Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders! Tender, flavorful chicken tossed in a zippy, buttery buffalo sauce and topped with melted cheese, all sandwiched inside pillowy slider buns brushed with garlicky butter—this recipe packs the ultimate punch of comfort food, heat, and crave-worthy flavor. Perfect for game day, parties, or a cozy night in, these sliders vanish fast once you set them out. They’re easy enough to whip up in under 40 minutes, and every spicy, cheesy, saucy bite will have you reaching for another.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders lies in simple, everyday ingredients that come together for big flavor. Every component here either adds major taste, gooey texture, or that classic pop of color you’d want in this crowd-pleasing dish.

• Slider buns: Soft, warm rolls are the perfect carrier for all that bold buffalo chicken and melted cheese; use classic white, Hawaiian, or even whole wheat for a twist.
• Shredded chicken: Rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken works beautifully here and soaks up the sauce like a dream.
• Frank’s buffalo hot sauce: The heart of that unmistakable tangy, spicy flavor—don’t skimp on the sauce!
• Ranch dressing: Creamy ranch cools things down and adds herby depth, balancing the heat with each bite.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out every flavor in the dish.
• Garlic powder: For a boost of savory goodness, both in the filling and the butter topping.
• Paprika: Adds a bit of smokiness and enhances color in the chicken mixture.
• Shredded cheese: A generous layer of cheese turns the sliders perfectly melty—cheddar or mozzarella are both spectacular.
• Butter: Mixed with garlic powder and Italian seasoning to create an irresistible, glossy finish on top of the buns.
• Italian seasoning: Gives that warm, herbal touch in every garlicky bite.

How to Make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking sheet or casserole dish with parchment paper—this makes cleanup a breeze and keeps the sliders from sticking. It’s a small step that makes a big difference when you’re ready to serve and share.

Step 2: Mix Up That Spicy Buffalo Chicken Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, Frank’s buffalo hot sauce, ranch dressing, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir it all together until every piece of chicken is coated in that spicy, creamy goodness. The ranch mellows the heat just enough while still letting that bold buffalo flavor shine through.

Step 3: Assemble the Slider Base

Gently separate your slider buns and place just the bottoms in your prepared baking dish. Setting them up this way means they’ll toast a little as they bake and still absorb some of the buffalo sauce, giving you flavorful bites all the way through.

Step 4: Add the Chicken and Cheese

Evenly spread your spicy buffalo chicken mixture over all the buns. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the chicken—don’t be shy, this step is what makes the sliders extra gooey and irresistible. Place the top halves of the buns back on to complete your sliders.

Step 5: Make and Brush the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, melt your butter and stir in the garlic powder plus Italian seasoning. Take a pastry brush and coat the tops of the buns with this herby, garlicky butter. This is where the magic gets sealed in, and your sliders will come out golden and fragrant.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. This allows everything to get nice and hot, letting the cheese melt with no risk of burning. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and return the sliders to the oven for 5–10 more minutes. When the tops are golden and you see gooey cheese oozing out, you know they’re ready.

Step 7: Serve Hot and Enjoy

Carefully cut the sliders and serve them up while they’re still piping hot. If you have extra ranch or buffalo sauce, put them on the side for extra dipping action—you won’t regret it!

How to Serve Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Garnishes

Turn up the flavor and presentation by scattering some sliced green onions or chopped fresh parsley right over the top. If you love a bit of crunch, a pile of tangy pickles on the side or a sprinkle of sesame seeds is always a fun touch. And let’s not forget a drizzle of extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dippable, creamy bliss!

Side Dishes

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are fantastic on their own, but they really shine alongside cool, crisp celery or carrot sticks. Potato chips, oven fries, or a simple green salad make excellent partners for these zesty, saucy sliders. The contrast of fresh and crunchy with the warm, spicy sliders keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the finished sliders on a wooden platter for a rustic, party-ready look. If you’re feeding a crowd, use colorful toothpicks to hold each slider together—easy to grab and no mess! You can even build a slider bar, offering fun toppings or various cheeses so your guests can create their own perfect bite. Whenever you serve them, these sliders are guaranteed to steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any sliders left (a rare event!), wrap them up tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days without losing that delightful texture or punchy flavor of Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders.

Freezing

You can freeze these sliders for future snacking. Simply assemble as usual, but skip baking. Wrap the whole pan tightly and freeze. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the baking time. Individual sliders can be wrapped and frozen as well, perfect for grab-and-go lunches!

Reheating

To reheat, warm the sliders in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 15 minutes. If you’re just heating one or two, a quick zap in the microwave works too, but they’ll be at their best when crispy and melty from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken in Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver and brings great flavor and juiciness to the sliders. Just shred and go—it perfectly soaks up the spicy buffalo sauce.

Can I make this recipe milder for kids?

Of course! Simply cut back on the buffalo hot sauce or add extra ranch dressing to mellow things out. You can also use a mild buffalo sauce or even swap in barbecue sauce for a totally different, kid-friendly twist.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Cheddar and mozzarella both melt beautifully, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack, provolone, or even a sprinkle of blue cheese for more tang. Any good melting cheese will work wonders in these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders!

Can I prep Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can fully assemble the sliders, wrap, and refrigerate for up to a day in advance. When you’re ready to cook, just bake as usual—add a couple of minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold.

How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?

Make sure not to overdo the sauce, and serve the sliders fresh from the oven before they sit too long. Using parchment paper helps, and letting them cool a few minutes before cutting also gives the bottoms a chance to crisp a bit.

Final Thoughts

Once you make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders, you’ll see why they’re a go-to for busy nights, parties, or any craving for comfort and kick. They’re spicy, cheesy, and loaded with bold, classic flavor—honestly, the hardest part is not eating them all yourself. Gather some friends, fire up the oven, and let the sliders work their magic!

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