Buffalo Chicken Sliders: The Ultimate Easy Party Appetizer

Get ready to meet your new favorite party food: these incredible Buffalo Chicken Sliders. They are the perfect combination of spicy, savory, cheesy, and sweet, all packed into a soft, pull-apart roll. This is the kind of appetizer that disappears from the plate in minutes, whether you’re hosting a game day party, a family get-together, or just craving a fun weeknight meal.

We’ve designed this recipe to be as simple as possible without sacrificing any of that classic buffalo chicken flavor you love. With just a few key ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of these sliders that will have everyone begging for the recipe.

Why This Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe is a Winner


You’re going to absolutely love this recipe, and here’s why:

  • Incredibly Easy: Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken makes this dish come together in a flash. It’s a simple “dump, mix, and bake” recipe that’s perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
  • Packed with Flavor: Tangy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch dressing, and two types of melted cheese create a flavor explosion in every single bite.
  • The Perfect Party Food: This recipe is made for sharing. It’s easy to scale up for a large crowd, and the pull-apart format makes serving a breeze. They are a guaranteed hit for any occasion.
  • Customizable: Whether you prefer things extra spicy, or want to swap out the cheese, this recipe is easy to adapt to your personal taste.

The Key Ingredients for Perfect Sliders

The magic of these sliders comes from combining a few simple, yet powerful, ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Shredded Chicken: For ultimate convenience, a store-bought rotisserie chicken is your best friend. You can also boil or bake two chicken breasts and shred them yourself.
  • Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: King’s Hawaiian rolls are the classic choice for a reason. Their sweetness is the perfect counterpoint to the spicy buffalo sauce.
  • Buffalo Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is the go-to for that authentic buffalo flavor. Feel free to use your favorite brand of wing sauce.
  • Cheese: We’re using a combination of sharp provolone for its perfect melt and a cheddar jack blend for extra flavor and color.
  • Ranch Dressing: This adds a creamy, cooling element that balances the heat. If you’re a purist, you can substitute blue cheese dressing.
  • Butter Topping: A simple mixture of melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley brushed on top of the rolls before baking makes them irresistibly golden brown and flavorful.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders (Step-by-Step)

Making these sliders is a simple three-part process: mixing the filling, assembling the sliders, and baking them to golden, cheesy perfection. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and about half of your shredded cheddar jack cheese. Mix everything together until the chicken is evenly coated and the ingredients are well combined. This mixture is the heart of your sliders, so give it a good stir!

Step 2: Assemble the Sliders

Next, take your pack of Hawaiian rolls and, without separating them, slice the entire slab in half horizontally. A serrated bread knife works best for this. Place the bottom half of the rolls into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns. Top the chicken layer with the slices of provolone cheese, then sprinkle the remaining cheddar jack cheese over the top. Finally, place the top half of the rolls back on.

The process of assembling Buffalo Chicken Sliders, with the spicy shredded chicken mixture being spread over the bottom half of the slider rolls.
Layer on that delicious, spicy chicken filling!

Step 3: Add the Butter Topping and Bake

In a small bowl, melt the butter and stir in the garlic powder and dried parsley. Brush this garlic butter mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls. This step is key to getting that delicious, golden-brown crust. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the tops of the rolls are golden brown.

Pro Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Want to take your sliders from great to unforgettable? Follow these simple tips.

  • Don’t Separate the Rolls: Keep the slab of rolls intact when you assemble. This makes it easier to spread the filling and ensures the sliders bake together evenly, creating that amazing pull-apart effect.
  • Shred Your Own Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, shredding a block of cheese yourself results in a much smoother, creamier melt because it doesn’t contain the anti-caking agents found in packaged shredded cheese.
  • Tent with Foil: Covering the sliders with foil for the first part of baking is crucial. It allows the cheese to melt completely and the filling to heat through without the tops of the rolls burning.
A pan of baked Buffalo Chicken Sliders fresh from the oven, showing the golden brown tops of the sweet rolls and melted cheese.
Golden, buttery, and ready to be devoured!

