Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders deliver a mouthwatering kick and are perfect for gatherings, game days, or a cozy night in. These mini sandwiches pack a punch with flavors that tantalize your taste buds while remaining easy to whip up. If you enjoy delicious, bold flavors in a fun, bite-sized format, these sliders are a must-try.
Why We Love This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders bring together tender, shredded chicken coated in rich, spicy sauce, nestled between soft, pillowy buns. Each slider offers the ideal balance of heat and flavor, making them a hit for any occasion. You can customize the spice level to fit your preference, whether you like it mild or fiery hot. Plus, they can serve as an appetizer or a main dish, making them versatile for any meal. The ease of preparation makes them a perfect choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. Once you take your first bite, you’ll see why these sliders win hearts and appetites alike.
Ingredients for Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 12 slider buns
- Sliced lettuce
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced pickles
- Slices of cheese (optional)
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, hot sauce, melted butter, ranch or blue cheese dressing, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the slider buns on a baking sheet, cut in half.
- Spoon a generous amount of the spicy chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
- If using, add a slice of cheese on top of the chicken.
- Cover each slider with the top half of the bun.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the buns are golden and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Assemble your sliders with sliced lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles for added freshness and crunch.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Serve Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders make a fantastic centerpiece for any gathering. You can place them on a large platter with an assortment of fresh veggies and dipping sauces on the side. Consider pairing these sliders with crunchy carrot and celery sticks to offer a classic accompaniment that balances out the heat. Don’t forget to provide ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping; it cools the spice while enhancing the overall flavors. For a more casual setting, you can serve the sliders with a side of crispy potato chips or sweet potato fries, adding a fun and crunchy element to your meal. If you’re hosting an event, consider setting up a slider bar where guests can build their own sliders with various toppings, allowing them to customize their flavors.
Expert Tips for Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
To perfect your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders, consider the following expert tips. First, choose high-quality hot sauce that fits your taste. Some hot sauces have deeper flavors alongside the heat, which can enhance your dish significantly. If you prefer a milder option, you can mix your hot sauce with some ketchup or honey mustard to balance the heat. Next, you may want to make your chicken filling a few hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. A slow cooker works wonders for shredding chicken; simply add your chicken and sauce, and let it cook on low until tender. This method imbues the chicken with rich flavors and creates a tender, juicy filling. Lastly, experiment with various toppings like jalapeños, avocado slices, or even crispy onions to add texture and flavor.
How to Store Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Storing Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders is easy if you follow these steps. Once they cool down to room temperature, place your leftover sliders in an airtight container. You can also wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to keep them fresh. Store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing the chicken mixture separately and preparing the sliders fresh when ready to eat. To freeze, place the shredded chicken in a freezer-safe bag and store it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy the sliders again, simply thaw the chicken mixture in the fridge overnight, reheat, and assemble the sliders fresh for a delicious repeat meal.
Variations of Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
While the classic Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are delicious, you can explore various alternatives to cater to diverse tastes. One exciting variation involves adding shredded cheese to the chicken filling, yielding a cheesy, gooey center that will surely please cheese lovers. You might also consider swapping out the chicken for shredded turkey or even cauliflower for a vegetarian option. If you want to make your sliders extra spicy, add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper into the chicken mixture. For a sweet twist, mix in some honey or maple syrup with the hot sauce to create a sweet and spicy balance. Experimenting with different types of buns, such as pretzel buns or whole-grain options, can also introduce new flavors and textures to your sliders. Each of these variations offers a unique twist on the original recipe while keeping the exciting spicy element intact.
FAQ about Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
What can I serve with Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
You can serve them with fresh veggies, ranch dressing, potato chips, or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
Can I make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the sliders when you’re ready to serve.
How do I adjust the heat level in my Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
To lower the heat, mix the hot sauce with ketchup or honey mustard. To increase heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or using a hotter hot sauce.
Can I freeze Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken mixture separately and prepare the sliders fresh when you’re ready to eat them.
What toppings can I use for Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
You can use sliced lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, jalapeños, sliced avocado, or even crispy onions for extra flavor and texture.
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
For the Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- 1/2 cup hot sauce Adjust to taste for heat level.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing Use your preferred dressing.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For Assembly
- 12 pieces slider buns Soft, pillowy buns are recommended.
- to taste sliced lettuce For freshness.
- to taste sliced tomatoes For added crunch.
- to taste sliced pickles For additional tang.
- optional slices slices of cheese Cheddar or your choice.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, hot sauce, melted butter, ranch or blue cheese dressing, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the slider buns on a baking sheet, cut in half.
- Spoon a generous amount of the spicy chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
- If using, add a slice of cheese on top of the chicken.
- Cover each slider with the top half of the bun.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the buns are golden and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
Serving
- Assemble your sliders with sliced lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles for added freshness and crunch.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
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