Buffalo Chicken Sliders

The aroma of hot sauce and melted cheese…it just screams game day (or, let’s be honest, any Tuesday night when I’m craving something a little…spicy). These Buffalo Chicken Sliders have become a staple in our Texas household, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether we’re hosting a barbeque or just need a quick and easy dinner. I’ve made this recipe countless times, tweaking it until it’s just right – tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and a creamy coolness to balance the heat. Trust me, y’all are going to love how simple and satisfying these sliders are. This recipe delivers guaranteed smiles and empty plates every time!

Why This Recipe Works

As a busy mom of two, I’m always looking for recipes that are quick, easy, and something my kids will actually eat! These Buffalo Chicken Sliders tick all the boxes. Here’s why they work so well:

• Quick & Easy: From start to finish, these sliders can be on the table in about 30 minutes.
• Kid-Approved (with adjustments!): My kids love these, especially when I tone down the heat a little.
• Perfect for a Crowd: Whether it’s a game day party or a family gathering, this recipe easily scales up.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time, making assembly a breeze.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 12 slider buns
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing (or ranch dressing)
• Celery sticks, for serving (optional)

Ingredient Notes

Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is my go-to for that classic buffalo flavor, but feel free to use your favorite brand. Just keep in mind that the heat level can vary. For a milder version, try a hot sauce that’s lower on the Scoville scale.

Slider Buns: Hawaiian rolls are my personal favorite because they add a touch of sweetness, but any slider buns will work. Look for soft, fluffy buns that will hold up to the saucy chicken.

Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even provolone. For a dairy-free option, use your favorite plant-based cheese.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken. There are several ways you can cook the chicken for this recipe. You can bake it, grill it, poach it, or even use leftover cooked chicken. My favorite method is to poach it, because it keeps the chicken incredibly tender. Simply place the chicken breasts in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Let the chicken cool slightly.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken. Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it using two forks. You can also use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment to shred the chicken quickly. Just be careful not to over-shred it.

Step 3: Make the Buffalo Sauce. In a large bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). This is where the magic happens! Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a touch of honey or maple syrup.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce. Add the shredded chicken to the bowl with the buffalo sauce and toss to coat evenly. Make sure every piece of chicken is coated in that delicious, tangy sauce. This is where you can really control the level of spiciness – add more or less sauce depending on your preference.

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves on a baking sheet. Pile the buffalo chicken mixture onto the bottom buns, then top with shredded cheddar cheese. Place the top buns on the sliders.

Step 6: Bake the Sliders. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the buns are lightly toasted. Keep an eye on them to prevent the buns from burning.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy! Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle with blue cheese or ranch dressing (or serve on the side) and serve immediately. Don’t forget the celery sticks for dipping!

Storage & Meal Prep

Storage: Leftover buffalo chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat the buffalo chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. If reheating sliders, wrap them in foil to prevent the buns from drying out. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Make-Ahead: You can cook and shred the chicken up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. You can also make the buffalo sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Substitutions & Variations

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free slider buns to make this recipe gluten-free.

Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese and ranch dressing to make this recipe dairy-free. You can also substitute the butter in the buffalo sauce with olive oil or coconut oil.

Spicy Level: Adjust the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper to control the level of spiciness. For a milder version, use a mild hot sauce or omit the cayenne pepper altogether. For a spicier version, add more hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Chicken Alternatives: You can use shredded rotisserie chicken or even ground chicken in this recipe. If using ground chicken, cook it in a skillet until browned, then drain off any excess grease before adding the buffalo sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can cook and shred the chicken and make the buffalo sauce a day or two in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then combine them when you’re ready to assemble the sliders.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken to see if it’s cooked through. The juices should run clear, and there should be no pinkness.

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Of course! Cheddar is a classic choice, but you can use any cheese you like. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or provolone would all be delicious. You could even use a combination of cheeses.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Are these sliders kid-friendly?

With a few adjustments, yes! Use a mild hot sauce or reduce the amount of hot sauce in the recipe. You can also serve the buffalo sauce on the side so kids can add it to their liking. My kids also love when I add a little shredded lettuce and tomato to their sliders.

Can I freeze these?

While you can freeze the buffalo chicken mixture, the texture of the buns may change after freezing. If you plan to freeze the sliders, I recommend freezing the chicken mixture separately and assembling the sliders after thawing.

What can I serve with these sliders?

Celery sticks, carrot sticks, coleslaw, potato salad, or a simple green salad would all be great accompaniments to these sliders. You could also serve them with chips and dip or french fries.

Serving Suggestions

To serve, arrange the sliders on a platter and garnish with chopped celery and a drizzle of blue cheese or ranch dressing. Offer celery sticks and carrot sticks on the side for dipping. These sliders are perfect for game day, parties, or a casual weeknight meal. For a fun presentation, serve them in mini cast iron skillets.

Y’all, I hope you give these Buffalo Chicken Sliders a try! They’re a guaranteed hit with the whole family, and they’re so easy to make. I know life gets crazy busy, but sometimes, all you need is a little something spicy and cheesy to bring everyone together. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and let me know what you think! And be sure to check out the other family-friendly recipes on FamiliesRecipes.com – I promise you’ll find something you love.

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