If you’re craving a crowd-pleasing snack that packs a punch of flavor and brings everyone running to the table, the Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe is your go-to. This dish perfectly balances the sweet, soft Hawaiian rolls with the spicy, tangy buffalo chicken, creating irresistible mini sandwiches that are juicy, cheesy, and loaded with savory goodness. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just want a tasty treat for game day, these sliders are simple to make, irresistibly delicious, and sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders lies in their simple but powerful ingredient lineup. Each component plays an essential role, from the soft sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls to the zesty buffalo sauce that gives the chicken its signature kick, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor and satisfying texture.
- 12 Hawaiian rolls: The perfect soft and sweet base for your sliders that balance the spicy chicken beautifully.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Tender and easy to mix with buffalo sauce, creating the star filling.
- ½ cup buffalo sauce: Adds that classic spicy zip; adjust carefully to match your preferred heat level.
- ¼ cup ranch dressing (optional): Brings a cool, creamy contrast to the spice, elevating flavors effortlessly.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts over the chicken to add gooey richness and sharpness.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Used for brushing on top, it adds moisture and helps brown the rolls perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a warm, savory note into the butter mixture.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall depth and aroma of the slider topping.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional): Adds a fresh, visual pop and a mild herby finish.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This perfect temperature will ensure your sliders bake evenly, melting the cheese and toasting the tops of the rolls to a golden brown without drying them out.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
In a large bowl, toss the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until every bit is beautifully coated. This step is key for achieving that bold buffalo flavor that defines this recipe, so don’t be shy about mixing thoroughly.
Step 3: Add Ranch Dressing (Optional)
If you love a touch of creamy coolness to balance the heat, fold in ranch dressing now. It melds with the buffalo sauce to create a rich, tangy filling that your taste buds will adore.
Step 4: Prepare Hawaiian Rolls
Carefully slice the entire pack of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, leaving the rolls connected like a sandwich. This makes assembly and serving easier while keeping the sliders perfectly shaped.
Step 5: Assemble the Sliders
Place the bottom half of the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, then spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly across the surface. Next, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, layering luscious creaminess onto every bite.
Step 6: Finish Assembling and Add Butter Mixture
Place the top half of the rolls carefully back over the cheese. In a small bowl, whisk melted butter with garlic powder and onion powder, then brush this flavorful concoction generously over the top of the rolls. This step guarantees your sliders have a shiny, golden crust once baked.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to melt the cheese and heat the filling through. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the tops are beautifully browned and irresistible.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
When out of the oven, let the sliders cool slightly before garnishing with chopped fresh parsley if you like. This adds a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor that rounds out the dish.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of chopped parsley not only makes the sliders look amazing but also refreshes the palate with mild herbaceous notes that complement the spicy, cheesy filling beautifully. You can also add a couple of sliced green onions or a drizzle of extra ranch for more flair.
Side Dishes
These sliders are hearty on their own, but pairing them with crispy celery sticks or carrot sticks boosts texture and adds some refreshing crunch. A simple side salad or crunchy coleslaw can also balance the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe on a rustic wooden board with little bowls of extra buffalo sauce and ranch for dipping. For parties, stack them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing, or cut them individually for a tidy, elegant appetizer presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra sliders, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making for a quick snack or lunch the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the sliders assembled but before baking. Wrap the entire dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake them straight from the freezer, adding extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To revive your Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe leftovers, warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the rolls might get soggy rather than perfectly soft and toasty.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls bring a unique sweet softness, you can experiment with brioche or slider buns. Just remember that the signature sweet-savory balance is part of what makes these sliders special.
Is it possible to make this recipe with spicy levels adjusted?
Yes, you can easily adjust the buffalo sauce quantity or use a milder sauce to suit your heat tolerance. Mixing in more ranch dressing can also tone down the spice without losing flavor.
Can I prepare the buffalo chicken filling ahead of time?
Definitely. Making the buffalo chicken in advance allows the flavors to meld even more. Just keep it refrigerated and assemble the sliders right before baking for the freshest results.
What can I add to make these sliders vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, try substituting the chicken with shredded jackfruit or a plant-based chicken alternative. Season with buffalo sauce the same way to maintain bold flavors.
Are these sliders freezer-friendly after baking?
It’s best to freeze them before baking for optimal texture and freshness. Leftover baked sliders can be frozen, but the bread might become a little soggy upon thawing and reheating.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that combines ease, flavor, and crowd-appeal, I can’t recommend the Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe enough. This dish offers that perfect blend of soft sweetness, spicy tang, and cheesy indulgence you’ll want to make over and over. Go ahead, try it out and watch your family and friends’ faces light up with every delicious bite!
Print
Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer or dinner option featuring shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, layered on sweet Hawaiian rolls, topped with cheddar cheese, and baked with a garlic butter glaze for a delicious, crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup ranch dressing (optional)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Butter Mixture
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sliders evenly.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce, mixing well to coat all the chicken evenly. Adjust the buffalo sauce amount to your preferred spice level.
- Add Dressing: If using, stir ranch dressing into the buffalo chicken mixture to add creaminess and balance the heat.
- Slice Rolls: Slice the entire pack of Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half, keeping all rolls connected to maintain structure.
- Layer Bottom Rolls: Place the bottom half of the sliced rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to create the base layer for the sliders.
- Spread Chicken Mixture: Evenly spread the buffalo chicken mixture over the bottom half of the rolls, ensuring every slider will have filling.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the buffalo chicken layer to add melty, cheesy goodness.
- Top Rolls: Carefully place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls over the cheese layer to enclose the sliders.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and onion powder to create a flavorful baste.
- Brush Butter Mixture: Generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the top of the rolls to enhance flavor and promote browning.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes so the sliders heat through and the cheese melts.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving warm.
Notes
- You can adjust the buffalo sauce quantity depending on how spicy you prefer your sliders.
- Ranch dressing is optional but adds a nice creamy layer that complements the buffalo sauce heat.
- To keep the sliders from getting soggy, avoid over-saturating the chicken with sauce.
- These sliders are best served warm and can be reheated covered in the oven or microwave.
- For extra flavor, try adding sliced pickles or blue cheese crumbles inside the sliders before baking.
