Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

These spicy buffalo chicken sliders have been my go-to game day recipe for years. The combination of tender shredded chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and melty cheese nestled between soft slider buns creates the perfect handheld treat that disappears within minutes at every gathering.

I first made these sliders for a last-minute Super Bowl party when I was scrambling for something quick but impressive. They were such a hit that friends now specifically request them whenever we gather to watch sports.

Ingredients

• Slider buns The foundation of this recipe soft pillowy buns provide the perfect vessel for holding all the flavorful filling
• Shredded chicken Use rotisserie chicken for the quickest prep and juiciest results
• Franks buffalo hot sauce The authentic buffalo flavor choose the original for that classic tangy heat
• Ranch dressing Adds creaminess and helps tame the heat while adding depth
• Salt and pepper Basic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors
• Garlic powder Provides savory notes without the bite of fresh garlic
• Paprika Adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful color
• Shredded cheese I recommend a mixture of cheddar and mozzarella for optimal meltiness and flavor
• Butter The base for the garlic butter topping use unsalted for better control of overall saltiness
• Italian seasoning A blend of herbs that elevates the garlic butter topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Your Oven and Dish

Preheat your oven to exactly 350°F this moderate temperature ensures the buns get golden without burning while allowing enough time for the cheese to melt completely. Line your baking dish with parchment paper which makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking. A 9×9 dish works perfectly for a standard 9-pack of sliders.

Create the Buffalo Chicken Filling

In a large mixing bowl combine the shredded chicken with Frank's hot sauce and ranch dressing. The ranch not only adds creaminess but also helps mellow the heat slightly. Add the salt pepper garlic powder and paprika mixing thoroughly to ensure every bite of chicken is fully seasoned. The mixture should be moist but not dripping with sauce.

Assemble the Base Layer

Place the bottom half of the slider buns as a single connected piece in your prepared baking dish. Keeping them connected makes assembly easier and helps the sliders hold together during baking. Make sure the buns fit snugly in the dish.

Layer the Fillings

Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly across the bottom buns ensuring it reaches all the way to the edges. This creates a consistent flavor profile in every bite. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the chicken layer creating a blanket that will melt and help bind everything together.

Top and Season

Place the top half of the slider buns over the cheese layer completing the assembly. In a small microwave-safe bowl melt the butter for about 20 seconds then stir in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning until well combined. Using a pastry brush carefully coat the tops of the buns with this aromatic butter mixture which will create a gorgeous golden crust.

Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap steam which helps melt the cheese thoroughly while keeping the buns soft. Bake covered for 15 minutes then remove the foil and continue baking for 5-10 minutes more. Watch closely during this final stage as the tops should become golden brown but can burn quickly due to the butter.

Serve While Hot

Remove from the oven and let rest for just 1-2 minutes. Using a sharp knife cut along the natural divisions of the slider buns to separate into individual servings. Serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey and the buns are warm.

Bookmark

My family absolutely adores the combination of Frank's hot sauce and ranch in this recipe. My husband who typically avoids spicy foods makes an exception for these sliders claiming they have the perfect balance of heat and flavor. I always make extra chicken filling to have on hand for quick lunches throughout the week.

Make-Ahead Options

These sliders are perfect for preparing in advance when entertaining. You can assemble everything up to the baking stage cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve simply remove from the refrigerator while preheating the oven add an extra 5 minutes to the covered baking time and continue with the recipe as written. The flavors actually develop wonderfully during this resting period.

Customize Your Heat Level

Not everyone enjoys the same level of spiciness. For a milder version replace half the buffalo sauce with additional ranch dressing or use Franks mild buffalo sauce instead. For heat lovers add a tablespoon of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture or drizzle with additional hot sauce just before serving. You can also serve extra buffalo sauce on the side for dipping allowing guests to control their own heat experience.

Perfect Pairings

These buffalo chicken sliders work beautifully as part of a larger spread. Serve alongside a cool crisp celery and carrot platter with blue cheese dressing for the authentic buffalo wing experience. For a complete meal add a simple green salad and some crispy potato wedges. If serving at a party pair with other finger foods like mozzarella sticks jalapeño poppers or a creamy spinach dip to create a crowd-pleasing buffet.

Pro Tips

Allow rotisserie chicken to cool completely before shredding for easier handling and to avoid burning your fingers

Use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on low speed to shred chicken in seconds flat

For an extra layer of flavor add a thin spread of ranch dressing to both the top and bottom buns before adding the filling

Recipe Q&A

→ What can I serve with these buffalo chicken sliders?

These sliders pair perfectly with celery sticks, carrot sticks, extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, potato chips, french fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. For a complete game day spread, serve alongside other finger foods like mozzarella sticks or potato skins.

→ Can I make these buffalo chicken sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken mixture up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the sliders just before baking. Alternatively, you can fully assemble the sliders, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

→ How do I make these sliders less spicy?

To reduce the spiciness, use less Frank's hot sauce and substitute with Frank's mild buffalo sauce or even a mixture of buffalo sauce and regular barbecue sauce. You can also increase the amount of ranch dressing to help cool down the heat.

→ What's the best way to shred chicken for these sliders?

The easiest way to shred chicken is to cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or by boiling until tender. Then use two forks to pull the meat apart. For a quicker option, you can also use rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. For extra-fine shredding, you can use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on low speed.

→ Can I freeze these buffalo chicken sliders?

Yes, these sliders freeze well. Prepare them completely but don't bake. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake according to the instructions, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze leftover baked sliders individually wrapped, then reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

→ What type of cheese works best for these sliders?

Mozzarella, cheddar, or a Monterey Jack blend all work great with buffalo chicken. For extra flavor, try using pepper jack or a combination of cheeses. Blue cheese is also a classic pairing with buffalo chicken if you enjoy its strong flavor.