Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When it comes to party food, nothing gets people more excited than the classic combination of spicy buffalo sauce and creamy, cheesy chicken. These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a perfect example of that. They are the ultimate game day appetizer or party food—a spicy, cheesy, and incredibly delicious bite that everyone will love. They’re a simple, flavorful twist on classic buffalo wings, and they’re so much easier to eat!
I first made these sliders for a Super Bowl party, and they were an absolute hit. I was looking for a way to get all the delicious flavor of buffalo chicken without the mess of traditional wings. The secret is to use shredded chicken, a creamy buffalo sauce, and a generous amount of cheese, all baked on soft Hawaiian rolls. The result is a perfect, gooey, and spicy sandwich that is impossible to resist. These sliders are a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.
Why I Love This Recipe
What I love most about these Buffalo Chicken Sliders is their sheer simplicity and fantastic flavor. They are a one-pan wonder that comes together in a matter of minutes. The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch dressing, and melty cheese is a perfect trio of flavors. The shredded chicken is a great way to use up leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken, making this a quick and easy meal. And the soft Hawaiian rolls are the perfect vehicle for all that delicious, gooey filling.
This recipe is a lifesaver for big gatherings. You can assemble them in advance and just pop them in the oven right before your guests arrive. They are also incredibly versatile—you can adjust the spice level to your liking or add other ingredients to make them your own. For another great party appetizer, my recipe for This Crockpot Nacho Dip is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers is also a huge hit.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 (12-pack) Hawaiian rolls
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken: You can use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or simply boil and shred a couple of chicken breasts.
- Buffalo Sauce: Use your favorite brand of buffalo sauce. You can also adjust the spice level by using a mild or a hot version.
- Ranch Dressing: Ranch dressing adds a creamy, cool flavor that is a perfect complement to the spicy buffalo sauce. You can also use blue cheese dressing if you prefer.
- Cheese: The combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese gives you the perfect melt and a great flavor. You can also use other cheeses like provolone or Monterey Jack.
- Hawaiian Rolls: The soft, slightly sweet flavor of Hawaiian rolls is a key part of this recipe. Don’t substitute them with regular slider buns.
Directions
- Prep the Oven and Rolls: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the entire pack of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them all connected. Place the bottom half of the rolls in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir everything together until it is well combined.
- Assemble the Sliders: Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom half of the Hawaiian rolls. Place the top half of the rolls on top of the chicken mixture.
- Make the Butter Topping: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and garlic powder. Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if using.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sliders are warmed through. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the tops are a light golden brown.
- Serve: Let the sliders cool for a few minutes before slicing them and serving them warm.
Tips for Success
- Use Cooked Chicken: Make sure your chicken is already cooked and shredded before you start. This makes the recipe incredibly fast and easy.
- Don’t Forget the Butter: Brushing the tops of the rolls with the garlic butter is a crucial step. It adds a delicious savory flavor and a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Bake with Foil: Covering the sliders with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking prevents the tops from burning while the cheese melts and the filling warms up.
- Make It Ahead: You can assemble these sliders up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just add the garlic butter and bake them right before serving.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a perfect appetizer on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and dips. A side of celery sticks and carrots with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing is a classic pairing. For another great easy meal that’s perfect for a crowd, my recipe for These Sheet Pan Quesadillas are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast is a fantastic option.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Please note: This is an approximation and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400 per slider (based on 12 sliders)
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
This is a rich and decadent appetizer, so it’s best enjoyed as a special treat.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the oven or a toaster oven to crisp them up. The microwave will make them soggy, so I don’t recommend it.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you’re a fan of simple, delicious chicken recipes, you’ll love some of my other creations. For a great weeknight dinner, my recipe for This Dorito Casserole is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut is a lifesaver. For another delicious and simple chicken dish, you can’t go wrong with my recipe for A Light Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave and There’s No Mayo in Sight. And for another great chicken slider, my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter are also a total hit.
Final Thoughts
These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a recipe that is sure to become a new favorite in your home. They’re simple, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make—a perfect way to get a delicious, spicy, and cheesy appetizer on the table with minimal effort.
I’d love to know what your favorite game day food is! Let me know in the comments below. And don’t forget to follow me for more delicious recipes. Happy cooking!
Buffalo Chicken Sliders: A Spicy and Cheesy Game Day Appetizer
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups buffalo sauce
- 4 cups ranch dressing
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Slider buns (8-10)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce until well coated.
- In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, and ranch dressing.
- Add the ranch mixture to the buffalo chicken and stir until combined.
- Layer the bottom half of the slider buns in a greased baking dish.
- Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture over the buns evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken mixture.
- Cover with the top half of the slider buns.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley if using, and serve warm.
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