If you crave the addictive, tangy heat of buffalo wings but could do without the messy fingers, you’ve come to the right place. These warm oven-baked Buffalo Chicken Sliders pack all that classic, spicy Buffalo flavor into cheesy pull-apart sandwiches perfect for sharing.
Drawing inspiration from the beloved combination of spicy chicken and melty cheese reimagined into a format as easy to make as it is to eat, these Buffalo Chicken Sliders take a classic favorite and give it an unforgettable twist. Packed with all the familiar flavors fans love in a shareable handheld package, they make the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer for any occasion with a little heat. Don’t forget to check our Classic Chicken Sliders Recipe; you will love it.
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Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Twist
There are so many reasons these sliders will become a staple in your recipe rotation.
- All the Flavor, None of the Mess: You get that signature spicy, buttery buffalo sauce taste without the need for a mountain of napkins. It’s the perfect way to enjoy your favorite appetizer flavor in a convenient, shareable form.
- The Ultimate Party Food: Baked together in one pan and easy to pull apart, these are designed for a crowd. Whether it’s for a Super Bowl party or a casual family get-together, a tray of these hot, cheesy sliders is always the first thing to disappear.
- Amazingly Simple to Make: With pre-cooked chicken and a simple assembly process, you can have these ready for the oven in about 10 minutes. It’s a one-pan wonder that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort, much like our other easy 30-minute meals.
- Easily Adjustable Heat: You are in complete control of the spice level. You can make them mild enough for the whole family or ramp up the heat for true spice lovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list is short and simple, relying on pantry staples and easy-to-find items.
- Slider Buns: One 12-pack of Hawaiian rolls or brioche buns. Their slight sweetness is the perfect counterpoint to the spicy filling.
- Cooked, Shredded Chicken: About 2 cups. A store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. If you need a quick guide, here’s an excellent tutorial on the best way to shred chicken from The Kitchn.
- Buffalo Wing Sauce: ½ cup of your favorite brand (like Frank’s RedHot). True buffalo sauce is a specific emulsion of hot sauce and melted butter, which gives it that signature silky texture and cling, as explained by the experts at Serious Eats.
- Cream Cheese or Ranch Dressing: 2-3 tablespoons (optional, but recommended). This adds creaminess and helps temper the heat.
- Shredded Cheese: 1 ½ cups. Monterey Jack, Provolone, or a Colby Jack blend melt beautifully.
- Melted Butter: 3 tablespoons for the topping.
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon.
- Dried Parsley or Chives: 1 teaspoon for sprinkling on top.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders
In three simple steps, you’ll have a tray of irresistible, spicy-cheesy goodness ready to devour.
Step 1: Create the Buffalo Chicken Filling
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce. If you want a creamier, milder filling, stir in the softened cream cheese or ranch dressing until everything is well combined.
Step 2: Assemble the Sliders
Slice the entire slab of slider buns in half horizontally, keeping all the buns connected. Place the bottom half in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the chicken. Place the top slab of buns on top. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and garlic powder, then brush it all over the tops of the buns.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the sliders are heated through. Remove the foil and bake for another 3-5 minutes to get the tops of the buns golden brown and slightly crispy. Sprinkle with dried parsley or chives, let them cool for a minute, then slice and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
These sliders are fantastic on their own, but they are even better with classic buffalo wing pairings.
- Serve with a side of crunchy celery and carrot sticks.
- Offer bowls of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- For a fuller meal, pair them with French fries, tater tots, or our delicious Potatoes O’Brien.
- A creamy coleslaw or a refreshing Pineapple Cucumber Salad provides a cool, refreshing contrast to the spice.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns Hawaiian or brioche
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce
- 2 tbsp ranch dressing or softened cream cheese optional
- 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack or provolone cheese
- 3 tbsp butter melted
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, and ranch dressing or cream cheese (if using) until evenly coated.
- Slice the slider buns horizontally without separating them. Place the bottom halves in the baking dish, spread the buffalo chicken mixture on top, then sprinkle evenly with shredded cheese. Add the top buns.
- Mix the melted butter with garlic powder and brush it over the tops of the buns for flavor and a golden finish.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Sprinkle with parsley, slice, and serve warm.
Video
Notes
- Heat Level Tip: Adjust spice by using more or less buffalo sauce or mixing in extra ranch.
- Cheese Options: Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend can also be used.
- Make Ahead: Assemble sliders and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 6 hours. Bake when ready.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture.
Storage & Reheating Tips
While they’re best served fresh from the oven, leftovers are still delicious.
- To Store: Place any leftover sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: For the best results, reheat them in the oven or an air fryer. Place them on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes, until heated through and the tops have crisped up again. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the buns soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Buffalo chicken sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders completely, cover them with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the initial covered baking time since they’ll be starting from cold.
What’s the best cheese to use?
A good melting cheese is key. Provolone, Monterey Jack, or a Colby Jack blend are excellent choices because they get nice and gooey without being overly greasy.
Are these really spicy? How can I adjust the heat?
The spice level depends entirely on your buffalo sauce. For less heat, choose a mild buffalo sauce and be sure to add the cream cheese or ranch to the filling. For more heat, use a hot buffalo sauce and consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is the easiest and fastest way to get perfectly cooked, shredded chicken for this recipe.
The Perfect Party Pleaser
These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are more than just a recipe—they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They bring your favorite sports bar’s fun and flavor into your kitchen with minimal effort.
The combination of spicy, tangy chicken, gooey melted cheese, and soft, sweet buns with a crispy garlic butter topping is simply irresistible. So next time you’re looking for the perfect dish to share, try these sliders. We promise they’ll be a touchdown.
More Chicken Slider Recipes
If you love these, be sure to check out our other delicious slider variations!
