If you’re craving a fun, flavorful, and utterly satisfying snack or meal, this Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Imagine tender, spicy buffalo chicken piled high on soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls, topped with a melty blanket of cheddar cheese and a touch of ranch to tame the heat. These sliders deliver a perfect harmony of textures and flavors, from the crisp celery and fresh green onions to that irresistible garlicky butter glaze on top. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for game days, casual dinners, or anytime you want a dish that feels homemade but is incredibly easy to throw together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe comes together with a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that each bring their own splash of flavor and texture. From the soft Hawaiian rolls that cradle the spicy filling to the rich cheddar that melts into gooey goodness, every component is carefully chosen to create an unforgettable bite.
- 1 batch crockpot buffalo chicken: The star of the sliders, tender chicken slow-cooked in spicy buffalo sauce for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- 2 celery stalks (diced): Adds a refreshing crunch and balances the heat.
- 2 green onions (sliced): Provides a mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls: Soft, slightly sweet rolls that perfectly mellow the spicy filling.
- ¼ to ½ cup ranch dressing: Creamy and cooling, it helps cut through the buffalo heat.
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (grated): Offers a sharp, melty layer of richness.
- 4 tablespoons salted butter (melted): For brushing on top, adding flavor and helping create a golden crust.
- 4 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the butter with a savory punch.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped): Adds a fresh herbal note and a beautiful finishing touch.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Chicken Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While the oven is warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the crockpot buffalo chicken with the diced celery and sliced green onions. This mix creates a vibrant, spicy filling with a satisfying crunch and fresh flavor that makes these sliders unforgettable.
Step 2: Assemble the Sliders
Slice your Hawaiian sweet rolls in half, creating a top and bottom layer. Place the bottom halves neatly in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottoms, then drizzle with ranch dressing to add creamy coolness. Top everything with grated cheddar cheese for that perfect melted finish, then place the tops of the rolls back on.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter and Prepare for Baking
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted salted butter, minced garlic, and chopped fresh parsley. This flavorful butter mixture will soak into the tops of the rolls, giving them a beautiful golden crust and wonderful aroma. Brush it generously over the slider tops, coating each one well.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the assembled sliders with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 13 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 4 to 6 minutes until the rolls turn golden brown and the cheddar cheese is completely melted and bubbly. This gives you that ideal balance of soft and crispy in every bite.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing these sliders is all about enhancing the fresh, vibrant flavors while adding a splash of color. Consider sprinkling extra chopped parsley or sliced green onions on top for a bright, fresh finish that complements the rich buffalo chicken filling perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair your sliders with classic game day or casual meal sides like crunchy carrot and celery sticks, a crisp garden salad, or even some seasoned potato wedges. These sides help balance the spiciness of the sliders while rounding out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve the sliders on a large wooden board surrounded by small bowls of ranch dressing, blue cheese sauce, and extra buffalo sauce for guests to customize their own bites. You can also stack sliders vertically on tiered serving trays for a fun and eye-catching presentation that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to 3 days, making them a perfect next-day snack or meal.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the sliders as instructed but do not bake. Wrap the pan tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as usual.
Reheating
Reheat your refrigerated or thawed sliders in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, uncovered, until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving to keep the rolls from getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I make the buffalo chicken from scratch?
Absolutely! You can cook and shred your own chicken and toss it with buffalo sauce. Using a crockpot to slow cook the chicken makes it extra tender and flavorful, but stovetop or oven methods work well, too.
What if I don’t have Hawaiian rolls?
While Hawaiian rolls add a unique sweetness that contrasts nicely with the spicy chicken, you can substitute with any soft slider buns or dinner rolls you have on hand.
Can I use a different cheese?
Cheddar is classic here for its sharpness and meltability, but feel free to experiment with pepper jack for extra spice or mozzarella for a milder, creamier melt.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the buffalo chicken with shredded cauliflower or jackfruit tossed in buffalo sauce. It offers a tasty, plant-based alternative while keeping the bold flavors.
How spicy are these sliders?
The heat level depends on your buffalo sauce. Most are moderately spicy but balanced by the cool ranch dressing and sweet rolls, making these sliders enjoyable even for those sensitive to heat.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the way this Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe comes together — it combines comfort, zest, and ease all in one bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just craving something delicious at home, these sliders are a winner every time. Dive in, share with friends or family, and enjoy the cozy, spicy goodness that makes these sliders impossible to resist!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the perfect game day or party appetizer, featuring tender crockpot buffalo chicken mixed with celery and green onions, layered on soft Hawaiian sweet rolls, topped with ranch dressing and melted cheddar cheese, then finished with a flavorful garlic butter and parsley glaze baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Buffalo Chicken Mixture
- 1 batch crockpot buffalo chicken
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 green onions, sliced
Sliders
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls
- ¼ to ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, grated
Garlic Butter Topping
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the sliders.
- Mix Buffalo Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crockpot buffalo chicken, diced celery, and sliced green onions thoroughly.
- Assemble Sliders: Slice the Hawaiian sweet rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves in a 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom halves. Drizzle ranch dressing over the chicken, then sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese on top. Place the top halves of the rolls back onto the assembled sliders.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped fresh parsley until well combined. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the slider rolls to add flavor and promote browning.
- Bake Sliders: Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and bake for 13 minutes to heat through and melt the cheese. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 4 to 6 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and fully melted.
Notes
- For spicier sliders, add extra hot sauce to the buffalo chicken mixture.
- Use Hawaiian rolls for a soft, sweet contrast, but you can substitute with other slider buns if preferred.
- The ranch dressing amount can be adjusted to taste or substituted with blue cheese dressing for a different flavor.
- Make sure to brush garlic butter evenly to ensure an attractive golden top and great aroma.
- These sliders are best served warm and fresh from the oven.
