If you’re looking for a quick and tantalizing dish to serve at your next gathering or family dinner, you can’t go wrong with Buffalo Chicken Sliders. These sliders bring together the bold flavors of spicy Buffalo chicken with the creamy goodness of ranch dressing, all nestled within soft, sweet rolls. The transforming magic of rotisserie chicken makes this recipe not only time-efficient but also incredibly delicious.
Why We Love This Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
There’s something universally appealing about sliders. They’re small, easy to handle, and absolutely packed with flavor. This Buffalo Chicken Sliders recipe shines because it combines convenience with taste. The use of rotisserie chicken saves time and effort, allowing you to whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time. The blend of buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing makes these sliders irresistibly flavorful, striking the perfect balance between creamy and spicy.
Additionally, the delightful crunch from the toasted bun paired with the gooey melted cheese elevates the experience. Serving these sliders is a breeze, and they’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a casual family night, or a spontaneous snack. You can’t overlook how fun they are to eat, either—everyone loves grabbing one and diving right in.
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these sliders shine. Here’s everything you need to create this delicious dish:
- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded (about 3-4 cups)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 packages King’s Hawaiian rolls (12 count each)
- 8 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Creating buffalo chicken sliders is a straightforward process, and it begins with a few simple steps. Here’s how you can bring this delightful recipe to life:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This step ensures that your sliders will be perfectly baked. While the oven warms up, spray a large baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. This will prevent the sliders from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
In a large bowl, place the shredded chicken. Pour in the buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing, then sprinkle in the cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the chicken is well-coated in the flavorful sauce. This mixture is where the magic happens—each bite will burst with flavor.
Next, take the packages of King’s Hawaiian rolls and use a large serrated knife to slice them in half, separating the tops from the bottoms without pulling the rolls apart. Place the bottom halves into the prepared baking pan, cut side facing up.
Evenly sprinkle half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the rolls. Then, add the chicken mixture on top of the cheese, spreading it out evenly. Finish this delicious combination with the remaining cheese on top.
Finally, take the tops of the rolls and place them on top of the cheese and chicken layers.
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter and Italian seasoning. Brush this flavorful blend over the tops of the sliders, which will help them achieve a beautiful golden color as they bake.
Bake the sliders in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tops are slightly browned. These few minutes in the oven will make all the difference, turning your sliders into irresistible bites.
Once they’re done baking, let them cool slightly, then get ready to serve!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Serving these buffalo chicken sliders is just as delightful as making them. Here are some creative ideas to take your presentation to the next level:
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro can enhance the visual appeal of your sliders. Plus, this fresh touch balances the richness of the buffalo sauce.
Side Dishes: Sliders go great with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them with crispy potato wedges, a fresh garden salad, or even some crunchy coleslaw on the side. If you love some extra crunch, coleslaw can also be added directly on top of the sliders.
Dipping Sauce: While ranch is traditionally linked with buffalo dishes, offering additional dipping sauces can give your guests options. You might want to consider a blue cheese dressing or a creamy garlic dip for a twist.
Party Platter: If you are entertaining guests, consider arranging the sliders on a large platter. You can even add toothpicks for easy serving. This presentation makes it easy for everyone to grab one (or two!) as they mingle.
The combination of the spicy chicken and creamy ranch will keep your guests coming back for more. Trust us, these sliders will disappear quickly!
Expert Tips: Buffalo Chicken Sliders
For perfect buffalo chicken sliders, consider the following expert tips:
Control the Heat: If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce. You can even add additional ranch dressing to balance the heat without losing flavor.
Chill the Chicken: Shredded chicken can be easier to work with when it’s cold. If possible, let your rotisserie chicken cool in the refrigerator for a bit before shredding.
Mix and Match Cheeses: While Monterey Jack is delicious, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses. Cheddar or Pepper Jack can add different flavor profiles.
Prepare Ahead of Time: You can make the buffalo chicken mixture a day in advance and assemble the sliders just before baking. This is an excellent time-saving tip for when you’re entertaining.
Watch the Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on the sliders after 10 minutes. Remove them once you see the cheese bubbling and the tops are golden brown.
Following these tips can elevate your buffalo chicken sliders from great to extraordinary!
How to Store Buffalo Chicken Sliders
If you end up with leftovers (which can be a rare occurrence!), it’s essential to store them correctly to maintain their deliciousness. Allow the sliders to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is simple. Preheat your oven to 350°F, cover the sliders with aluminum foil to retain moisture, and warm them for about 10 minutes. This way, they’ll taste just as good as when they were freshly made.
Variations of Buffalo Chicken Sliders
While the classic buffalo chicken sliders are hard to beat, here are some fun variations to switch things up:
BBQ Chicken Sliders: Substitute the buffalo sauce with your favorite barbecue sauce for a sweeter, smokier flavor. Add some pickles for a tangy twist.
Veggie Sliders: For a vegetarian option, use shredded cauliflower mixed with buffalo sauce. Adding in some creamy dressing makes it just as enjoyable!
Spicy Jalapeño Sliders: If you’re a fan of extra heat, toss some sliced jalapeños into the chicken mixture for an added kick.
Global Flavors: Change the flavor profile by incorporating different seasonings, like teriyaki or a sweet chili sauce. Experimenting with different cuisines can keep things exciting!
Personalizing these sliders is part of the fun, so don’t hesitate to get creative in the kitchen.
FAQ About Buffalo Chicken Sliders
What are Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Buffalo Chicken Sliders are small sandwiches made with shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with buffalo sauce and ranch dressing, served on soft rolls and topped with melted cheese.
How spicy are Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
The heat level of Buffalo Chicken Sliders can be adjusted based on the amount of buffalo sauce you use. For milder flavors, simply decrease the sauce quantity or choose a milder sauce.
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken mixture the day before and assemble the sliders shortly before baking. This is a great time-saving tip, especially for parties.
What should I serve with Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
These sliders pair well with sides like coleslaw, potato wedges, or a fresh salad. You can also offer a selection of dipping sauces to elevate the meal.
How do I store leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven to enjoy them warm and cheesy again!
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Equipment
- Large Bowl
- Baking Dish
- Serrated Knife
Ingredients
- 1 rotisserie chicken shredded (about 3-4 cups)
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 tsp. cajun seasoning
- ¼ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. pepper
- 2 packages King’s Hawaiian rolls (12 count each)
- 8 oz. shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter melted
- ½ tsp. Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a large baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the chicken is coated.
- Slice the King’s Hawaiian rolls in half, keeping the tops and bottoms attached, and place the bottom halves in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the bottom halves of the rolls.
- Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the cheese, then top with the remaining cheese.
- Place the tops of the rolls back on and brush with melted butter mixed with Italian seasoning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your sliders!
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!