Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

Craving a game-day snack or effortless crowd-pleaser? These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are an absolute flavor bomb: tender shredded rotisserie chicken smothered in zippy buffalo sauce, ranch, and melty cheese, tucked inside soft, pillowy Hawaiian rolls. They’re baked to golden, gooey perfection and disappear in a flash—trust me, you’re going to want to make a double batch!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these Buffalo Chicken Sliders is there for a reason—from the soft, slightly sweet rolls to the bold buffalo sauce and gooey cheese. The best part is, you only need a handful of accessible staples to create a seriously irresistible snack or appetizer.

• Rotisserie chicken: Shortcut alert! Tender, pre-cooked chicken saves time and soaks up every drop of that tangy buffalo goodness.
• Buffalo wing sauce: Delivers that iconic spicy, vinegary kick—choose your favorite brand or homemade version for signature heat.
• Ranch dressing: Creamy, herby, and just a touch cooling—it balances the heat and adds luscious moisture.
• Cajun seasoning: Sneaky extra flavor with a warm, peppery twist; if you don’t have it, try a pinch of paprika and garlic powder.
• Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings to punch up every element.
• King’s Hawaiian rolls: Ultra-soft, buttery, and slightly sweet—they’re the slider MVPs.
• Monterey Jack cheese: Melts easily and adds creamy richness—swap in cheddar or pepper jack for a twist.
• Unsalted butter (for topping): Gives the rolls irresistible shine and extra flavor.
• Italian seasoning (for topping): Adds just the right touch of savory herby aroma to the finished sliders.

Variations

One of my absolute favorite parts about Buffalo Chicken Sliders is how totally adaptable they are. Change up the sauce, tweak the cheese, or up the heat—this recipe is your blank (but ultra-delicious) canvas!

• Blue Cheese Boost: Add crumbled blue cheese on top of the chicken mixture for classic buffalo vibes.
• Mild & Kid-Friendly: Use a mild buffalo or BBQ sauce, or reduce the amount, for little tastebuds or anyone heat-shy.
• Cheese Swap: Try sharp cheddar, melty mozzarella, or spicy pepper jack for a fun flavor twist.
• Low-Carb: Serve the buffalo chicken mixture wrapped in lettuce cups or on low-carb buns for a lighter take.
• Add Veggies: Sneak in diced celery or thinly sliced green onions for color, crunch, and a hint of freshness layered right onto the sliders.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Prep and Mix the Chicken Filling

Start by shredding your rotisserie chicken—two forks or your clean hands make quick work of this. In a mixing bowl, add the buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to the chicken, then stir everything together until well coated and every bite is full of flavor.

Step 2: Slice and Layer the Rolls

Without pulling the rolls apart, slice both packages of King’s Hawaiian rolls horizontally with a serrated knife, just like you’d slice a bagel—tops and bottoms stay intact. Lay the bottom halves into a greased baking dish or rimmed baking sheet, cut side up, ready for all those good toppings.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

Sprinkle half the cheese evenly over the rolls, then pile on the buffalo chicken mixture. Top it all off with the remaining cheese—a double layer makes them super cheesy and gooey. Carefully position the roll tops over everything to create a giant tray of soon-to-be sliders.

Step 4: Brush and Bake

Melt unsalted butter and blend it with Italian seasoning, then brush generously over the tops of the rolls. Slide the baking dish into a 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melty and the tops are a glowing, golden brown.

Step 5: Slice, Serve, and Enjoy!

Let the Buffalo Chicken Sliders cool for a few minutes, then use a sharp knife or spatula to cut between the rolls. Serve piping hot with your favorite sides, or add a heap of creamy coleslaw right on top for the ultimate slider experience!

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Garnishes

Classic toppings like sliced green onions, a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles, or even a handful of fresh, diced celery bring color and a pop of freshness to each Buffalo Chicken Slider. A drizzle of extra ranch or buffalo sauce over the top never hurts either—go wild!

Side Dishes

Pair these sliders with crunchy carrot and celery sticks (the obvious buffalo companion!), a pile of kettle chips, or a big bowl of tangy coleslaw. They also taste incredible alongside oven fries or a crisp green salad for a balanced party spread.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd, lay the finished Buffalo Chicken Sliders on a rustic wooden board with dipping sauces nestled in between—so inviting! For game day, skewer each slider with a colorful pick for easy grabbing. They’re even cute tucked into parchment paper “pockets” for party napkin-friendly snacking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover sliders cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay tasty for up to three days and are just as good for a speedy lunch as they are as a late-night snack.

Freezing

Want to prep ahead? You can freeze the unbaked, fully assembled sliders (minus the butter topping) tightly wrapped for up to two months. Bake from frozen (add the butter topping first!) at 350°F, just tacking on a few extra minutes until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.

Reheating

For that fresh-from-the-oven taste, reheat Buffalo Chicken Sliders in a 350°F oven, covered loosely with foil, for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. The cheese turns gooey again and the rolls revive their soft, pillowy texture—so much better than microwaving!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s game day, a potluck, or a simple weeknight craving, these Buffalo Chicken Sliders hit all the right notes—bold, cheesy, and perfectly shareable. I can’t wait for you to make a batch and watch everyone dive in with huge smiles. Enjoy every spicy, melty bite!

Print