Why You’ll Love These Buffalo Chicken Sliders

• Party-Perfect: These sliders are ideal for game-day gatherings, potlucks, or any casual event. You can easily scale them up, and they stay warm and delicious while serving a crowd.
• Time-Saver: Utilizing rotisserie chicken and simple pantry staples means these sliders come together in under 30 minutes.
• Full of Flavor: The combo of spicy Buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, and gooey cheese creates an irresistible blend of heat, richness, and tanginess.
• Make-Ahead Magic: You can assemble these sliders hours before baking and store them in the refrigerator, making your entertaining a breeze.

Ingredients

• Slider Buns: Hawaiian rolls offer a sweet touch that complements the spicy Buffalo sauce.
• Shredded Cooked Chicken: The main protein, preferably from a rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor.
• Buffalo Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is the classic choice for an authentic Buffalo flavor.
• Ranch Dressing: This helps temper the heat of the Buffalo sauce.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This mild cheese melts beautifully, adding that perfect stretchy texture.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Optional but highly recommended for extra flavor and color.
• Unsalted Butter: A generous brushing on the buns creates a golden, flavorful topping.
• Garlic Powder: A dash provides a savory depth to the garlic butter topping.
• Chopped Parsley: Not only does it add a pop of color, but it also gives a fresh contrast to the rich filling.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Preparing these sliders is so easy that they are perfect for entertaining!

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for an easier cleanup.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Buffalo Chicken

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with Buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

Carefully slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom intact. Place the bottom halves in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the creamy Buffalo chicken mixture over the buns, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar (if using) on top. Finally, place the top halves back on the buns.

Step 4: Prepare the Butter Topping

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the buns.

Step 5: Bake the Sliders

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are a beautiful golden brown.

Step 6: Serve

Once baked, take them out of the oven and garnish with chopped parsley if you’d like. Serve warm alongside celery sticks and extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping!

Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Follow these simple tips to ensure your sliders turn out wonderfully every time:

• Quality is Key: Choose a trusted Buffalo sauce brand like Frank’s RedHot to deliver an authentic flavor.
• Pick the Best Buns: Hawaiian rolls add sweetness, while brioche slider buns offer a richer taste.
• Dial Down the Heat: For milder sliders, reduce Buffalo sauce to ½ cup and slightly increase ranch dressing.
• Be Strategic: Mixing mozzarella and cheddar gives a gooey texture with a hint of sharpness. Spread cheese evenly for cheesy bites!
• Go Heavy on the Garlic: Don’t skimp on the garlic butter topping; it adds deep flavor and helps the sliders brown nicely.
• Add Some Accessories: Serve with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and extra ranch or blue cheese dip for that classic Buffalo taste.
• Get Ahead of the Game: You can assemble the sliders a day in advance, tightly cover with foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just add the garlic butter and extend baking time by a few minutes.
• Have Fun with Variations: Consider adding bacon crumbles, caramelized onions, or spicy jalapeños to enhance flavors. You can also swap ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for an extra tangy experience.

How to Store Buffalo Chicken Sliders

If you find yourself with leftover sliders, here are some handy storage tips:

To Store

Keep leftover assembled sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can store the buffalo chicken mixture separately for 3-4 days to maintain freshness.

To Freeze

Assemble the sliders without the garlic butter topping, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. For the chicken mixture, use a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible, which can be frozen for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or assembling.

To Reheat

Reheat sliders in a 350°F (175°C) oven, wrapped in foil, for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. For just the chicken mixture, microwave it in a covered dish or reheat it over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can cook and shred chicken breast; just be sure to season it well to match the flavor of rotisserie chicken.

2. How can I make these sliders spicier?

You can add more Buffalo sauce or include some finely chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture for an extra kick.

3. Can I substitute the cheese?

Absolutely! If mozzarella and cheddar aren’t your favorites, feel free to use pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.

4. What can I use instead of ranch dressing?

You can easily substitute ranch with blue cheese dressing or even a homemade yogurt-based dressing for a healthier option.

5. How do I reheat the sliders without drying them out?

Wrapping the sliders in foil when reheating helps retain moisture and keeps them from drying out in the oven.