Buffalo chicken slider are the MVP of any game day, party spread, or laid-back dinner night. In this article, you’ll find a foolproof buffalo chicken slider recipe that’s saucy, spicy, cheesy, and incredibly easy to pull together. We’ll cover exactly what goes on a buffalo chicken slider, which cheese options work best, and which sides make these little sandwiches shine. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just your cravings, these bite-sized flavor bombs are about to become your go-to. Let’s dive into what makes the best buffalo chicken sliders irresistible—starting with a story from my kitchen.
Table of Contents
Buffalo Chicken Slider Recipe That Packs a Bold Kick in Every Bite
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Description
Spicy, cheesy, and quick buffalo chicken sliders perfect for parties, dinners, or game day cravings.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
½ cup buffalo wing sauce
2 tbsp melted butter
8 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese
12 slider rolls
¼ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)
1 tbsp garlic butter
1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
1 tbsp chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking tray.
2. Mix chicken, buffalo sauce, and melted butter in a bowl.
3. Cut slider rolls in half and place bottom half on tray.
4. Layer half the cheese, then chicken mixture, then remaining cheese.
5. Add top bun layer, brush with garlic butter, and sprinkle sesame seeds.
6. Cover with foil and bake 12 minutes. Uncover, bake 3-5 more until golden.
7. Remove, garnish with green onions, and serve warm.
Notes
You can prepare the sliders up to 12 hours ahead.
Use leftover grilled or air-fried chicken for variety.
Switch cheeses depending on your flavor preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
The Story Behind My Best Buffalo Chicken Slider
Why Buffalo Chicken Slider Feel Like a Friday Night Favorite
If you stepped into my kitchen during football season, you’d probably catch the smell of hot sauce lingering in the air and a tray of buffalo chicken sliders bubbling in the oven. I’m Olivia Bennett, and while I live in Asheville now, I grew up in Vermont, where my dad was always manning the grill and my mom kept the oven warm with trays of baked delights. Somewhere between their styles, these buffalo chicken sliders were born.
The first time I made them wasn’t for a party—it was just a rainy Wednesday, and I was craving something hot and comforting. I had leftover shredded chicken and a half-used bottle of buffalo sauce in the fridge. Slapped it all on slider buns with cheese and baked it until everything melted together like magic. That night, the sliders stole the show. Even my teenager, who typically raises an eyebrow at “leftovers,” went back for thirds.
Since then, I’ve played with the recipe dozens of ways—using grilled chicken, like from this pellet grill chicken breast, or air-fried wings pulled apart from my go-to air fryer chicken wings. You can dress these sliders up or down, but what always matters most is that spicy-smooth balance of buffalo sauce and cheese.
What Makes the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Slider?
It’s all about texture and flavor harmony. You want the chicken moist, the sauce spicy (but not face-melting), and the cheese creamy enough to mellow it out. I’ve found that Hawaiian-style rolls give just the right bit of sweetness to balance the heat. And if you’ve ever wondered what cheese is best for buffalo chicken sliders—we’ll get into that in the next section.
Whether you’ve got leftover chicken shawarma or just roasted a fresh batch of chicken legs, this recipe is all about using what you have to make something worth savoring.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Slider That Hit Every Flavor Note
Simple Ingredients, Maximum Flavor
The beauty of buffalo chicken slider is that you don’t need anything fancy—just a few well-chosen ingredients, and you’re on your way to crowd-pleasing magic. This version keeps it classic but flexible enough to suit what you’ve got in your fridge.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 8 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese
- 12-pack of soft slider rolls (Hawaiian rolls work great)
- ¼ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional, for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions or chives (optional garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional topping)
- 1 tablespoon garlic butter (for brushing on top)
Note: If you’re using grilled leftovers like these BBQ chicken wings or even sticky cherry chicken thighs, just adjust the seasoning to taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Buffalo Chicken Slider
1. Preheat & Prep:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Cut your slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected.
2. Mix the Chicken:
In a bowl, toss shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and melted butter. Stir until well coated.
3. Build the Sliders:
Place the bottom half of the rolls on the baking sheet. Layer with half the cheese, then pile on the buffalo chicken. Add the rest of the cheese on top. Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired.
4. Cover & Bake:
Place the top halves of the rolls over the filling. Brush tops with garlic butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 12 minutes, then uncover and bake 3–5 minutes more until tops are golden and cheese is melted.
5. Serve Hot:
Sprinkle with green onions and slice into individual sliders.
This is the kind of recipe you’ll keep returning to—and once you try pairing it with a chicken cornbread casserole or refreshing chicken salad with grapes, you’ll see why.
Best Cheeses and Flavor Combos for Buffalo Chicken Slider
What Cheese Goes on a Buffalo Chicken Slider?
