Looking for a game-changing snack that hits all the right notes? These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are precisely what you need to spice up your lunch or game day spread. I’m making these for the 3rd time this week, and it’s easy to see why the bold flavor and tender chicken keep pulling me back.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and savory, all packed into a soft slider bun. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a satisfying solo meal, these sliders deliver comfort and kick in every bite.
Why I Can’t Stop Making These Buffalo Chicken Sliders
- Quick and easy to assemble, perfect for busy weeknights.
- The tangy buffalo sauce adds a bold flavor twist that amps up classic chicken.
- Uses pantry staples and pre-cooked chicken for minimal prep.
- Kid-friendly with mild buffalo sauce options and creamy blue cheese or ranch toppings.
- Perfect for seasonal gatherings, especially fall football parties or summer barbecues.
What Type of Chicken Should I Use?
For the best Buffalo Chicken Sliders, use shredded rotisserie chicken; it’s juicy and full of flavor right out of the package. Freshly cooked chicken breasts or thighs work well, too, but be sure to cook and shred them while still moist.
If using frozen cooked chicken, thaw completely in the fridge overnight, then drain any excess liquid and pat dry with paper towels before tossing in the sauce. Avoid canned chicken as it tends to be too dry for this recipe. Fresh chicken provides the best texture, but convenience options like store-bought rotisserie cuts the time drastically.
Options for Ingredient Alternatives
- Butter can be swapped for olive oil or avocado oil in the buffalo sauce for a lighter option.
- Blue cheese crumbles can be substituted with ranch dressing or shredded mozzarella if you prefer milder cheese flavors.
- Swap slider buns for sandwich rolls, Hawaiian buns, or even gluten-free buns for dietary needs.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in dressings for a tangy but healthier twist.
- If using coconut oil in a sauce or dressing, chill the sliders briefly to prevent melting and separation.
The Biggest Challenges While Assembling
- Don’t overdry your chicken when shredding; if it’s too dry, the sliders won’t hold moisture. Add a splash of buffalo sauce or water if the chicken feels dry.
- Fold in blue cheese or ranch gently to keep textures intact and add creaminess at the end.
- Avoid overloading buns with sauce and chicken to prevent sogginess; less is more here.
- If your slider buns are too soft, lightly toast them to avoid falling apart during assembly.
- Chill sliders briefly before serving if making ahead to let flavors meld and buns stay firm.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Store assembled Buffalo Chicken Sliders covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For more extended storage, freeze the chicken mixture separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently, then assemble with fresh buns and toppings.
If freezing sliders fully assembled, wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. You can also make the buffalo chicken filling in advance and reheat it quickly to save time on the day of serving.
Estimated Nutrition
For the entire batch of 8 sliders: approximately 1,600 calories, 100 grams of protein, 120 grams of fat, and 50 grams of carbohydrates.
Per slider, expect roughly 200 calories, 12 grams of protein, 15 grams of fat, and 6 grams of carbs. Exact numbers vary based on bun choice and cheese quantity, but this offers a solid estimate to keep in mind.
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (450 g)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (120 ml)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (56 g)
- 8 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles (70 g)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing (120 ml)
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce, washed and dried (30 g)
- Optional: sliced celery sticks for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and melted butter. Stir until chicken is evenly coated.
- Slice slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottoms on a baking sheet.
- Evenly distribute the buffalo chicken mixture onto each bun bottom.
- Sprinkle a gentle layer of blue cheese crumbles over the chicken, folding them in carefully if you prefer mixed throughout or simply topping.
- Add a spoonful of ranch or blue cheese dressing and a small handful of shredded lettuce on top.
- Cover with the top halves of the buns and bake sliders for 8 to 10 minutes, just until warm and the buns are slightly toasted. Serve immediately with celery sticks or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips, Variations & Serving Ideas
- Add sliced pickles or jalapeños for an extra zing.
- Underbake slightly for gooey cheese centers that stay melty.
- Swap blue cheese with shredded cheddar for a milder but equally delicious slider.
- Serve with carrot and celery sticks plus ranch or blue cheese on the side for a classic buffalo flight.
- Toast buns lightly beforehand to prevent sogginess.
- Use leftover buffalo chicken on salads or as a taco filling for a waste-free meal.
- For a smoky twist, add smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the buffalo sauce mix.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these sliders ahead of time for a party?
A: Yes, prepare the chicken filling in advance and store it separately. Assemble and bake just before serving for the freshest sliders.
Q: What if I don’t like spicy food?
A: Use mild buffalo sauce or swap for barbecue sauce to keep the flavor without the heat.
Q: Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
A: Absolutely! Shredded turkey works just as well and can be tossed with buffalo sauce in the same way.
Save This for Later (Pinterest)
Love these Buffalo Chicken Sliders? Pin this recipe now to save it for your next get-together, snack attack, or weeknight dinner. You’ll want to keep coming back for the easiest flavor-packed slider around!
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