Samantha When it comes to game-day food or easy party appetizers, nothing beats Buffalo Chicken Sliders. They’re spicy, cheesy, and messy in the best way possible—everything you want in a handheld sandwich. I love how simple these sliders are to prepare, yet they always feel special when I bring them out for friends and family.
These mini sandwiches are made with shredded chicken tossed in tangy buffalo sauce, layered on soft slider buns, and baked until golden with melty cheese. Whether you serve them with ranch or blue cheese dressing, these spicy buffalo chicken sliders are guaranteed to disappear fast. If you’ve ever searched for “how to make buffalo chicken sliders for game day” or “easy buffalo chicken slider recipe with Hawaiian rolls”, this is the only version you’ll ever need.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders – Easy Game Day Sandwiches with Spicy Sauce, Melty Cheese & Hawaiian Rolls
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken rotisserie or homemade
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce like Frank’s RedHot
- 12 Hawaiian rolls or slider buns
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp ranch or blue cheese dressing optional
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare chicken: Toss shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until well coated.
- Assemble sliders: Slice rolls in half. Place bottom half in a baking dish, add buffalo chicken, sprinkle with cheese, then top with the roll tops.
- Brush with butter: Mix melted butter with garlic powder and onion powder. Brush over buns.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley or green onions. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese.
Notes
Secret Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Sliders
1. Choose the right rolls: Soft Hawaiian rolls are the best choice for buffalo chicken sliders because their sweetness balances the spicy buffalo sauce. They also hold up well under melted cheese and shredded chicken. 2. Don’t skimp on sauce: Coat the shredded chicken generously with buffalo sauce so every bite is spicy, tangy, and packed with flavor. A little extra sauce brushed on top of the rolls before baking adds that perfect golden glaze. 3. Layer strategically: Add the buffalo chicken first, then melty cheese like mozzarella or cheddar, so it binds everything together when baked. This keeps the sliders juicy and cheesy without falling apart. 4. Bake covered first: When making buffalo chicken sliders, cover the tray with foil for the first half of baking. This melts the cheese evenly and keeps the rolls soft before uncovering to get a golden, slightly crispy top. 5. Garnish smartly: A sprinkle of green onions, parsley, or even a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing makes these sliders irresistible and Instagram-worthy. 6. Make-ahead friendly: Assemble the sliders up to a day in advance, refrigerate, then pop them in the oven right before serving for easy game day sandwiches that save you time.Recipe Overview (Buffalo Chicken Sliders)
- Course: Appetizer, Snack, Dinner
- Cuisine: American
- Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 12 sliders
- Main Ingredients: Shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, slider buns, cheese, ranch or blue cheese
- Best For: Game day parties, weeknight dinners, potlucks, family gatherings
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Slider)
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 5g
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 680mg
- Calcium: 120mg
📌 Learn more about the nutritional breakdown of chicken from USDA FoodData Central.
Budget Breakdown
These buffalo chicken sliders are not only delicious but also budget-friendly. Here’s an approximate cost for 12 sliders:
- Shredded chicken (2 cups, rotisserie or cooked) – $5.50
- Buffalo sauce (½ cup) – $1.50
- Hawaiian rolls or slider buns (12 pack) – $3.50
- Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (1 cup) – $2.00
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional) – $1.20
- Butter + spices – $0.80
Total Cost: ≈ $14.50 (~$1.20 per slider)
Behind the Recipe
The idea for these buffalo chicken sliders came to me when I was looking for a dish that combined the classic flavors of buffalo wings with the convenience of sandwiches. Traditional wings are delicious, but they can be messy for parties. By shredding chicken, tossing it in buffalo sauce, and baking it with cheese in slider buns, I created a dish that captures all the spice and tang without the hassle of bones.
Over time, I experimented with different versions: sliders with ranch drizzle, ones topped with blue cheese crumbles, and even a lighter version made with Greek yogurt in place of ranch. Every variation has been a hit, but the classic cheesy, spicy version remains my go-to.
📌 Curious about buffalo sauce? According to Cleveland Clinic, spicy foods like hot sauce may have health benefits, from boosting metabolism to supporting heart health.
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
When I need a dish that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort, I always turn to Buffalo Chicken Sliders. These little sandwiches are fiery, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying—everything you want in a quick party appetizer or weeknight dinner. What makes them special is how they capture the flavor of buffalo wings but in a warm, pull-apart slider form that’s easy to serve and even easier to enjoy.
Spicy and Tangy
The star of these buffalo chicken slider sandwiches is, of course, the sauce. Tangy buffalo sauce clings to every piece of shredded chicken, creating that irresistible spicy kick. If you’ve been searching for “oven baked buffalo chicken sliders with Hawaiian rolls”, this recipe hits all the marks with its perfectly balanced heat.
