Buffalo Chicken Sliders – Best Cheesy Recipe

Juicy, spicy, and incredibly cheesy — Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the ultimate game day appetizer, family dinner hack, or potluck win. This easy-to-make recipe brings together shredded chicken, hot buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, and gooey cheese layered on sweet Hawaiian rolls. The result? A crispy-topped, melty-centered slider that hits every flavor note. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, these sliders will quickly become a staple in your rotation.

What Makes These Buffalo Chicken Sliders So Irresistible

These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are not only incredibly flavorful but also quick to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights, parties, or tailgating, the combination of spicy chicken, rich cheese, and soft rolls offers the ideal balance of heat, creaminess, and comfort. Inspired by the ever-popular buffalo chicken dip, this slider version adds texture and portability to the mix.

The best part? You only need about 10 minutes of prep before popping them into the oven. And with ingredients that are easy to find and even easier to substitute, this recipe is as flexible as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Hawaiian Rolls: Provide a soft, slightly sweet base that balances the spicy chicken filling
• Shredded Chicken: Adds juicy texture and hearty protein. Use rotisserie, leftover, or homemade boiled chicken
• Ranch Dressing: Brings a creamy tang that complements the heat of the hot sauce
• Hot Sauce: Classic Frank’s RedHot Buffalo sauce offers the best balance of heat and flavor
• Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce
• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds gooey richness—cheddar, Colby jack, or Mexican blend work great
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, golden finish on the buns
• Italian Seasoning: Adds depth and herby aroma to the buttery topping
• Garlic Powder: Infuses the slider tops with irresistible flavor

Ingredient Swaps for Every Pantry and Preference

• Rolls: Swap Hawaiian rolls for brioche sliders, potato buns, or gluten-free rolls for dietary needs
• Dressing: Use blue cheese dressing instead of ranch for a classic Buffalo wing flavor twist
• Cheese: Pepper jack adds extra spice; mozzarella offers milder creaminess
• Chicken: Try canned chicken in a pinch, or even swap for shredded turkey
• Butter Topping: Replace garlic powder with minced fresh garlic for extra punch, or try a dash of paprika for smoky notes

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F for even baking.
2. Mix the Chicken Filling: In a large bowl, combine your shredded chicken with ranch dressing, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well coated and flavorful.
3. Slice the Rolls: Without separating the individual rolls, slice the entire pack of Hawaiian rolls horizontally. Remove the top layer and place the bottom half in a 9×13 baking dish or sheet pan.
4. Add the Filling: Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom layer of the rolls.
5. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the chicken layer for a melty, cheesy middle.
6. Top with Roll Lids: Place the top half of the rolls back on and press gently to secure.
7. Prepare the Butter Topping: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Use a pastry brush to coat the tops of the rolls.
8. Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
9. Finish Uncovered: Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes until the tops are golden and the cheese is bubbling.
10. Serve Hot: Let the sliders sit for a few minutes before slicing into individual servings. Serve with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Pro Tips for Slider Perfection

• Don’t Overload the Filling: Spread the mixture evenly without overstuffing to prevent soggy bottoms.
• To Check Doneness: Cheese should be melted, and tops should have a slight golden crust.
• Use Fresh Chicken: Freshly shredded chicken absorbs flavors better than frozen.
• Cut After Baking: It’s easier and cleaner to cut the sliders after they’ve been baked and slightly cooled.
• Prep Ahead: Assemble ahead and store in the fridge. Just brush with butter and bake when ready.

Delicious Sides, Toppings & Creative Variations

• Classic Sides: Serve these sliders with coleslaw, pickles, or celery sticks for a nod to the original Buffalo wings experience.
• Dipping Sauces: Ranch and blue cheese are top picks, but try garlic aioli or creamy chipotle for a creative twist.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch, refrigerate, and reheat in the oven or air fryer for crisp results.
• Spicy Version: Add jalapeño slices or a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken mix.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the buffalo chicken filling in lettuce wraps instead of rolls.
• Vegetarian Take: Substitute shredded jackfruit or cauliflower bites for the chicken base.

Seasonal Comfort with a Spicy Kick

These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are perfect for cooler seasons like fall and winter, where comfort food takes center stage. You can also make them healthier by using whole wheat rolls, low-fat ranch, and reduced-fat cheese. For a high-protein variation, opt for grilled chicken breast and Greek yogurt ranch.

They’re also ideal for gatherings during the Super Bowl, holiday parties, or family movie nights—crowd-pleasing, easy to transport, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

Whether you’re planning a casual get-together or just need a new weeknight dinner idea, Buffalo Chicken Sliders are your go-to solution. Quick to make, endlessly customizable, and packed with flavor, these sliders deliver spicy, cheesy comfort in every bite.

Conclusion

If you’re searching for a crave-worthy appetizer or an effortless dinner option, Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a clear winner. They come together quickly, use simple ingredients, and deliver big flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting game night, preparing a tailgate menu, or simply need a satisfying comfort food fix, this recipe offers a spicy, cheesy solution that everyone will enjoy. From the buttery rolls to the creamy, tangy buffalo filling, every element is crafted for maximum flavor with minimal effort. Make them once, and they’re bound to be a repeat request.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Chicken Sliders

More Relevant Recipes

• Halloween Buffalo Chicken Dip: This festive twist on the classic dip brings all the spicy, cheesy buffalo flavor in a creamy baked dish. It shares the same core ingredients as Buffalo Chicken Sliders and is perfect as a party appetizer.
• Halloween Chicken Parmesan Sliders: These mini sliders combine crispy chicken with marinara and melted cheese, offering a fun variation on party-ready chicken sliders with a seasonal spin.
• Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing: This slow cooker comfort food shares the savory shredded chicken base with Buffalo Chicken Sliders, making it a flavorful, hands-off meal option for busy weeknights.

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