These spicy Buffalo chicken sliders are a party favorite! They feature tender chicken, zesty sauce, and creamy cheese, all baked together for a warm and yummy treat.
Honestly, who can resist a slider? I love serving them with a side of veggies and ranch for dipping. Perfect for game day or any fun gathering! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or boil your own chicken breasts. This is great for using up leftover chicken too. If you’re vegetarian, try substituting with shredded jackfruit or a meat alternative.
Buffalo Sauce: Adjust the spice level to your liking. You can use classic buffalo sauce or make your own with hot sauce and melted butter. For a milder flavor, try a barbecue sauce or sweet chili sauce instead.
Slider Buns: I love using Hawaiian rolls because of their slight sweetness. If you want a healthier option, whole wheat sliders or mini pita breads work nicely. Gluten-free buns are also a great substitute!
Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice, but you could also use pepper jack for more heat or mozzarella for a milder taste. Vegan cheese works well for a dairy-free option.
How Do You Get The Chicken Juicy and Flavorful?
To ensure your chicken is juicy and packed with flavor, mix it thoroughly with the buffalo sauce. Marinating the chicken in the sauce for a bit before baking can enhance the taste even more. Use a fork to shred the chicken finely so it takes on more sauce flavor and stays moist.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked and shredded finely to absorb the sauce well.
- Combine well with the hot sauce before layering it on the buns.
- Cover the baking dish while baking to trap in moisture.
Making these sliders is easy and fun. Just layer, bake, and enjoy the delicious results with friends or family! 😊
Fiery Buffalo Chicken Sliders Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
- 1/2 cup hot buffalo sauce (more or less for desired heat)
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 10 slider buns or small Hawaiian rolls
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
For the Toppings:
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
- Butter, melted (for brushing buns)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake, so you’ll spend around 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick to whip up and perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it will be hot and ready when you need to bake the sliders.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a large bowl, toss the cooked shredded chicken with the hot buffalo sauce until all the chicken is well-coated. This is where the flavor kicks in!
3. Assemble the Sliders:
Next, slice your slider buns in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves in a baking dish, packing them snugly together side by side. Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over these bottom halves.
4. Add the Dressings and Cheese:
Drizzle the ranch or blue cheese dressing over the spicy chicken mixture. If you love cheese like I do, sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the top to make it even tastier!
5. Cover with the Top Buns:
Now it’s time to place the top halves of the slider buns over the chicken and cheese. Don’t they look amazing already?
6. Butter the Tops:
Brush the tops of the buns generously with melted butter. This will give them a lovely golden color when baked!
7. Bake the Sliders:
Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes. This will heat everything through and melt the cheese perfectly.
8. Brown the Buns:
After the initial baking time, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to let the tops brown slightly. This adds a nice texture to the sliders.
9. Finish with Toppings:
Once baked, take the sliders out of the oven and sprinkle the blue cheese crumbles, chopped red onion, and fresh parsley or cilantro over the top for that extra crunch and freshness.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the sliders warm and don’t forget to provide extra buffalo sauce or ranch on the side for dipping. Enjoy these delicious, spicy bites that are sure to be a hit at any gathering!
These fiery, cheesy, tangy sliders are perfect for parties, game days, or just a fun night at home. Happy cooking! 😊
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but remember to fully thaw it first. Thawing overnight in the fridge is the best method. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave’s defrost setting but ensure it’s cooked immediately afterward.
How Do I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps maintain the texture of the sliders!
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the buffalo chicken mixture in advance and assemble the sliders, then cover and refrigerate them. Bake them in the oven when you’re ready to serve. Just keep in mind it may take a few extra minutes in the oven if they’re coming straight from the fridge.
What Can I Serve with the Sliders?
These sliders pair perfectly with veggie sticks, potato chips, or a simple green salad. You can also offer extra dipping sauces, like ranch or blue cheese dressing, to complement the spicy flavors!
