Welcome
INTRODUCTION
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are small sandwiches with big taste. They use tender shredded chicken mixed with hot buffalo sauce and melted cheese on soft slider buns. These little sandwiches are quick to make. They work for weeknight dinners, parties, or game day. You can make them in one baking dish. Then you warm them and eat them fresh. You can also try similar spicy recipes for more ideas, like the good flavor in spicy chicken wontons in chili sauce which use bold spice in a different way.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love these sliders because they are easy and fast. They bring the classic buffalo chicken taste in a small, fun bite. The heat of Frank’s hot buffalo sauce mixes with melted cheese for comfort food that feels special. You do not need a lot of tools. The recipe uses simple ingredients you likely have at home or can buy easily. It is also flexible: you can make it milder, hotter, or add a crunchy topping. The sliders are great for feeding a crowd and they hold well for short trips from kitchen to table.
HOW TO MAKE Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
This recipe keeps things simple. First, mix cooked shredded chicken with good buffalo sauce. Next, layer the mixture on slider buns. Add cheese and bake until the cheese melts and the tops are golden. You can brush melted butter and sprinkle garlic powder on top for more flavor. Serve warm with a cold ranch dressing for balance.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- A medium bowl for mixing the chicken and sauce.
- A baking dish large enough for a full pack of slider buns.
- A small saucepan or bowl to melt butter if you use it.
- A spoon or spatula to spread the chicken.
- Aluminum foil (optional) to cover the sliders while baking lightly.
- A knife to separate the slider buns after baking.
These simple items are all you need. No special gear is required.
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- slider buns
- shredded chicken
- Frank’s hot buffalo sauce
- cheese
- butter (optional)
- garlic powder (optional)
- ranch dressing (optional, for serving)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with Frank’s hot buffalo sauce until well coated.
- Place the bottom half of the slider buns in a baking dish.
- Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the buns.
- Top with cheese and place the top half of the slider buns over the cheese.
- If desired, brush melted butter and sprinkle garlic powder on top for extra flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the buns are golden.
- Serve hot with ranch dressing if desired.
HOW TO SERVE Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Serve these sliders hot from the oven. Cut through the whole group of sliders to separate them into single sandwiches. Place them on a tray or a plate and add small bowls of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. A side of crisp celery sticks or carrot sticks brings a fresh crunch and cool taste with the spicy chicken. Cold drinks like iced tea, soda, or a light beer pair well with the heat. For a party, keep extra napkins handy because the sauce can be messy and delicious.
One way to present them is on a wooden board with a pile of napkins and a few extra bowls of dressing. This makes it easy for guests to grab and go. You can also serve them with simple sides like potato chips, a green salad, or baked fries.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
To store leftovers, cool the sliders to room temperature. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or move the sliders to an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through. Cover with foil if you want to keep the buns soft.
To freeze, wrap individual sliders in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. You can freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, checking to make sure the cheese melts and the center is hot.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Add a side salad with mixed greens, sliced cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to balance the spice.
- Offer blue cheese crumbles for a bold, creamy bite.
- Serve with roasted sweet potato fries for a warmer, sweet contrast.
- For a fun twist, place a small pickle slice inside each slider for tang and crunch.
- Try a slaw on the side or inside the slider to add texture and coolness.
These serving ideas keep the sliders interesting and help balance the spice.
VARIATIONS
There are many ways to change this recipe. You can make it milder by mixing less hot sauce into the chicken. For more heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce. Try mixing in a spoon of honey to the buffalo sauce for a sweet and spicy mix. For a smoky touch, use smoked cheese or add a small amount of smoked paprika.
If you want a meat-free option, use shredded jackfruit or shredded soy-based chicken and mix it with the same buffalo sauce. Another vegetarian idea is to swap the chicken for a spiced chickpea mixture—this can be a great match and gives a nice texture. For a different style, layer in some pickled red onions or fresh sliced jalapeños for added crunch and acid. If you like new flavor ideas for spicy wraps and vegetarian options, see a creative take on a similar flavor profile with spicy buffalo chickpea wraps.
Use different cheeses for new flavors. Pepper jack gives heat, mozzarella gives gooey stretch, and cheddar adds a sharp taste. Swap slider buns for Hawaiian rolls for a sweeter finish.
FAQs
FAQs
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken for these sliders?
A: Yes. Rotisserie chicken works very well. Just shred it and mix with the buffalo sauce. It saves time and adds flavor.
Q: What cheese works best for these sliders?
A: Mild cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack work well. Choose based on heat and melt. Pepper jack adds extra kick.
Q: Can I make these less spicy?
A: Yes. Use less Frank’s hot buffalo sauce or mix the sauce with a little mayonnaise or cream cheese to tame the heat.
Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: Yes. You can do most of the work ahead. Keep the baking until just before guests arrive. See the make-ahead tips below for details.
Q: How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?
A: Place the chicken mixture on the buns just before baking, and bake immediately. You can also toast the bun bottoms lightly before adding the chicken to add a barrier.
Q: Can I freeze these sliders after baking?
A: You can freeze them after baking, but wrap them well. Reheat in the oven from frozen or thaw overnight and warm until the cheese is bubbly.
Q: Is there a dairy-free version?
A: Yes. Use a dairy-free cheese and a dairy-free butter substitute for the top brush, and pick a dairy-free ranch for serving.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
- Make the chicken mixture up to two days ahead. Keep it in a covered container in the fridge. When you are ready to bake, spread it on the buns and add cheese.
- Assemble the sliders in the baking dish up to a day ahead, but hold off on brushing the top with butter or adding garlic powder until just before baking. Cover well and chill.
- If you need to prepare further in advance, you can freeze the fully assembled sliders. Wrap them tightly and freeze. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
- Keep the dressings and cold sides separate until serving. This keeps the buns from getting soggy and keeps everything fresh.
Use the simple steps above to enjoy these spicy, cheesy sliders that are quick to make and easy to share. If you like new bold chicken dishes, you might also enjoy a rich, coconut-flavored option such as spicy Brazilian coconut chicken, which shows another way to cook bold chicken flavors.
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with Frank's hot buffalo sauce until well coated.
- Place the bottom half of the slider buns in a baking dish.
- Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the buns.
- Top with cheese and place the top half of the slider buns over the cheese.
- If desired, brush melted butter and sprinkle garlic powder on top for extra flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the buns are golden.
- Serve hot with ranch dressing if desired.