Buffalo Chicken Sliders

These Buffalo Chicken Sliders bring the perfect blend of spicy heat and creamy cheese wrapped in soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls. They have become a hit at every game day gathering I’ve hosted, disappearing almost as fast as I can pull them from the oven. If you love bold flavors that come together quickly, these sliders will fit right into your rotation.

I made these sliders the first time on a whim for a family movie night, and now my kids ask for them every time we watch football. The cheesy, spicy combo wins them over every time.

Ingredients

• Three cups shredded chicken: opt for cooked and shredded rotisserie for ease and extra flavor
• Three quarters cup buffalo sauce: choose your favorite brand or homemade for heat and tang
• Seven tablespoons butter divided: butter adds richness and helps the sauce meld with the chicken and rolls
• One package Hawaiian rolls: the sweet rolls balance the heat and keep the sliders soft
• Half cup shredded mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully and adds a mild creaminess
• Half cup shredded cheddar cheese: sharp flavor cuts through the richness
• Quarter cup blue cheese crumbles: classic with buffalo sauce and adds a tangy punch
• Two and a half tablespoons ranch seasoning packet: enhances the buttery top with herby notes

Instructions

Preheat oven:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and prepare a small baking sheet with foil and cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Prepare rolls:

Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the entire slab intact with the bottom half on the baking sheet.

Melt butter and buffalo sauce:

Melt three tablespoons of the butter with the buffalo sauce over low heat, stirring until fully combined into a glossy sauce.

Mix chicken and sauce:

Add the shredded chicken and stir well to coat every piece evenly with the buttery buffalo sauce.

Assemble slider base:

Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom half of the Hawaiian rolls slab.

Add cheeses:

Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and blue cheese crumbles over the chicken for a multi-layered cheesy topping.

Top with rolls:

Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese-covered chicken and press gently to fit together.

Make ranch butter topping:

Melt the remaining four tablespoons of butter, stir in the ranch seasoning until fully mixed, and brush this savory butter over the top of the rolls slab for a flavorful crust.

Bake sliders:

Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, watching closely so the top doesn’t brown too quickly—cover loosely with foil if needed. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.

Serve:

Once baked, carefully cut the slab apart into individual sliders and serve warm for the best gooey, spicy experience.

My favorite part of this recipe is the ranch butter topping. It elevates the entire slider with a herby, buttery finish that keeps every bite exciting. A memorable moment was when a friend couldn’t stop telling me how addictive these were after the first round disappeared in minutes.

Storage Tips

Cool leftovers completely before storing to avoid sogginess caused by steam. Wrap tightly in foil or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven wrapped in foil to maintain the bread’s softness and melt the cheese back to gooey perfection.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use coleslaw mix instead of blue cheese crumbles if you prefer a fresher crunch and less tang. Swap out ranch seasoning for Italian seasoning or garlic powder for a different twist on the butter topping. Try pepper jack cheese in place of cheddar for a spicier kick that doubles down on heat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with celery sticks and carrot slices for a classic buffalo platter experience. Offer a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping extra spicy bites. Pair with a cold beer or your favorite soda to balance the heat perfectly.

These sliders combine bold flavors with quick preparation to make a perfect game day treat. Enjoy making them your own with the pro tips for an even better experience.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What type of chicken is best for these sliders?

Shredded cooked chicken works best, as it easily absorbs the buffalo sauce and fits well on the rolls.

→ Can I use a different cheese combination?

Yes, blend mozzarella, cheddar, and blue cheese or replace with cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for varied flavor.

→ How spicy are the sliders?

The buffalo sauce provides a moderate heat level, balanced by the richness of the cheeses and buttery ranch topping.

→ What's a good alternative to Hawaiian rolls?

Soft dinner rolls, slider buns, or even small sandwich rolls can be used to maintain a tender texture.

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Assemble the sliders and refrigerate before baking, then bake fresh before serving to keep the bread from becoming soggy.