If there’s one flavor that screams “party,” it’s buffalo chicken. That irresistible combination of spicy, tangy sauce, and creamy, cooling dressing is a certified crowd-pleaser. Now, imagine all of that flavor packed into a warm, cheesy, handheld package. That’s exactly what you get with these incredible Baked Buffalo Chicken Sliders.
These aren’t just individual sandwiches; they are a pull-apart masterpiece, baked together in a single pan until the cheese is perfectly melted and the tops of the buns are golden brown and toasted with garlic butter. They are, without a doubt, the first thing to disappear at any game day, tailgate, or casual get-together. They’re easy to assemble, perfect for making ahead, and deliver a knockout punch of flavor that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Why I Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to love these sliders. First and foremost is the sheer efficiency. You assemble the entire batch at once and bake them together, which is a lifesaver when you’re feeding a group. The process creates layers of flavor and texture that are simply divine—the soft, sweet buns soak up the zesty buffalo sauce, the melted cheese adds a gooey richness, and the garlic butter topping takes the whole thing over the top.
What I truly appreciate is how adaptable this recipe is. You can make the chicken filling in the slow cooker for a hands-off approach, or use a rotisserie chicken for a super-fast shortcut. You can customize the heat, swap out the cheese, and choose your favorite creamy cooler—ranch or blue cheese. No matter how you make them, the result is always the same: pure, unadulterated comfort food that makes people happy.
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Sliders
This recipe makes 12 sliders, perfect for a party appetizer.
- For the Sliders:
- 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian sweet rolls or other soft slider buns
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (about 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts)
- 2/3 cup Buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup Ranch or Blue Cheese dressing
- 1/4 cup crumbled Blue Cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 6 slices Provolone or Monterey Jack cheese
- For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp dried Parsley flakes
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- A pinch of salt
Swaps and Notes:
- The Chicken: The easiest shortcut is to use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the meat and you’re ready to go. You can also cook chicken breasts in a slow cooker with the buffalo sauce for a few hours until tender enough to shred.
- The Buns: Hawaiian rolls are the classic choice for their sweetness, which balances the spicy sauce beautifully. Any soft dinner roll or slider bun will work.
- The Cheese: Provolone is my go-to because it melts so well without being overly greasy. Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a spicy pepper jack would also be fantastic.
- The Sauce: Use your favorite brand of buffalo wing sauce. The heat level can vary, so adjust the amount based on your preference. You can always add more hot sauce if you like things extra spicy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Buns: Without separating the individual rolls, use a large serrated knife to slice the entire slab of buns in half horizontally. Place the bottom half of the buns into your prepared baking dish.
- Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and ranch or blue cheese dressing. If you’re using blue cheese crumbles, gently fold them in. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Assemble the Sliders: Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom half of the buns in the baking dish. Lay the slices of cheese over the chicken, overlapping them slightly to ensure full coverage. Place the top half of the buns over the cheese.
- Make the Garlic Butter Topping: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, parsley flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, and pinch of salt.
- Top and Bake: Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of the sliders. Use a pastry brush to make sure the entire surface is coated.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Let the sliders rest for a few minutes before using a knife to cut them apart along the lines of the rolls. Serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Separate the Buns: Keeping the buns connected while you assemble and bake is the key to this easy “pull-apart” recipe. It makes assembly neater and faster.
- Use Foil: Covering the sliders with foil for the first part of baking prevents the tops from burning before the filling is hot and the cheese is melted.
- Let Them Rest: Giving the sliders 3-5 minutes to cool and set after coming out of the oven helps them hold together when you cut and serve them.
- Serve Warm: These are at their absolute best when served warm, with the cheese still gooey and melted.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These sliders are a meal in themselves, but they are traditionally served with crunchy, cooling sides. Offer a platter with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
For a full party spread, pair them with other ultimate game day foods. They go perfectly with a cheesy dip. I highly recommend serving them alongside this Beer Cheese Dip or this can’t-miss Crockpot Nacho Dip.
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Storage: If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: The best way to reheat sliders is in the oven or a toaster oven. Place them on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This helps re-crisp the buns. Microwaving will work in a pinch but can make the buns soggy.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you’re a fan of easy, crowd-pleasing recipes like this, you’ll want to check out these other favorites:
- For another fantastic party food hack, these Totchos (Tater Tot Nachos) are always a huge hit.
- If you love cheesy dips, you have to see How I Turned a Classic Sandwich Into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip.
- For a quick dinner packed with Southern flavor, this Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage is a weeknight wonder.
Final Thoughts
These Baked Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the definition of a winning recipe. They’re simple to prepare, bursting with the flavors everyone loves, and guaranteed to be the star of your next party. Make a batch, watch them fly off the plate, and get ready to hand out the recipe.
Have you tried making these sliders? Let me know your favorite combinations in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow us on social media for more can’t-miss recipes!
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