Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

If you love bold flavors packed into bite-sized delights, then you are going to adore these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders. They are the perfect combination of tender shredded chicken drenched in zesty Buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, and melty cheese, all hugged by soft, buttery slider buns. These sliders bring the heat and comfort you crave, making them an irresistible crowd-pleaser whether you’re hosting game day, a casual get-together, or just craving a finger-licking snack on a weeknight. Trust me, once you try these spicy little wonders, they will become your go-to for any occasion that calls for flavor-packed fun.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple yet essential ingredients that each add a unique layer of flavor, texture, and color, ensuring every slider bursts with deliciousness. From the tangy Buffalo sauce to the creamy ranch and the aromatic spices, every element plays a vital role in creating that perfect spicy and savory balance.

• 9 pack slider buns: Soft and fluffy buns that cradle the filling perfectly without overpowering it.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded chicken: Tender cooked chicken provides the hearty base for these sliders.
• 1/2 cup Franks buffalo hot sauce: The classic Buffalo flavor that brings the spicy kick.
• 2 Tbsp ranch dressing: Adds creaminess and balances the heat with cool tang.
• ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper: Adds a subtle, warm spice layer to deepen the taste.
• ½ tsp garlic powder: Brings savory depth and aroma to the filling.
• ¼ tsp paprika: Adds mild smoky warmth and vibrant color.
• 1 cup shredded cheese: Melts on top to create gooey, irresistible goodness.
• Garlic butter – 2 Tbsp butter: The base for brushing buns to get that golden, flavorful crust.
• ½ tsp garlic powder: Incorporated into the garlic butter for an extra punch of garlic flavor.
• ¼ tsp Italian seasoning: Adds a herby aroma to the buttered buns for more complexity.

How to Make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×9 baking sheet or casserole dish with parchment paper. This prep step ensures everything cooks evenly and clean-up is a breeze, setting the stage for your sliders to come together perfectly.

Step 2: Mix the Spicy Chicken Filling

In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with Frank’s Buffalo hot sauce, ranch dressing, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mixing these ingredients well ensures every shred of chicken is coated in that vibrant, spicy, and creamy mixture that makes these sliders so addictive.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

Place the bottom halves of the slider buns on your prepared baking sheet. Evenly distribute the Buffalo chicken filling across each bun, then sprinkle shredded cheese over the top for that melty, savory layer. Finally, place the top buns on each slider, creating a neat little package of spicy deliciousness.

Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter and Brush the Buns

In a small bowl, melt the butter and stir in garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Generously brush this garlicky butter over the tops of the slider buns with a pastry brush. This step is key to achieving golden, flavorful buns that add another dimension of taste and texture to your sliders.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Melty

Cover the baking sheet with foil and bake in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the buns turn lightly golden and the cheese is perfectly melted. This baking phase melds all the flavors together and gives you a satisfying crispness on top.

How to Serve Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Garnishes

Sprucing up your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders with fresh garnishes can elevate your presentation and add bursts of freshness. Crisp celery sticks or chopped green onions offer crunch, while a drizzle of extra ranch or blue cheese dressing balances the heat beautifully. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness.

Side Dishes

These sliders play wonderfully with cool, crunchy sides that help tame the spicy heat. Classic coleslaw, creamy potato salad, or even crispy sweet potato fries provide complementary textures and flavors. A simple side of fresh carrot sticks or a light salad also works well to keep things balanced and refreshing alongside these flavor-packed sliders.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Sliders on a wooden board with toothpicks to make grabbing them easy and mess-free during casual parties. You can arrange them on a platter surrounded by small bowls of ranch, blue cheese dressing, and extra Buffalo sauce for dipping. Alternatively, turn these sliders into a fun slider bar so guests can customize their toppings and sauces, making your dish the highlight of any celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the buns from getting soggy, you can separate the filling and buns before storing and reassemble before reheating.

Freezing

These sliders freeze beautifully for longer storage. Wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, uncovered, to refresh the crispy garlic butter top and melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the texture—oven reheating keeps things deliciously close to fresh-baked.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for these sliders?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves time, providing tender, flavorful meat that blends perfectly with the Buffalo sauce and spices.

What kind of cheese is best for Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders?

Sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese melt beautifully and complement the spicy Buffalo flavors well. You can also experiment with mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for added heat.

How spicy are these sliders? Can I adjust the heat?

The heat level is moderate, thanks to the classic Frank’s Buffalo sauce. To dial down the spice, reduce the amount of Buffalo sauce or add more ranch dressing to the filling. For extra heat, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or serving with spicy pickles.

Can I make these sliders vegetarian?

Definitely! Substitute the shredded chicken with shredded jackfruit, tofu crumbles, or a plant-based chicken alternative and keep the same spicy Buffalo sauce and spices for that iconic flavor.

What’s the best way to serve these sliders at a party?

Serve them warm on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Include sides like celery sticks, ranch, and blue cheese dips to allow guests to customize their bites.

Final Thoughts

These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are everything you want in a flavorful, fun, and satisfying snack rolled into one. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, they bring the perfect blend of heat, creaminess, and melty cheese all wrapped up in a buttery bun. Try making them soon and watch as these sliders become the new favorite in your recipe rotation!

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