If you love bold flavors combined with a comforting, bite-sized masterpiece, then this Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender shredded rotisserie chicken drenched in spicy buffalo sauce and creamy ranch, topped with melted cheddar cheese, and sandwiched perfectly inside soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls. It’s the ideal game day snack or quick dinner that brings warmth, zest, and a little bit of indulgence all in one irresistible slider. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these sliders will become a staple for every casual get-together or whenever you just want to treat yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe. Each component plays its part—from the rich, tangy buffalo sauce to the buttery seasoning that crisps the top of these sliders to perfection. The combination creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures you will love.
- 3 cups (325 g) rotisserie chicken, shredded: The base of our filling, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time while delivering tender and flavorful meat.
- 1 package (12-count) Kings Hawaiian Rolls: Sweet and soft rolls that balance the spice with their delicate texture and flavor.
- ½ cup (123 g) Ranch Dressing: Adds creaminess and a cooling contrast to the heat of the buffalo sauce.
- ½ cup buffalo sauce: The star of the show, which provides that classic tangy and spicy kick.
- ¼ cup (57 g) butter, melted: Brushed on top to give the sliders a golden, flavorful crust.
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt: Adds a savory depth to the buttery topping.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings herbal notes that elevate the overall taste profile.
- 2 cups (226 g) cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts wonderfully into the chicken mixture, giving gooey, sharp, cheesy goodness.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and giving a 9×13-inch baking dish a good spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. This step ensures your sliders bake evenly and come out clean from the dish.
Step 2: Make the Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning. This simple but flavorful mixture will be brushed on top of the slider buns, transforming the crust with delicious aroma and a golden finish.
Step 3: Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling
Grab a medium bowl and toss together the shredded rotisserie chicken, ranch dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, and buffalo sauce. This creamy and tangy filling is the heart of your Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe, bursting with layers of flavor and cheesy texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
Carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in your prepared baking dish. This sets the stage for your chicken filling and keeps everything neat and tidy as it bakes.
Step 5: Add the Chicken Mixture
Spread the buffalo chicken filling evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls. Make sure each slider gets a generous helping because that filling is what makes this dish so unforgettable.
Step 6: Top and Butter the Sliders
Place the top halves of the rolls onto the chicken layer. Then, using a pastry brush or spoon, generously coat the tops with the melted butter mixture from Step 2 for that perfect golden crunch.
Step 7: Bake Covered
Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld without drying out the rolls.
Step 8: Bake Uncovered
After those initial 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This step crisps the tops, turning them a lovely golden brown that looks as amazing as it tastes.
Step 9: Slice and Serve
Once baked to perfection, remove the sliders from the oven, slice them apart, and serve immediately. Each bite is bursting with cheesy, tangy, spicy goodness that will keep everyone coming back for more.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh contrast, consider topping your sliders with sliced celery, chopped green onions, or a drizzle of extra ranch or blue cheese dressing. These garnishes add crunch, color, and extra brightness that elevate each bite.
Side Dishes
Buffalo Chicken Sliders pair wonderfully with classic sides like crispy fries, coleslaw, or a crunchy garden salad. For a heartier option, try serving them alongside baked potato wedges or a creamy mac and cheese to keep the comfort food vibe strong.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these sliders on a large platter with mini flags or toothpicks to make them party-ready. You can also offer an assortment of dipping sauces—extra buffalo sauce, blue cheese dip, or even honey mustard—to customize the spice and flavor for your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply cover the sliders tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days and hold onto their deliciousness perfectly.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled sliders before baking by wrapping the entire baking dish in foil and then a layer of plastic wrap for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftover sliders in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the rolls from getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of roll besides Hawaiian?
Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls add a lovely sweetness that balances the spicy buffalo sauce perfectly, you can use any soft slider buns or dinner rolls you prefer. Just make sure they’re fresh and soft for the best texture.
What if I don’t have rotisserie chicken on hand?
You can easily substitute shredded cooked chicken breasts or thighs that you’ve prepared yourself. The rotisserie chicken provides great flavor and convenience, but any shredded chicken will work in a pinch.
Is the buffalo sauce very spicy?
The heat level generally depends on the brand of buffalo sauce you use. If you prefer milder flavors, choose a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount slightly. You can always serve extra sauce on the side for those who like more kick.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders and refrigerate them, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for prepping ahead and popping them into the oven when you’re ready to serve.
What are good dipping sauces to serve with these sliders?
Ranch and blue cheese dressings are classic choices that complement the buffalo flavor beautifully. You could also try a creamy garlic dip or even a cool cucumber yogurt sauce to add variety.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got the full scoop, there’s no better time to dive into making this Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe! It’s a simple, satisfying dish that packs big flavor in every bite and brings people together around the table. Whether for a cozy night in or a lively party spread, these sliders are guaranteed to be a hit, so grab your ingredients and enjoy the delicious ride.
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Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a deliciously spicy and cheesy bite-sized treat perfect for game day or parties. Made with tender shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and cheddar cheese, then baked inside soft Hawaiian rolls brushed with a savory butter blend, these sliders are packed with flavor and easy to prepare. Ready in just 30 minutes, they deliver a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and spicy tastes in every bite.
Ingredients
Slider Ingredients
- 3 cups (325 g) rotisserie chicken, shredded
- ½ cup (123 g) Ranch Dressing
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 2 cups (226 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 package (12-count) Kings Hawaiian Rolls
Butter Mixture
- ¼ cup (57 g) butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the sliders from sticking. Set it aside for use later.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with garlic salt and Italian seasoning. Mix well and set this savory butter mixture aside; it will be used to brush the tops of the sliders.
- Make Chicken Mixture: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix the shredded rotisserie chicken, ranch dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, and buffalo sauce until all ingredients are well combined. This mixture forms the flavorful filling for the sliders.
- Assemble Sliders Bottom: Carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring they fit snugly side by side.
- Add Filling: Spread the prepared chicken mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls, covering all of them with a generous layer.
- Top the Sliders: Place the top halves of the rolls over the chicken mixture, reassembling each slider.
- Brush with Butter Mixture: Using a brush, coat the top of the assembled sliders with the melted butter mixture. This will give the sliders a flavorful and golden crust once baked.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Baking covered ensures the chicken filling heats evenly and the rolls soften slightly.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the tops of the sliders turn a beautiful golden brown color and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve: Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven, slice between the rolls to separate them, and serve hot for a deliciously spicy appetizer or snack.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Substitute ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for a different flavor twist.
- If you prefer less spicy, reduce buffalo sauce or choose mild buffalo sauce options.
- These sliders can be prepared a few hours ahead; assemble and cover, then bake just before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
