These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasers, combining the irresistible heat of buffalo sauce with the cool, creamy richness of ranch dressing, all wrapped up in a melty, cheesy embrace.
What truly sets these sliders apart is their sheer convenience. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll have an appetizer or main dish that's perfect for game days, parties, or even a casual weeknight meal
Whether you're gearing up for game day, planning a summer picnic, or just looking for a fun and tasty meal idea, these Buffalo Chicken Sliders have got you covered.
Why You Will Love This Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Let me count the reasons to love these tasty bites!
Flavor Explosion: The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, cool and creamy ranch dressing, and gooey melted cheese creates an irresistible flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds.
Crowd-Pleaser: These sliders are perfect for parties, game days, or any casual gathering. They're handheld, shareable, and sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Convenience: With the use of a crockpot or rotisserie chicken, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights or when you want to minimize time in the kitchen.
Versatility: While delicious on their own, these sliders can be customized with various toppings like coleslaw, blue cheese, or caramelized onions, allowing you to tailor them to your preferences.
Portable: The slider format makes these buffalo chicken sandwiches highly portable, making them ideal for picnics, potlucks, or even as a tasty addition to lunch boxes.
INGREDIENTS
Here’s everything you need for this savory sensation:
- Shredded Chicken: This is the main protein component of the sliders. Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken works great for convenience.
- Buffalo Sauce: This provides the signature spicy and tangy buffalo flavor to the chicken filling. Look for classic buffalo wing sauce like Frank's Red Hot.
- Ranch Dressing: The cool and creamy ranch dressing helps balance out the heat from the buffalo sauce and adds moisture to the chicken mixture.
- Cheese: Shredded cheese like cheddar, Monterey jack, or mozzarella melts beautifully over the buffalo chicken. The gooey cheese is a must for these sliders.
- Hawaiian Rolls: These soft, slightly sweet rolls provide the perfect base for the sliders. Their pull-apart style makes them easy to separate into bottoms and tops.
- Butter: Melted butter brushed over the tops of the rolls gives them a rich, golden brown color and crispness when baked.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder or minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper enhance the flavors of the buffalo chicken filling.
How To Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Making this dish couldn’t be easier:
Step1.Preheat that oven and prep your baking dish or sheet for easy assembly.
Step2.In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the zesty buffalo sauce, cool and creamy ranch dressing, and robust Cajun seasoning. Give it a good mix to coat the chicken evenly.
Step3.Time for some roll surgery! Using a serrated knife, slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally to create a top and bottom layer. Don't pull them apart yet.
Step4.Arrange the bottom roll layer in your prepared baking dish and sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese. This creates an ooey-gooey base.
Step5.Evenly distribute that flavor-packed buffalo chicken mixture over the cheese layer.
Step6.Top it off with the remaining shredded cheese and place the top roll layer over the filling to enclose it.
Step7.In a small bowl, melt some butter and whisk in Italian seasoning to create an aromatic topping.
Step8.Using a pastry brush, generously brush or spoon the seasoned butter over the tops of the sliders.
Step9.Pop those sliders into the oven and bake until the cheese is melty, and the tops are lightly golden brown.
Step10.Let them cool slightly, then dig in! For an extra crunch, serve with coleslaw either tucked inside or on the side.
Tips For The Best Buffalo Chicken Sliders
With these top tips, you'll be serving up a mouthwatering masterpiece
- Shred the Chicken Properly: For the best texture, shred the chicken using two forks to pull it apart into thin strips. Avoid chopping it, which can make the filling too dense.
- Adjust the Heat Level: If you prefer less spicy sliders, use a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount. For an extra kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
- Toast the Rolls: For an extra crispy exterior, toast the Hawaiian rolls or buns before assembling the sliders. This adds a nice crunch to contrast with the soft interior.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces like extra buffalo sauce, ranch, or blue cheese dressing on the side for added flavor and moisture.
How To Store
Here’s how to store them
Storing: Leftover buffalo chicken sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the sliders to cool completely before storing.
Freezing: Wrap the cooled sliders individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen sliders on a baking sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
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Ingredients
- 8 Hawaiian-style rolls around 340g
- 2 cups shredded chicken around 300g
- ⅓ cup buffalo wing sauce around 80ml
- ⅓ cup ranch dressing around 80ml
- 3 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese around 85g
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt around 2.5g
- ½ teaspoon black pepper around 1g
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish or rimmed baking sheet.
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Without separating the rolls, use a serrated knife to slice them horizontally, dividing the tops from the bottoms.
- Arrange the bottom halves in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
- Evenly distribute the buffalo chicken mixture over the cheese layer.
- Top with the remaining shredded cheese and place the top halves of the rolls over the filling.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with Italian seasoning and brush the mixture over the tops of the sliders.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tops are lightly browned.
- Optionally, serve the sliders with coleslaw on top or the side.
Notes
- For a twist, try different cheese varieties like pepper jack or blue cheese crumbles.
- Prepare the buffalo chicken filling up to 3 days in advance for easy assembly later.
- Serve with celery and carrot sticks, extra buffalo sauce for dipping, or ranch dressing on the side.
- Let any leftovers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of roll?
Yes, you can substitute the Hawaiian rolls with other soft dinner rolls or slider buns. Brioche or potato rolls also work well.
Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken makes this recipe even quicker to prepare.
What are some good side dish options?
These sliders pair nicely with celery and carrot sticks, coleslaw, potato salad, baked fries or chips, and extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Elena says
Wow! This recipe blew me away. It was simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve guests. Everyone raved about it. I’ll definitely be making this again!