Buffalo Chicken Sliders

There’s something irresistible about Buffalo Chicken Sliders—bite-sized, spicy, cheesy, and downright comforting. I remember the first time I made these for a game day get-together; they disappeared faster than I could set them on the table! That little bit of tangy heat with gooey cheese on a soft roll had everyone asking for the recipe.

These Buffalo Chicken Sliders quickly became a staple in our house. Whether it's a lazy Sunday, a potluck with friends, or a family movie night, these sliders never fail to impress. The balance of heat, creaminess, and soft, sweet rolls hits all the right notes. Plus, they’re wonderfully versatile—easy to tweak to your liking and always satisfying. It’s one of those go-to recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again.

Why You’ll Love Buffalo Chicken Sliders

• Quick and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes with simple steps, making them ideal for weeknight dinners or impromptu guests.
• Perfect for parties: A hit at game days, potlucks, tailgates, and birthday celebrations.
• Uses rotisserie chicken: A time-saver that adds rich, roasted flavor without extra work.
• Customizable heat level: Adjust the buffalo sauce or mix with a milder option to suit everyone's taste buds.
• Cheesy and satisfying: With a luscious blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for ultimate melty goodness.
• Freezer-friendly: Assemble ahead and store for a quick, delicious meal anytime.
• Kid-approved: Despite the spice, the creamy ranch and honey balance it out, making it palatable even for younger eaters.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Buffalo Chicken Filling:

• 3½ cups shredded chicken (from a rotisserie chicken, or use any leftover cooked chicken)
• ½ cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank's RedHot; feel free to use mild or hot depending on preference)
• ½ cup ranch dressing (or swap with blue cheese dressing for a more pungent flavor)
• 2 tablespoons honey (helps mellow the heat and adds depth)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic enhances the flavor)
• Pinch of black pepper (to taste)

For the Cheese Layer:

• 2 cups low-moisture mozzarella cheese, freshly grated (shreds better than pre-packaged and melts more evenly)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (adds salty, nutty complexity)

For the Sliders:

• 12-count package King’s Hawaiian Rolls (soft, sweet rolls that complement the spicy filling beautifully)
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (adds herby depth to the topping)
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt (or mix garlic powder and salt if preferred)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Line a baking dish (9x13-inch works well) with parchment or spray lightly with cooking spray.
2. Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling:
   • In a large mixing bowl, stir together shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, honey, minced garlic, and black pepper.
   • Mix thoroughly until all the chicken is well-coated in the creamy, spicy sauce. Let sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
3. Prepare the Rolls:
   • Slice the entire slab of King’s Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally without separating the individual rolls.
   • Place the bottom half in your prepared baking dish.
4. Assemble the Sliders:
   • Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom slab of rolls, spreading to the edges.
   • Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken mixture.
   • Gently place the top slab of rolls over the cheese layer.
5. Butter Topping:
   • In a small bowl, combine melted butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt.
   • Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously coat the tops of the rolls with the seasoned butter mixture.
6. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with foil to prevent the tops from over-browning.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
   • Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 5–7 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
7. Serve:
   • Allow the sliders to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing into individual portions with a sharp knife.
   • Serve warm and enjoy the melty, spicy, cheesy deliciousness!

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving Suggestions: Serve with crisp celery and carrot sticks for a classic Buffalo pairing. These also go well with a side of coleslaw, a crunchy green salad, or seasoned fries.
• Perfect for a party tray: Arrange sliders on a platter and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a festive touch.
• Storing Leftovers: Cool sliders completely before placing in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for 30–60 seconds.
• Freezing Instructions: Assemble the sliders up to the baking step. Wrap the entire dish tightly in foil and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight or bake straight from frozen—just add 10–15 minutes to the total bake time.

Helpful Notes

• Adjusting Spice: Use a milder buffalo sauce or mix in extra ranch or sour cream if you’re sensitive to heat. For spice lovers, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Different Cheeses: Try shredded cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for different flavor profiles.
• Bread Swaps: If you can’t find Hawaiian rolls, use any soft dinner rolls or slider buns. Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold the filling.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use your favorite plant-based cheese and dairy-free dressing to make these sliders suitable for dairy sensitivities.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the buffalo chicken filling and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble the sliders right before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
   Yes! Assemble the sliders (without baking), wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze. To bake from frozen, cover with foil and add 10–15 minutes to the bake time.
2. What if I don’t have ranch dressing?
   You can use blue cheese dressing for a sharper flavor. Alternatively, mix sour cream with a little lemon juice, garlic powder, and chopped herbs for a homemade option.
3. Can I use canned chicken?
   Yes, in a pinch. Be sure to drain it well and shred with a fork for best texture. However, rotisserie or freshly cooked chicken will provide the most flavor.
4. Are they too spicy for kids?
   Not necessarily! The honey and ranch dressing help balance the heat. Use a mild buffalo sauce and you should be good to go.
5. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Absolutely. Use gluten-free rolls and check all condiments to ensure they're certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you're feeding a hungry family, entertaining friends for the big game, or just craving something indulgent. With their creamy, spicy filling and cheesy topping tucked into soft, golden rolls, they’re comfort food at its best.

This recipe is easy to follow, endlessly adaptable, and a true favorite in our household. If you make these, I’d love to hear how they turned out for you—leave a comment, snap a photo, or tag me on social media. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!

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