How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders: A Foolproof Party Recipe
Have you ever noticed that buffalo chicken sliders are practically mandatory at every party these days? I’m not sure I’ve been to a gathering recently that didn’t feature these spicy, cheesy delights. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl watch party or need an easy weeknight dinner, these sliders have become a recurring favorite with family and friends.
What makes our buffalo chicken slider recipe so special? For starters, they offer the perfect level of spiciness, balanced with melty cheese and creamy ranch dressing. Furthermore, these are incredibly versatile – you can adjust the buffalo sauce to your preference and top them with ranch, blue cheese crumbles, or even coleslaw. If you’re looking for how to make buffalo chicken sliders that will disappear in minutes, you’ve found it – many hosts recommend making a double batch because they go so fast!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through our foolproof method for creating easy buffalo chicken sliders that will have your guests raving. From using rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep time to customizing them for both spice lovers and those who prefer milder flavors, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!
Gather Your Ingredients
The first step to making sensational buffalo chicken sliders is gathering all your ingredients. Additionally, having everything prepped and ready will make the assembly process much smoother.
Rotisserie or shredded chicken
Rotisserie chicken is the ultimate time-saver for these sliders. Look for a “traditional” rotisserie chicken without added flavors like lemon pepper or herbs to maintain the classic buffalo taste. You’ll need approximately 3-4 cups of shredded chicken for a standard recipe. Alternatively, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts cooked in a slow cooker and then shredded, or even leftover cooked chicken from previous meals.
Buffalo sauce and ranch dressing
For authentic buffalo flavor, Louisiana-style hot sauce is essential – Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Sauce is the classic choice used at the famous Anchor Bar in Buffalo. Most recipes call for 1/3 to 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce. Pair this with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of ranch dressing to add creaminess and balance the heat. Moreover, you can substitute blue cheese dressing if you prefer a more traditional buffalo wing experience.
Cheese options: cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack
Monterey Jack cheese is particularly popular for these sliders as it melts exceptionally well. Nonetheless, cheddar provides classic flavor, while pepper jack adds an extra kick for spice lovers. Other excellent options include provolone, Swiss, mozzarella, or havarti. For best results, freshly grate your cheese rather than using pre-shredded packages – it melts much better without the anti-caking agents found in packaged varieties.
Hawaiian rolls or slider buns
King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls are the gold standard for buffalo chicken sliders. The subtle sweetness of these rolls creates a perfect contrast with the spicy buffalo chicken. Brioche slider buns are another excellent option, offering a buttery, rich base. Generally, most recipes use a 12-count package of rolls.
Butter and seasoning for topping
Prepare 2-3 tablespoons of melted butter to brush on top of the rolls. Subsequently, enhance the butter with seasonings like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or dried parsley. This buttery topping ensures the buns develop a beautiful golden, crispy exterior during baking.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Now comes the fun part—assembling and baking these irresistible buffalo chicken sliders! The method is straightforward yet ensures perfect results every time.
Slice the rolls without separating them
The secret to successful buffalo chicken sliders lies in keeping the rolls connected. Instead of separating individual rolls, use a large serrated knife to slice the entire slab of rolls horizontally. This creates a top “slab” and bottom “slab” while maintaining their connection. Place the bottom half on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a greased baking dish, cut side facing up.
Layer cheese, chicken mix, and more cheese
First, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese across the bottom slab. Next, spread your buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the cheese layer. For the ultimate melty experience, add a second layer of cheese on top of the chicken. This “cheese sandwich” technique effectively locks in the chicken filling. Indeed, as the saying goes: you can never go wrong with more cheese!
Brush with seasoned butter
In a small bowl, combine melted butter with seasonings of your choice. Popular additions include Italian seasoning, garlic salt, or minced garlic with chopped parsley. Carefully brush most of this seasoned butter mixture over the tops of the rolls. Reserve a small amount to brush on after baking for an extra glossy finish.
Bake until golden and melty
Preheat your oven to 350-375°F, depending on your recipe. For best results, cover the sliders with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes. Afterwards, remove the foil and continue baking for about 5 more minutes until the tops turn beautifully golden brown. The cheese should be completely melted and bubbly when done.
Once out of the oven, let the sliders rest for a minute before serving. This brief resting period allows the molten cheese to set slightly, making them easier to handle and serve.
Tips to Customize Your Sliders
Buffalo chicken sliders shine as a highly adaptable party food. Ultimately, the best thing about these crowd-pleasers is how easily they can be customized to suit different tastes and occasions.
Adjusting spice level for kids or heat lovers
One son found these sliders too spicy, suggesting the need for a milder version. For a kid-friendly option, simply reduce the hot sauce to ½ cup instead of the full cup. You can also make these sliders milder by adding more ranch dressing or omitting the cajun seasoning. Conversely, for heat enthusiasts, consider adding more cajun seasoning, a dash of cayenne pepper, or using an extra hot version of buffalo wing sauce.
