Buffalo Chicken Sliders

These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for game-day parties, casual lunches, or family gatherings. With tender shredded chicken coated in tangy buffalo sauce, melty cheese, and buttery Hawaiian rolls brushed with ranch-seasoned butter, these sliders deliver big flavor in every bite. Ready in just 15 minutes, they’re quick, easy, and sure to disappear fast!

Ingredients

• 3 cups shredded chicken
• ¾ cup buffalo sauce
• 7 tablespoons butter, divided (3 tablespoons + 4 tablespoons)
• 1 package Hawaiian Rolls
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles
• 2½ tablespoons ranch seasoning (from a ranch dressing seasoning packet)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F. Line a small baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.
2. Prepare the rolls: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them together as one slab. Place the bottom half on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Make the buffalo chicken: In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter and stir in ¾ cup of buffalo sauce until well combined. Add the shredded chicken, mixing until it’s evenly coated.
4. Assemble the sliders: Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. Sprinkle with mozzarella, cheddar, and blue cheese crumbles. Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese layer.
5. Add the butter topping: Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and stir in the ranch seasoning. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.
6. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden. If the tops start to brown too quickly, cover with foil.
7. Serve: Slice the rolls apart and serve warm.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve Immediately: These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are best served warm right out of the oven when the cheese is perfectly melted and the rolls are golden and crisp.
• Party Serving Idea: Arrange the sliders on a large platter and serve with small bowls of ranch and blue cheese dressing for dipping.
• Side Dishes: Pair with celery sticks, carrot sticks, coleslaw, or crispy fries to balance the spice.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the sliders (without baking) and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Brush with butter topping right before baking.
• Reheat: Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5–8 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to keep the rolls from getting soggy.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled (unbaked) sliders for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in foil and bake directly from frozen for 20–25 minutes.

Variations

1. BBQ Chicken Sliders: Replace buffalo sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky, sweet twist.
2. Honey Buffalo Sliders: Add 2 tablespoons of honey to the buffalo sauce mixture for a sweet and spicy combo.
3. Buffalo Ranch Sliders: Mix ¼ cup ranch dressing into the buffalo chicken before layering for extra creaminess.
4. Bacon Buffalo Sliders: Add cooked, crumbled bacon over the cheese layer for smoky crunch.
5. Blue Cheese Lovers’ Sliders: Double the blue cheese crumbles for a stronger tangy flavor.
6. Spicy Jalapeño Sliders: Add thinly sliced jalapeños or pickled jalapeños on top of the chicken mixture for extra heat.
7. Buffalo Chicken Slaw Sliders: Add a layer of creamy ranch coleslaw for crunch and flavor contrast.
8. Buffalo Turkey Sliders: Substitute chicken with shredded turkey for a Thanksgiving leftover twist.
9. Buffalo Cauliflower Sliders: Use roasted cauliflower florets instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.
10. Garlic Parmesan Buffalo Sliders: Mix minced garlic and grated parmesan into the butter topping for a savory upgrade.
11. Buffalo Cheesesteak Sliders: Add sautéed onions and bell peppers for a Philly-inspired flavor.
12. Ranch Lover’s Sliders: Sprinkle extra ranch seasoning over the top of the rolls before baking for stronger ranch flavor.
13. Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders: Combine buffalo chicken, ranch dressing, and crispy bacon—an irresistible trio.
14. Buffalo Mac & Cheese Sliders: Add a spoonful of mac and cheese to the buffalo chicken layer for creamy indulgence.
15. Low-Carb Buffalo Sliders: Skip the rolls and serve the buffalo chicken mixture on lettuce wraps for a lighter version.

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
   Yes! Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor. Just shred it before mixing with buffalo sauce.
2. What buffalo sauce works best?
   Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice for its tangy, medium heat, but any preferred brand works fine.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes, assemble up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the best texture.
4. How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?
   Make sure not to overload with sauce and bake uncovered until slightly crisp on top.
5. Can I substitute the cheese?
   Absolutely—try provolone, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
6. Can I use a different type of roll?
   Yes! Soft dinner rolls, brioche buns, or pretzel slider buns work great too.
7. Can I make these less spicy?
   Reduce buffalo sauce or mix with ranch dressing or melted butter for a milder version.
8. Can I freeze baked sliders?
   Yes, but for best quality, freeze before baking. If baked, cool completely, wrap tightly, and reheat in the oven.
9. What sides go best with these sliders?
   Serve with celery and carrot sticks, fries, potato wedges, or a simple green salad.
10. Can I make these in an air fryer?
    Yes! Air fry at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes until cheese melts and the rolls are golden brown.

Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a fast, flavorful, and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. The spicy buffalo chicken combined with creamy cheeses and buttery rolls makes each bite irresistible. They’re easy to customize, quick to prepare, and guaranteed to be a hit wherever you serve them.

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