If you have a craving for something that’s both irresistibly flavorful and perfectly snackable, you are going to love this Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe. These sliders are a delightful blend of tender, juicy shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo wing sauce, mellow ranch dressing, and a hint of cajun seasoning, all tucked inside soft, sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls. Topped with gooey Monterey Jack cheese and brushed with buttery Italian-seasoned goodness, these sliders bring together the best of comfort and zing in every bite. Whether you’re preparing for a game day, party, or just a fun dinner, these sliders are sure to steal the show and satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe calls for a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen or can easily grab at the store. Each one plays a crucial role: the rotisserie chicken provides juicy protein, the buffalo wing sauce brings the signature spicy kick, and the King’s Hawaiian rolls add that soft, sweet counterbalance that makes every bite memorable.
- Rotisserie chicken (shredded, about 3-4 cups): Using pre-cooked chicken saves time and packs in great flavor and texture.
- Buffalo wing sauce (½ cup): The spicy heart of the dish, giving it that classic buffalo heat.
- Ranch dressing (½ cup): Adds cool creaminess that balances the spice beautifully.
- Cajun seasoning (1 teaspoon): Adds a smoky, aromatic layer of depth beyond the buffalo heat.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon) and pepper (¼ teaspoon): Simple seasonings to enhance all flavors without overpowering.
- King’s Hawaiian rolls (2 packages, 12 count each): The soft, slightly sweet rolls hold everything together and bring amazing texture contrast.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (8 ounces): Melts beautifully to add a creamy, savory topping.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, melted): Used to brush the tops for a golden, flavorful finish.
- Italian seasoning (½ teaspoon): Mixed into the butter for an herby accent that elevates the sliders.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a large baking dish or rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup much easier, so you can focus on the delicious sliders instead of scrubbing pans later.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken with Sauces and Seasonings
Take your shredded rotisserie chicken and place it into a mixing bowl. Add the buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the chicken is well coated in the flavorful mixture. This is where the magic happens—the tangy, spicy, creamy flavors blend perfectly to make sure every bite is packed with deliciousness.
Step 3: Prepare the Rolls
Without pulling the rolls apart, use a large serrated knife to slice them horizontally like you would a bagel, separating the tops from the bottoms. Lay the bottom halves evenly in the prepared baking dish, cut side up. This prevents the rolls from becoming too crumbly and helps the sliders hold together nicely after baking.
Step 4: Layer Cheese and Chicken
Sprinkle half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls. Then, spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly on top of the cheese layer. Finish by covering the chicken with the remaining cheese. Adding cheese both below and on top of the chicken ensures gooey, melted cheese throughout every bite.
Step 5: Add the Tops and Brush with Butter
Carefully place the tops of the rolls over the assembled sliders. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the Italian seasoning. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the tops of the sliders with this flavorful butter mixture. This step adds a beautiful golden color and a herby, buttery aroma that will make your kitchen smell heavenly.
Step 6: Bake Until Melty and Golden
Place the sliders in the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. You want the cheese to melt fully and the tops of the rolls to get a slight golden brown color. This final bake brings everything together perfectly, melting cheese and warming the chicken while crisply toasting the buttery tops.
Step 7: Optional Toppings and Serving
If you like, you can serve these sliders with a side of creamy coleslaw—either piled right onto the sliders or alongside as a crisp, refreshing side. The cool crunch of coleslaw complements the spicy buffalo chicken wonderfully.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can take your Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe to the next level. Try topping with sliced green onions or chopped celery for crunch and color. A drizzle of extra ranch or blue cheese dressing right before serving amps up the creamy contrast to the spicy chicken.
Side Dishes
Pair these sliders with some classic game day or party favorites like crispy potato wedges, celery sticks, or a tangy cucumber salad for crunch and freshness. A simple side of baked chips or even a light garden salad can complement the bold flavors without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange the sliders on a large platter lined with lettuce leaves or parchment paper for a rustic vibe. You can also serve them individually wrapped in parchment tied with twine for grab-and-go entertaining or a potluck. Mini flags with witty captions like “Buffalo Bliss” make them even more party-ready and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which can be rare!), place the sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When stored properly, the flavors meld nicely, making the next day just as delicious.
Freezing
This Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe also freezes well! Wrap the assembled sliders tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the sliders on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible, to prevent the rolls from becoming soggy and the cheese from toughening up.
FAQs
Can I make this Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe spicier?
Absolutely! To turn up the heat, try adding extra buffalo wing sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture. You can also use a hotter variety of buffalo sauce if you love intense spice.
Can I use fresh cooked chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, fresh cooked shredded chicken works perfectly. You can poach, bake, or grill chicken breasts and then shred them. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked and cool before tossing with the sauce.
What cheeses work best besides Monterey Jack?
Monterey Jack melts beautifully, but you can also try mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar for a sharper or milder flavor depending on your preference. Mixing cheeses can create a richer flavor profile, too.
Are there vegetarian options for these sliders?
If you want a meat-free version, try substituting shredded jackfruit or seasoned shredded mushrooms for the chicken. Toss them in buffalo sauce the same way, and you’ll still get that spicy, tangy flavor.
Can I prepare these sliders in advance for a crowd?
Definitely! You can assemble the sliders a couple of hours before baking and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Just bake them right before serving to keep the rolls fresh and the cheese perfectly melted.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about these little bites of spicy, cheesy delight packed inside sweet Hawaiian rolls. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe for your next gathering or cozy night in. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Get ready to enjoy sliders that bring warmth, bold flavors, and a touch of magic to your table!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Sliders offer a deliciously tangy and creamy twist on classic chicken sandwiches, using tender shredded rotisserie chicken tossed in spicy buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing, layered with melted Monterey Jack cheese on soft King’s Hawaiian rolls. Perfect for game day snacks or casual gatherings, these sliders are baked to golden perfection with a buttery, Italian-seasoned top crust.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded (about 3–4 cups shredded chicken)
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Rolls and Cheese
- 2 packages King’s Hawaiian rolls (12 count each)
- 8 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Topping
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a large baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Mix Chicken Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken with buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Slice Rolls: Without separating the rolls entirely, use a large serrated knife to cut the rolls horizontally like a bagel, creating a top and bottom half. Place the bottom halves cut-side up in the prepared baking dish, lining them closely together.
- Add Cheese and Chicken: Sprinkle half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the bottom roll layer. Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly on top of the cheese, then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the chicken.
- Assemble Sliders: Place the top halves of the rolls gently over the cheese layer.
- Brush Butter Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the melted unsalted butter and Italian seasoning. Using a brush, evenly coat the tops of the rolls with the butter mixture to add flavor and promote browning.
- Bake Sliders: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tops of the rolls are slightly browned and toasted.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm. For added flavor and texture, serve with coleslaw either on top of the sliders or as a side accompaniment.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor to this quick recipe.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce based on your spice preference.
- King’s Hawaiian rolls are preferred for their soft, slightly sweet texture that complements the spicy chicken.
- These sliders can be assembled a few hours ahead and baked just before serving.
- Try adding blue cheese crumbles for an extra tangy twist.
