Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a fun, tasty twist on classic buffalo wings, but in mini sandwich form! These little sliders are packed with shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, topped with a bit of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing, and nestled inside soft, fluffy buns. They’re perfect when you want that bold buffalo flavor but in a more manageable, handheld size.
I love making these sliders for casual get-togethers or game day because they’re always a huge hit. The spicy kick of the buffalo sauce mixed with the cool dressing balances perfectly straight from the first bite. A little tip I’ve found helpful is to toast the slider buns just a bit—it adds a nice texture and helps keep the sauce from soaking in too much.
One of my favorite ways to serve Buffalo Chicken Sliders is with some crunchy celery sticks and extra dipping sauce on the side. It brings a bit of freshness and crunch that’s so satisfying with the spicy chicken. These sliders are quick to make but always bring people back for seconds, which makes them my go-to when I want something simple but special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken
- Shredded cooked chicken breast is best for these sliders. You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut or cook and shred your own. For a lighter option, try shredded turkey.
- Buffalo Sauce
- Classic buffalo wing sauce (like Frank's RedHot) gives the perfect heat and tang. If you want less spice, mix a little buffalo sauce with some melted butter or choose a milder wing sauce.
- Dressing
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing adds creaminess that cools down the spice. If you’re avoiding dairy, try a vegan ranch or a simple yogurt-based dressing as a substitute.
- Slider Buns
- Soft dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls work great. If you can’t find them, small brioche buns or even mini sandwich rolls make tasty alternatives.
- Blue Cheese Crumbles
- These add bold flavor and texture. If you don’t like blue cheese, substitute shredded mozzarella or omit it for a milder slider.
How Do You Keep Slider Buns Soft and Not Soggy?
Buffalo sauce is saucy, which can make the buns soggy quickly. Here are some tips to prevent that:
- Lightly toast or butter the insides of the buns before assembling. This forms a barrier that helps keep them from soaking up too much sauce.
- Don’t overload the buns with too much saucy chicken—spread a reasonable amount to keep balance.
- Serve the sliders soon after assembling, while the buns are still fresh and warm.
- If you want to prepare ahead, toast the buns and keep the sauce separate to add just before serving.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for toasting the slider buns evenly without extra mess.
- Mixing bowl – to toss the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce easily.
- Brush or small spoon – to spread melted butter on the buns for toasting.
- Cream cheese knife or spoon – to spread dressing and crumble cheese on the sliders.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shredded turkey for a different but still tender protein option.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of blue cheese for a milder, creamy melt.
- Add sliced jalapeños for an extra spicy kick if you like it hotter.
- Mix in finely chopped celery or carrots with the chicken for added crunch and freshness.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- ¼ cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried parsley flakes (optional, for garnish)
- Optional: sliced pickles or celery sticks for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation, plus 10-12 minutes for baking. So in under 30 minutes, you’ll have warm, tasty sliders ready for your gathering.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with the buffalo wing sauce. Stir until the chicken is fully coated with the spicy sauce.
2. Toasting the Buns:
Mix the melted butter and garlic powder together. Lightly brush this mixture onto the bottom halves of the slider buns. Place them on a baking sheet and get them ready for topping.
3. Assembling the Sliders:
Spoon the buffalo chicken evenly over the buttered bottom buns. Drizzle or spread some ranch or blue cheese dressing over the chicken. Then sprinkle blue cheese crumbles on top.
4. Finishing and Baking:
Place the tops of the buns over the filling. Brush the tops lightly with any remaining melted butter and sprinkle with dried parsley flakes for a touch of color. Bake the sliders in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, until the buns are warm and slightly golden.
5. Serving:
Remove from the oven and serve warm. Add sliced pickles or celery sticks on the side if you like a fresh crunch with your spicy sliders.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for These Sliders?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before shredding and mixing with the buffalo sauce. This helps keep the texture tender and prevents excess moisture.
Can I Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the chicken mixture and toast the buns separately. Store them in the fridge and assemble just before baking and serving to keep the buns from getting soggy.
How Should I Store Leftover Sliders?
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the buns soft and chicken warm.
What Can I Serve with Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Celery sticks, carrot sticks, and extra ranch or blue cheese dressing are classic sides that complement the sliders and add a refreshing crunch.