Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the ultimate party appetizer or game day snack. They’re spicy, creamy, and perfectly cheesy — all packed between soft slider buns. These mini sandwiches are fast to make and even faster to disappear!
This recipe is simple enough for beginners but satisfying enough for any crowd. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, meal prepping for the week, or looking for something fun for dinner, these sliders hit the spot every time.
Why You’ll Love Buffalo Chicken Sliders
- Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes
- Great for feeding a crowd with minimal prep
- Loaded with melty cheese, bold flavors, and tender chicken
- Works as an appetizer, snack, or main course
- Kid-friendly with mild sauce adjustments
- Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or weekend hangouts
Ingredients
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls or mini burger buns)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie, grilled, or leftover chicken)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (mild or spicy based on preference)
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Optional Add-ins
- Sliced green onions for bite and color
- Diced celery for a crunchy texture
- Turkey bacon crumbles for extra flavor
- Extra ranch drizzle for a creamy finish
- Shredded carrots for a veggie twist
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish or tray with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and ranch or blue cheese dressing (if using). Stir until all the chicken is evenly coated with sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves intact as one slab each.
Place the bottom slab of buns in the baking dish. Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly across the buns. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken. Add green onions or other optional toppings now.
Place the top buns over the filling. Press down slightly.
Step 4: Add Butter Topping
Mix melted butter with garlic powder and parsley. Brush this mixture over the tops of the buns to give them a flavorful, golden finish.
Step 5: Bake
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 10–12 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5–7 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Let the sliders cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp serrated knife for clean cuts. Serve warm with dipping sauce or celery sticks on the side.
Tips for Perfect Sliders
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor
- Don’t skip the butter topping — it adds flavor and texture
- Go light on sauce if making ahead to avoid soggy buns
- Line the baking dish to prevent sticking and ease cleanup
- Toast the bottom of buns lightly if you prefer extra crunch
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can assemble the sliders ahead of time, cover them with foil, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking. When ready to serve, brush with butter mixture and bake as directed.
If you want to prepare just the buffalo chicken mixture, store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat and assemble fresh sliders when needed.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers:
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This helps retain texture compared to microwaving.
Freezing:
It’s best to freeze the buffalo chicken filling only. Bread can get soggy when frozen and thawed.
Delicious Variations to Try
BBQ Chicken Sliders
Swap buffalo sauce for BBQ sauce. Add pickles and coleslaw for a smoky-sweet flavor profile.
Sweet & Spicy Sliders
Mix a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup into the buffalo sauce to balance the heat.
Vegetarian Version
Replace chicken with shredded jackfruit or sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for a satisfying plant-based slider.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Cream Cheese
Stir a few tablespoons of softened cream cheese into the buffalo chicken mixture for an ultra-creamy version.
Kid-Friendly Option
Reduce the buffalo sauce by half and mix with ranch for a milder flavor kids will enjoy.
What to Serve With Buffalo Chicken Sliders
- Classic Sides: Potato wedges, fries, sweet potato chips
- Fresh Options: Celery and carrot sticks, chopped salad, cucumber rounds
- Hearty Pairings: Mac and cheese, baked beans, corn on the cob
- Party Platter: Serve with guacamole, salsa, or spinach dip
Nutrition Info (Per Slider)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 430 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Sliders in a slow cooker?
You can make the buffalo chicken mixture in a slow cooker by adding shredded chicken and sauce and cooking on low for 2–3 hours. Assemble sliders before baking as usual.
Can I make these without dairy?
Yes! Use a dairy-free cheese and omit the dressing or use a vegan alternative.
How do I prevent soggy buns?
Keep the chicken mixture thick and not overly saucy. Bake uncovered at the end to crisp the tops.
What’s the best type of bread?
Soft slider buns like Hawaiian rolls are popular, but dinner rolls or even mini ciabatta buns work too.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a large sheet pan or two baking dishes for a crowd.
Final Thoughts on Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Buffalo Chicken Sliders are spicy, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. They’re the kind of dish that feels indulgent but takes almost no effort — and that’s why they’re so popular.
Perfect for busy weeknights, parties, or casual dinners, these sliders are loaded with flavor and endlessly customizable. Make them once and they’ll become a staple in your snack or dinner rotation!
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
For the Sliders
- 12 buns slider buns Hawaiian rolls or mini burger buns
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken rotisserie, grilled, or leftover
- 0.5 cup buffalo wing sauce mild or spicy to taste
- 0.25 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing optional, for creaminess
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
For the Topping
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp dried parsley
Optional Add-ins
- 0.25 cup green onions sliced
- 0.25 cup celery finely diced, for crunch
- 0.25 cup turkey bacon cooked and crumbled, optional
Instructions
- Preheat & pan: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment or lightly grease.
- Make filling: In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and dressing (if using) until evenly coated.
- Assemble: Slice buns as one slab horizontally. Place bottoms in pan. Spread chicken mixture evenly, sprinkle cheese, and add any optional green onions/celery. Cap with top slab.
- Butter topping: Stir melted butter with garlic powder and parsley. Brush over bun tops.
- Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake 10–12 minutes. Remove foil and bake 5–7 minutes more until cheese melts and tops are golden.
- Serve: Rest 5 minutes. Slice with a serrated knife and serve warm. Add extra ranch for dipping if desired.