If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleaser that’s bursting with bold flavors and irresistibly gooey cheese, this Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender shredded chicken drenched in tangy buffalo sauce, mingling with creamy ranch and just a touch of honey for perfect balance, all nestled inside soft, sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls. Topped with a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then baked to melty perfection, these sliders bring together spice, creaminess, and a touch of buttery goodness in every bite. Whether you’re serving at a party, game day, or a casual family dinner, these sliders are guaranteed to disappear fast and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredient list right is key to nailing this Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe. Each component plays an essential role, from the savory shredded chicken adding substantial texture to the Buffalo sauce packing the signature heat, and the soft rolls providing that sweet, pillowy base. Together, they create a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and exciting.
- 3 1/2 cups shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a time-saving superstar that delivers juicy, tender meat.
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce: Choose a classic like Franks for authentic tangy heat that defines the dish.
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing: Adds a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy buffalo flavors.
- 2 Tbsp. honey: Balances the heat with a subtle sweetness that rounds out the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic amps up the savory notes and gives an aromatic lift.
- Pinch of black pepper: Just a little kick to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- 2 cups low moisture mozzarella cheese: Freshly grated for optimum meltiness and gooey texture.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese: Also freshly shredded, adds a nutty depth and slight tang.
- 12 count King’s Hawaiian Rolls: These sweet, soft rolls are essential for the perfect slider experience.
- 4 Tbsp. butter, melted: Creates a rich glaze on top of the rolls after baking.
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning: Adds herby complexity and warmth.
- 1 tsp. garlic salt: For an extra boost of flavor right on top of the sliders.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple preparation ensures that your sliders bake evenly without sticking, making cleanup a breeze. Setting the right temperature early on keeps the kitchen workflow smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Combine the Chicken and Sauces
Grab a large mixing bowl and add your shredded chicken, then pour in the buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and honey. Toss in the minced garlic and sprinkle a pinch of black pepper to spice things up gently. Mix everything until the chicken is evenly coated in this creamy, spicy, and sweet mixture. This step is where the signature flavor of the Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe really takes shape.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
Carefully slice the King’s Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, then place the bottom halves onto your baking sheet in a neat layer. Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the rolls, making sure every slider will be stuffed with that amazing saucy chicken. Sprinkle the freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top—if you want to lock in the filling even more, you can layer cheese, then chicken, then cheese again before adding the tops. This cheese layering means every bite is buttery, melty, and full of flavor.
Step 4: Add the Tops and Seasoned Butter
Place the top halves of the rolls carefully over the cheesy chicken layer. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with Italian seasoning and garlic salt, then brush most of this fragrant butter mixture over the tops of the rolls. Hold back some butter for brushing after baking to give them that glossy, appetizing finish. The butter mixture is what transforms these sliders from simple to exceptional, adding a herby, garlicky richness.
Step 5: Bake to Gooey Perfection
Cover the assembled sliders with foil to keep all the heat and moisture inside as they bake. Pop them into your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until everything is hot and melty. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to let the tops turn golden and slightly crispy. This two-step baking method ensures gooey cheese inside and perfectly toasted tops outside.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the sliders cool for a few minutes out of the oven—this makes slicing easier and prevents burning. Cut between the rolls, brush the remaining butter on top if you like, and serve these delicious mini sandwiches while they’re warm. Friends and family won’t be able to resist their charm!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions adds a pop of color and fresh brightness to your Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe. For a little extra zing, offer ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. Thin slices of cooling cucumber or celery sticks also complement the heat perfectly.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair wonderfully with crunchy carrot sticks, classic potato chips, or a crisp garden salad. If you want to step it up, try serving alongside sweet potato fries or a tangy coleslaw, which offer a perfect contrast to the rich buffalo flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the box by skewering mini slider stacks with decorative picks for easy grab-and-go finger food. You can also turn this dish into a game-day platter layered on a wooden board surrounded by bowls of dipping sauces. For gatherings, place them in a warm slow cooker on low heat to keep them melty and ready to serve all party long.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers of this Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for 3 to 4 days. When refrigerated properly, the flavors meld even better, making each reheated serving just as tasty as fresh.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the assembled sliders tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. They will last for about 2 months frozen. Freezing is perfect if you want to prep ahead for a big event or keep a batch ready for a quick meal later on.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed sliders in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. For a crispier top, remove the foil in the last 3–5 minutes of heating. This method revives the gooey cheese and warm chicken without drying out the rolls.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for the sliders?
Absolutely! While King’s Hawaiian Rolls add a sweet and soft element that complements the spicy chicken beautifully, you can also use dinner rolls or slider buns you prefer. Just be aware the flavor balance might shift slightly depending on the bread you choose.
How spicy are these sliders?
The spice level depends mostly on the buffalo sauce you use. Classic Franks Buffalo Sauce has a moderate heat, balanced by the creamy ranch and sweet honey, making these sliders flavorful without being overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust by using milder or hotter sauces according to your preference.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the shredded chicken with shredded jackfruit or a plant-based chicken alternative and keep the rest of the ingredients the same. The buffalo sauce and cheeses still provide plenty of flavor and satisfy the craving for that classic buffalo taste.
Is it okay to prepare the sliders entirely ahead of time?
You can assemble the sliders the day before, then cover and refrigerate them, but hold off on baking until you’re ready to serve. This keeps the rolls fresh and ensures the cheese melts perfectly when baked just before enjoying.
What can I serve with these sliders for a full meal?
Pair your Buffalo Chicken Sliders with crunchy veggies and a refreshing salad for a balanced meal. For heartier sides, consider baked fries, roasted potatoes, or even a pasta salad. These sides help round out the meal and keep your guests satisfied.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful dish that brings fun and excitement to any table, this Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe is a must-make. They offer the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, cheesy, and buttery goodness wrapped in irresistibly soft rolls. Trust me, once you try these sliders, they’ll become a staple in your recipe collection for gatherings or simple weeknight dinners. Grab your ingredients and dive into a slider experience that’s pure joy with every bite!
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Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
Description
Delicious Buffalo Chicken Sliders made with shredded rotisserie chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, honey, and garlic. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on soft King’s Hawaiian Rolls, brushed with a flavorful garlic butter mixture, baked to melty perfection. Perfect for parties, game days, or a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 3 1/2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken preferred)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (e.g., Franks)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 Tbsp. honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- Pinch of black pepper
Cheese
- 2 cups low moisture mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
Rolls & Topping
- 12 count King’s Hawaiian Rolls
- 4 Tbsp. butter, melted
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp. garlic salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, honey, minced garlic, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined and evenly coated.
- Prepare Rolls: Carefully slice the King’s Hawaiian Rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Assemble Sliders: Evenly spread the buffalo chicken mixture over the bottom halves of the rolls. Sprinkle the freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the chicken layer. For extra cheesy goodness, you can layer cheese, chicken, then more cheese.
- Add Top Rolls: Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese and chicken to form sliders.
- Prepare Butter Topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. Stir well. Brush most of this butter mixture generously over the top rolls, saving some for after baking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the assembled sliders tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the sliders are heated through and the cheese is melted.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This step helps the tops of the rolls to get slightly crisp and golden.
- Cool and Serve: Remove sliders from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Optionally, brush the remaining garlic butter on top of the rolls to give them a shiny, flavorful finish. Slice and serve warm for best taste.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheeses for the best melting texture and flavor.
- Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut, but cooked shredded chicken works fine too.
- You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing to make sliders spicier or milder.
- These sliders are best served warm right out of the oven but can be reheated the next day.
- Substitute King’s Hawaiian Rolls with your favorite soft slider buns if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
