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Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

If you’re craving something packed with flavor, a little bit spicy, and totally fun to eat, then you’re in for a treat. This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to throw together for game day or casual get-togethers. It’s straightforward, quick, and every bite bursts with that classic Buffalo sauce tang, creamy ranch goodness, and melty cheese nestled inside soft slider buns. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to for impressing guests without hours in the kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super Easy: It comes together in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute parties.
  • Bold Flavors: That spicy Buffalo sauce mixed with ranch and garlic butter makes every bite irresistible.
  • Kid and Adult Approved: My family goes crazy for these sliders—they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
  • Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients or add toppings to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work in harmony to give you that perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and savory notes. I always look for good quality shredded chicken—rotisserie chicken works wonders here—and don’t skimp on the Frank’s Buffalo sauce, it’s the heart of the flavor.

  • Slider buns: Soft, slightly sweet buns hold everything together without overpowering the filling.
  • Shredded chicken: Tender chicken makes for a juicy filling; rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
  • Frank’s Buffalo hot sauce: The classic Buffalo flavor that gives this recipe its signature kick.
  • Ranch dressing: Balances the heat with creamy coolness—don’t skip it!
  • Salt and ground black pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate the overall taste.
  • Garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the sauce perfectly.
  • Paprika: Adds color and a mild spicy smokiness.
  • Shredded cheese: I use a good melting cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack for gooey deliciousness.
  • Butter: For the garlic butter brushing, ensures the buns come out golden and flavorful.
  • Italian seasoning: Adds an herby note that rounds out the buttery topping.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe is like a blank canvas—you can make it milder, add crunch, or swap in different proteins based on what you have on hand. Here are a few ways I’ve customized it to keep things fresh and exciting.

  • Variation: For less heat, reduce the Frank’s buffalo sauce by half and add extra ranch—my kids love this milder version.
  • Variation: Add finely chopped celery or carrots inside the sliders for extra crunch and authentic Buffalo wing vibes.
  • Variation: Use crispy chicken tenders instead of shredded chicken for a texture change that my friends rave about.
  • Variation: Swap ranch for blue cheese dressing if you prefer that classic Buffalo wing dip flavor.

How to Make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures everything bakes evenly when you’re ready. Line a 9×9-inch baking dish or baking sheet with parchment paper—this helps with easy cleanup and prevents the buns from sticking. I learned the hard way that skipping the parchment can lead to slider buns tearing while serving, so definitely don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Frank’s Buffalo hot sauce, ranch dressing, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir everything thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated with that fiery, creamy goodness. I usually taste a little bit to check the balance—if you like it spicier, feel free to add a touch more hot sauce here.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

Place the bottom halves of the slider buns on your lined baking sheet. Divide the buffalo chicken mixture evenly across the buns, making sure every slider gets a generous pile of filling. Top each one with a good sprinkle of shredded cheese—this is what makes each slider melty and satisfying. Finish by placing the top buns on each slider.

Step 4: Brush with Garlic Butter and Bake

Melt the butter, then mix in garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the tops of the slider buns with this flavorful garlic butter. Cover the baking dish with foil—that locks in moisture and helps the cheese melt perfectly. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes until the tops are lightly golden and the cheese bubbles.

Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy!

Once out of the oven, cut the slider tray into individual sandwiches if you used a baking dish. Serve immediately to enjoy them warm and gooey. These spicy Buffalo chicken sliders are best fresh but are also fantastic reheated.

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Pro Tips for Making Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

  • Use Rotisserie Chicken: It saves tons of time and adds extra flavor compared to plain cooked chicken.
  • Even Cheese Distribution: Spread the cheese evenly for gooey bites in every slider, not just some.
  • Don’t Skip the Garlic Butter: It adds a golden shine and irresistible flavor to the buns’ tops.
  • Watch Bake Time Closely: Check after 20 minutes to avoid burning but ensure cheese melts perfectly.

