Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a fun, zesty twist on classic buffalo wings, all packed into small, soft buns. The spicy, tangy chicken pairs perfectly with a cool, creamy dressing and some crunchy lettuce or celery, making each slider a little explosion of flavor. These bites are perfect for game day, parties, or any time you want a tasty finger food.
I love making these sliders because they’re easy to customize—sometimes I add a bit of extra cheese or swap out traditional hot sauce for a milder buffalo sauce depending on who’s eating. They always bring a little kick without being too overwhelming, and I like that everyone can grab one and enjoy a perfect size portion without the mess of wings.
One of my favorite ways to serve the Buffalo Chicken Sliders is with a side of cool ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, and maybe some crunchy pickles on the side. They always disappear fast at my gatherings, which is a sure sign they’re a hit. If you like spicy and finger-friendly food, these sliders are definitely worth making for your next snack or meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using cooked shredded chicken breast keeps these sliders tender and juicy. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut if you’re short on time. You can also use shredded thigh meat for a bit more flavor.
Buffalo Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice with the right balance of heat and tang. If you prefer less spice, mix the hot sauce with a little melted butter or use a milder buffalo sauce.
Dressings: Ranch or blue cheese dressing adds a cool contrast to the spicy chicken. If you’re vegan or dairy-free, try using a dairy-free ranch or a creamy avocado dressing instead.
Slider Buns: Soft slider buns work best to hold the filling without overpowering it. You can substitute with mini brioche or dinner rolls for a slightly sweeter touch.
Blue Cheese & Celery: Crumbled blue cheese brings that classic buffalo wing flavor, but you can leave it out if you don’t like blue cheese or swap in shredded cheddar. Celery adds a nice crunch and freshness; sliced cucumber works well too.
How Can I Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling Perfectly Flavored?
The key to great buffalo chicken is balancing heat and creaminess. Here’s how I do it:
- Warm your cooked chicken slightly before tossing it in the buffalo sauce. This helps the sauce soak in better.
- Mix the hot sauce with a bit of melted butter to tone down the heat and add richness.
- Toss the chicken thoroughly so every bite is evenly coated.
- For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of garlic or onion powder to the sauce before mixing.
This simple method helps the chicken stay juicy and flavorful without being dry or too spicy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I use a medium bowl to toss the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce; it’s the easiest way to coat everything evenly.
- Skillet or oven – for toasting the buns if you like them warm and slightly crispy; I find it adds a nice touch.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to accurately measure the buffalo hot sauce, dressings, and cheese.
- Large spoon or spatula – for mixing the chicken and sauce thoroughly before assembling.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Protein swap: Use cooked shredded turkey or tofu for different dietary preferences—delicious and easy to adapt.
- Cheese options: Substitute blue cheese with shredded cheddar or pepper jack for extra melt and flavor.
- Veggie boost: Add sliced bell peppers, chopped green onions, or pickled jalapeños for added crunch and spice.
- Spice level: Mix in a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to make it spicier, or reduce it for milder flavor.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken Filling:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast (about 2 large chicken breasts)
- ½ cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
For Assembling:
- 12 slider buns
- ¼ cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
- ¼ cup diced celery
- Optional: butter for toasting buns
Time You’ll Need:
This recipe takes about 10–15 minutes to prepare. No cooking required if your chicken is already cooked. Toasting the buns adds just a few extra minutes. Perfect for a quick snack or party appetizer!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders:
1. Mix the Chicken and Sauce:
In a medium bowl, toss the shredded chicken with the buffalo hot sauce until the chicken is evenly coated with spicy flavor. This gives the sliders their signature kick.
2. Toast the Buns (Optional):
If you like, lightly butter the slider buns and toast them in a skillet or oven until they’re golden and slightly crispy. This adds great texture and warmth.
3. Assemble the Sliders:
Spread a little ranch or blue cheese dressing on both the inside top and bottom of each bun. Place a generous amount of buffalo chicken on the bottom half of each slider.
4. Add Cheese and Veggies:
Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese and diced celery over the chicken to add creaminess and crunch that balances the heat.
5. Finish and Serve:
Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately. These sliders go great with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks on the side for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before shredding it. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method for quicker thawing. This helps the chicken absorb the buffalo sauce better.
How Can I Store Leftover Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken filling separately in the microwave or on the stove, then assemble with fresh buns and toppings for the best texture.
Can I Make These Buffallo Chicken Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the buffalo chicken filling a day ahead and refrigerate. Toast buns and assemble sliders just before serving to keep the buns from getting soggy.
What Can I Substitute for Blue Cheese?
If you don’t like blue cheese, shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheeses make tasty alternatives. You can also skip the cheese and add extra ranch or a crunchy veggie like cucumber slices instead.
