These Fiery Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a fun and tasty treat! Featuring tender chicken smothered in spicy buffalo sauce, all nestled in soft slider buns.
Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one! They’re perfect for game day or casual gatherings. I love serving them with a side of cool ranch dip to balance the heat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to because it’s quick and flavorful. If you don’t have it, boiled or even canned chicken works. Just make sure to shred it well!
Buffalo Hot Sauce: Adjust the heat by choosing a mild or extra spicy sauce. If you’re not a fan of buffalo sauce, a mix of BBQ sauce and hot sauce can offer a different flavor while still packing a punch.
Ranch Dressing: This adds a creamy element that balances out the heat. Feel free to swap with blue cheese dressing for a classic combination. You could even make a homemade version if you’re feeling adventurous!
Slider Buns: I love soft dinner rolls for their texture. However, you can use any type of bread like Hawaiian rolls for sweetness or whole grain for something a bit healthier.
Coleslaw Mix: For convenience, I use pre-packaged coleslaw mix. If you have cabbage and carrots at home, you can chop them yourself to save some money and reduce waste.
How Do I Get Perfectly Baked Sliders Without Soggy Buns?
A common issue with slider bakes is soggy buns, but there are tricks to avoid that. It starts with how you layer the ingredients and how long you bake them.
- Use a thicker layer of chicken and cheese to absorb some moisture. This helps keep the buns intact.
- Don’t overload on sauces, especially under the top bun. Keep the bottom a little drier to allow for the buns to hold their shape.
- Cover the sliders with foil for part of the baking time. This keeps steam in and prevents over-browning.
- For the last few minutes, uncover the sliders to get that golden brown top. It adds a lovely texture!
Let them cool a bit before you cut the sliders apart. This will help them hold together better when you serve them!
Fiery Buffalo Chicken Sliders Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Chicken & Sauce:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
- 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce (adjust for heat preference)
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing (plus extra for serving)
Cheese & Buns:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls)
Fresh Additions:
- 1/2 cup coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrot blend)
For Baking:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or chili powder (for topping)
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or chives
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 10 minutes to prepare and about 25 minutes to bake. So in just about 35 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and comforting dish ready for your gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to get your oven nice and warm while you prepare everything.
2. Mix the Chicken Filling:
In a medium bowl, take your cooked shredded chicken. Add the buffalo hot sauce and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything together gently, making sure the chicken is well-coated in the sauce.
3. Prepare the Slider Buns:
Next, slice the slider buns in half horizontally. Try to keep the tops and bottoms together as a group, so they don’t fall apart.
4. Assemble the Sliders:
Place the bottom halves of the buns in a baking dish. Now, evenly spread the buffalo chicken mixture over the bun bottoms. Trust me, the more chicken, the better!
5. Add More Cheese!
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chicken mixture. Who can resist extra cheese, right?
6. Layer in Some Crunch:
Spoon the coleslaw mix evenly over the cheese layer. This will add a nice crunch and fresh flavor to the sliders.
7. Dress it Up:
Drizzle or dollop some ranch dressing over the coleslaw—a little extra creaminess never hurts!
8. Top it Off:
Gently place the slider bun tops over everything you’ve assembled. Look at that beautiful layering!
9. Butter and Season:
Brush the tops of the buns with melted butter and sprinkle some smoked paprika or chili powder on top. This adds a lovely color and a hint of extra flavor.
10. Bake It!
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it into the oven for 15 minutes. This helps everything heat through nicely.
11. Uncover and Brown:
After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the tops of the buns are golden. Yum!
12. Slice and Serve:
Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then slice between the sliders so everyone can grab one easily!
13. Enjoy!
Serve with extra ranch dressing or blue cheese dip on the side for dipping! Gather your friends and dig in!
These Fiery Buffalo Chicken Sliders are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy the kick of flavor and the creamy goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen chicken, make sure it’s fully thawed before shredding. The quickest way is to thaw it in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for a couple of hours.
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture and assemble the sliders up to a day in advance. Just cover them tightly with foil and refrigerate. Bake them just before you’re ready to serve for the best results!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil, to keep them moist.
Can I Substitute the Buffalo Sauce?
Definitely! If buffalo sauce is too spicy for your taste, you can mix it with BBQ sauce for a milder flavor. You can also try hot sauce that you prefer for a custom kick!
