The Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Who doesn’t love a delicious slider that’s packed with flavor and is perfect for any gathering? Introducing Buffalo Chicken Sliders—a delightful mix of tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, layered within soft, buttery rolls, and melted cheese. These little bites are not only easy to make but are also sure to impress your friends and family. What makes this recipe truly special is its incredible balance of heat and creaminess, making it a crowd favorite at any party or casual dinner. Get ready to dive into a recipe that promises to become a staple in your culinary repertoire!
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Sliders
This recipe is not just about sheer deliciousness; it’s designed with convenience and enjoyment in mind. Here’s why you’ll want to whip these up for your next meal:
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings, these sliders come together in no time.
- Perfect for Beginners: Even novice cooks will find this recipe simple and straightforward, with no complicated techniques involved.
- Ideal for the Whole Family: With flavors that appeal to both adults and kids, this is a dish that everyone will enjoy.
- Economical: Utilizing rotisserie or leftover chicken makes this dish not only tasty but also cost-effective.
- Customizable: Adjust the heat level and toppings to suit everyone’s taste, making them versatile for any palate.
The Necessary Ingredients
Before diving into the preparation, let’s gather everything you’ll need to make these sumptuous sliders. Here’s your ingredient list:
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12 soft slider rolls (Hawaiian-style or dinner rolls, ideally attached)
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3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
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½–⅔ cup buffalo sauce (adjust to heat preference)
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1 tbsp butter (for sauce silkiness)
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1–2 tbsp ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)
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8–10 slices provolone or mozzarella, or 1½ cups shredded cheese
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½ cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
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Garlic Butter Topping:
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
- 1 tsp parsley, chopped
- Pinch of salt & black pepper
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To Serve:
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Celery and carrot sticks
- Optional: scallions or parsley for garnish
Notes and Substitutions on Ingredients
- Chicken: If you have leftover turkey or another type of poultry, you can easily substitute it for chicken. This will still deliver a delicious flavor.
- Buffalo Sauce: If you’re sensitive to spice, opt for a mild wing sauce. You can always adjust the quantity to find the heat level that works for you.
- Cheese: While provolone and mozzarella are excellent choices, feel free to use sharper cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack for an added bite. Brioche rolls can also add a richer flavor and texture to your sliders.
How to Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Sliders Step by Step
Let’s get started on crafting these mouthwatering Buffalo Chicken Sliders. Follow these detailed steps, and you’ll be enjoying your sliders in no time!
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Prepare the Chicken Filling: In a skillet over medium-low heat, combine 3 cups of shredded chicken, ½–⅔ cup of buffalo sauce, and 1 tablespoon of butter. Stir until mixed well and heat for about 2–3 minutes until warmed through. If desired, add ranch or blue cheese dressing at this stage.
- Pro Tip: Make sure to use rotisserie or leftover chicken for the best flavor, as it saves time and adds richness.
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Prepare the Slider Rolls: Without separating the rolls, carefully slice horizontally to create a top and bottom sheet. Place the bottom half in a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan.
- Pro Tip: Keeping the rolls attached makes assembly quicker and less messy!
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Layer the Ingredients: Sprinkle half of your cheese evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. Next, spoon the warm buffalo chicken mixture over the cheese, then add optional blue cheese crumbles if desired. Finally, top it all off with the remaining cheese.
- Pro Tip: Use a mixture of cheeses for varying flavors and textures!
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Assemble the Sliders: Gently place the top roll layer on the chicken and cheese, pressing down lightly to hold everything together. In a separate bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 finely grated garlic clove (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder), parsley, salt, and pepper. Brush this garlic butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.
- Pro Tip: Brushing the garlic butter on helps to enhance the flavor and create a beautiful golden crust.
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Bake the Sliders: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melty. After this, remove the foil and bake for an additional 3–5 minutes to achieve a golden top.
- Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the sliders during the last minutes of baking to avoid over-browning.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once done, let the sliders rest for 2 minutes. Slice them between the rolls and serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing, along with celery and carrot sticks.
- Pro Tip: Fresh garnishes like scallions or parsley can add a pop of color and freshness to your dish!
Serving Suggestions
Buffalo Chicken Sliders are versatile and pair perfectly with a variety of side dishes and beverages. Here are some suggestions for your next meal:
Perfect Pairings
- Drinks: Enjoy with a chilled lager or a fun, fruity cocktail. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling lemonade.
