Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

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If you’re craving something with a punch of heat, melty cheese, and a comforting, handheld feel, these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are here to become your new obsession. They combine tender shredded chicken drenched in tangy Frank’s buffalo hot sauce with creamy ranch and a hint of garlic, all piled onto soft, buttery slider buns that toast to golden perfection. Every bite bursts with flavor, making these sliders perfect for game days, casual get-togethers, or whenever you want to add a little excitement to your snack or meal routine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders comes from a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each bringing its own unique flair to the table. From the spicy kick of the buffalo sauce to the melty cheese that ties everything together, every ingredient plays a vital part in creating that perfect balance of taste, texture, and inviting color.

• Slider buns: Soft and slightly sweet, these little buns cradle all the flavorful fillings perfectly without overpowering them.
• Shredded chicken: Tender, juicy chicken is the meaty base that soaks up all the spicy-ranch goodness.
• Frank’s Buffalo hot sauce: The star of the show providing that iconic, tangy heat that defines buffalo flavor.
• Ranch dressing: Adds a cooling, creamy contrast that balances the spice beautifully.
• Salt and black pepper: Enhance the flavors and bring out the best in every ingredient.
• Garlic powder and paprika: These spices amp up the savory notes and add a subtle smoky warmth.
• Shredded cheese: Melts over the filling for gooey, rich indulgence.
• Butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning (for garlic butter): Brushed on top, this gives the buns a fragrant, golden finish with a hint of herbal goodness.

How to Make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Prep and Mix the Chicken Filling

Start by mixing the shredded chicken with the Frank’s Buffalo hot sauce, ranch dressing, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a bowl until every strand of chicken is coated in that brilliant spicy, creamy mixture. This blend is the heart of your sliders, providing that signature buffalo flavor with a smooth ranch coolness that’s irresistible.

Step 2: Assemble the Sliders

Line the bottom halves of the slider buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet or casserole dish, creating a sturdy base. Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture evenly across each bun bottom, then sprinkle shredded cheese on top for that luscious melted layer. Finally, crown each with the top bun, ready to go into the oven.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Glaze

In a small bowl, combine melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. This simple butter glaze adds a savory, aromatic touch to the slider tops, giving them a golden-brown finish and an inviting aroma that makes your kitchen smell like the best kind of comfort food is baking.

Step 4: Bake the Sliders

Brush the garlic butter mixture over the tops of all the sliders. Cover the entire tray with foil to keep them moist and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the buns turn lightly golden and the cheese oozes perfectly melted. Now you’re ready to indulge!

How to Serve Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Garnishes

To elevate your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders, consider topping them with crisp celery sticks, thinly sliced green onions, or a drizzle of extra ranch or blue cheese dressing. These garnishes add fresh crunch and coolness that contrast wonderfully with the heat.

Side Dishes

Pair your sliders with classic buffalo companions like crunchy carrot sticks and creamy celery, or go for crispy sweet potato fries to complement the spicy, cheesy flavor. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also add a refreshing balance to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, place your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders on a large wooden platter surrounded by colorful veggie sticks and small dipping bowls for ranch and extra buffalo sauce. You can also skewer a slider with a toothpick and a mini celery stalk for an eye-catching appetizer that guests will love diving into.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover sliders (and who wouldn’t?), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making for a perfect next-day snack or quick meal.

Freezing

You can freeze these sliders by wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When properly stored, they’ll keep their flavor and moisture for up to 2 months, ready to be pulled out for a spontaneous treat.

Reheating

To reheat, unwrap the sliders and place them on a baking sheet. Warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the bun from getting soggy and preserve that just-baked texture.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for the sliders?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and works beautifully in Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders, saving you time while still giving that tender, flavorful base.

How spicy are these sliders?

The heat level depends on how much buffalo sauce you use and the brand’s heat profile, but these sliders have a moderate kick with plenty of creamy ranch to mellow out the spice. You can always adjust the sauce amount to dial heat up or down.

Can I make these sliders vegetarian?

For a vegetarian twist, substitute the chicken with shredded jackfruit or cauliflower tossed in buffalo sauce. While the texture won’t be the same, the sliders still deliver fantastic buffalo flavor and cheesy goodness.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella are fantastic choices for melting and mild flavor, but feel free to experiment with pepper jack for added spice or even blue cheese for extra buffalo flair.

Are these sliders freezer-friendly?

Yes! These sliders freeze wonderfully when wrapped properly. Just make sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven to maintain their texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders, and I can’t recommend them enough for anyone who loves big flavor in a little package. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a cozy night in, these sliders deliver that perfect combination of heat, creaminess, and toasty comfort that keeps you coming back for more. Give them a try – your taste buds will thank you!

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