My mom only made spicy food on “dad’s poker nights” and let me tell ya, the house smelled like a wing joint and betrayal. These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are rocking Pinterest right now, and I see why. Bold, buttery, and messy in the best way.
This one’s all shredded chicken tossed in tangy hot sauce, melty cheese, and soft slider buns with crispy edges. It’s basically buffalo wings and mini sandwiches getting married in your oven. Pantry staples. No fuss. Full details in the blog!
I tested this during a fridge clean-out, with leftover rotisserie and a hunger-level crisis. Grew up cooking with whatever was in reach and that’s what makes this easy recipe so real. I’ve got a buttery-cheddar twist in there. You’ll love the secret!
Why You’ll Love These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Easy dinner hero: With just 10 minutes of prep, these sliders go from your kitchen to the table in 35 minutes total.
Nostalgic flavors: Think classic buffalo wings but turned into a handheld, cheesy mini sandwich that’s perfect for sharing.
Picky-eater approved: Even with the kick of Frank’s Hot Sauce, the creamy cheese and buttery buns balance everything out.
Flexible: Great as an appetizer for game night or a fun weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients Breakdown & Swap Ideas
Ingredient
Notes & Swaps
Slider buns
Opt for whole wheat if you’re feeling healthy, or Hawaiian rolls for a sweet twist!
Shredded chicken
Rotisserie chicken keeps things fast, but leftover roast chicken works just as well.
Franks buffalo hot sauce
No swaps here – this is the star! But you can adjust the amount to suit your spice level.
Cheese
Cheddar melts beautifully, but Monterey Jack or mozzarella works too.
Garlic butter
Make it extra garlicky or skip the Italian seasoning if you prefer plain butter.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Prep the chicken: Shred your chicken if it’s not ready yet, then mix it with Frank’s buffalo hot sauce, ranch dressing, and your spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika). It’ll smell irresistible already!
Assemble the sliders: Lay the bottom buns in your baking dish, load them with the chicken mixture, sprinkle on that cheese, and cap them off with the tops of the buns.
Brush with butter: Melt your butter, stir in garlic powder and Italian seasoning, and generously brush it over the slider tops.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5–10 minutes to get those tops golden brown and the cheese ooey-gooey.
Step
Time
Prep
10 minutes
Bake covered
15 minutes
Bake uncovered
5–10 minutes
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
Too spicy? Reduce the buffalo sauce slightly and add a touch more ranch to tame the heat.
Soggy buns: If the bottom buns seem wet, use slightly less filling or add a layer of foil underneath while baking.
Crispier tops: Pop the slider dish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after baking, but watch closely to avoid burning!
How to Serve & Store
These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are best served hot and fresh, but they’re just as lovable the next day.
Serving ideas: Pair them with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or even a creamy coleslaw to echo those classic buffalo wing vibes.
Leftovers: Store the sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to keep the buns nice and toasty.
Freezing: Wrap each slider individually in foil, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat straight from frozen at 300°F for 20 minutes, adding extra time if needed.
Storage Method
How Long
Reheating Tips
Fridge
Up to 3 days
350°F oven for 10 minutes
Freezer
Up to 3 months
300°F oven for 20 minutes (add time if needed)
Expert Insight: Mastering the Perfect Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Balancing heat and flavor is key in SPICY BUFFALO CHICKEN SLIDERStoo much sauce can overwhelm, while too little leaves them bland. Using a blend of fresh hot sauce and a touch of butter ensures a rich, tangy coating that enhances the chicken without overpowering it, making these sliders irresistibly well-rounded.
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Perfecting My Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders didn’t come together overnight. After a few too-spicy batches and one accidentally soggy bun episode, I finally found the balance between heat and tenderness. Years of tweaking have made this recipe a family favorite that’s as cozy as it is bold.
FAQs ( Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders )
What makes these buffalo chicken sliders spicy?
The spicy kick in these Buffalo Chicken Sliders comes from the classic buffalo sauce made with hot sauce and butter. You can adjust the heat level by choosing milder or hotter sauces like Frank’s RedHot for moderate spice or cayenne-based sauces for extra fire. The beauty of this Easy Buffalo Chicken recipe is that you control the spice level to suit your taste preferences.
What type of chicken works best for buffalo sliders?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for Juicy Chicken sliders because they stay moist and tender during cooking. Chicken breasts work well too, but be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out quickly. You can also use rotisserie chicken for a super quick version – just shred it and toss with your buffalo sauce for instant gratification.
How do you keep slider buns from getting soggy?
To prevent soggy Mini Sandwiches, lightly toast the slider buns before assembling and let the buffalo chicken cool for 2-3 minutes after cooking. You can also add a thin layer of butter or cream cheese to the buns as a moisture barrier. Serve immediately after assembly, or if making ahead, keep the sauce on the side until ready to eat.
What toppings pair well with spicy buffalo chicken sliders?
Classic toppings include crispy lettuce, diced celery for crunch, and tangy blue cheese or ranch dressing to cool the heat. Pickled red onions add a nice acidic contrast, while avocado slices provide creamy richness. These toppings complement the bold flavors similar to traditional Buffalo Wings and help balance the spiciness perfectly.
Can you make buffalo chicken sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the buffalo chicken mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. For best results, reheat the chicken gently before serving and assemble the sliders fresh. If you must assemble ahead, wrap them tightly and consume within 4 hours to maintain the best texture and prevent the buns from becoming soggy.
Wrapping Up Your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Adventure
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders come together fastjust about 35 minutesand they’re bursting with juicy chicken and bold buffalo flavor. You’ll love the melty cheese hugs and those perfectly toasted mini buns. This easy recipe turns simple pantry staples into a crowd-pleaser everyone asks for again and again.
Feel free to swap out regular buns for Hawaiian rolls or sneak in extra ranch dressing if you want a creamier bite. Leftovers? Just pop them back in the oven for that fresh-baked cozy feelingpro tip courtesy of a savvy home cook friend! These sliders make kitchen life delightfully easy and fun.
Did these sliders bring back any game night memories or kitchen wins? Share your photos or secret twistsI’m all ears! Pass this recipe along to brighten family dinners or those laid-back weekend chicken games. Trust me: you’ll wanna make these again and again.
These spicy buffalo chicken sliders are a perfect blend of easy buffalo chicken and juicy chicken wrapped in mini sandwiches. They’re bursting with flavor and ideal for any occasion or game day. Enjoy this simple yet delicious appetizer that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
9 pack slider buns
1 1/2 cups shredded chicken
1/2 cup Franks buffalo hot sauce
2 Tbsp ranch dressing
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp paprika
1 cup shredded cheese
2 Tbsp butter
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×9 baking sheet or casserole dish with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, hot sauce, ranch, salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika.
Add the bottom of the slider buns to the lined baking sheet.
Divide the chicken filling between all the buns. Top with cheese and close with the top buns.
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Brush the tops of the buns with a pastry brush.
Cover baking sheet with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until lightly golden and the cheese has melted.
Cut and serve with desired sides immediately while still hot.
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
