Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a fun little twist on the classic Buffalo wing experience. These sliders feature tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy Buffalo sauce, tucked inside soft, fluffy mini buns. The kick of heat from the sauce paired with the cool creaminess of ranch or blue cheese dressing makes each bite a perfect flavor combo.
I love making these sliders for casual get-togethers or game day. They’re easy to eat with your hands, which keeps things relaxed and fun. One trick I’ve found helpful is to toast the buns just a little so they stay sturdy against the saucy chicken – that way everything stays neat and tasty.
When I serve these, I like to add a little crunch with some shredded lettuce or a slice of crisp celery on the side. It helps balance out the spice and adds a fresh touch. Buffalo Chicken Sliders always bring smiles, a little excitement at the table, and more than a few repeat bites from everyone around.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Chicken: Using cooked, shredded chicken breast is great for texture and ease. Rotisserie chicken works well if you want a quick option. For a lighter choice, try shredded turkey instead.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: This is the heart of the flavor. Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce. If you want less heat, mix the sauce with a bit of melted butter or honey.
Slider Buns: Soft mini buns hold the saucy chicken nicely. Hawaiian rolls add a touch of sweetness, balancing the spicy sauce perfectly. Gluten-free buns work well if needed.
Butter: Brushing melted butter on buns adds flavor and helps them toast nicely. You can swap with olive oil if preferred.
Blue Cheese or Ranch Dressing: These dressings cool the heat and add creaminess. Choose whichever you like best, or skip if you prefer less richness.
How Can I Keep the Slider Buns from Getting Soggy?
To prevent soggy buns, a little toasting goes a long way. Here’s what I do:
- Brush the buns with melted butter before heating.
- Toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes at 350°F until just golden.
- This creates a slight barrier and adds flavor while keeping them soft.
- Avoid piling too much saucy chicken—spread it evenly and gently.
This way, your Buffalo Chicken Sliders stay deliciously neat and easy to handle!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I use it to toast the buns and keep everything neat in one place.
- Medium mixing bowl – perfect for tossing the shredded chicken with the Buffalo sauce.
- Small spoon or spatula – makes spreading the chicken on buns easy and tidy.
- Basting brush – helps spread melted butter evenly over the buns for a golden finish.
- Oven – essential for warming and toasting the buns to perfection.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try shredded cooked turkey or chicken thighs for a different meat flavor.
- Add shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack on top before serving for extra richness.
- Stir in chopped celery or carrots into the chicken mixture for crunch and sweetness.
- Use buffalo sauce mixed with honey or barbeque sauce to tweak the spice level and sweetness.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sliders:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- ½ cup Buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 12 slider buns (soft, small rolls)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
For Serving (Optional):
- ¼ cup blue cheese or ranch dressing
- Fresh parsley or celery leaves, for garnish
- Celery sticks, as a side
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 5-7 minutes to warm the buns and assemble the sliders. In total, you can have these tasty sliders ready in around 15 minutes—quick and easy for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Chicken with Buffalo Sauce:
In a medium bowl, gently toss together the shredded cooked chicken with the Buffalo wing sauce. Make sure all the chicken pieces get coated in the sauce for that perfect spicy flavor.
2. Prepare and Toast the Buns:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slider buns on a baking sheet and brush the tops lightly with melted butter. Warm them in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes until they’re slightly toasted and soft.
3. Assemble the Sliders:
Spoon a generous helping of Buffalo chicken onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. If you like, drizzle some blue cheese or ranch dressing over the chicken for an extra creamy touch. Then, place the top halves of the buns over the filling.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or celery leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your Buffalo Chicken Sliders right away, with celery sticks and extra dressing on the side for dipping.
Enjoy these spicy and flavorful sliders—they’re perfect for game day, parties, or any casual get-together!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before shredding and tossing it with the Buffalo sauce for the best texture and flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, and add a little extra sauce or dressing to keep them moist.
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the Buffalo chicken mixture and toast the buns in advance. Assemble the sliders just before serving to keep the buns from getting soggy.
What Can I Use Instead of Buffalo Wing Sauce?
If you want a milder option, mix hot sauce with some melted butter or swap Buffalo sauce for a smoky BBQ sauce for a different flavor twist.
