Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a fun, tasty twist on the classic buffalo chicken wings we all love. These little sandwiches are packed with shredded chicken coated in that spicy, tangy…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
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Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a fun, tasty twist on the classic buffalo chicken wings we all love. These little sandwiches are packed with shredded chicken coated in that spicy, tangy buffalo sauce, topped with a cool, creamy dressing, and nestled inside soft slider buns. They’re the perfect combo of heat and coolness, with a bit of crunch if you add some celery or lettuce.
I love making these sliders when friends come over because they’re easy to snack on while chatting or watching the game. The spicy buffalo sauce wakes up your taste buds, but the ranch or blue cheese dressing helps balance things out so it’s not too overwhelming. Whenever I make these, I always keep extra napkins handy—things can get a little messy, but that’s part of the fun!
These sliders are great for game days, casual dinners, or any time you want a quick meal that feels special. I like to serve them with some crispy fries or a cool salad on the side. Plus, they’re easy to customize—add extra cheese, swap the chicken for a plant-based option, or pile on your favorite toppings. Either way, Buffalo Chicken Sliders never disappoint and always bring a little spice and smiles to the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor, but boiled or baked chicken breasts shredded by hand work well too. For a vegetarian twist, try shredded jackfruit or a plant-based chicken alternative.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is classic for its balance of heat and tang. If you like it milder, mix in some melted butter or use a milder hot sauce. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Slider Buns: Soft, slightly sweet buns are best to hold the juicy filling. Hawaiian rolls are a great choice. Gluten-free or whole wheat buns work too if you prefer.
Lettuce or Coleslaw Mix: Adds crunch and freshness to balance the heat. I like a mix with purple cabbage and carrots for color. If you don’t have coleslaw mix, shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce works well.
Dressing: Ranch or blue cheese dressing cools down the spice. Blue cheese adds strong flavor but ranch is a popular milder choice. You can also use a yogurt-based dressing for a lighter option.
How Can You Keep Buffalo Chicken Sliders from Getting Messy?
Buffalo chicken is saucy and can drip, so here’s how to keep your sliders neat and easy to eat:
- Toast the buns: Butter and toast the buns before serving. This creates a layer that helps stop sogginess and adds flavor.
- Drain excess sauce: Toss chicken well but avoid too much sauce clinging to prevent sliding.
- Add crunchy veggies: Lettuce or coleslaw keeps moisture balanced and adds structure.
- Serve with napkins: Buffalo sauce is messy—have napkins on hand for a carefree snack.
- Use the right portion: Don’t overload sliders with chicken or dressing; a modest amount is easier to handle.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for toasting slider buns evenly and catching any drips.
- Mixing bowl – to toss the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce easily.
- Microwave-safe bowl – melts butter quickly for brushing on buns.
- Basting brush – lets you spread garlic butter evenly on the buns.
- Knife – to slice buns if they are not pre-split.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shredded chicken with shredded turkey for a twist during holiday seasons.
- Add crumbled blue cheese inside sliders for a stronger, tangy flavor.
- Mix in diced celery or pickles for extra crunch and freshness.
- Use a milder buffalo sauce or add honey for a sweet-spicy combo.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sliders:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled chicken breasts)
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 12 slider buns or small dinner rolls
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce or coleslaw mix (cabbage, carrot, purple cabbage)
- ½ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Optional: blue cheese crumbles for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare plus 5 minutes to toast the buns, so around 15 minutes total. It’s quick to put together and perfect for a fast and delicious snack or meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, toss the cooked shredded chicken with the buffalo wing sauce until all pieces are well coated in that spicy, tangy sauce.
2. Toast the Buns:
Melt the butter in a small microwave-safe bowl and stir in the garlic powder. Using a brush, spread the garlic butter on the cut sides of the slider buns. Place the buns open-faced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil, then toast in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes, just until the tops are lightly browned.
3. Assemble the Sliders:
Remove the buns from the oven. On the bottom half of each bun, place a generous amount of buffalo chicken. Top with shredded lettuce or coleslaw mix for a fresh crunch. Drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the lettuce. If you like, sprinkle some blue cheese crumbles on top for extra flavor. Finally, place the top half of the bun onto each slider.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the sliders immediately while warm. They’re great with extra dressing on the side or some crunchy celery sticks to cool the heat.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before shredding. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Pat the chicken dry to avoid extra moisture in the sliders.
Can I Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the shredded chicken mixture and dressing up to a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge and assemble the sliders just before serving to keep the buns from getting soggy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftover buffalo chicken and buns separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or on the stove, then assemble fresh sliders. Toast the buns briefly to refresh them.
What’s a Good Substitute for Blue Cheese Dressing?
If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, ranch dressing is a tasty milder alternative. You can also use a creamy Greek yogurt-based dressing for a lighter option that still complements the buffalo flavor.