Using blue cheese instead of ranch
While the “ranch vs. blue cheese” debate continues nationwide, in Buffalo (the birthplace of buffalo wings), blue cheese is considered the authentic choice. In fact, surveys show that 61% of true wing enthusiasts prefer blue cheese, with only 17% choosing ranch. Blue cheese contains sour cream that helps cool down the heat. However, be aware that blue cheese ranks as the #4 most hated food in America, so know your audience!
Adding jalapeños, green onions, or coleslaw
For added texture and flavor, consider these tasty additions:
- Green onions add brightness and complement the rich cheese and spicy buffalo sauce
- Sliced jalapeños provide extra heat and crunch[163]
- Coleslaw creates a creamy contrast – especially a ranch blue cheese slaw
- Parmesan cheese offers additional flavor dimension
Making them in a slow cooker
Slow cooker buffalo chicken delivers tender, juicy results without becoming mushy. Add chicken to your slow cooker with buffalo sauce and dry ranch seasoning mix. For faster shredding, use a hand mixer right in the pot[181]. As an alternative, use an Instant Pot: add chicken with buffalo sauce, pressure cook for 15 minutes, and let pressure release naturally before shredding.
Make-Ahead and Serving Ideas
Planning ahead is the key to stress-free entertaining with buffalo chicken sliders. These party favorites can be prepped in advance, frozen for later, paired with perfect sides, and kept warm throughout your event.
How to prep the chicken mixture in advance
Prepare your buffalo chicken mixture up to three days before your event. Simply mix the chicken with buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and seasonings, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best results, warm the mixture slightly before assembling your sliders. Alternatively, keep buffalo chicken, sauce, and toppings separate until just before serving for a create-your-own slider bar.
Freezing tips for later use
The chicken mixture freezes beautifully for up to three months. For optimal freshness, cool completely first, then store in airtight containers. To prevent freezer burn, consider double-wrapping – first with plastic wrap, followed by foil. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling.
Best sides to serve with sliders
Complement your buffalo chicken sliders with these crowd-pleasing sides:
- Crispy options: French fries, sweet potato fries, or a show-stopping blooming onion
- Fresh contrasts: Coleslaw, watermelon cucumber salad, or celery and carrot sticks
- Heartier accompaniments: Pasta salad, baked beans, or mac and cheese
How to keep sliders warm for parties
For larger gatherings, keep assembled sliders warm by covering with foil and heating at 350°F. Alternatively, maintain a self-serve station with the buffalo chicken mixture kept warm in a slow cooker. This allows guests to build their own sliders throughout the event.
Conclusion
Buffalo chicken sliders truly stand as the ultimate party food for any occasion. After trying this recipe, you’ll understand why these spicy, cheesy delights disappear so quickly at gatherings. The combination of tender shredded chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and melty cheese creates an irresistible flavor profile that guests can’t resist.
Beyond their amazing taste, these sliders offer remarkable versatility. You can certainly adjust the spice level, switch between ranch and blue cheese, or add extra toppings like jalapeños and green onions. This adaptability makes them perfect for feeding both adventurous eaters and those with milder preferences at the same gathering.
Preparation couldn’t be easier, especially when using time-saving ingredients like rotisserie chicken. Additionally, the make-ahead options allow you to prepare components days in advance or even freeze the buffalo chicken mixture for future use. This convenience factor alone makes these sliders a go-to recipe for busy hosts.
Most importantly, buffalo chicken sliders bring people together. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, planning a casual get-together, or simply making dinner for your family, these sliders will become a staple in your recipe collection. Therefore, grab those Hawaiian rolls, shred that chicken, and get ready to watch your buffalo chicken sliders vanish before your eyes!
FAQs
Q1. What are the essential ingredients for buffalo chicken sliders? The key ingredients include shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, cheese (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack), and slider buns or Hawaiian rolls. Additional items like butter and seasonings for topping enhance the flavor.
Q2. Can I adjust the spice level of buffalo chicken sliders? Yes, you can easily adjust the spiciness. For a milder version, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or add more ranch dressing. For heat lovers, increase the buffalo sauce or add extra spices like cayenne pepper.
Q3. How can I prepare buffalo chicken sliders in advance? You can prepare the buffalo chicken mixture up to three days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can freeze the mixture for up to three months. Assemble the sliders just before baking for best results.
Q4. What are some good side dishes to serve with buffalo chicken sliders? Popular sides include French fries, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, celery and carrot sticks, pasta salad, or mac and cheese. These complement the flavors of the sliders and offer a variety of textures.
Q5. How do I keep buffalo chicken sliders warm during a party? To keep sliders warm, cover them with foil and heat at 350°F in the oven. Another option is to keep the buffalo chicken mixture warm in a slow cooker and set up a build-your-own slider station for guests.