Buffalo Chicken Sliders: A Game Day Favorite Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate party pleaser, look no further than Buffalo Chicken Sliders: A Game Day Favorite. These sliders pack all the zesty, cheesy, and tangy flavors you crave into irresistibly soft buns, making them perfect for tailgates, potlucks, or a cozy night in with friends. With just the right balance of heat, creamy cheese, and buttery rolls, this dish always steals the show and disappears faster than you can say “seconds, please!” Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or just there for the snacks, Buffalo Chicken Sliders: A Game Day Favorite guarantees everyone will come back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Buffalo Chicken Sliders: A Game Day Favorite lies in its simplicity—just a handful of key ingredients, each playing an important role in flavor and texture. From the tender, shredded chicken to the final brush of garlicky butter, every component brings something delicious to the table.
- Shredded Chicken (2 cups): Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and savor juicy, flavorful meat in every bite.
- Buffalo Wing Sauce (1/2 cup): The star of the show, adding that signature tangy heat everyone craves.
- Melted Butter (2 tablespoons + 1 tablespoon): Richness for the filling and a golden, glossy finish on top of your sliders.
- Slider Buns or Hawaiian Rolls (12): Soft, pillowy rolls that soak up all the saucy goodness—Hawaiian rolls add a touch of sweetness.
- Shredded Mozzarella or Monterey Jack Cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully for a gooey, cheesy layer in every slider.
- Crumbled Blue Cheese or Ranch Dressing (1/2 cup, optional): A creamy, tangy contrast to the spicy chicken; choose your favorite or offer both!
- Sliced Green Onions (1/4 cup, optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and a gentle bite to each slider.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the buns with subtle, savory flavor—don’t skip this finishing touch!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders: A Game Day Favorite
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your sliders won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. While your oven heats up, gather your ingredients so everything is within reach—this recipe comes together quickly once you get started!
Step 2: Mix the Buffalo Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the buffalo wing sauce and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Toss everything together until the chicken is thoroughly coated and glistening. This mixture is the heart of Buffalo Chicken Sliders: A Game Day Favorite, so don’t be shy with the sauce—every shred should be deliciously saucy!
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
Take your slider buns and slice them horizontally as a group, keeping the tops and bottoms connected for easy assembly. Lay the bottom halves in your prepared baking dish. Evenly spread the buffalo chicken mixture over the buns, making sure every corner is covered for maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Add the Cheesy Goodness
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese generously over the buffalo chicken. If you’re a fan of blue cheese or ranch, now’s the time to add a layer of crumbles or a drizzle for creamy contrast. Don’t forget the sliced green onions if you’re using them—they add freshness and a bit of crunch.
Step 5: Top and Butter
Gently place the top halves of the buns over your loaded sliders. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of melted butter with the garlic powder, then brush this savory mixture over the tops of the buns. This step not only adds serious flavor but also helps the rolls bake to a beautiful golden brown.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the sliders with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese is irresistibly melty. Let the sliders cool for a few minutes before cutting and serving—they’ll hold together better and be easier to handle.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Sliders: A Game Day Favorite
Garnishes
For that extra pop of flavor and color, sprinkle your sliders with a handful of sliced green onions or a few extra crumbles of blue cheese just before serving. A touch of chopped parsley or a drizzle of ranch dressing can also take these Buffalo Chicken Sliders: A Game Day Favorite to the next level—don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings!
Side Dishes
Serve your sliders alongside classic game day favorites like crunchy celery and carrot sticks, crisp potato chips, or a simple green salad to balance out the heat. For heartier appetites, pair with potato wedges or a creamy macaroni salad—these sides will round out the meal and keep everyone coming back for more.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Buffalo Chicken Sliders: A Game Day Favorite into a party centerpiece by arranging them on a large platter with dipping bowls of extra buffalo sauce, ranch, and blue cheese dressing. Add colorful veggie sticks around the edges for an inviting spread, or serve each slider on a toothpick for easy grab-and-go bites at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the sliders cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days, and they make a delicious grab-and-go snack or quick lunch throughout the week.
Freezing
Buffalo Chicken Sliders: A Game Day Favorite can be frozen for up to two months. Simply wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place sliders on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil. Warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. For a quick snack, you can also microwave individual sliders for 30–45 seconds, though the oven will keep the buns nice and toasty.
FAQs
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Sliders: A Game Day Favorite in advance?
Absolutely! Assemble the sliders up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure everything is hot and melty.
What’s the best chicken to use for Buffalo Chicken Sliders: A Game Day Favorite?
Rotisserie chicken is my top pick for both convenience and flavor, but any cooked, shredded chicken breast or thigh will do. Leftover grilled or roasted chicken works beautifully as well.
Can I make these sliders less spicy?
Of course! Swap the buffalo sauce for your favorite BBQ sauce or use a mild buffalo sauce for a kid-friendly version. You can also serve ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side to help balance the heat.
Are these sliders good for meal prep?
Yes, Buffalo Chicken Sliders: A Game Day Favorite reheat well and are perfect for meal prepping. Just store them tightly wrapped and reheat as needed for a quick lunch or snack.
Can I make these sliders gluten-free?
Definitely! Just use your favorite gluten-free slider buns or rolls and double-check that your buffalo sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free. The flavors will be just as satisfying!
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Sliders: A Game Day Favorite are truly impossible to resist—each bite is packed with bold flavor and gooey cheese, all tucked into a soft, buttery bun. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or treating yourself to something special, give this recipe a try and watch it become a new favorite in your kitchen!
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Buffalo Chicken Sliders: A Game Day Favorite Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a perfect game day favorite featuring tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy buffalo wing sauce, layered with melted cheese and optional blue cheese or ranch, all nestled between soft slider buns. Baked to golden perfection, these spicy, cheesy sliders are ideal for parties and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Buffalo Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Sliders
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions (optional)
Butter Topping
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing tops)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Chicken with Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Prepare Slider Buns: Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact so they stay together as a sandwich when assembled.
- Assemble Sliders: Place the bottom halves of the slider buns in the prepared baking dish. Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottoms. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese evenly on top of the chicken. If desired, add crumbled blue cheese or drizzle ranch dressing, and sprinkle sliced green onions for added flavor.
- Add Tops and Butter Topping: Place the top halves of the slider buns over the filling. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon melted butter with garlic powder and brush this mixture over the tops of the buns to ensure a golden, flavorful crust.
- Bake the Sliders: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes to heat through and melt the cheese. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly for easier handling. Slice sliders apart and serve warm, perfect for game day or casual entertaining.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick and easy preparation.
- Swap buffalo sauce with barbecue sauce for a milder flavor option.
- You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar for a sharper cheese taste.
- Optional blue cheese or ranch dressing adds creaminess, but can be omitted for a simpler slider.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
