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Buffalo Chicken Sliders: A Beginner-Friendly, Crowd-Pleasing Recipe

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Spicy, cheesy, and downright irresistible! 🔥🧀 These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are packed with tender shredded chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all tucked into soft, buttery buns. 🥪✨ A beginner-friendly recipe that’s perfect for game days, parties, or a quick and flavorful meal!

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls or any soft buns)
  • 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • ¾ cup Buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
  • ½ cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

 

  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. Stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. This mixture should be creamy and flavorful, making every bite of the sliders delicious.

3. Assemble the Sliders

Slice the slider buns in half horizontally while keeping the top and bottom halves intact. Place the bottom half of the buns in the prepared baking dish. Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the buns. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese (and cheddar, if using) over the top of the chicken mixture. Place the top half of the buns back on.

4. Add the Butter Topping

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder. Using a brush or spoon, generously spread this mixture over the tops of the buns. This step ensures the buns become golden brown and flavorful as they bake.

5. Bake the Sliders

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 10 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld together. After 10 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the tops of the buns are golden brown.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven. If desired, garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve warm with celery sticks and extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.

Notes

How to Tell if the Sliders are Done

  • The cheese should be fully melted and gooey.
  • The tops of the buns should be golden brown and slightly crispy.
  • The chicken should be heated through (you can check by inserting a fork into the center and feeling the temperature).

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

  • Buns Burning Too Quickly: If the tops of the buns brown too fast, cover the dish loosely with foil while baking. This will allow the sliders to cook without burning.
  • Sliders Falling Apart: Make sure to keep the buns attached when slicing them in half. This helps hold the filling in place.
  • Chicken Too Dry: If your chicken mixture seems dry, add a little more ranch dressing or buffalo sauce before baking. This keeps the filling moist and flavorful.

Helpful Kitchen Tips

  • Shredding Chicken Easily: If using rotisserie chicken, shred it quickly with two forks or use a hand mixer for faster results.
  • Making in Advance: You can prepare the buffalo chicken mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to assemble, just spread it on the buns and bake.
  • Keeping the Sliders Warm: If serving at a party, keep the sliders warm by covering them loosely with foil and placing them in a warm oven (around 200°F) until ready to serve.
  • Author: Paula Susan
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes