Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

If you are craving a snack that packs a fiery punch and melts in your mouth, these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are an absolute game changer. Bursting with the bold flavors of tangy buffalo sauce, tender shredded chicken, and creamy ranch dressing, each slider offers a harmonious blend of spice, zest, and comfort. Served on soft, buttery buns with melted cheese and a hint of garlic, these sliders are perfect for game day parties, casual gatherings, or whenever you want to treat yourself to a little spicy indulgence. Once you try these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders, they’ll quickly become a beloved standout in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders lies in how simple, everyday ingredients come together to create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each element is essential to build that irresistible flavor and texture ratio that keeps everyone coming back for more.

• 9 pack slider buns: Soft and perfectly sized buns that hold all the delicious fillings without falling apart.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded chicken: Tender, shredded chicken acts as the hearty base for the spicy buffalo mix.
• 1/2 cup Frank’s buffalo hot sauce: This is the spine of the recipe, delivering tangy heat that defines the overall flavor.
• 2 Tbsp ranch dressing: Adds cool creaminess that balances out the spicy kick beautifully.
• ½ tsp salt: Elevates all the flavors and keeps the sliders well-seasoned.
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper: A subtle spice that enhances the savory profile.
• ½ tsp garlic powder: Infuses warmth and depth to the filling.
• ¼ tsp paprika: A touch of smokiness that complements the buffalo sauce perfectly.
• 1 cup shredded cheese: Melts into gooey goodness and gives richness to every bite.
• Garlic butter, made with 2 Tbsp butter, ½ tsp garlic powder, and ¼ tsp Italian seasoning: Brushed on top to add a golden crust with a burst of fragrant flavor.

How to Make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9 baking sheet or casserole dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. A well-prepped pan ensures your sliders cook evenly and maintain their perfect shape.

Step 2: Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling

In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, Frank’s buffalo hot sauce, ranch dressing, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. This flavorful mixture is what gives your sliders that signature spicy and creamy taste you’ll love.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

Place the bottom halves of the slider buns evenly spaced on the lined baking sheet. Divide the chicken filling across all the buns, spreading it out so every slider gets a generous helping. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each portion, then cover with the bun tops to seal in the goodness.

Step 4: Brush with Garlic Butter and Bake

In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the tops of the buns with this butter blend. This step adds a mouthwatering golden crunch after baking. Cover the pan with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes, until the buns are lightly golden and cheese is melted to perfection.

Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy

Once baked, carefully cut and serve your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders immediately while still warm, so the cheese stays melty and the flavors shine brightest. They’re best enjoyed fresh but will keep well for later too!

How to Serve Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Garnishes

To make your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders really pop, add crunchy garnishes like fresh celery sticks or a sprinkle of chopped green onions. A dollop of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side adds a creamy contrast that complements the spice perfectly.

Side Dishes

Classic pairings like crisp carrot sticks, cool cucumber slices, or a simple garden salad round out the meal beautifully. For a heartier side, consider kettle-cooked chips or baked sweet potato fries, which bring a delightful texture and flavor contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the sliders in a tiered serving dish for parties to make them look extra inviting. Or serve them with mini skewers holding the buns together for a neat finger-food presentation. You can also pair them with small bowls of extra buffalo sauce or creamy dips to encourage dunking and double the pleasure!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders leftover, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making the leftovers just as delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled but unbaked sliders by wrapping the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. This makes them a great option for prepping snacks ahead of time.

Reheating

To reheat, remove foil and bake at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Alternatively, microwave individual sliders for about 45 seconds, but baking maintains the best texture and crispness on the buns.

FAQs

Can I use cooked chicken breasts instead of shredded chicken?

Absolutely! Just shred cooked chicken breasts or thighs to achieve the ideal texture and absorb the buffalo sauce better. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully as a time-saving alternative.

How spicy are the Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders?

They have a moderate level of heat thanks to the buffalo hot sauce. You can adjust the spice by adding less sauce or choosing a milder buffalo sauce if you prefer a gentler kick.

Can I make these sliders vegetarian?

While the classic recipe uses chicken, you can swap shredded chicken for shredded jackfruit or a meat substitute to create a delicious vegetarian version with similar flavors and textures.

Is ranch dressing necessary?

Ranch dressing isn’t mandatory but it really balances the spicy buffalo sauce with creamy coolness. You can substitute blue cheese dressing for a sharper flavor if preferred.

What cheese works best for these sliders?

Shredded cheddar or mozzarella melts beautifully and complements the buffalo flavors well. Feel free to experiment with monterey jack or pepper jack for added zest.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have the recipe for these irresistible Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders, it’s time to fire up the oven and create a batch to share (or keep all to yourself!). This combination of bold flavors, gooey cheese, and soft buttery buns truly hits every craving spot. Whether for a quick weeknight treat or your next party appetizer, these sliders promise to bring smiles and satisfied appetites. Enjoy every spicy, saucy, cheesy bite!

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