If you’re craving a game-day snack or a crowd-pleasing party dish, dive into this Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe that combines crispy breaded chicken, tangy Buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, and melty provolone, all nestled in soft Hawaiian slider buns. These sliders are a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and crunchy, making them utterly addictive and wonderful for feeding a hungry group with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you try these Buffalo chicken sliders, they’ll become your go-to for any casual gathering or flavorful weeknight treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the flavors right in this Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe starts with simple, well-chosen ingredients that bring texture, spice, and freshness to every bite. Each item plays an essential role, whether it’s the crispy chicken for crunch or the tri-color slaw for a cool, vibrant contrast.
- 8-10 breaded chicken strips (frozen): These give you that crispy, satisfying bite that’s essential for sliders without the extra prep time.
- ¾ cup mild Buffalo sauce: Adds the signature spicy tang that defines the dish without overpowering.
- ¼ cup Texas Pete hot sauce: Elevates the heat and depth of the sauce mixture wonderfully.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter: Used in the sauce and brushed on top for richness and to marry flavors.
- 12 mini rolls (Hawaiian or slider buns): Soft and slightly sweet, these buns balance out the boldness of the buffalo sauce.
- 1 ½ cups tri-color slaw mix: Provides crispness and a fresh counterpoint to the spicy chicken.
- ¼ cup pickles (sliced): Brings a tangy zing that cuts through the richness.
- ¼ cup ranch dressing: Adds creaminess that cools the heat and complements the spiced chicken.
- 6 slices provolone cheese: Melts perfectly over the chicken, adding a mild, creamy layer.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: For seasoning the buttery topping with a savory aroma.
- ¼ tsp Italian seasoning: Introduces subtle herbal notes to the buttery glaze.
- Parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by baking your breaded chicken strips straight from the freezer—this keeps things super easy without sacrificing any flavor. Follow the package instructions until they’re golden and crispy, which usually takes about 20-25 minutes. This crispy chicken is the star of the Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe and sets the foundation for all those bold flavors to come.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
While the chicken is baking, whisk together melted butter, the mild Buffalo sauce, and a splash of Texas Pete hot sauce in a large bowl. This vibrant sauce is where all the spicy magic happens, infusing your crispy chicken with that perfect balance of heat and buttery richness that makes buffalo chicken so irresistible.
Step 3: Toss It Up
Once your chicken strips are cooked, slice them in half so they’ll fit perfectly onto the mini rolls. Then, toss these crispy pieces into your Buffalo sauce mixture until each tender is gloriously coated. This coating is the heart of the Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe’s bold, comforting flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Slice your rolls horizontally, careful to keep the tops and bottoms attached for easy layering. Place the bottom layer of buns in the pan, ready for the delicious layering to begin.
Step 5: Layer it Up
Start by spreading some of the crunchy tri-color slaw over the bottom buns to add texture and freshness. Next, pile on the Buffalo-coated chicken, where that juicy, spicy coating shines. Drizzle ranch dressing over it for a creamy finish, layer on slices of provolone cheese, and top everything with tangy pickle slices. This combination creates a harmony of flavors and textures that every slider needs.
Step 6: Finish and Bake
Place the top layer of rolls back onto your sliders. Mix the remaining melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning, then generously brush the mixture over the top of the rolls. This savory buttery glaze will toast to a beautiful golden brown in the oven, enhancing aroma and flavor.
Step 7: Bake and Serve
Bake the assembled sliders uncovered for about 10 to 12 minutes until the tops are perfectly golden and the cheese is gooey and melted. Once out of the oven, let them rest briefly, sprinkle with fresh parsley, slice between each slider, and serve warm. This final step seals the deliciousness of the Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe for your enjoyment.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate a simple garnish to take your Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe to the next level. Fresh parsley not only adds a gorgeous pop of green but also a hint of fresh, herbal brightness to cut through the richness. A few extra pickle slices or a drizzle of ranch on the side can also entice as you serve.