Crowd-Pleaser
Whether it’s Super Bowl Sunday, a family gathering, or an office potluck, these cheesy buffalo chicken sliders are always the first tray to disappear. They’re shareable, handheld, and endlessly popular with both kids and adults. According to the National Chicken Council, chicken is a lean protein that makes these sliders both satisfying and hearty.
Cheesy Goodness
The melty layer of mozzarella or cheddar balances the spice of the buffalo sauce. Every bite offers that perfect contrast of heat and creamy cheese, making these buffalo chicken pull-apart sliders completely irresistible.
Quick and Easy
Ready in under 40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining. Using rotisserie chicken makes prep even faster, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying.
Versatile
These buffalo chicken sliders for game day can be customized any way you like. Add blue cheese crumbles for a tangy twist, drizzle ranch dressing on top, or even make a low-carb version with lettuce wraps. The options are endless, which is why I come back to this recipe again and again.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 12 Hawaiian rolls or slider buns
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Ingredient Highlights
- Shredded chicken: A great use for rotisserie chicken—saves time and adds flavor.
- Buffalo sauce: The star of the recipe—tangy, spicy, and bold.
- Slider buns: Soft, pull-apart rolls make these perfect for parties.
- Mozzarella/cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey goodness to balance the heat.
- Butter and spices: Brushed on top of the buns for golden, flavorful crust.
📌 Learn more about the health profile of chicken from WebMD.
Perfect For (Buffalo Chicken Sliders)
These Buffalo Chicken Sliders aren’t just another sandwich recipe—they’re a versatile dish that works for almost any occasion. Soft Hawaiian rolls, spicy buffalo chicken, and melted cheese make them ideal whether you’re hosting a crowd or prepping a quick family meal.
Super Bowl Parties and Sports Nights
Game day isn’t complete without spicy, cheesy appetizers, and these buffalo chicken slider sandwiches are always the MVP. They’re easy to bake in batches, pull apart, and serve hot while everyone’s glued to the TV. If you’ve been looking for “buffalo chicken sliders for game day”, this recipe is exactly what you need.
Family Dinners or Weeknight Meals
On busy nights, I love making these sliders for dinner. They come together in under 40 minutes and pair perfectly with a side salad or fries. Since chicken is a lean protein packed with nutrients, these sliders can be both fun and filling. Learn more about why chicken is such a healthy choice from WebMD.
Potlucks and Office Parties
Potluck dishes need to be simple, shareable, and crowd-pleasing—and buffalo chicken pull-apart sliders check all three boxes. They travel well, reheat easily, and guarantee you’ll come home with an empty tray.
Holiday Gatherings
Holidays are all about comfort food, and these buffalo chicken sliders baked with cheese are a modern twist that always gets people talking. They’re festive, flavorful, and a fun alternative to traditional casseroles or dips.
Easy Meal Prep for Lunches
These sliders aren’t just for parties—they’re also perfect for meal prep. I portion them out into containers, add some veggies on the side, and I’ve got quick, flavorful lunches for the week. For anyone searching for “make-ahead buffalo chicken sliders for work lunches”, this recipe is a winner.
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- Sweet Comfort: Vanilla Cinnamon Buttermilk Pancakes – Fluffy, golden pancakes with warm cinnamon flavor, ideal for cozy mornings.
How to Make This Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare chicken: Toss shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until well coated.
- Assemble sliders: Slice rolls in half. Place bottom half in a baking dish, add buffalo chicken, sprinkle with cheese, then top with the roll tops.
- Brush with butter: Mix melted butter with garlic powder and onion powder. Brush over buns.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley or green onions. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese.
Sam’s Pro Tips for Success
- Use rotisserie chicken: Saves time and ensures juicy meat.
- Don’t oversoak rolls: Coat chicken well, but avoid too much sauce that makes bread soggy.
- Cover while baking: Keeps sliders moist; uncover at the end for golden tops.
- Cheese choice: Mozzarella melts smoothly, while cheddar adds sharper flavor.
- Make-ahead: Assemble earlier in the day and bake right before serving.
Easy Variations You Can Try
One of the reasons I love making Buffalo Chicken Sliders is how flexible they are. With just a few tweaks, you can completely change the flavor profile and adapt them for different occasions. Whether you want them creamier, spicier, tangier, or even lighter, these variations will keep the recipe exciting every single time.
Cheesy Ranch Sliders
If you’re a ranch fan, this version is a must-try. Drizzle ranch dressing over the shredded chicken before adding the cheese and baking. The creamy ranch balances out the heat of the buffalo sauce, creating cheesy buffalo chicken sliders with ranch that are perfect for kids and adults alike.
Spicy Lovers
For those who like to turn up the heat, mix your buffalo sauce with a little hot sauce or cayenne pepper. These extra spicy buffalo chicken sliders are a fiery twist that’s ideal for anyone who craves that kick of heat during game nights.
