Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the perfect little spicy, tangy bites packed with shredded chicken tossed in a zesty buffalo sauce. These sliders bring together the heat of buffalo wings and the fun of small, easy-to-eat sandwiches. The buns are soft and buttery, helping to balance the bold, tangy flavor of the chicken inside.
I love making these sliders for game day or casual get-togethers because they’re simple to prepare and everyone loves the spicy kick. I usually add a bit of cool ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side to dip, which softens the spice just enough for even those who are shy about heat. Plus, using shredded chicken makes them so tender and juicy, which I always appreciate.
Serving these sliders with a side of celery sticks and some crunchy chips makes for a classic pairing. I like to set them out on a big platter so everyone can grab one and enjoy the mix of flavors and textures. These sliders always remind me of fun parties where the food is casual but totally flavorful, and I find myself reaching for a second (or third) one without even thinking about it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, but boiled or baked chicken breast works too. Use shredded turkey to switch it up or make it leaner.
Buffalo Sauce: A classic mix of hot sauce and melted butter creates that iconic tangy heat. For less spice, cut the hot sauce with extra melted butter or add a splash of honey for sweetness.
Slider Buns: Soft, slightly sweet rolls like Hawaiian buns balance the spicy chicken. If you can’t find slider buns, mini brioche or dinner rolls work well too.
Blue Cheese & Dressing: Blue cheese crumbles add creamy tang, but if you’re not a fan, try shredded cheddar or omit for a simpler option. Ranch dressing is a milder dip and pairs beautifully here.
Lettuce or Slaw: Adds a crisp, fresh crunch. Iceberg is classic, but coleslaw mix brings extra texture and a little zing if you want a more dressed-up slider.
How Do You Make Sure the Buffalo Chicken Is Perfectly Sauced and Juicy?
The key is coating the shredded chicken evenly with buffalo sauce without over-saturating it, so the sliders don’t get soggy.
- Start with warm chicken to help the sauce stick better.
- Toss chicken gently but thoroughly in buffalo sauce until every piece is covered but not swimming.
- If the sauce looks too thick, add a small splash of warm water or extra melted butter to loosen it up.
- After assembling, bake sliders just long enough to warm buns and meld flavors—about 10 minutes.
This method keeps each slider juicy with that perfect buffalo kick while maintaining soft buns that don’t fall apart.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – I use it to toss the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce smoothly.
- Baking sheet or baking dish – perfect for warming the sliders in the oven and toasting the buns.
- Knife and cutting board – for slicing the slider buns and chopping parsley if you use it.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to measure the buffalo sauce, dressing, and crumbles accurately.
- Spatula or spoon – helps to evenly distribute the chicken and toppings on the buns.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shredded cooked turkey or jackfruit for a different protein.
- Use crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheddar instead of blue cheese for a milder flavor.
- Add sliced jalapeños or pickled onions for extra heat and crunch.
- Mix in chopped celery or carrots with the chicken for added freshness and texture.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Buffalo Chicken Filling:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled chicken breast)
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (hot sauce mixed with melted butter)
For the Sliders:
- 8 slider buns (soft, slightly sweet buns such as Hawaiian rolls)
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce or coleslaw mix
- ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles
- ¼ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and assemble, plus 10 minutes baking time to warm the sliders and toast the buns. It’s quick and perfect for a tasty meal or party snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Buffalo Chicken:
In a medium bowl, toss the cooked shredded chicken with the buffalo wing sauce until each piece is coated evenly. This gives the chicken that spicy, buttery flavor.
2. Prepare the Buns:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the slider buns horizontally in half and lay the bottom halves on a baking sheet or dish, ready to be filled.
3. Assemble the Sliders:
Spoon the buffalo chicken evenly over the bottom halves of the buns. Add a layer of shredded lettuce or coleslaw on top of the chicken, then drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over it. Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles as you like for extra tang.
4. Bake and Finish:
Place the top halves of the buns on each slider and brush the tops with melted butter. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, until the buns are warmed through and lightly toasted.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove from oven and, if you like, sprinkle with fresh parsley to add a bit of color and freshness. Serve warm, with celery sticks and extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping if desired.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before shredding. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. This helps the sauce stick better and keeps the texture tender.
How Can I Make These Sliders Less Spicy?
To tone down the heat, reduce the amount of hot sauce in the buffalo wing sauce or add more melted butter to mellow the flavor. You can also add a bit of honey or ranch dressing to balance the spice.
Can I Prepare Buffalo Chicken Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When ready, assemble the sliders and bake as directed. Toast the buns just before serving for the freshest taste.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through, and add a splash of dressing or extra sauce if needed to keep them moist.
