Highlight
Spicy buffalo chicken sliders always get rave reviews at any party or family night I host These slightly spicy cheesy pull apart sandwiches are my go to when I want something comforting and bold in flavor without spending hours in the kitchen Every bite has tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy buffalo sauce melty cheese and pillowy soft slider buns plus a hint of garlicky butter on top
I started making these when I needed an easy party food and now even my picky little cousins beg for them on game day There is just something about that cheesy spicy filling tucked into soft buns they disappear in minutes
Gather Your Ingredients
- Slider buns: choose fresh fluffy buns for the best texture sturdy enough to hold the filling
- Shredded chicken: rotisserie chicken or homemade both work the juicier the better for a moist filling
- Franks buffalo hot sauce: gives that classic heat and tangy bite select a sauce with good flavor so it does not taste just spicy
- Ranch dressing: cools the spice and adds extra flavor use a creamy ranch you love since it makes a big difference
- Salt and ground black pepper: bring out the depth of flavors
- Garlic powder: layers another savory note and blends easily into the chicken mix
- Paprika: provides a touch of color and subtle smokiness try smoked paprika for bolder taste
- Shredded cheese: a good melting cheese like mozzarella pepper jack or cheddar will make the sliders extra gooey
- Butter: for the garlic butter topping choose real unsalted butter for the richest flavor
- Italian seasoning: adds herby aroma to the buns crust
How to Make It
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set the oven to 350 F and line a nine by nine inch baking sheet or casserole dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking
- Prepare the Buffalo Chicken:
- In a medium mixing bowl combine shredded chicken Franks buffalo sauce ranch dressing salt pepper garlic powder and paprika Mix thoroughly until all the chicken is evenly coated and you see no dry bits
- Build the Sliders:
- Arrange the bottom halves of the slider buns evenly in the prepared baking dish Make sure they are touching but not overlapping for even baking
- Layer on the Filling:
- Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture evenly onto each bun bottom Press gently so the filling is compact and will not fall out then sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the chicken
- Top and Close:
- Gently place the top halves of the buns over the cheese press down softly to keep everything settled and aligned
- Make and Brush Garlic Butter:
- In a small bowl melt the butter and stir in garlic powder with Italian seasoning Using a pastry brush apply the mixture generously over the tops of the buns covering from edge to edge
- Bake Covered:
- Tent the baking sheet with foil to keep buns from over browning Bake for fifteen minutes so the sliders heat through and cheese melts
- Finish Baking Uncovered:
- Carefully remove the foil and bake for five to ten more minutes Watch for the tops to get golden and crisp and cheese fully melted
- Serve Hot:
- Remove from the oven Transfer sliders to a cutting board slice into individual pieces and serve immediately while cheese is still melty and buns fluffy
Cheese is my absolute favorite part here because it creates those irresistible gooey pulls between every bun slice I still remember one family game night where we ran out in under ten minutes and ended up making a second batch this recipe is that dangerously addictive
Flavor Boosters
No ranch on hand try blue cheese dressing for extra tang If you have extra spicy fans in the house sprinkle in a bit of cayenne Add chopped green onions or crumbled cooked bacon for another flavor boost If you need dairy free use vegan butter and cheese options that melt well
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with celery sticks or carrot sticks for the classic buffalo experience These pair perfectly with a simple green salad or crispy fries If you want to fancy it up offer extra ranch or blue cheese dip on the side for dunking
Creative Twists
Buffalo chicken was inspired by the famous Buffalo wings out of Buffalo New York In this recipe those bold flavors move from wings into a portable sandwich that is made for sharing and pulling apart No messy fingers still all the great taste
Several friends have made these for Super Bowl parties and turned dinner skeptics into buffalo chicken fans My youngest cousin who claims to hate spicy food ate three in a row She even asked me to teach her how to make them at our next family get together
Common Questions About the Recipe
- → What type of chicken works best?
Cooked and shredded rotisserie or poached chicken is ideal for tender, flavorful sliders.
- → Can I use a different hot sauce?
Yes, any favorite buffalo-style hot sauce can be substituted for Frank’s, adjusting spice to taste.
- → How do I keep the sliders from turning soggy?
Layer the chicken mixture evenly and bake uncovered at the end to ensure golden, crisp tops.
- → What cheese pairs well with buffalo chicken?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack melt beautifully, balancing out the bold heat of buffalo sauce.
- → Can these be prepared ahead of time?
Assemble the sliders a few hours ahead, refrigerate, then bake just before serving for best texture.