If you are craving something bursting with flavor and just the right amount of kick, this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Picture soft, fluffy slider buns cradling juicy shredded chicken drenched in Frank’s hot buffalo sauce, layered with creamy ranch, and topped off with gooey melted cheese. These sliders meld heat, creamy tang, and a satisfying bite all in one handheld package that’s perfect for game day, casual gatherings, or any time you want a little excitement in your meal. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential for building the bold, spicy, and indulgent layers of flavor that make this recipe stand out. Each element plays a specific role, whether it’s adding heat, creaminess, or that irresistible cheesy finish.
- 9 pack slider buns: The soft base that holds all the filling together without overpowering the taste.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded chicken: Tender, juicy, and the core protein delivering hearty satisfaction.
- 1/2 cup Frank’s buffalo hot sauce: The signature spicy flavor that makes these sliders zing.
- 2 Tbsp ranch dressing: Adds a creamy, cooling contrast to the heat.
- ½ tsp salt: Brings out all the savory notes perfectly balanced.
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and complexity.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Infuses a warm, aromatic depth.
- ¼ tsp paprika: Offers a gentle smoky undertone.
- 1 cup shredded cheese: Melts into a luscious topping that binds everything deliciously.
- 2 Tbsp butter: Creates rich garlic butter for brushing the buns, giving that golden finish.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: For infusing the garlic butter with friendly flavor.
- ¼ tsp Italian seasoning: Adds an herbal lift to the buttered tops.
How to Make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish
Start by setting your oven to 350°F to get it nice and warm. Then, line a 9×9 baking sheet or casserole dish with parchment paper—this makes clean-up a breeze and keeps everything from sticking as these sliders bake to perfection.
Step 2: Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a medium bowl, toss together the shredded chicken, Frank’s buffalo hot sauce, ranch dressing, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This mix is the heart of your sliders, blending tangy heat with creamy ranch and a touch of savory spice to deliver mouthwatering flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
Lay the bottom halves of your slider buns in the prepared baking dish so they’re snug but not squished. Spoon the buffalo chicken filling evenly across each bun bottom, then sprinkle the shredded cheese generously on top. Cap with the top halves of the slider buns to seal in all that goodness.
Step 4: Prepare and Brush Garlic Butter
Melt the butter in a small bowl, then stir in garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Using a pastry brush, coat the tops of the slider buns with this flavorful garlic butter mixture. This step ensures the buns bake up beautifully golden and fragrant, adding an irresistible buttery finish.
Step 5: Bake the Sliders
Cover the assembled sliders loosely with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes to allow everything to meld together and heat through. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the buns turn a lovely golden brown and the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
How to Serve Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Top your sliders with a sprinkle of fresh chopped celery or green onions to add crunch and a pop of color that cuts through the richness. A dollop of extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side also complements the spicy notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like crispy French fries, crunchy carrot sticks, or cooling cucumber salad are perfect to balance the heat. You could also serve these sliders alongside a fresh garden salad or even creamy coleslaw for a great textural contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Try serving the sliders on a rustic wooden board garnished with small ramekins of ranch dip and extra buffalo sauce for dipping. Individual mini plates each with a slider, a pickle spear, and a small cup of chips will also make for an inviting and fun presentation at any party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any sliders left over, store them tightly covered in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The flavors actually deepen, but make sure to reheat them gently to keep the buns soft and the cheese melty.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked assembled sliders by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month in the freezer, making these a perfect meal prep option. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as instructed.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F wrapped in foil for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This keeps the buns from becoming soggy and helps the cheese melt back nicely.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of hot sauce?
Absolutely! While Frank’s buffalo sauce is classic for its perfect spicy tang, feel free to experiment with your favorite hot sauce to customize the heat and flavor to your liking.
Is shredded chicken the only option?
Shredded chicken works best because it soaks up the buffalo sauce evenly, but you can also use diced cooked chicken breast or thighs if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
To keep it plant-based, try substituting the chicken with shredded jackfruit or a meat alternative and use vegan cheese and vegan ranch to recreate the spicy buffalo vibe.
What cheese works best in the sliders?
Mild cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack melt beautifully without overpowering the buffalo flavor, but feel free to add a little sharp cheddar or pepper jack for extra punch.
How spicy are these sliders?
These sliders have a nice medium heat from the buffalo sauce that can be adjusted by adding more or less, so they’re perfect for those who enjoy some kick but don’t want to overwhelm their palate.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about sinking your teeth into these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe — the perfect harmony of heat, creaminess, and melty cheese all embraced by a tender bun. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a delicious, easy-to-make meal, these sliders will quickly become a favorite in your recipe arsenal. Don’t hesitate to gather your ingredients and give this showstopper a whirl — you won’t be disappointed!
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Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
These spicy buffalo chicken sliders feature fluffy slider buns filled with juicy shredded chicken tossed in Frank’s hot buffalo sauce, topped with melted cheese, and baked to cheesy perfection. Ideal as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a flavorful main course, these sliders combine a perfect balance of heat, tang, and savory goodness.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 sliders
Ingredients
Slider Assembly
- 9 pack slider buns
- 1 1/2 cups shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup Frank’s buffalo hot sauce
- 2 Tbsp ranch dressing
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend works well)
Garlic Butter
- 2 Tbsp butter, melted
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking sheet or casserole dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Chicken Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with Frank’s buffalo hot sauce, ranch dressing, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir thoroughly to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with all the flavors.
- Assemble Sliders: Lay out the bottom halves of the slider buns on the prepared baking sheet. Evenly distribute the buffalo chicken mixture over each bun bottom. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the chicken, then place the top halves of the buns over the cheese to close the sliders.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until well combined. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the tops of the assembled slider buns to add savory flavor and encourage browning.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil to prevent the sliders from drying out. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the sliders to heat through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking the sliders for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted to your liking.
- Serve Immediately: Remove from the oven and transfer the sliders to a serving platter. Serve hot with your preferred sides like celery sticks, carrots, or extra ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for a time-saving option.
- Try different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for a unique twist.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder hot sauce.
- Brush the tops generously with garlic butter for a crisp, flavorful crust.
- Sliders are best served immediately for optimal softness and freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
