Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

If you’re craving game-day magic or a delicious weeknight treat, these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are about to become your new obsession. Imagine juicy, tender chicken tossed in zesty buffalo sauce, layered with melty cheese and nestled between buttery, garlicky slider buns. Each bite has just the right amount of heat and gooeyness, making these sliders pretty much irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or just want a fun twist on classic buffalo flavors, Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders hit the spot on every level.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders is refreshingly simple, and each ingredient does some heavy lifting in flavor, texture, or presentation. Here’s what you’ll need for slider success, along with why each matters:

• Slider Buns (9 pack): Soft, pillowy buns are perfect for soaking up all that Buffalo goodness while keeping your fingers clean.
• Shredded Chicken (1 1/2 cups): Tender chicken acts as the hearty, protein-packed base to hold in all those flavors.
• Frank’s Buffalo Hot Sauce (1/2 cup): The backbone of Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders, delivering that quintessential tangy heat.
• Ranch Dressing (2 Tbsp): Creaminess that cools the heat and melds everything together.
• Salt (½ tsp): Elevates all the flavors and balances the tanginess from the hot sauce.
• Ground Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Adds a mild, earthy heat to round out the flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder (½ tsp): Lends savory depth and richness to the filling.
• Paprika (¼ tsp): Gives an extra layer of smokiness and a pop of color to the mix.
• Shredded Cheese (1 cup): Melts into gooey perfection, holding the sliders together and adding richness.
• Butter (2 Tbsp): The base for your garlic butter: expect glossy tops and irresistible flavor.
• Garlic Powder (½ tsp): Dials up that garlicky aroma for the slider tops.
• Italian Seasoning (¼ tsp): Brings herby notes that complement the bold buffalo flavors beautifully.

How to Make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9 baking sheet or casserole dish with parchment paper. This will keep your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders from sticking and make cleanup a breeze, so you can spend more time enjoying and less time scrubbing.

Step 2: Mix the Chicken Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo hot sauce, ranch dressing, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir well until everything is evenly coated, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. This is where all that irresistible spicy, creamy magic starts to happen!

Step 3: Build Your Sliders

Place just the bottom halves of the slider buns onto your prepared baking sheet. Evenly distribute the spicy chicken mixture over each one, making sure you don’t miss a corner. Sprinkle the shredded cheese right on top and then gently place the top halves of the buns over the filling.

Step 4: Make and Brush Garlic Butter

In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter, then stir in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Using a pastry brush, liberally coat the tops of the slider buns. This step adds that signature garlic-butter glow and an herby aroma that’s totally mouthwatering.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Cover the baking sheet with foil and pop it in the oven for 15 minutes. This helps the sliders warm through and the cheese to melt. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, until the tops are lightly golden and the cheese bubbles. Cut and serve your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders while they’re piping hot and enjoy the melty, spicy perfection!

How to Serve Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Garnishes

Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives over the tops for a dash of color and freshness. A drizzle of extra ranch or bleu cheese dressing just before serving takes these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders over the top. Don’t forget a few big pickle slices for crunch!

Side Dishes

Pair these sliders with crispy sweet potato fries, classic celery, and carrot sticks, or tangy coleslaw. Anything cool and crunchy will balance the heat and make your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders the star of the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cut sliders on a big platter and stick a fun toothpick or mini flag in each for easy grabbing. If you’re serving a crowd, build a DIY slider bar with extra toppings like sliced jalapeños, crumbled blue cheese, or avocado slices so guests can customize their Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders to their liking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders in an airtight container once they’ve cooled completely. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them a fantastic lunch or easy snack the next day.

Freezing

If you want to plan ahead, you can freeze these sliders! After baking and cooling, wrap each slider tightly in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep nicely for up to 2 months—perfect for busy weeks or unexpected guests.

Reheating

To reheat, let frozen sliders thaw overnight in the fridge if possible. Warm them in a 350°F oven, loosely covered with foil, for about 10-15 minutes until hot and melty. This keeps the tops crisp and the centers tasty, just like when they were fresh.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and packs tons of flavor and moisture. Just shred it and you’re good to go.

Is there a substitute for ranch dressing?

If ranch isn’t your thing, blue cheese dressing makes a bold, tangy alternative that works beautifully with the buffalo sauce.

How spicy are these sliders?

With Frank’s buffalo sauce, the heat is present but not overpowering. If you’re serving spice-sensitive eaters, reduce the sauce or add a bit more ranch to mellow things out.

Can I prep Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders ahead of time?

Yes! Simply assemble the sliders up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Brush with garlic butter just before baking for the best golden tops.

What cheese is best for Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders?

Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a blend of both melts beautifully and tastes great. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese for a unique twist.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for something fun and absolutely crave-worthy to share, you can’t go wrong with Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders. They’re quick to make, easy to love, and always the first thing to disappear at any party—so dive in, make a batch, and enjoy every spicy, cheesy bite!

Print