Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Pin2

These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the ultimate fusion of bold flavor and cozy comfort. Juicy shredded chicken is tossed with tangy buffalo sauce and creamy ranch, layered over fluffy Hawaiian rolls, then baked until golden and gooey with melted cheddar. Whether you’re feeding a crowd on game day or whipping up a quick weeknight dinner, these sliders bring the heat and the flavor. Their sweet and spicy combo, paired with buttery seasoned tops, makes every bite a crave-worthy delight. Serve them with extra ranch or bleu cheese for dipping and you’ve got a guaranteed hit on your hands.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
12 King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls
½ cup ranch dressing
½ cup buffalo sauce (like Frank’s RedHot Buffalo)
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
¼ cup butter, melted
½ teaspoon garlic salt
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce. Mix until well coated.
Without pulling the rolls apart, slice the entire block of Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half using a serrated knife.
Place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly across the bottom layer of rolls.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture.
Place the top halves of the rolls back on top.
In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic salt and Italian seasoning. Brush the tops of the rolls with the seasoned butter.
Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the chicken is heated through, and the tops are golden brown.
Remove from oven, slice into individual sliders, and serve warm.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 666 kcal | Servings: 12 sliders

Buffalo Chicken Sliders: The Ultimate Party Appetizer and Weeknight Favorite

Buffalo Chicken Sliders have rapidly become a go-to option for game day spreads, casual gatherings, and even quick weeknight dinners. With their bold flavor profile, gooey cheese, and soft Hawaiian rolls, they offer the perfect mix of spicy, savory, and sweet in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party or need a simple but satisfying meal in under 30 minutes, this dish delivers big on taste with minimal prep.

The Story Behind Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Buffalo chicken, as a flavor concept, traces its origins back to Buffalo, New York, where the famous buffalo wing was created in the 1960s. The tangy, spicy sauce made from hot sauce and butter quickly gained popularity across the country, and today, buffalo flavor can be found in everything from wraps to dips.

Sliders, on the other hand, emerged as a fun, bite-sized version of sandwiches, originally made with small burgers but now expanded to nearly every protein imaginable. Combine the two, and you get Buffalo Chicken Sliders — a modern twist that merges American comfort food with party-friendly convenience. The use of sweet Hawaiian rolls adds a brilliant contrast to the heat of buffalo sauce, making the sandwich more balanced and addictive.

Why These Sliders Are the Best

There are dozens of slider recipes online, so what makes these buffalo chicken sliders stand out?

Quick and Easy: You can use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked shredded chicken, which cuts prep time drastically. The whole dish is ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.

Balanced Flavors: The combo of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch dressing, melty cheddar cheese, and sweet rolls offers a full spectrum of flavor. It’s the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and richness.

Crowd-Pleaser: These sliders are always a hit at parties. They’re easy to serve, fun to eat, and appeal to both kids and adults alike.

Versatile: Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or light dinner, they fit any occasion. You can also modify them to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences.

Minimal Clean-Up: This dish requires just one mixing bowl and a baking dish. Even better, you can make them in a disposable foil pan for zero post-party mess.

Ingredients That Work Harder

Let’s talk about the ingredients. Each one plays a critical role in the final dish:

Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is flavorful, moist, and ready to go. You can also use leftover grilled or baked chicken.
Buffalo Sauce: The star of the show! Franks RedHot Buffalo Sauce is a classic choice. It has the perfect balance of heat and tang.
Ranch Dressing: This adds a cooling, creamy contrast to the heat. You can swap it for blue cheese if that’s your vibe.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and gives that savory umami flavor.
Hawaiian Rolls: Their signature sweetness balances out the spice, and their soft texture is perfect for soaking up the sauce.
Butter & Garlic Salt: Brushed on top for added flavor and that irresistible golden crust.
Italian Seasoning: Enhances the overall flavor with herbal undertones.

Healthier Modifications You Can Try

Want to lighten it up or make it suitable for specific dietary needs? Here are some ideas:

Use low-fat ranch dressing or a Greek yogurt-based dressing to cut calories.
Choose whole wheat or gluten-free slider buns if you have dietary restrictions.
Use reduced-fat cheese or a plant-based cheese alternative.
Add finely chopped vegetables like celery or carrots into the chicken mix for extra fiber and crunch.
Make it dairy-free with dairy-free ranch dressing and cheese substitutes. Hidden Valley makes a great dairy-free ranch that works beautifully.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dish Ideas

While these buffalo sliders can be the main event, pairing them with complementary sides can elevate your meal even more. Here are a few crowd-favorite pairings:

Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness complements the spice of the sliders.
Coleslaw: Adds a crunchy, cooling element to the plate.
Mac and Cheese: If you’re going all in on comfort food, this is a winning combo.
Pickles or Pickled Onions: The acidity helps cut through the richness of the chicken and cheese.
Celery and Carrot Sticks: A nod to traditional buffalo wings, these crunchy veggies are refreshing and healthy.

And don’t forget dipping sauces! Ranch, blue cheese dressing, or even a little extra buffalo sauce are all great options.

Tips for Perfect Sliders Every Time

Want your sliders to look and taste restaurant-worthy? Follow these pro tips:

Keep the Rolls Together: Don’t separate the rolls before slicing them. It makes assembly and baking cleaner and easier.
Use a Serrated Knife: It gives a cleaner cut through the soft bread without tearing.
Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Brush Generously: The melted butter and seasoning on top create that golden, flavorful crust that sets these apart.
Use Foil for Easy Lifting: Line your baking dish with foil so you can easily lift out the sliders once they’re done and cut them cleanly.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

Need to prep ahead of time? No problem.

Make the filling ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 6 months.
Assemble and refrigerate: You can assemble the sliders (without baking) up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover tightly and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed.
Leftovers: Store cooked sliders in the fridge for 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain the crispy top. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the bread from going soggy.

Creative Variations to Try

Want to mix it up next time? Here are some delicious variations:

BBQ Chicken Sliders: Swap buffalo sauce for BBQ and ranch for coleslaw.
Asian-Inspired Sliders: Use teriyaki chicken, top with shredded carrots and cabbage, and drizzle with spicy mayo.
Tex-Mex Sliders: Add jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and a cilantro-lime ranch drizzle.
Vegetarian Version: Use jackfruit or plant-based chicken and follow the same recipe.
Breakfast Buffalo Sliders: Add a fried egg and a slice of crispy bacon — it’s indulgent but incredibly satisfying!

Why These Sliders Belong at Every Party

No matter the occasion — birthday bash, potluck, football night, or even a weeknight dinner — these buffalo chicken sliders deliver. They’re easy to scale up for large crowds, adaptable to many diets, and made with pantry-friendly ingredients. They also look impressive when served in a golden-crusted pull-apart format that guests can dig into without utensils.

Plus, they’re interactive and fun. Everyone loves grabbing a mini sandwich from the tray, especially when it’s dripping with sauce and bursting with flavor. Add in a dipping sauce station, and you’ve got an instant slider bar that guests will remember.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Sliders are more than just a fun appetizer — they’re a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing experience. Their irresistible combination of spicy chicken, creamy ranch, melty cheese, and soft Hawaiian rolls makes them a favorite for any occasion. With easy prep, minimal cleanup, and endless customization options, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a staple for gatherings across the country.

Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, meal prepping for the week, or just want something easy and delicious, these sliders are guaranteed to hit the spot. Try them once, and they’ll become a permanent fixture in your recipe rotation.