Get ready to win the crowd over with these unbelievably delicious Buffalo Chicken Sliders. They are the perfect combination of spicy, tangy buffalo chicken, creamy cheese, and fluffy sweet rolls, all baked to golden-brown perfection. This easy recipe is your ticket to becoming the MVP of any party, tailgate, or game day gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a kitchen rookie, these sliders are practically foolproof and impossibly tasty.
We’re taking simple ingredients and turning them into a flavor explosion. Forget complicated appetizers; this is the one recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Let’s dive in and make the best buffalo chicken sliders you’ve ever had!
Why This Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe is a Winner
You’re going to absolutely love this recipe, and here’s why. It’s designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. We use clever shortcuts like rotisserie chicken to speed things up, but also provide tips for making everything from scratch if you prefer.
Perfect for a Crowd: This recipe easily doubles or triples to feed any number of hungry fans.
Quick & Easy: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can have these ready in under 45 minutes.
Packed with Flavor: The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, rich butter, and gooey cheese is simply irresistible.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble them ahead of time and pop them in the oven right before serving. See our tips below!
Choosing Your Key Ingredients
The magic of these sliders is in their simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to bring them to life.
That cheese pull is everything! The perfect game day snack.
For the Chicken Filling
Shredded Chicken: A store-bought rotisserie chicken is the ultimate time-saver! You can also boil or bake chicken breasts and shred them yourself. You’ll need about 3 cups.
Buffalo Sauce: Use your favorite brand of buffalo wing sauce. We recommend Frank’s RedHot for that classic, authentic flavor.
Cream Cheese: This is the secret to a creamy, luscious filling that isn’t too runny. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Ranch Dressing: Adds a cool, creamy counterpoint to the spicy sauce. You can also use blue cheese dressing if you prefer.
Cheese: We’re using a combination of shredded cheddar and provolone for the perfect melt.
For the Sliders & Topping
Slider Buns: King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls are the classic choice for a reason. Their sweetness perfectly balances the spicy filling. Any soft slider or dinner roll will work.
Butter: We’ll use melted salted butter for a rich and savory topping that crisps up the buns.
Seasonings: A simple mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley gives the butter topping an extra layer of flavor.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders Step-by-Step
Ready to assemble the ultimate party food? Follow these simple steps for perfect sliders every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated. Now, gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. This cheesy, creamy mixture is the heart of your Buffalo Chicken Sliders.
Step 2: Assemble the Sliders
Slice the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally without separating the individual rolls. Place the bottom half in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns. Just look at that perfect combination of spicy, cheesy, and savory! Top the filling with slices of provolone cheese, ensuring every inch is covered for maximum gooeyness. Place the top half of the rolls back on.
Step 3: Add the Savory Topping
In a small bowl, melt the butter. Whisk in the garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley. Brush this seasoned butter mixture generously over the tops of the slider buns. This step is crucial for getting that golden, crispy, and flavorful crust.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes. This allows the filling to get hot and the cheese to melt without the tops burning. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and slightly crispy. Let them cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Sliders
Want to elevate your slider game? Here are a few expert tips.
Don’t Over-Sauce: Use just enough sauce to coat the chicken. Too much liquid can make the bottom buns soggy. The cream cheese helps create a barrier!
Toast the Buns: For extra protection against sogginess, you can lightly toast the bottom buns in the oven for a few minutes before adding the filling.
Cheese Choices: Feel free to get creative! Pepper jack adds extra spice, while a sharp cheddar provides a bolder flavor. A sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles on top of the filling is also a classic addition.
What to Serve with Your Sliders
These sliders are a meal in themselves, but they also play well with others. For a full game-day spread, consider pairing them with some of our other favorites like Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Football Bread (coming soon) or some delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites (coming soon). A side of celery and carrot sticks with extra ranch or blue cheese for dipping is always a classic and refreshing choice.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Planning for a party? These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are perfect for making ahead.
To Make Ahead: You can fully assemble the sliders (without the butter topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, add the melted butter topping and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the covered baking time.
To Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Reheat: For best results, reheat sliders in an oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through. This helps re-crisp the buns. Microwaving will work in a pinch but can make the buns soft.
For another fantastic appetizer idea perfect for any gathering, check out our Classic Buffalo Chicken Dip (coming soon).
The key is to create a barrier and manage moisture. Use a thick filling with cream cheese, don’t use excessive sauce, and consider lightly toasting the bottom buns for 2-3 minutes before adding the chicken mixture. This creates a seal that prevents the sauce from soaking through.
Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders (without the butter topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover them tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready, add the melted butter topping and bake, adding a few extra minutes to the initial covered baking time.
A store-bought rotisserie chicken is the quickest and easiest option. However, you can use any cooked, shredded chicken. Boiling or baking chicken breasts or thighs with a little salt and pepper and then shredding them works perfectly.
Classic pairings include celery and carrot sticks with ranch or blue cheese dressing. They also go well with french fries, a simple green salad, coleslaw, or other game-day appetizers like potato skins or mozzarella sticks.
Yes! While Hawaiian sweet rolls are popular for their sweetness that complements the spice, any soft dinner roll or slider bun will work. Brioche buns or potato rolls are also excellent choices.
Your New Favorite Party Appetizer
This Buffalo Chicken Slider recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings big flavor with little fuss. It’s the perfect, easy-to-make dish for any occasion that calls for delicious, shareable food. Give this recipe a try and watch them disappear! Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest!
Your new go-to appetizer has arrived! Who's ready for a bite?
FL Recipes
Buffalo Chicken Sliders: The Ultimate Game Day Recipe
The BEST Buffalo Chicken Sliders made with shredded chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and melted cheese on sweet Hawaiian rolls. This easy recipe is the perfect appetizer for game day, parties, or a quick weeknight dinner!
3cupsshredded cooked chickena rotisserie chicken works perfectly
8ozcream cheesesoftened to room temperature
1/2cupbuffalo wing saucesuch as Frank's RedHot
1/4cupranch dressing
1cupshredded cheddar cheese
Sliders & Topping
12Hawaiian sweet rolls or slider buns
6slicesprovolone cheese
1/2cupsalted buttermelted
1tspgarlic powder
1/2tsponion powder
1tspdried parsley
Equipment
1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
2 Mixing Bowls
1 Pastry Brush
Method
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. Gently stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
Without separating the individual rolls, slice the slab of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom section of the rolls into the prepared baking dish.
Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns. Top with the provolone cheese slices. Place the top section of the rolls over the cheese.
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley.
Brush the seasoned butter mixture evenly over the tops of the sliders.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the sliders are heated through.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crisp. Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 310kcalProtein: 15gFat: 20gFiber: 1g
Notes
Tip 1: For a spicier slider, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture or use Pepper Jack cheese. Tip 2: To avoid soggy bottoms, you can briefly toast the bottom buns for 2-3 minutes before adding the filling. Tip 3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
Keyword buffalo chicken,game day food,hawaiian roll sliders
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
