery or carrots to add freshness and a bit of extra crunch inside the sliders.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken Filling:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
For The Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls)
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and assemble. If you use pre-cooked chicken like rotisserie, it’s even quicker. There’s no baking required—just warming the sauce and assembling the sliders, so it’s perfect for a quick meal or party snack.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare The Buffalo Chicken:
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the buffalo wing sauce until everything is combined. Add the shredded chicken and toss it well so it’s fully coated with the spicy sauce. Heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until warm.
2. Prepare The Slider Buns:
Slice each slider bun horizontally so you have a bottom and a top. To keep them from getting soggy, you can toast the insides lightly if you like.
3. Assemble The Sliders:
Place a good amount of the buffalo chicken on the bottom half of each bun. Drizzle a little ranch or blue cheese dressing over the chicken for creaminess. Add some shredded iceberg lettuce for crunch. Then sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top if you enjoy the tangy flavor.
4. Serve And Enjoy:
Close the sliders with the top buns and serve right away. For a classic touch, serve with celery sticks and extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken first—preferably overnight in the fridge. Once thawed, shred and warm it up with the buffalo sauce as directed.
How Can I Make These Sliders Less Spicy?
Simply reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce or use a milder hot sauce. You can also add more ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance out the heat.
Can I Prepare Buffalo Chicken Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the buffalo chicken mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, gently reheat the chicken and assemble the sliders just before serving to keep buns fresh.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover buffalo chicken and slider components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently on the stove or microwave and assemble fresh to prevent soggy buns.