The right cheese can make or break your slider. You want something that melts well and balances the heat of the buffalo sauce without overpowering the other flavors. After plenty of trials (and more than a few delicious messes), I’ve narrowed down the best options:
Top Cheese Choices for Buffalo Chicken Slider:
| Cheese Type | Flavor Profile | Why It Works Well |
|---|---|---|
| Provolone | Mild, creamy | Melts smoothly and balances the spice |
| Mozzarella | Buttery, stretchy | Classic choice, pairs great with buffalo |
| Pepper Jack | Spicy, bold | Adds an extra kick for heat lovers |
| Blue Cheese Crumbles | Tangy, funky | Traditional with buffalo; bold flavor |
| Cheddar (mild) | Sharp, rich | Melts nicely, especially for cheddar fans |
Personally, I often use provolone when I want that smooth, mild melt, or pepper jack when I want to double down on heat. And for those who love a punchy contrast, a layer of blue cheese crumbles tucked under the shredded chicken works beautifully.
Try layering two cheeses for extra melt and flavor depth—mozzarella on the bottom, pepper jack on top. Trust me, it’s a move you won’t regret.
Flavor Pairings That Make These Sliders Sing
Once you’ve got the chicken and cheese locked in, consider what complements the sliders on the side. If you’re serving a game-day spread or a casual dinner, here are some flavor pairings that round out the meal perfectly:
- Crunchy Veggie Slaw: Adds brightness and texture.
- Dill Pickle Spears or Chips: Their acidity cuts the heat.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Adds a sweet contrast to the spicy.
- Creamy Pasta Salad: Like this protein-packed pasta salad, to keep it hearty.
Or keep it cozy by serving your sliders alongside a baked chicken shepherd’s pie or chicken taco casserole with rice for a full, comfort-food dinner.
Buffalo chicken slider are flexible, fun, and utterly addictive—and the cheese is the secret handshake that ties it all together.
Make-Ahead Tips, Serving Ideas & Storing Leftovers
Can You Make Buffalo Chicken Slider Ahead of Time? Absolutely.
One of the reasons I keep coming back to this recipe—besides the bold flavor—is how effortlessly you can prep it in advance. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning a weekday lunch rotation, here’s how to make your buffalo chicken sliders ahead without losing an ounce of deliciousness:
Make-Ahead Instructions:
- Up to 2 Days Ahead:
Shred your chicken and mix it with the buffalo sauce and butter. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. - Assemble Now, Bake Later:
You can fully assemble the sliders (minus the melted butter topping) up to 12 hours before baking. Just wrap the tray tightly with foil and refrigerate. Before baking, brush with garlic butter and bake as instructed.
Pro Tip:
For a party tray, assemble two batches side by side in a 9×13. Trust me, they go fast!
Serving Suggestions That Elevate the Meal
Buffalo chicken sliders aren’t just for tailgates and game nights—though they sure are perfect for those. I’ve served them at birthday parties, casual brunches, and even as a main dish for dinner with a light salad on the side.
Try them with:
- A quick microgreens salad (like this one)
- Crispy oven fries or air-fried chips
- **A refreshing lavender latte) for a cool beverage pairing
What to Do With Leftovers (If You’re Lucky Enough to Have Any)
If by some miracle you’ve got leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Storage: Wrap sliders in foil or store in an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or until warmed through. You can also pop individual sliders into the air fryer for 3–4 minutes at 350°F.
You can even chop up leftover sliders and toss them into a warm pasta bowl or dice them over nachos the next day. There’s no wrong way to enjoy these spicy little sandwiches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What goes on a buffalo chicken slider?
A classic buffalo chicken slider includes shredded or chopped chicken tossed in buffalo sauce and butter, topped with melty cheese (like provolone or mozzarella), layered inside soft slider buns. Many people add ranch or blue cheese dressing for extra creaminess, and sometimes a sprinkle of green onions for freshness.
What cheese goes on a buffalo chicken sandwich?
Provolone, mozzarella, cheddar, and pepper jack are all great choices. Provolone is mild and creamy, mozzarella melts beautifully, cheddar adds sharpness, and pepper jack gives an extra spicy kick. For a bold twist, blue cheese crumbles pair perfectly with buffalo heat.
What pairs well with buffalo chicken slider?
Buffalo chicken sliders shine alongside tangy sides like dill pickles, coleslaw, and ranch pasta salad. For heartier meals, try serving them with chicken casserole or a crisp microgreens salad. Sweet potato fries or celery sticks are classic pairings too.
What cheese is best for a buffalo chicken wrap?
For wraps, mozzarella or pepper jack offers a stretchy melt without overpowering the buffalo flavor. Cheddar works if you prefer a sharper profile. If you’re a fan of strong contrasts, blue cheese delivers a punchy flavor that complements buffalo sauce beautifully.
Conclusion: Why Buffalo Chicken Slider Belong in Your Recipe Rotation
Buffalo chicken slider are more than just a party snack—they’re a flavor-packed, customizable dish that fits any occasion. From weeknight dinners to weekend cookouts, they bring bold taste without the hassle. With juicy chicken, spicy-smooth sauce, melty cheese, and soft slider rolls, this recipe is your new crowd-pleasing secret weapon.
Whether you’re making them from scratch or using leftover grilled chicken, these sliders always deliver. So roll up your sleeves, grab your favorite hot sauce, and let’s make buffalo chicken the star of your next meal.
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