If you’ve ever been in charge of bringing food to a potluck, game day, or family gathering, you know the struggle is real. You want something crowd-pleasing but also quick enough that you’re not chained to your stove for hours. Enter the Buffalo Chicken Sliders. These little baked chicken sandwiches pack all the zesty heat of buffalo wings but in a cozy, cheesy slider form that’s perfect for sharing. Honestly, they’re the kind of dish that disappears faster than you can say “Who’s got napkins?”
What makes these sliders shine is their balance: spicy chicken, creamy ranch, gooey cheese, and pillowy-soft buns brushed with garlicky butter. They’re flavorful enough to satisfy your spice lovers, but not so fiery that you’ll have your Aunt Linda fanning herself with a paper plate. Best of all? They come together in about 35 minutes. That’s a win in any busy cook’s book.
Why You’ll Love These Buffalo Chicken Sliders
- Perfect bite-sized party appetizers
- Quick and easy—only 35 minutes from start to finish
- Cheesy, spicy, and buttery all in one
- Simple ingredients you probably already have
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Sliders:
- 9-pack slider buns
- 1 ½ cups shredded cooked 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 (cheddar or mozzarella)
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Place the bottom halves of the slider buns into the dish.
- Spoon the chicken mixture evenly over the buns.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken, then top with the other half of the buns.
- Stir together melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Brush it over the buns.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake 5–10 minutes more, until golden and melty.
- Slice and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total: 35 minutes | Servings: 9 sliders
Tips for Making the Best Spicy Chicken Sliders
Don’t stress if your buffalo mixture looks a little messy—it’s supposed to! These baked chicken sandwiches are all about cozy, gooey goodness. A few tips to keep in mind:
- Use rotisserie chicken: It’s a time-saver and adds great flavor.
- Adjust the heat: Want less spice? Mix in a bit more ranch. Want it hotter? Add extra hot sauce or a dash of cayenne.
- Cheese matters: Cheddar gives sharpness, while mozzarella makes them extra melty. You can even do a mix.
- Crispy tops: For extra crunch, broil the sliders for the last 1–2 minutes (just watch closely so they don’t burn!).
- Make-ahead trick: Assemble them earlier in the day and bake when ready to serve.
A Little Story From My Kitchen
The first time I made these buffalo chicken sliders was for a neighborhood block party. I was a little nervous—would people really go for a spicy dish instead of the usual chips and dip? Well, let’s just say I barely had time to put the tray down before people were reaching for seconds. My kids were even sneaking bites behind me! Since then, they’ve become my go-to when I want something that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. It’s like having all the fun of buffalo wings without the messy fingers and endless napkins.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Sliders
These sliders are bold and flavorful, so pairing them with the right sides balances everything out:
- Crispy veggies: Celery and carrot sticks are classic (and refreshing against the spice).
- Dips: Ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side makes them irresistible.
- Salads: A crisp green salad or coleslaw adds a fresh crunch.
- Potato love: Think oven fries, chips, or even a potato salad.
- Something sweet: If it’s game day, a tray of brownies or cookies rounds out the spread.
Basically, you want a mix of fresh, creamy, and crunchy sides to keep your party spread exciting.
How to Store Leftover Slider Recipes
If by some miracle you have leftovers (unlikely, but hey—it happens), here’s how to save them:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible—it makes the buns soggy.
- Freezer: You can freeze fully baked sliders wrapped in foil. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
Pro tip: Keep the toppings (like extra ranch) on the side so they don’t make the buns too soggy when stored.
FAQs About Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Can I substitute the chicken?
Yes! Shredded turkey works beautifully. You could even try cooked, shredded pork for a fun twist.
What if I don’t like ranch?
Swap it with blue cheese dressing or even sour cream. It still keeps that creamy balance against the spice.
Can I make these ahead?
Definitely. Assemble the sliders, cover with foil, and refrigerate up to 6 hours. Pop them in the oven when ready.
How spicy are these sliders?
They’ve got a kick but aren’t over-the-top. Adjust the hot sauce to your liking.
Can I use a different type of bun?
Yes! Hawaiian rolls add a slightly sweet touch, which pairs deliciously with the spicy chicken.
When life calls for a dish that’s equal parts comfort food and party starter, these Buffalo Chicken Sliders deliver every single time. They’re spicy chicken sliders wrapped in melty cheese and soft buns, brushed with buttery garlic bliss. Whether you’re feeding your family on a weeknight or serving a crowd on game day, these little baked chicken sandwiches guarantee smiles (and requests for seconds). Keep this recipe handy—you’ll be making it again and again.
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Buffalo Chicken Sliders That Will Steal the Show at Any Party
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 sliders 1x
Description
Buffalo Chicken Sliders are bite-sized baked sandwiches filled with spicy shredded chicken, creamy ranch, and melty cheese, all tucked into soft slider buns brushed with garlicky butter. Perfect for game days, parties, or weeknight dinners, these sliders are quick, cheesy, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Ingredients
For the Sliders:
-
9-pack slider buns
-
1 ½ cups shredded cooked 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 (cheddar or mozzarella)
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
-
2 tbsp butter, melted
-
½ tsp garlic powder
-
¼ tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
-
In a bowl, combine chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
-
Place bottom halves of slider buns in the dish.
-
Spread chicken mixture evenly over buns.
-
Sprinkle shredded cheese over chicken, then top with bun tops.
-
Mix melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Brush over buns.
-
Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
-
Remove foil and bake 5–10 minutes more, until tops are golden and cheese is melted.
-
Slice and serve hot.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep and extra flavor.
Adjust spice by adding more ranch for milder sliders or extra hot sauce for a kick.
Hawaiian rolls add a sweet contrast to the spicy filling.
For crunchier tops, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely).
Assemble ahead, refrigerate, and bake before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American