I still remember the first time I made these sliders. It was a Saturday night, and the whole family was gathered for our weekly game night. The competitive energy was high, the kids were getting restless, and I knew I needed a snack that could appear like magic.
I remembered a pack of Hawaiian rolls and some leftover rotisserie chicken in the fridge. With a little kitchen creativity and a whole lot of Buffalo sauce, these incredible Buffalo Chicken Sliders were born. They were an instant hit!
The tangy, spicy chicken, the creamy melted cheese, and the sweet, buttery rolls disappeared from the platter in minutes. Now, these easy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are our go-to for everything from game days to quick weeknight dinners. They are the definition of simple, satisfying comfort food that brings everyone together.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
These aren’t just any sliders; they are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that I turn to again and again. Here’s why you and your family will fall in love with this Buffalo Chicken Sliders recipe:
- Incredibly Quick and Easy: Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken means you can have these sliders assembled and ready for the oven in about 15 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for busy nights or last-minute guests.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, savory chicken, and melted cheese is simply irresistible. Then, a garlic butter topping brushed over the sweet Hawaiian rolls takes these Buffalo Chicken Sliders to the next level.
- Perfectly Portioned: Sliders are the ultimate party food! They’re easy for guests to grab and enjoy without needing a plate and fork. They make a fantastic appetizer or a fun main course.
- Completely Customizable: You have total control over the spice level and ingredients. You can easily adjust the heat, swap the cheese, or add your favorite toppings to make these spicy chicken sliders your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shredded Cooked Chicken | 3 cups | A store-bought rotisserie chicken is my favorite shortcut for this recipe. |
| Buffalo Wing Sauce | 1/2 cup | Use your favorite brand, like Frank’s RedHot. Adjust the amount for more or less heat. |
| Ranch Dressing | 1/4 cup | Adds a creamy, cooling element that balances the spice. Blue cheese dressing also works well. |
| Hawaiian Sweet Rolls | 1 (12-count) package | Their sweetness is the perfect contrast to the spicy filling. Do not separate the rolls! |
| Provolone Cheese | 6 slices | Provolone melts beautifully and has a mild flavor. You can also use mozzarella or Monterey Jack. |
| Unsalted Butter | 1/4 cup | This is for the delicious topping that gets brushed over the rolls. |
| Garlic Powder | 1/2 tsp | Adds a wonderful savory flavor to the butter topping. |
| Dried Parsley | 1 tsp | For a pop of color and flavor on top of the sliders. |
Substitutions & Variations
One of the best things about this Buffalo Chicken Sliders recipe is how adaptable it is. Feel free to play around with the ingredients to suit your taste or use what you have on hand.
- Chicken: If you don’t have a rotisserie chicken, you can easily use 2-3 cooked and shredded chicken breasts or thighs. Canned chicken (drained well) also works in a pinch for an even faster version of these Buffalo Chicken Sliders.
- Cheese: Provolone is fantastic, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Sliced mozzarella, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack (for extra spice!), or even a sharp cheddar would be delicious.
- Rolls: While Hawaiian rolls are classic, you can substitute them with brioche slider buns or any other soft dinner rolls. The key is to find a pack where the rolls are connected.
- Dressing: If you’re a blue cheese fan, by all means, swap the ranch for an equal amount of blue cheese dressing. You could also crumble some blue cheese directly into the chicken mixture.
- Add Some Crunch: For extra texture, try adding some finely diced celery or red onion to the chicken mixture.
- Make it Extra Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to kick up the heat on your spicy chicken sliders.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these sliders is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps for perfect Buffalo Chicken Sliders every single time!
Note: This video is for demonstration purposes and may use a slightly different method.
- Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix the Chicken Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, and ranch dressing. Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. This will be the delicious heart of your Buffalo Chicken Sliders.
- Prepare the Rolls: Take the slab of Hawaiian rolls out of the package but do not pull them apart. Using a large serrated knife, carefully slice the entire slab of rolls in half horizontally, creating a top and a bottom “bun.” Place the bottom slab of rolls into your prepared baking dish.
- Assemble the Sliders: Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. Next, lay the slices of provolone cheese on top of the chicken, ensuring everything is covered. Finally, place the top slab of rolls back on top, creating your pan of Buffalo Chicken Sliders.
