There is something irresistible about warm, saucy sliders fresh out of the oven. These spicy buffalo chicken sliders are loaded with tender chicken, creamy buffalo sauce, and melted cheese tucked into soft, golden buns.
They are bold, comforting, and perfect for sharing. Whether you are hosting a game night, preparing an easy dinner, or looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these spicy buffalo chicken sliders deliver big flavor in a small bite. Let's get cooking.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
These sliders are one of my favorite quick party recipes because they are simple but packed with flavor.
- Ready in about 25 minutes
- Creamy, spicy, and cheesy
- Perfect for game day, parties, or family dinners
- Uses simple ingredients you probably already have
- Easy to make ahead
- Great as an appetizer or easy dinner
I have tested these sliders a few times with different cheeses and sauces, and the combination of buffalo chicken with melted mozzarella and buttery buns creates the most comforting bite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- ¼ cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
For the Sliders
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Cooked chicken
Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here. It saves time and gives the filling great flavor.
Buffalo sauce
Use your favorite brand. If you enjoy extra heat, add a little more sauce to the chicken mixture.
Cheese options
Mozzarella melts smoothly and keeps the sliders creamy. Cheddar adds a richer flavor. You can also try Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
Slider buns
Soft Hawaiian rolls are my favorite because their slight sweetness balances the spicy filling.
Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Mix until the chicken is fully coated in the creamy buffalo sauce.
2. Prepare the slider buns
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slice the slider buns horizontally and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
3. Assemble the sliders
Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom layer of buns.
Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the chicken.
Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese.
4. Add the buttery topping
In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder and parsley.
Brush this mixture over the tops of the buns.
5. Bake
Cover the sliders loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake another 5 minutes until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted.
Serve warm while the cheese is still gooey and the buns are soft.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use warm chicken
Warm shredded chicken mixes more easily with the buffalo sauce. - Do not overfill the sliders
Too much filling can make the buns fall apart. - Cover while baking
This keeps the sliders soft and prevents the tops from browning too quickly. - Finish uncovered
The final few minutes give the buns a beautiful golden color.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place them in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the buns soft and soggy.
Make Ahead & Freezing
These sliders are perfect for preparing in advance.
- Assemble the sliders up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate before baking.
- Add the butter topping just before placing them in the oven.
Freezing is also possible. Wrap baked sliders tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warm.
Tips and Variations
Add crunch
Layer shredded lettuce or coleslaw inside the sliders for extra texture.
Make them extra spicy
Add chopped jalapeños or extra buffalo sauce.
Try blue cheese
Swap ranch for blue cheese dressing for a classic buffalo flavor.
Add pickles
A few pickle slices add a bright contrast to the spicy filling.
Turn them into a meal
Serve with fries, salad, or roasted vegetables.
FAQs
Yes. Canned chicken works if you need a quick option, though freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken has better texture.
Absolutely. Assemble the sliders earlier in the day and bake just before serving.
Mozzarella and cheddar melt beautifully, but Monterey Jack and pepper jack also work well.
📖 Recipe
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These spicy buffalo chicken sliders are sure to be a showstopper! Fluffy slider buns filled with juicy shredded chicken tossed in Frank's hot buffalo sauce and cheese baked to cheesy perfection.
Ingredients
- 9 pack slider buns
- 1 ½ cups shredded chicken
- ½ cup Frank's buffalo hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 9×9 baking sheet or casserole dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, buffalo hot sauce, ranch dressing, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Place the bottom halves of the slider buns on the lined baking sheet.
- Divide the chicken mixture evenly over the buns.
- Top with shredded cheese and place the top buns over the filling.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Brush the garlic butter mixture over the tops of the buns.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the tops are golden and the cheese has melted.
- Cut into sliders and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until warm. Great for parties, game day, or quick family dinners.
Serving Suggestions
These spicy buffalo chicken sliders are perfect for game day, casual gatherings, or even a cozy family dinner.
Serve them with crispy fries, potato wedges, or a fresh salad. A side of ranch or blue cheese dressing makes a delicious dipping sauce.
They also pair beautifully with crunchy vegetable sticks like celery and carrots.
Nutrition & Notes
- Servings: 12 sliders
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Approximate nutrition per slider:
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 9g
Author: Lily, Let's Fly Tasty
I tested these sliders during a weekend family gathering, and they disappeared in minutes. The combination of spicy chicken, melted cheese, and soft buns is always a crowd favorite.
Reader Reviews
"These were the hit of our game night. Everyone asked for the recipe." - Amanda
"Perfect balance of spicy and creamy. I will definitely make these again." - Daniel
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