Picture this: game day is approaching, your friends are coming over, and you need something that screams “crowd-pleaser.” Enter Buffalo Chicken Sliders – the perfect fusion of America’s beloved buffalo chicken and convenient slider format. These bite-sized beauties pack all the tangy, spicy goodness of traditional buffalo wings into a handheld sandwich that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party or just craving comfort food with a kick, these sliders deliver maximum flavor in minimum time.
What makes these Buffalo Chicken Sliders truly special is their versatility and ease of preparation. Unlike complicated buffalo chicken breast recipes that require extensive prep work, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into restaurant-quality sliders in under 30 minutes. The secret lies in perfectly seasoned shredded buffalo chicken nestled between soft Hawaiian rolls, creating a harmony of textures and flavors that’ll have your guests asking for the recipe. Plus, they’re incredibly customizable – perfect for accommodating different spice preferences and dietary needs.
Recipe Information
- Difficulty: Easy
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 12 sliders (serves 6-8 people)
- Estimated Cost: Affordable
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Sliders
For the Buffalo Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 12 Hawaiian dinner rolls (slider buns)
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Equipment and Utensils Required
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Meat thermometer
- Two forks for shredding chicken
- Medium mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Kitchen tongs
- Pastry brush
Recipe Preparation: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before shredding with two forks into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Make the Buffalo Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Whisk in the hot sauce, softened cream cheese, onion powder, and celery seed until smooth and creamy. This creates a richer, more indulgent buffalo sauce than traditional wing sauce.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Add the shredded chicken to the buffalo sauce and toss until evenly coated. The chicken should be thoroughly saturated with the creamy buffalo mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed – add more hot sauce for extra heat or a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
Step 4: Prepare the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the bottom and top halves intact as one piece. Place the bottom half in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 5: Create the Cream Cheese Spread
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with ranch dressing until smooth and spreadable. This creamy layer acts as a cooling contrast to the spicy buffalo chicken and prevents the rolls from getting soggy.
Step 6: Assemble the Sliders
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. Layer the buffalo chicken mixture on top, then sprinkle with diced celery and green onions for crunch and freshness. Top with both shredded cheeses, then place the top half of the rolls over the filling.
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touch
Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the tops from browning too quickly.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tops are lightly golden. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before cutting into individual sliders. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey and the rolls are warm.
Chef’s Tips, Tricks, and Variations
Pro Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Sliders:
Choose the Right Rolls: Hawaiian rolls are ideal because their slight sweetness balances the spicy buffalo flavor. If unavailable, brioche or potato slider buns work well too.
Don’t Skip the Rest Time: Letting the cooked chicken rest before shredding ensures juicier, more tender meat that shreds easily.
Control the Heat: Start with less hot sauce and gradually add more. You can always make it spicier, but you can’t take the heat away.
Prevent Soggy Bottoms: The cream cheese barrier is crucial for maintaining structural integrity. Don’t skip this step!
Delicious Variations:
Buffalo Chicken Wraps Version: Use the same buffalo chicken mixture in large flour tortillas with lettuce, tomatoes, and extra ranch for handheld buffalo chicken wraps.
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Sandwich: For a slow-cooker version perfect for busy weekdays, combine all buffalo chicken ingredients in a crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, then shred and serve on regular sandwich buns.
Grilled Chicken Sliders: For a smokier flavor, grill the chicken breasts instead of pan-searing, then proceed with the same buffalo sauce preparation.
Buffalo Chicken Rolls: Transform this into an appetizer by using the mixture as a filling for puff pastry rolls or phyllo dough parcels.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions:
These sliders are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap individual sliders in damp paper towels and microwave for 30-45 seconds, or reheat the entire batch in a 300°F oven for 10-12 minutes.
For meal prep, you can prepare the buffalo chicken mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it refrigerated. Assemble the sliders just before baking for optimal freshness.
Perfect Pairings:
Serve these Buffalo Chicken Sliders alongside classic game day favorites like loaded potato skins, jalapeño poppers, or a crisp coleslaw to balance the richness. For beverages, ice-cold beer, lemonade, or iced tea complement the spicy flavors perfectly.
Nutritional Information
Per slider (based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fiber: 1g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Why These Buffalo Chicken Sliders Are Game-Changers
These aren’t just another slider recipe – they’re a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. The combination of tender, spicy buffalo chicken with creamy cheese and soft Hawaiian rolls creates a flavor profile that satisfies both comfort food cravings and the desire for something exciting.
What sets this recipe apart from typical sliders recipes Hawaiian rolls chicken variations is the attention to texture and temperature contrast. The warm, melted cheese mingles with the cool cream cheese spread, while the soft rolls provide the perfect vehicle for the boldly flavored chicken. Every bite delivers the classic buffalo experience without the mess of traditional wings.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its scalability and adaptability. Whether you’re feeding a small family or a large crowd, these sliders can easily be doubled or tripled. They’re equally at home at casual weeknight dinners and special occasions, making them a versatile addition to any home cook’s repertoire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saving shortcut. Simply shred about 3 cups of rotisserie chicken and proceed directly to combining it with the buffalo sauce. This reduces prep time significantly and is perfect for busy weeknights.
How spicy are these Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
The heat level is moderate and family-friendly when using Frank’s RedHot sauce. For milder versions, mix the hot sauce with equal parts melted butter and add a tablespoon of honey. For extra heat, incorporate cayenne pepper or use a spicier buffalo sauce.
Can I make these as a buffalo chicken sandwich crockpot version?
Yes! Place chicken breasts, hot sauce, butter, and seasonings in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then shred the chicken directly in the pot. Serve the mixture on regular hamburger buns for full-sized buffalo chicken sandwich crockpot meals.
What’s the best way to prevent the rolls from getting soggy?
The cream cheese layer acts as a moisture barrier, but you can also lightly toast the cut sides of the rolls before assembly. Additionally, avoid over-saucing the chicken – it should be well-coated but not swimming in sauce.
Can these be made ahead for meal prep?
The buffalo chicken mixture can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored refrigerated. However, assemble the sliders just before baking to maintain the best texture. Fully assembled sliders can be wrapped and frozen for up to 1 month – bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Have you tried this Buffalo Chicken Sliders recipe? We’d love to hear about your experience! Drop a comment below sharing your results, modifications, or questions. Don’t forget to share photos of your sliders on social media – tag us to be featured! For more crowd-pleasing appetizers and game day recipes, explore our extensive collection of slider variations and buffalo-inspired dishes.