Fun Variations to Try

While the classic recipe is a crowd-pleaser, feel free to get creative! Here are a few fun ideas to switch things up:

  • Blue Cheese Lover’s: Swap the ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing and add a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles on top of the chicken mixture.
  • Add Some Crunch: For extra texture, add some crispy fried onions or cooked, crumbled bacon on top of the cheese layer.
  • Spice It Up: If you like it extra hot, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your chicken mixture or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.

What to Serve with Your Sliders

These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with classic sides. Think about serving them with celery and carrot sticks, a side of ranch or blue cheese for dipping, a fresh coleslaw, or even some crispy french fries. If you’re looking for more appetizer ideas, these sliders go great alongside other game day favorites like Spicy Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels or some sweet and savory Honey Butter Pigs in a Blanket.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

These sliders are perfect for prepping ahead of time. You can assemble them completely, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before you plan to bake them. When you’re ready, just pop them in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! You can fully assemble the sliders, cover them tightly with foil, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, just bake them straight from the fridge, adding about 5-10 extra minutes to the initial covered baking time.


For convenience, a store-bought rotisserie chicken is the quickest and easiest option. However, you can also use any cooked, shredded chicken. Boiling or baking two boneless, skinless chicken breasts and then shredding them with two forks works perfectly.


This is entirely up to personal preference! Ranch dressing provides a creamy, herby coolness that balances the spice. Blue cheese dressing offers a tangier, more pungent flavor that is the traditional pairing for buffalo sauce. Both are delicious choices.


The key is to not oversaturate the chicken mixture with sauce. Our recipe has the perfect ratio to keep the filling moist but not wet. Also, make sure to use a thick layer of sliced cheese (like provolone) on top of the chicken to act as a barrier, protecting the top buns from moisture.


Sweet Hawaiian rolls, like King’s Hawaiian, are the classic choice because their sweetness provides a delicious contrast to the spicy filling. However, any soft dinner rolls or small brioche buns will also work well.


More Easy Chicken Dinners You’ll Love

If you enjoyed these sliders, you’ll love exploring more of our simple and delicious chicken recipes. For another fantastic buffalo-flavored treat, try our Easy Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls. Looking for a quick weeknight meal? Our Quick Chicken Dinners collection has plenty of inspiration!

Share Your Creations!

We are so excited for you to try this amazing Buffalo Chicken Sliders recipe! It’s a true fan favorite that’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. If you make it, we’d love to see! Snap a photo and share it with us on Pinterest. Happy cooking!

Easy Buffalo Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian rolls, topped with melted cheese and a garlic butter glaze. The perfect party appetizer for game day!
You won't believe how easy these Buffalo Chicken Sliders are to make!

Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

A pan of baked Buffalo Chicken Sliders fresh from the oven, showing the golden brown tops of the sweet rolls and melted cheese.
FL Recipes

Buffalo Chicken Sliders: The Ultimate Easy Party Appetizer

The ultimate party food! This easy Buffalo Chicken Sliders recipe features spicy shredded chicken, melty provolone and cheddar cheese, and sweet Hawaiian rolls, all baked to perfection with a garlic butter topping.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 sliders
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 310

Ingredients
  

For the Sliders
  • 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls Such as King's Hawaiian
  • 3 cups shredded cooked chicken A rotisserie chicken works perfectly
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce Such as Frank's RedHot
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing Use blue cheese dressing if preferred
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese Divided
  • 6 slices provolone cheese
For the Butter Topping
  • 1/4 cup salted butter Melted
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried parsley

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • 1 Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar jack cheese. Stir until everything is well combined.
  3. Without pulling the rolls apart, slice the entire slab of rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish. Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the rolls. Top with the provolone cheese slices and the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar jack cheese. Place the top half of the rolls on.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Brush the mixture evenly over the tops of the sliders. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
  5. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcalProtein: 17gFat: 18gFiber: 1g

Notes

Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the sliders completely, cover with foil, and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Keyword buffalo chicken,game day,party food,sliders

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