Ready for a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser? Say hello to our Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe! These little flavor-packed sandwiches are just the right mix of spicy and savory, with a dash of tangy goodness.
Perfect for game day food, a family gathering, a party appetizer, or just a fun, casual dinner at home, they’re quick to whip up and guaranteed to have a hungry crowd reaching for seconds.
Want to try more recipes with the distinctive buffalo chicken flavor sauce? Then you’ll want to try my buffalo chicken dip recipe, this Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta? Or you could bring out the lasagna sheets and try making my Buffalo Chicken Lasagna.
Need a break from the buffalo heat? Chicken Bacon Ranch is a great option for sliders, or try Fried Chicken Sliders.
Jump to:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It uses simple ingredients: With only a few simple ingredients, there’s nothing unusual needed to make these chicken sliders.
- Batch recipe: Need to make more than 12 sliders? Then you can easily make a bigger batch of these sandwiches.
- Ready in only 30 minutes: Talk about a quick and easy lunch idea! The prep time for this great recipe, from start to finish, only takes half an hour.
Ingredients Needed
I’ve highlighted a couple of ingredients below with some relevant notes. Aside from this, the ingredients needed are pretty basic.
- Chicken – We used cooked and shredded chicken for the recipe as it is easier to add to the sandwiches. You could use sliced chicken or cook some chicken breasts and cut it up.
- Buffalo sauce – This is what gives the sliders their signature spicy kick. If you prefer a milder flavor, just use less sauce.
- Slider buns – You can find these in most grocery stores. They’re just smaller versions of regular hamburger
Substitutions
Sometimes substitutions are necessary because of ingredients that are unavailable or needed for dietary restrictions. Here are some suggestions that can help:
- For Shredded Chicken: If you’re going for a vegetarian twist or just want to mix it up, try using jackfruit. It has a great texture that resembles pulled meat and absorbs flavors beautifully. Tofu or tempeh can be good protein-packed alternatives as well!
- Buffalo Sauce: If you’re not a fan of the heat, BBQ sauce can be a great swap. It gives you a tangy, sweet flavor that’s a hit in sandwiches. If you’re in a real pinch, a blend of hot sauce and melted butter can also save the day.
- Slider Buns: Don’t have slider buns? No worries! Regular hamburger buns can work as well – just be ready for a bigger bite. For a low-carb alternative, try using lettuce leaves to wrap your filling.
- Provolone Cheese: Mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese can easily step in for provolone. They melt well and have a mild flavor that works beautifully with the buffalo sauce.
- Minced Garlic: Garlic powder or granulated garlic can be used in a pinch. Remember, a quarter teaspoon of these substitutes is about equivalent to one clove of fresh garlic. If you want an entirely different flavor profile, minced shallots can also work!
Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up a little, why not try these fun and delicious spins on the classic Buffalo Chicken Slider?
- BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders: Swap out the chicken for some slow-cooked, pulled pork slathered in your favorite BBQ sauce. This version is a surefire hit at summer picnics!
- Vegan Chickpea Sliders: For all my plant-based friends out there, try using mashed chickpeas mixed with vegan mayo and your favorite spices instead of chicken. It’s a hearty, protein-packed alternative that’s just as satisfying.
- Hawaiian Chicken Sliders: Add a sweet and tangy twist by topping your buffalo chicken with a slice of pineapple. It’s a sweet surprise that pairs perfectly with the spicy buffalo sauce. It’s definitely a twist on our fried chicken sliders.
- Buffalo Chicken Pizza Sliders: Combine two favorites in one by turning your sliders into mini pizzas. Spread a bit of marinara sauce on your bun, add the buffalo chicken, sprinkle on some mozzarella, and then pop it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Then, you can serve them with a side of blue cheese dressing for dipping!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders
This easy chicken slider recipe is broken into 3 components:
- make the buffalo chicken
- make the sliders
- bake in the oven
*Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list & instructions!*
STEP 1: Prepare the equipment. Begin by preheating your oven to a temperature of 350°F (175°C). Next, either apply grease to a 9×13-inch baking dish or place parchment paper on a baking sheet.
STEP 2: Mix the chicken. Next, get a mixing bowl and combine buffalo sauce with shredded chicken, making sure the chicken is thoroughly coated. (Image 1)
STEP 3: Prepare the sliders. The slider rolls need to be cut in half horizontally, but keep them joined together as a single piece. Place the bottom half of the rolls on your prepared baking pan. (Image 2)
STEP 4: Add the chicken and cheese. Now, apply an even layer of the buffalo chicken mixture onto the bottom portion of the slider rolls. Over this mixture, arrange the slices of provolone cheese. (Image 3)
STEP 5: Put the tops of the rolls on. The top of the rolls comes next; place it over the cheese, forming sandwiches. (Image 5)
STEP 6: Mix the garlic butter. In a separate small bowl, create a mixture of minced garlic, melted butter, and finely chopped parsley. This mixture is then to be brushed uniformly over the slider rolls’ top surface. (Image 6-7)
STEP 7: Bake in the oven. The next step is to bake this in your preheated oven for an estimated 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese has fully melted and the tops have taken on a golden brown hue.
