Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Ciao, dear friends and fellow food lovers! We are Maria, Lucia, and Teresa, the Nonnas behind Nonna’s Dishes, and we are absolutely thrilled you’ve joined us today. Get ready to add a little spice and a lot of smiles to your table because we’re diving into the wonderful world of Buffalo Chicken Sliders. These zesty little bites are a favorite in our families, especially when we are hosting a big get together or watching a lively game. Our version of Buffalo Chicken Sliders brings together that classic buffalo flavor with the comfort of a warm, cheesy bun, making them utterly irresistible. We hope they bring as much joy to your home as they do to ours! 

 

 

Why You Will Love This Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

There’s something truly special about a dish that feels like a hug, even when it has a little kick! This buffalo chicken sliders recipe is pure magic because it’s so quick to put together, yet tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. We often make these when our grandchildren come over for movie night, and they disappear faster than you can say “mangia!” The combination of tender chicken, spicy sauce, and soft, buttery rolls makes these spicy chicken sliders an instant hit. They are perfect as game day finger food, party buffalo sliders, or just a delicious family meal.

Ingredients Needed for This Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

Gather your ingredients, amici! This recipe for buffalo chicken sandwich bites uses simple items you likely already have.

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (about 1 rotisserie chicken or 2 large cooked chicken breasts)
• 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for the chicken mixture)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls or slider buns
• 6 slices provolone cheese (or mozzarella), each slice cut in half
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing the tops of the rolls)
• Optional for serving: Blue cheese dressing or ranch, celery sticks, shredded lettuce

How to Make This Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

It’s time to get cooking! Follow these easy steps to create the most delicious Buffalo Chicken Sliders.

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. 2. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce, 1/4 cup melted butter, and garlic powder. Stir everything until the chicken is well coated with the spicy sauce.
3. 3. Carefully slice the entire block of Hawaiian sweet rolls horizontally, keeping them connected on the bottom. Place the bottom halves of the rolls into the prepared baking dish.
4. 4. Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls.
5. 5. Arrange the cut provolone cheese slices over the chicken mixture.
6. 6. Place the top halves of the rolls back over the cheese layer.
7. 7. Brush the tops of the rolls with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter. This will give them a beautiful golden crust.
8. 8. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. 9. Remove from the oven, let them cool for a few minutes, then slice into individual sliders and serve warm.

How to Serve This Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

These party buffalo sliders are best served warm, straight from the oven! They are fantastic on their own, but truly shine with a few simple additions. We love offering a side of creamy blue cheese dressing or a cool ranch dressing for dipping. Crisp celery sticks and carrot sticks are also perfect for balancing the spicy kick. For an extra touch, you can add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving.

How to Store This Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

If you happen to have any of these spicy chicken sliders left over, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until heated through. We do not recommend freezing these sliders, as the texture of the rolls and cheese might change upon thawing and reheating.

Tips to Make This Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

For the best buffalo chicken sliders recipe, consider these little nonna approved tips! You can use leftover roasted chicken or even store bought rotisserie chicken for a super speedy preparation. If you like extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture. For less spice, use a milder buffalo sauce or reduce the amount slightly. Don’t skip brushing the tops with butter; it adds wonderful flavor and a beautiful golden crust.

Helpful Notes for This Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

The type of slider bun can make a difference. We prefer Hawaiian sweet rolls for their soft texture and hint of sweetness, which complements the buffalo flavor beautifully. If you don’t have provolone, mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese work wonderfully too. Ensure your shredded chicken is not too wet, as this can make the sliders soggy. Patting it dry slightly before mixing with the sauce can help.

Variation of This Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

Feel free to get creative with your buffalo chicken sliders recipe! For a different flavor profile, try adding a tablespoon of finely chopped red onion to the chicken mixture for a little extra zest. You could also experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for an even spicier kick, or smoked cheddar for a deeper flavor. In the summer, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a bright, unexpected twist.

FAQs About This Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

Q: Can I prepare the buffalo chicken mixture ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can mix the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce, melted butter, and garlic powder a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake the sliders when you are ready.
Q: What if I don’t have slider buns?
A: No problem, dear! You can use small dinner rolls or even cut larger rolls into slider size portions. The key is to have a soft, slightly sweet bread to complement the fillings.
Q: Can I make these Buffalo Chicken Sliders vegetarian?
A: While these are traditionally made with chicken, you could try substituting the chicken with shredded jackfruit or even cooked lentils mixed with buffalo sauce for a tasty vegetarian version.

Conclusion

We hope these delicious Buffalo Chicken Sliders bring a burst of flavor and a lot of cheer to your table. Whether it’s for a lively game day gathering or a cozy family meal, these spicy chicken sliders are sure to be a beloved addition. They are truly one of our favorite party buffalo sliders, combining that classic zesty kick with comforting cheesy goodness. Give this buffalo chicken sliders recipe a try, and let us know what you think! We love hearing from you.