Buffalo Chicken Sliders That Will Make Everyone Beg for Seconds
Let me be honest with you—Buffalo chicken sliders were never on my radar until one day I had leftover shredded chicken and a bottle of buffalo sauce staring at me from the fridge.
I didn’t want to make the same old boring sandwich, so I thought, “Why not turn this into something fun, cheesy, and perfect for sharing?” And that’s how I came up with these sliders.
If you’re a fan of that spicy, tangy buffalo flavor mixed with creamy cheese and soft rolls, you’re going to love this. These little sandwiches are perfect for game day, parties, or even a quick family dinner. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll be on repeat in your kitchen.
What Are Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Buffalo chicken sliders are mini sandwiches made with shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, layered with cheese, sometimes ranch or blue cheese, all baked inside soft slider buns. They’re basically the snack-sized version of a buffalo chicken sandwich, but better because you can eat more than one without feeling guilty.
Think of it as comfort food meets party food. They’re gooey, spicy, cheesy, and just the right size to grab with one hand while holding a drink in the other.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy, and that’s the best part. Here’s what goes into these sliders:
- Slider buns (Hawaiian rolls work best)
- Cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken saves time)
- Buffalo sauce (your favorite brand, mild or spicy)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for creaminess)
- Cheese (mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar)
- Butter and garlic (for brushing the tops of the rolls)
- Optional toppings: green onions, crumbled blue cheese, jalapeños
That’s it. Simple ingredients, big flavors.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders
The process is super easy. Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:
1. Prep the Chicken
Take your cooked shredded chicken (I usually use rotisserie) and toss it in a bowl with buffalo sauce until it’s fully coated. Adjust the spice level depending on how much heat you like.
2. Build the Sliders
Slice the rolls in half horizontally (keep them attached, don’t separate each roll). Place the bottom half in a baking dish. Spread the buffalo chicken evenly, drizzle some ranch or blue cheese, and sprinkle a generous amount of cheese.
3. Add the Top
Place the top half of the rolls over the filling. Melt butter with garlic powder and brush it all over the top. This gives it that golden, flavorful crust.
4. Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden.
5. Slice and Serve
Use a sharp knife to cut through the rolls and serve warm. They’ll disappear fast.
Why These Sliders Work Every Time
The magic is in the combination: spicy buffalo sauce, creamy dressing, and gooey cheese all packed inside sweet, soft rolls. Baking them together makes the flavors melt into each other, and the butter-brushed tops add the perfect crunch.
It’s a balance of spicy, tangy, creamy, and cheesy—everything you want in a comfort food snack.
Best Cheese for Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Not all cheeses work the same. Here are the best options:
- Mozzarella: melts perfectly and gives that gooey pull.
- Cheddar: adds a sharp bite that balances the buffalo sauce.
- Provolone: smooth and creamy flavor.
- Blue Cheese: for those who love the classic buffalo + blue cheese combo.
Sometimes I even mix two cheeses for extra flavor.
Tips to Make Them Perfect
Here’s what I’ve learned after making these a dozen times:
- Don’t over-soak the chicken in sauce, or the sliders get soggy. Coat it lightly and save extra sauce for dipping.
- Use foil while baking so the tops don’t burn before the cheese melts.
- Brush butter generously on top for flavor and that golden finish.
- Serve right away because they taste best hot and melty.
Fun Ways to Customize Buffalo Chicken Sliders
The beauty of sliders is you can switch them up depending on your mood.
- Add crispy bacon for smoky flavor.
- Top with jalapeños for extra heat.
- Mix in cream cheese with the chicken for extra creaminess.
- Swap ranch for blue cheese dressing if that’s your vibe.
- Make them kid-friendly by using a mild buffalo sauce.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Sliders
If you’re making these for a party, you’ll want a few sides to balance out the spice. Some of my go-to options:
- Celery and carrot sticks (classic with buffalo chicken)
- Potato wedges or fries
- Onion rings
- Coleslaw
- A light green salad
These sliders are pretty filling, so simple sides work best.
When to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders
You can whip these up for so many occasions:
- Game day – the ultimate finger food.
- Family movie night – quick, fun dinner.
- Potluck parties – easy to transport and everyone loves them.
- Weeknight dinner – when you don’t feel like cooking a full meal.
Basically, anytime you want a crowd-pleasing dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Storing and Reheating
Got leftovers? (Rare, but it happens!)
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes so they stay crispy.
- Avoid microwaving because it makes the bread soggy.
FAQs About Buffalo Chicken Sliders
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them a few hours before, cover tightly, and bake right before serving.
2. Can I use canned chicken?
You can, but fresh shredded chicken or rotisserie works best for flavor and texture.
3. What’s the best buffalo sauce to use?
Frank’s RedHot is classic, but any brand you love will work.
4. Can I make them less spicy?
Yes, just use mild buffalo sauce or mix buffalo sauce with a little ranch.
5. Can I freeze buffalo chicken sliders?
Not really recommended because the bread doesn’t thaw well. It’s best to make them fresh.
6. Do I have to use ranch or blue cheese?
Nope, you can skip it or use cream cheese for a milder taste.
7. Can I make them in an air fryer?
Yes, but you’ll need to work in batches. Bake at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo chicken sliders are one of those recipes that check every box—easy to make, full of flavor, and always a hit. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making dinner for the family, these little sandwiches will never let you down.
Next time you’re craving something cheesy, spicy, and fun, give these a try. I promise you’ll be making them again and again.