STEP 8: Cool and serve. Once baked, allow the sliders to cool off for a couple of minutes prior to serving. When serving, consider adding a side of blue cheese dressing, creamy ranch, or hot sauce.
Recipe Pro Tips
- Mix It Up: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different kinds of cheese for your sliders. Extra sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or even pepper Jack can add an unexpected and memorable twist to the flavor profile.
- Make Ahead: These sliders can be prepared ahead of time, making them perfect for busy weekdays. Just assemble them as instructed, cover them with plastic wrap, and pop them in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to eat, simply bake as directed in the recipe.
- Serving Size: These sliders are the perfect size for little hands, making them a hit with kids. If you’re feeding a crowd, you can easily double or even triple the recipe.
- Spice to Your Liking: The buffalo sauce can be adjusted to suit your family’s taste buds. If you have some heat-lovers in your home, feel free to lay on the sauce! For those with milder palates, dial it back a bit.
- Toppings: If you love adding toppings, feel free to add additional toppings such as sliced red onion, pickles, or ranch dressing (or this jalapeno ranch for extra heat) to customize your sliders.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. You can replace the buffalo chicken with shredded pork, turkey, or even a vegetarian option like jackfruit.
Of course! If buffalo sauce isn’t your thing, you can experiment with BBQ sauce, teriyaki, or even honey mustard. The choice is yours! However, remember to adjust the quantity to your taste.
While slider rolls are the best choice for this recipe, you can use regular bread in a pinch. Just cut them into smaller sizes to fit the slider format. Brioche buns or mini bagels can also work well.
Yes, feel free to use any cheese that melts well and complements the other flavors in the sliders. Some good alternatives to provolone include mozzarella, cheddar, or even gouda.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Buffalo Chicken Slider Recipe is the star of the show, but what’s a feast without some fantastic sides? Let’s complete your meal with some easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing accompaniments:
- Sweet Potato Fries: The sweet and salty combo from these fries makes them a perfect pairing with your spicy buffalo sliders. Plus, they’re healthier and so easy to make at home.
- Classic Coleslaw: Tangy, refreshing, and crunchy slaw – a scoop of homemade coleslaw can balance out the heat of the buffalo sauce. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies. Coleslaw is popular alongside pulled pork sliders too.
- Red Potato Salad: This delicious and easy potato salad uses red potatoes and is easy to make! Each bite is a flavorful explosion that complements your spicy sliders beautifully.
- Instant Pot Corn on the Cob with Butter: A summer classic that never goes out of style. The sweet taste of the corn with melting butter will be a great counterpoint to the heat of the sliders.
- Creamy Mac ‘n’ Cheese: It’s always a hit with the kiddos, and let’s be honest, we adults love it too! The creaminess of the mac ‘n’ cheese goes well with the spicy and tangy sliders, making a comforting and satisfying meal.
Storage
If you’re lucky enough to have some leftover chicken, just tuck them into an airtight container and pop them into the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 3-4 days.
And here’s a pro mom tip: if you’re planning for a busy week, these sliders freeze beautifully. Just wrap each slider individually in aluminum foil and place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
To reheat the sliders, you can thaw them overnight in the fridge and then warm in the oven, and then you have a quick and tasty meal ready to go.
More Slider Recipes You’ll Love
If these shredded buffalo chicken sliders have given you the urge to make more slider recipes, check out this one for simple Salmon Sliders. Or if you are up for something featuring beef, make everyone these Sloppy Joe Sliders on game night. Or of course, these other favorite sliders that you’ll love:
Did you make this? I’d be so grateful if you left a “star” rating below to let me know what you thought! Then, the next time you need a quick and easy recipe, come back to Fantabulosity to browse all of my easy recipes!
Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Cooked Shredded Chicken
- ½ Cup Buffalo Sauce
- 12 Sweet Hawaiian Slider Rolls
- 12 Slices Provolone Cheese
- 4 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter Melted
- 2 Cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley Finely Chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. Stir until the chicken is well coated.
- Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected as a sheet of rolls.
- Place the bottom half of the slider rolls on the baking pan.
- Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom half of the slider rolls.
- Lay the provolone cheese slices on top of the chicken.
- Place the top half of the slider rolls over the cheese to close the sandwiches.
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.
- Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of the slider rolls.
- Bake in a preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
- Remove form the oven and let the sliders cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve with a side of blue cheese dressing, ranch, or hot sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Abby says
I ate more than my fair share of these when I made them the other day. I love buffalo chicken sauce so these were right up my alley! They were perfect for my New years ever party.
Jessica says
That’s amazing to hear! So happy that you liked them, thank you so much!
Denice says
Made these incredible Sliders! Easy, cheesy, very delicious! Served this during a game day and it was a hit.
Jessica says
This sliders recipe is perfect for a game day! Thank you so much for sharing!
Andie says
Oh my I think I’m in love! This recipe is so easy to make and perfect for grabbing at parties. I made it for a get together I had the other night and everyone loved it! Will be making this again!
Jessica says
Haha, I feel the same way about these buffalo chicken sliders. Thank you so much and I’m so glad that you loved them too!