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Get ready to be wowed by these Buffalo Chicken Sliders! They’re a delicious mash-up of tangy buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and tender chicken, all tucked into cute little buns – perfect for any gathering.
The Best Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Imagine pulling apart a soft, warm slider bun to find a generous heap of juicy chicken drenched in that rich, tangy buffalo sauce – it’s a bite that packs a punch! These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are simple to whip up and irresistibly delicious, melting in your mouth with every bite of that gooey, cheesy goodness. They’re the perfect crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together, promising a burst of flavors and a guaranteed spot on your favorites list.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken Breasts: I used boneless skinless chicken breasts but thighs will also work for a juicier bite.
- Buffalo Sauce: Adds the zesty, spicy flavor to the sliders. Use store-bought or make your own using my recipe.
- Unsalted Butter: I usually opt for unsalted butter so I can control the sodium content in my dish but if salted is all you have, simply adjust the salt.
- Salt and Pepper: Adjust the amounts based on your taste preference.
- Slider Buns: If you don’t have slider buns, you can use mini ciabatta buns or lettuce wraps.
- Mozzarella Cheese: For that gooey texture. Substitute with cheddar for more tang or a non-dairy cheese.
- Blue Cheese: Provides a sharp, tangy contrast to the spicy chicken. You can substitute with feta or gorgonzola, or simply leave it out if you prefer.
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Greek yogurt or a squeeze of lemon juice are great substitutes for a lighter option.
For The Butter Sauce
- Garlic: Infuses the butter sauce with an aromatic kick. Substitute with garlic powder for a milder flavor if fresh garlic overpowers you.
- Paprika: Adds a gentle warmth and smokiness to the sauce. Use smoked paprika or a dash of chili powder to switch up the flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: Lends a fresh pop of color and taste to the dish. If you’re out of fresh, dried parsley will do, or use chives for a subtle onion flavor.
Let’s dive in and whip up these Buffalo Chicken Sliders! You’ll breeze through the recipe and marvel at how quickly they assemble.
Prepare The Chicken
Start by boiling the chicken breasts until they’re fully cooked. Once they’re cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Cook The Buffalo Chicken Mixture
In a skillet, melt the butter and mix in the buffalo sauce. Then, add the shredded chicken, cooking until it’s well-coated and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Assemble The Sliders
Preheat the oven and place the bottom halves of the slider buns in a baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the buns, then spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly on top. Add crumbled blue cheese and a drizzle of ranch dressing. Place the remaining bun halves on top to form sandwiches.
Prepare The Buffalo Sauce
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, and chopped parsley. Brush this flavorful sauce over the slider buns.
Bake And Serve
Pop the sliders in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the buns are golden brown. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before slicing into individual sliders and serving warm.
Serve With
These Buffalo Chicken Sliders pair perfectly with classic game day sides, here are some suggestions:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can save time by using leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. Simply shred it and toss it in the buffalo sauce mixture before assembling the sliders.
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sliders ahead of time and bake them when ready to serve. Assemble the sliders as instructed but wait to brush with the butter sauce until just before baking. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. Bake when needed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold from the fridge.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the sliders?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a mild variety. Conversely, if you’re a spice enthusiast, feel free to increase the amount of buffalo sauce or add a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat even more.
Expert Tips
- Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and shred it for the recipe. It adds an extra depth of flavor and cuts down on cooking time.
- Mix Up the Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese blends for added flavor. Try a combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and pepper jack for a unique twist on the classic.
- Adjust Spice Level to Taste: Tailor the spiciness of the sliders to your preference by adjusting the amount of buffalo sauce. Start with less for a milder flavor and add more gradually until you reach your desired heat level.
- Toast the Buns for Extra Crunch: For added texture, toast the slider buns before assembling. It creates a crispy exterior that holds up well to the saucy filling.
Storage
To store these Buffalo Chicken Sliders, begin by allowing any leftovers to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer the sliders to an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. Refrigerate them for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 1-2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the sliders overnight in the refrigerator and reheat them in the oven until warmed through. Avoid reheating them in the microwave, as it can make the buns soggy.
More Game Day Recipes
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- salt and pepper to taste
- 12 slider buns
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded, divided
- ½ cup blue cheese crumbled
- ½ cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
For The Butter Sauce
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Boil the chicken breasts in a pot of water until fully cooked. Once cooled, shred the chicken.
- In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter, add the buffalo sauce, and then the shredded chicken. Cook until well combined and heated through. Season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a large baking dish and arrange the bottom halves of the slider buns in it.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the buns. Then evenly distribute the buffalo chicken mixture on top. Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese over the chicken, then drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Place the top halves of the slider buns over the cheese.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, and chopped parsley.
- Brush this butter sauce generously over the top buns.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tops of the buns are slightly crispy.
- Let the slider bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice into individual sliders and serve warm.
Tips & Notes:
- Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to customize the heat by adding more or less buffalo sauce to suit your taste preferences.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sliders ahead of time and bake when ready to serve for easy entertaining.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheese blends like cheddar or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist.
- Toasted Buns: Toasting the slider buns before assembling adds a delicious crunch to each bite.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness.