Blue Cheese Version
Blue cheese and buffalo sauce are a classic pairing. Sprinkle crumbles over the chicken before baking, or drizzle with blue cheese dressing. This creates buffalo chicken sliders with blue cheese that have a tangy, bold bite. According to Cleveland Clinic, blue cheese contains calcium and probiotics, making it both flavorful and nutrient-dense.
Low-Carb Sliders
If you’re cutting back on bread, swap the buns for crisp lettuce wraps. These low-carb buffalo chicken sliders are lighter but still full of flavor, perfect for meal prep or a keto-friendly option.
Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders
Want a smoky alternative? Replace buffalo sauce with BBQ sauce and follow the same steps. These pulled BBQ chicken sliders are sweet, smoky, and just as crowd-pleasing—especially for family dinners or picnics.
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Storage and Reheat Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked assembled sliders for up to 1 month; bake from frozen.
- Reheat: Warm in oven at 350°F for 10 minutes; avoid microwaving to keep bread from getting soggy.
📌 For safe food storage, check FDA’s food handling guide.
Make It a Meal
Pair these buffalo chicken sliders with these favorites:
Explore more in our Easy Appetizers, Easy Dinner Ideas, and Party Food Recipes tags.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make buffalo chicken sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble buffalo chicken sliders a few hours before baking, cover them tightly, and refrigerate until ready to serve. Bake them just before serving for the best texture and melty cheese.
What kind of bread is best for buffalo chicken sliders?
Hawaiian rolls are the most popular because their sweetness balances the spicy buffalo sauce. However, you can also use potato rolls, brioche buns, or even mini ciabatta for sturdier sandwiches. These variations are perfect for anyone searching “best bread for buffalo chicken slider sandwiches.”
How do I keep buffalo chicken sliders from getting soggy?
Use just enough buffalo sauce to coat the shredded chicken rather than drenching it. Toasting the bottom halves of the buns before assembly can also help. If you’re meal prepping, keep the sauce and chicken separate until you’re ready to bake.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for sliders?
Absolutely. Using rotisserie chicken makes these easy buffalo chicken sliders a weeknight lifesaver. Just shred the chicken, toss with buffalo sauce, and layer it into your slider rolls.
Are buffalo chicken sliders healthy?
These sliders are more indulgent than a plain chicken sandwich, but you can make them lighter by using whole wheat rolls, reduced-fat cheese, or serving with a side salad. For more on the benefits of lean protein, see WebMD’s guide on chicken health benefits.
What dips go well with buffalo chicken sliders?
Ranch and blue cheese are the classics, but garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or even avocado crema are great alternatives. This makes them adaptable for different palates, whether you want tangy, creamy, or spicy.
Can I make buffalo chicken sliders in the air fryer?
Yes! Assemble the sliders and air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden. It’s a quicker, crispier alternative to oven baking.
How long do buffalo chicken sliders last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, buffalo chicken sliders last 3–4 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to bring back the crispness. According to FDA food safety guidelines, leftovers should always be refrigerated within 2 hours.
Can I freeze buffalo chicken sliders with cheese?
Yes, you can freeze assembled but unbaked sliders for up to 1 month. When ready, bake straight from frozen and add about 5–7 minutes to the cooking time. This makes them a fantastic option for meal prep or make-ahead party food.
Can I make low-carb buffalo chicken sliders?
Definitely. Instead of slider buns, wrap the buffalo chicken and cheese in crisp lettuce leaves for low-carb buffalo chicken sliders. This version is keto-friendly while still keeping all the spicy flavor.
What cheese is best for buffalo chicken sliders?
Mozzarella melts beautifully and balances the heat, but sharp cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack are excellent choices. For extra flavor, try combining two cheeses to create the ultimate cheesy buffalo chicken sliders.
Are buffalo chicken sliders good for meal prep?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders in advance, store them in the fridge, and bake them when ready. They also hold well for lunch the next day, making them one of the best “make-ahead buffalo chicken slider recipes for meal prep.”
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the kind of recipe that proves comfort food can also be exciting. They’re bold, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, yet easy enough for anyone to make. Whether you’re serving them at a tailgate, preparing them for family dinner, or just craving something spicy and satisfying, these sliders will always deliver.
What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can keep it classic with mozzarella and ranch, make it tangy with blue cheese, or spice it up with extra hot sauce. And since they’re baked in batches, they’re perfect for feeding a crowd without stress.
If you’ve ever wondered “what’s the best appetizer for game day” or “how to make cheesy buffalo chicken sliders for parties”, this recipe is your answer. Simple ingredients, quick prep, and flavors that everyone loves—that’s what makes them unforgettable.
“Spicy, cheesy, and irresistibly bold—these Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the ultimate party snack and game-day favorite.” – Sam
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📌 Pin This Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Mini slider buns stuffed with shredded chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and melted cheese—these spicy sliders are baked to perfection and served with ranch or blue cheese. Perfect for game day, holidays, and family dinners.
