Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

If you love bold flavors packed into a bite-sized treat, you are going to adore these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders. They bring together tender shredded chicken drenched in tangy Frank’s buffalo hot sauce, balanced perfectly with creamy ranch dressing and just the right touch of spices. Nestled in soft slider buns and crowned with melted cheese and garlic butter, these sliders are a crowd-pleaser with a fiery kick and a comforting finish. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, a casual party, or a simple dinner, these sliders deliver that crave-worthy combo of spicy, creamy, and savory all at once.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential to bring out the full vibrant flavor and delightful texture in your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders. Each one plays a role in creating a perfectly balanced, mouthwatering experience from the spicy chicken to the buttery, cheesy topping.

• 9 pack slider buns: Soft and slightly sweet, they hold all the fillings together perfectly.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded chicken: The hearty base that soaks up the spicy sauce beautifully.
• 1/2 cup Frank’s buffalo hot sauce: The fiery star of the show that gives these sliders their signature punch.
• 2 Tbsp ranch dressing: Adds a cool, creamy balance to the spicy chicken mixture.
• ½ tsp salt: Enhances and rounds out all the flavors.
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth.
• ½ tsp garlic powder: Brings a mellow savory note that complements the heat.
• ¼ tsp paprika: Contributes a smoky undertone and lovely color.
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite blend): Melts into a gooey, flavorful topping that ties everything together.
• Garlic butter: For brushing on the buns, it adds richness and irresistible aroma.

How to Make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Mixture

Start by combining the shredded chicken with Frank’s buffalo hot sauce in a bowl. Then, stir in ranch dressing to mellow the heat while adding creaminess, followed by salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to deepen the flavor profile. Mix everything thoroughly so the chicken is evenly coated with that spicy, tangy goodness.

Step 2: Toast the Slider Buns with Garlic Butter

Slice the slider buns in half and brush each side generously with garlic butter. Toast them in a hot pan or under the broiler until golden brown and aromatic. This step adds a wonderful savory crunch and richness that complements the tender filling perfectly.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

Lay the bottom halves of the toasted buns on a baking sheet and pile on the spicy buffalo chicken mixture evenly. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the top, then place the bun tops on each slider.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese and Warm Through

Pop the assembled sliders into a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts and everything is heated through. This final bake melds all the flavors and textures into a satisfyingly gooey bite.

How to Serve Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes like crisp celery sticks, thinly sliced green onions, or a drizzle of extra ranch dressing can brighten up these sliders perfectly. These cool and crunchy add-ons help balance the spicy heat and add a refreshing crunch for extra texture contrast.

Side Dishes

These sliders pair fantastically with classic sides like crunchy carrot and celery sticks with blue cheese dip, a crisp green salad, or crisp oven-baked fries. Lighter sides offer a nice contrast to the rich, spicy chicken and keep your meal well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the sliders on a large wooden platter lined with lettuce leaves or parchment paper for a rustic, casual vibe. You can also stack them on tiered trays for parties, making it easy for guests to grab a spicy buffalo chicken slider anytime they want. Mini dipping bowls with extra buffalo sauce and ranch on the side make it even more interactive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your sliders, wrap any leftovers tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, giving you quick and delicious bites whenever hunger strikes again.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, assemble the sliders without toasting the buns. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze in an airtight container or bag for up to 2 months. This way, you can enjoy your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders fresh anytime with minimal effort.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen sliders overnight in the fridge. Warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melty and the sliders are heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the buns from becoming soggy.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut and works perfectly for the shredded chicken in these sliders. Just make sure to shred it finely for the best texture.

How spicy are Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders?

The heat level mainly comes from the buffalo hot sauce, which you can adjust to your preference. If you like it milder, reduce the amount of hot sauce or add more ranch dressing to tone down the spice.

Can I make these sliders vegetarian or vegan?

While the traditional recipe calls for chicken and cheese, you can swap shredded jackfruit or tofu for the chicken and use vegan cheese and dairy-free ranch to make a delicious plant-based version.

What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar is a classic choice, but you can also experiment with pepper jack for extra spice or mozzarella for a gooey, mild melt. The key is cheese that melts well.

How long do the sliders take to prepare?

From start to finish, expect about 20 to 25 minutes if your chicken is already cooked. The toasting, assembly, and melting steps go quickly and make this a perfect speedy recipe.

Final Thoughts

These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are one of those magical recipes that combine ease, bold flavor, and that unbeatable comfort-food feeling. They’re perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in anytime you crave something with a little kick and a lot of heart. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them again and again—you really can’t go wrong with this spicy, cheesy, and utterly delicious treat!

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