- Sides: Serve alongside crispy sweet potato fries, a fresh garden salad, or classic potato chips for a delightful crunch.
Occasions
- Weeknight Dinner: Quick to prepare, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when everyone is running in different directions.
- Special Occasions: Perfect for game days, birthday parties, or potlucks. They’re easy to grab and eat, and sure to please a crowd!
Serving Tips
- Present the sliders on a wooden board or tiered platter for a rustic and inviting aesthetic.
- Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as BBQ, ranch, or honey mustard, for guests to customize their flavor experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your Buffalo Chicken Sliders fresh even after the first day, here’s how to store and reheat them:
Refrigerated
- Duration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Type of Container: Use either a glass or plastic container, ensuring it seals tightly to maintain freshness.
Frozen
- Packaging: Wrap the sliders tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bags for extended preservation.
- Defrosting: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
- Best Method: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the sliders for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave Option: You can also microwave individual sliders for 30-45 seconds, but note that this may result in a softer texture.
Guaranteed Success Tips
To ensure your Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a hit every time, keep these golden rules in mind:
- Choose Good Quality Chicken: Rotisserie chicken or well-seasoned leftovers will yield the best flavor.
- Check the Sauce Level: Don’t be shy—taste your buffalo sauce mixture! Adjust it to fit your personal preference with spice and tang.
- Mind Your Baking Time: Overbaking can dry out the sliders. Keep a close watch on them toward the end.
- Don’t Rush the Assembly: Take your time when layering the sliders; even distribution ensures every bite is full of flavor.
- Let Rest Before Serving: Giving the sliders a couple of minutes to rest helps them hold together when sliced.
Recipe Variations
If you want to mix things up, here are some exciting variations to try:
- For a Spicy Version: Add 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture for an extra kick.
- For a Vegan Version: Replace the chicken with shredded jackfruit mixed with buffalo sauce, and use vegan cheese.
- For a Cheesy Spin: Incorporate a layer of pepper jack cheese in addition to the provolone or mozzarella for an added zip!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How can I make the sliders less spicy for kids?
A: Opt for a mild buffalo sauce or dilute your buffalo sauce with a bit of ranch dressing to lower the spice level without sacrificing flavor.
Q: Can I use freeze-cooked chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes! Just ensure it’s thawed and heated properly before mixing it with the buffalo sauce.
Q: My sliders turned out soggy. What went wrong?
A: This could happen if the rolls are overly moist or if they were covered for too long after baking. Make sure to let them cool slightly before serving and use fresh rolls.
Q: How many sliders does this recipe yield?
A: This recipe yields 12 sliders when using the traditional roll setup. You can easily scale up or down based on your needs.
Q: What is the best way to dress the sliders?
A: Offering a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, blue cheese, and homemade garlic aioli, enhances the experience and allows your guests to customize to their liking.
Q: Can I make the chicken mixture ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Prepare the buffalo chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat before assembling the sliders.
Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with the sliders?
A: Consider serving crispy sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a hearty vegetable salad for a complete meal.
With these tips, tricks, and the delicious recipe, you’re ready to impress your friends and family with Buffalo Chicken Sliders that are sure to be a hit at any event! Enjoy!
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 pieces soft slider rolls Hawaiian-style or dinner rolls, ideally attached
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken rotisserie or leftover
- ½–⅔ cup buffalo sauce adjust to heat preference
- 1 tbsp butter for sauce silkiness
- 1–2 tbsp ranch or blue cheese dressing optional
- 8–10 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese or 1½ cups shredded cheese
- ½ cup blue cheese crumbles optional
Garlic Butter Topping
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1 clove garlic, finely grated or ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp parsley, chopped
- a pinch salt & black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- In a skillet over medium-low heat, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and butter. Stir until mixed well and heat for about 2–3 minutes.
- Keeping the rolls attached, carefully slice horizontally to create a top and bottom sheet. Place the bottom half in a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan.
- Sprinkle half of your cheese evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. Spoon the warm buffalo chicken mixture over the cheese, then add optional blue cheese crumbles, followed by the remaining cheese.
Assembly and Baking
- Gently place the top roll layer on the chicken and cheese, pressing down lightly.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the tops.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 3–5 minutes.
- Let the sliders rest for 2 minutes. Slice between the rolls and serve hot.