These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are saucy, cheesy, and totally crave-worthy. Super simple to make, and perfect for game day, parties, or a chill dinner. They’ve got that spicy buffalo kick, creamy ranch, melty cheese, and soft buns that soak up all that goodness. You’ll want to eat more than one—trust me.
Why I Love This Recipe
I first made these for a football Sunday, and they disappeared in minutes. I barely got one for myself. Since then, they’ve become a go-to. Here’s why they’re awesome:
- All the flavor of wings but way less messy
- Easy to prep ahead
- Great for sharing
- Super customizable
- Everyone always wants the recipe
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls or any soft dinner rolls)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing tops)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Servings and Cook Time
Makes: 12 sliders
Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet or casserole dish
- Pastry brush
- Aluminum foil
- Oven
- Small saucepan (optional)
Pro Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time—super flavorful and no cooking needed
- Don’t skip brushing the tops with oil and garlic powder—it gives the buns a golden, tasty finish
- Cover with foil while baking so the buns don’t burn
- If you want them spicier, add extra buffalo sauce or a dash of hot sauce
- Serve them warm—melty cheese is the best part
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap ranch for blue cheese dressing if you like that tang
- Use pepper jack for extra spice
- Add thinly sliced red onion or pickles for crunch
- Try BBQ sauce instead of buffalo for a different vibe
Make Ahead Tips
- You can mix the chicken, cheese, and sauce the day before and keep it in the fridge. Just assemble and bake when ready.
Let’s Make It
Step 1: Mix the Chicken and Buffalo Sauce
In a bowl, mix 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, ½ cup buffalo sauce, and 2 tablespoons melted butter until well coated.
Step 2: Prep the Slider Buns
Slice the 12 slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the bottoms connected. Place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Cheese
Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture over the bun bottoms, spreading evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella and ½ cup shredded cheddar over the chicken.
Step 4: Drizzle Ranch
Drizzle ¼ cup ranch dressing over the cheese.
Step 5: Add Top Buns
Place the top halves of the slider buns on top, lining them up with the bottoms.
Step 6: Brush and Season
In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon olive oil with ¼ teaspoon garlic powder. Brush this on top of the buns.
Step 7: Bake
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5 minutes to brown the tops.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley if using, and serve warm.
Leftovers and Storage
Let sliders cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. Buns may get a little soft but still taste great.
Nutrition (Per Slider)
- Calories: ~220
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 17g
- Fat: 11g
- Sugar: 2g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Buffalo sauce is a combo of vinegar, butter, and hot sauce—it clings to shredded chicken because the butter binds the sauce to the meat. Melting mozzarella and cheddar together adds stretch and gooey texture. Brushing oil on the buns helps them brown while the foil traps steam so they stay soft inside.
Common Mistakes
- Dry chicken: Use juicy shredded chicken. Rotisserie is best.
- Burning the buns: Don’t skip the foil for the first bake.
- Overfilling: Too much filling will make them hard to pick up and messy.
- Cold cheese: Let cheese come to room temp so it melts faster.
What to Serve With
- Celery sticks with ranch or blue cheese
- Sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw
- A crisp salad
- Chips and dip
FAQ
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Is it spicy?
Mild to medium heat. Add more buffalo sauce if you like it hotter.
Can I freeze them?
Best eaten fresh. Freezing makes the buns soggy.
Final Thoughts
These buffalo chicken sliders are the kind of recipe you’ll make again and again. They’re quick, easy, and loaded with flavor. Perfect for feeding a group or just treating yourself. Try it, then drop a comment to let me know how yours turned out or if you have any questions!