Side Dishes
Serving these sliders with classic sides can create a meal that everyone loves. Crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or a light cucumber salad offer perfect complements, balancing the heat and texture of the sliders. For a healthier option, crunchy celery sticks with a blue cheese dip are also a terrific pairing that ties back to the Buffalo chicken theme.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, present these sliders on a rustic wooden board or a cast iron skillet to keep them warm and visually inviting. Layer the sliders with extra slaw and tiny bowls of ranch and hot sauce for a fun, interactive serving style. You can even turn them into mini slider sliders for bite-sized parties or skewers for easy grab-and-go enjoyment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap the sliders tightly in foil or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the components lightly separated if possible to avoid soggy buns, and add fresh slaw or pickles before reheating for the best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled sliders for longer storage by wrapping them securely in plastic wrap and foil or placing them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months, but keep in mind that the buns may soften slightly. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat leftover Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese bubbles again. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the buns from getting too soggy—oven reheating preserves that delightful texture and flavor better.
FAQs
Can I make this Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe using fresh chicken instead of frozen strips?
Absolutely! You can bread and bake fresh chicken tenders yourself. Just season and coat them well before baking to achieve that crispy texture. Using fresh chicken gives you a chance to customize the breading, but frozen strips are a fantastic shortcut without sacrificing flavor.
How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe?
This recipe uses mild Buffalo sauce complemented by Texas Pete hot sauce, offering a flavorful but not overpowering heat level. You can adjust the heat by using milder or hotter sauces depending on your spice tolerance.
What type of cheese works best in Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe?
Provolone is our pick for its smooth melting qualities and mild flavor that complements but doesn’t overpower the buffalo sauce. However, mozzarella or even a sharp cheddar can be delicious alternatives if you prefer.
Can I prepare the sliders entirely ahead of time?
You can prepare the components ahead, like baking the chicken and mixing the sauce, but assembling and baking the sliders right before serving yields the best texture and flavor. If you need, you can assemble and refrigerate them a few hours before baking.
What if I don’t have Hawaiian rolls?
Any soft, slightly sweet slider buns or mini sandwich rolls will work perfectly in this recipe. Brioche buns can be a great substitute as well, offering a buttery richness that pairs beautifully with the spicy chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe never fails to delight, whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or treating yourself to a little spicy indulgence. It’s simple to make, packed with bold flavors, and offers a delightful mix of crunchy, creamy, and melty that’s guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved classic in your recipe rotation.
Print
Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the perfect combination of crispy breaded chicken strips tossed in a flavorful homemade Buffalo sauce, layered with crunchy tri-color slaw, creamy ranch, pickles, and melted provolone cheese, all nestled in soft Hawaiian slider buns. Baked to golden perfection with a buttery, garlicky, and Italian seasoned topping, these sliders are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or game day treat that’s quick to make and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 8–10 breaded chicken strips (frozen)
- ¾ cup mild Buffalo sauce
- ¼ cup Texas Pete hot sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
Sliders
- 12 mini rolls (Hawaiian or slider buns)
- 1 ½ cups tri-color slaw mix
- ¼ cup pickles (sliced)
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Preheat your oven and bake the frozen breaded chicken tenders according to the package instructions until they’re golden and crispy, usually about 20-25 minutes.
- Make the sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, mild Buffalo sauce, and a splash of Texas Pete hot sauce for an extra kick, creating the perfect Buffalo sauce blend.
- Toss it up: Once the chicken tenders are cooked, cut them in half to fit the slider buns, then toss them in the Buffalo sauce mixture until thoroughly coated and flavorful.
- Assemble the sliders: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Slice the slider buns horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms attached, and place the bottom halves in the prepared pan.
- Layer it up: Add a layer of tri-color slaw on the bun bottoms for crunch, then pile on the saucy chicken pieces. Drizzle ranch dressing over the chicken, add slices of provolone cheese evenly across, and top with sliced pickles.
- Finish and bake: Place the top halves of the slider buns back on. Melt the remaining butter and mix it with garlic powder and Italian seasoning, then brush this flavorful butter mixture generously over the tops of the buns.
- Bake and serve: Bake the assembled sliders uncovered for 10–12 minutes at 400°F, until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted perfectly. Allow them to cool slightly, garnish with chopped parsley, slice into individual sliders, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use Hawaiian rolls for a slightly sweet contrast to the spicy Buffalo chicken.
- Adjust the amount of Texas Pete hot sauce to control the heat level.
- For extra flavor, you can add a dash of celery salt to the slaw.
- Make sure to keep buns attached while baking to hold the sliders together.
- These sliders are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispness.
