Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Introduction

These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are an easy party appetizer or quick dinner made with shredded chicken, Buffalo hot sauce, ranch dressing, melted cheese, and soft slider buns.

The chicken filling is seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, then tucked into slider buns and topped with a simple garlic butter mixture. After baking, the buns become warm and lightly crisp while the cheese melts into the spicy Buffalo chicken.

They’re perfect for game days, parties, casual dinners, or whenever you have leftover cooked chicken to use.

Quick Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 9 sliders
• Course: Appetizer / Lunch / Dinner
• Cuisine: American
• Calories: Approximately 280 calories per slider

Ingredients

For the Buffalo Chicken Sliders

• 1 package of 9 slider buns
• 1½ cups shredded chicken
• ½ cup Frank’s Buffalo Hot Sauce
• 2 tbsp ranch dressing
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp paprika
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Garlic Butter

• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp Italian seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a baking dish that fits the 9 slider buns.

2. Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling

Add the shredded chicken to a medium bowl.

Pour in the Frank’s Buffalo Hot Sauce and ranch dressing. Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Mix everything together until the chicken is evenly coated and well seasoned.

3. Prepare the Slider Buns

Without separating the individual buns, carefully slice the entire package of slider buns horizontally so you have one top section and one bottom section.

Place the bottom half of the buns into the prepared baking dish.

4. Add the Chicken and Cheese

Spread the Buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns.

Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the chicken.

Place the top half of the slider buns over the filling.

5. Make the Garlic Butter

Melt the butter in a small bowl.

Stir in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning.

Mix until combined.

6. Brush the Buns

Brush the garlic butter generously over the tops of the slider buns.

Make sure the butter is spread across the entire surface so the buns develop a flavorful, lightly golden topping as they bake.

7. Bake the Sliders

Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil.

Bake for about 10 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the tops of the buns are lightly golden.

8. Serve

Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes.

Separate the individual sliders and serve warm with extra ranch dressing or Buffalo sauce on the side.

Recipe Tips for Success

Use Rotisserie Chicken

Rotisserie chicken is a convenient choice for this recipe. Simply shred the cooked chicken and mix it with the Buffalo sauce and seasonings.

Don’t Overfill the Buns

Spread the chicken mixture evenly across the buns. Too much filling can make the sliders difficult to cut and serve.

Cover Before Baking

Covering the sliders for the first part of baking helps keep the buns soft while the chicken heats and the cheese melts.

Add the Garlic Butter Before Baking

The garlic butter gives the slider buns a flavorful, golden topping and helps prevent the tops from becoming dry.

Adjust the Spice Level

Frank’s Buffalo Hot Sauce gives these sliders their signature heat. For a milder version, reduce the hot sauce slightly and add a little more ranch dressing.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or shredded grilled chicken can be used.
• Shredded cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican-style cheese blend all work well.
• Ranch dressing: Homemade ranch or your favorite store-bought ranch can be used.
• Slider buns: Hawaiian rolls or other soft dinner rolls are excellent alternatives.
• Butter: Use salted or unsalted butter depending on your preference.

Recipe Variations

Extra Spicy Buffalo Sliders

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra Buffalo sauce to the chicken mixture for more heat.

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sliders

Add an extra drizzle of ranch dressing over the chicken before adding the cheese.

Bacon Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the chicken mixture before assembling the sliders.

Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack for an extra cheesy filling.

Blue Cheese Buffalo Sliders

For a stronger Buffalo-style flavor, sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the chicken before adding the shredded cheese.

Storage and Reheating

These sliders are best served fresh while the cheese is melted and the buns are warm.

If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes, or until heated through.

An air fryer can also be used for smaller portions. Avoid microwaving for too long because the buns can become soft and chewy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Buffalo Chicken Sliders with:

• Ranch dressing
• Extra Buffalo sauce
• Celery sticks
• Carrot sticks
• Potato wedges
• French fries
• Coleslaw
• Pickles
• A simple green salad

They’re especially good as part of a game-day spread with other easy finger foods.

Nutrition Information

Estimated nutrition per slider:

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 17 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 650 mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the brands of buns, hot sauce, ranch dressing, cheese, and chicken used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes. Rotisserie chicken is one of the easiest options. Remove the skin and bones, shred the meat, and use it in the recipe.

Can I make these Buffalo Chicken Sliders ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken filling ahead of time and refrigerate it. Assemble the sliders shortly before baking for the best texture.

What cheese is best for Buffalo Chicken Sliders?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella are all good choices. A combination of cheeses can also give you a richer flavor.

How can I make the sliders less spicy?

Use less Frank’s Buffalo Hot Sauce and add a little more ranch dressing. You can also choose a milder Buffalo sauce.

Can I use Hawaiian rolls?

Yes. Hawaiian rolls are an excellent choice because their soft, slightly sweet flavor pairs nicely with the spicy Buffalo chicken.

Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Sliders?

For the best texture, these sliders are better made fresh or refrigerated for a few days rather than frozen after assembly. If you want to freeze them, freeze the cooked chicken filling separately and assemble fresh sliders later.

What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Sliders?

Ranch dressing, celery, carrots, fries, potato wedges, pickles, and coleslaw all pair well with these spicy chicken sliders.

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Final Thoughts

These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are an easy way to turn simple ingredients into a crowd-friendly meal. The combination of shredded chicken, Buffalo sauce, ranch, melted cheese, and buttery garlic-seasoned buns makes them especially good for game days, parties, and casual family dinners.

Prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time, assemble the sliders when you’re ready to bake, and serve them warm with plenty of ranch on the side.