How to Serve Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I love topping these sliders with a few classic garnishes like thinly sliced green onions or a handful of finely chopped celery for that authentic Buffalo wing crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, add a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing right on top. It adds a cooling creaminess that balances the spice perfectly.

Side Dishes

When I serve these sliders, I like to round out the meal with some crispy French fries or crunchy carrot and celery sticks with ranch dip. A crisp green salad also pairs beautifully to cut through all the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I sometimes arrange the sliders on a large platter with little bowls of extra ranch and Buffalo sauce on the side for dipping. Adding colorful veggies around the platter makes it pop. Another fun idea is serving mini sliders with cocktail toothpicks—guaranteed to impress your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers tightly wrapped in an airtight container in the fridge. They usually keep well for about 2-3 days, but honestly, these sliders rarely last that long in my house!

Freezing

Freezing works great if you want to prep in advance. I wrap individual sliders in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, you can thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, covered loosely with foil to keep them moist. This refreshes the cheese melt and keeps the buns from drying out—much better than the microwave, which can make them soggy.

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh chicken instead of shredded rotisserie chicken for the Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe?

    Absolutely! You can poach or bake chicken breasts and then shred them yourself. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked and moist to keep the sliders juicy. I recommend shredding while it’s still warm—it’s easier and helps the sauce absorb better.

  2. How spicy is this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe?

    The heat level mostly comes from Frank’s Buffalo hot sauce, which has a balanced medium spice. If you prefer milder sliders, just reduce the hot sauce and add more ranch. For a spicier kick, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.

  3. Can I make these sliders vegetarian?

    While this recipe features shredded chicken, you can substitute with shredded jackfruit or a plant-based chicken alternative. Toss them in the same Buffalo sauce mix and follow the same assembly and baking steps for a vegetarian-friendly twist.

  4. What type of cheese works best in the Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe?

    I prefer cheeses that melt well, like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella. You can use a blend, too! Just avoid cheeses that don’t melt smoothly, like feta or some aged cheeses, to keep that gooey slider experience.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe has easily become one of my kitchen staples because it’s fast, packed with flavor, and beloved by everyone who tries it. I love how it turns out every single time—melty cheese, that perfect tang of Buffalo sauce, and soft, buttery buns all in one bite. If you want a no-fuss recipe that elevates any gathering or weeknight dinner, give it a go! You’ll be amazed how quickly it disappears from the plate, just like in my house. Happy cooking!

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Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 122 reviews
  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 9 sliders
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or meal, featuring tender shredded chicken tossed in zesty Frank’s buffalo sauce and ranch dressing, layered inside soft slider buns, topped with melted cheese, and finished with garlic butter for an irresistible flavor. Perfect for game day, parties, or a quick snack.


Ingredients

Slider Sandwiches

  • 9 pack slider buns
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded chicken
  • 1/2 cup Frank’s buffalo hot sauce
  • 2 Tbsp ranch dressing
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)

Garlic Butter

  • 2 Tbsp butter, melted
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning


Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 baking sheet or casserole dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  2. Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Frank’s buffalo hot sauce, ranch dressing, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated to create a flavorful filling.
  3. Assemble the Sliders: Place the bottom halves of the slider buns on the prepared baking sheet. Evenly distribute the buffalo chicken mixture over each bun bottom. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the chicken mixture, then cover with the top halves of the slider buns.
  4. Make and Apply Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the tops of the slider buns with the garlic butter to add flavor and aid browning during baking.
  5. Bake Covered: Cover the baking sheet loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to meld.
  6. Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the tops of the buns are lightly golden and the cheese has fully melted.
  7. Serve: Remove from the oven, cut each slider if needed, and serve immediately while still hot. These sliders pair well with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

  • You can substitute the shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • Feel free to use different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for varied flavors.
  • Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your preferred spice level.
  • To make ahead, assemble the sliders and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • For a crispier top, broil the sliders for 1-2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slider
  • Calories: 230 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg

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