- Make the Topping: In a small, microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the garlic powder and dried parsley.
- Brush and Bake: Using a pastry brush, generously brush the garlic butter mixture all over the tops of the rolls. Make sure to get into all the crevices!
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the baked Buffalo Chicken Sliders cool for a few minutes before slicing them apart and serving them warm.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t Separate the Rolls: Keeping the rolls connected in a single slab is the secret to easy assembly. You’ll slice them into individual sliders after they come out of the oven, which gives you those wonderful pull-apart edges.
- Avoid Soggy Bottoms: While you want the chicken mixture to be saucy, don’t oversaturate it. If your mixture seems too wet, simply use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to the rolls, leaving excess sauce behind. This is key for the best Buffalo Chicken Sliders.
- Cover with Foil First: Baking the sliders covered with foil for the first 15-20 minutes allows the cheese to melt and the filling to get hot without the tops of the rolls burning. You’ll remove it at the end to get that perfect golden-brown finish.
- Let Them Rest: I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but letting the sliders rest for about 5 minutes after they come out of the oven is crucial. This gives the cheese a moment to set, making them less messy to cut and serve.
Storage & Reheating Tips
While these Buffalo Chicken Sliders are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, leftovers are still incredibly delicious! Here’s how to store and reheat them properly.
- Storage: Once the sliders have cooled completely, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating in the Oven (Recommended): For the best results, reheat your sliders in the oven or a toaster oven. Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are warmed through and the tops are crisp again. This method helps prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Reheating in the Air Fryer: An air fryer also works wonderfully! Reheat the sliders at 325°F for 3-5 minutes until they are hot and crispy.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can easily prepare the buffalo chicken filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble the Buffalo Chicken Sliders as directed. This is a great time-saver for parties!
What to Serve With This Recipe
These versatile Buffalo Chicken Sliders can be served as an appetizer, a party snack, or a light meal. They pair wonderfully with classic, simple sides.
- Veggies and Dip: You can’t go wrong with the classic pairing of celery and carrot sticks served with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh, cooling contrast to the spicy sliders.
- Potatoes: Serve them alongside a basket of crispy French fries, tater tots, or sweet potato fries for a more substantial meal.
- Coleslaw: A creamy, tangy coleslaw is another perfect side dish that balances the heat of the Buffalo Chicken Sliders.
FAQs
Can I make these Buffalo Chicken Sliders in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Using a slow cooker is a fantastic way to prepare the chicken. Simply place 2-3 raw chicken breasts in your slow cooker, pour the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing over the top, and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker with two forks and stir. Then, proceed with assembling your delicious Buffalo Chicken Sliders as the recipe directs.
How do I make these sliders less spicy?
Controlling the heat is very easy. The simplest way is to reduce the amount of buffalo sauce and increase the amount of ranch dressing. You can start with a 1:1 ratio and adjust from there.
Also, be sure to use a mild buffalo sauce, as some brands are much hotter than others. Serving with a side of ranch or blue cheese for dipping also helps cool the palate.
How do I prevent the bottom of the sliders from getting soggy?
This is a great question! The best way to prevent soggy bottoms on your Buffalo Chicken Sliders is to not overload the chicken mixture with sauce. As mentioned in the pro tips, if your mixture looks overly wet, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to the rolls. You can also lightly toast the bottom slab of rolls for a few minutes in the oven before adding the filling to create a slight barrier.
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, this is a wonderful way to use up holiday leftovers! Shredded turkey works perfectly as a substitute for chicken in this recipe. The bold flavors of the buffalo sauce and ranch pair beautifully with turkey, creating a delicious new spin on these amazing pull-apart sliders. It’s a great way to reinvent leftovers.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish
- Mix shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing in a bowl
- Slice Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally without separating individual rolls
- Place bottom half of rolls in baking dish
- Spread chicken mixture evenly over bottom rolls
- Layer provolone cheese slices over chicken
- Place top half of rolls back on
- Melt butter and mix with garlic powder and dried parsley
- Brush garlic butter mixture over top of rolls
- Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes
- Remove foil and bake additional 5-7 minutes until golden brown
- Let cool 5 minutes before slicing into individual sliders