The countdown to game day excitement is on, and I found myself daydreaming of that first glorious bite of a perfectly crafted slider. When the idea for these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders hit me, it was like a burst of flavor fireworks in my mind! Imagine fluffy, golden slider buns cradling tender, tangy chicken drenched in Frank’s hot buffalo sauce, all topped off with melted cheese that oozes with cheesy goodness.
Not only are these sliders quick to whip up, but they also pack a punch in flavor, making them an instant crowd-pleaser for any casual gathering. Whether you’re hosting a watch party, serving up snacks at a backyard barbecue, or simply craving some comfort food, these sliders will elevate your meal prep game effortlessly. Join me in making a dish that balances heat and heart, and watch your friends and family come back for seconds – they won’t be able to resist!
Why Are Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders So Addictive?
Flavor Explosion: The fiery kick from Frank’s hot sauce paired with creamy ranch dressing makes each bite exciting.
Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy evenings, these sliders can be prepared in under 30 minutes!
Meal Prep Friendly: Assemble in advance, bake when ready, and enjoy freshly made sliders right out of the oven.
Crowd Favorite: Their irresistible taste and vibrant presentation make them ideal for game day or any party occasion.
Versatile Adjustments: Feel free to swap ingredients or include extra toppings, catering them to your taste and dietary needs for a customized experience.
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Ingredients
• Get ready to whip up deliciousness with this ingredients list!
For the Sliders
- Slider Buns – Essential for structure and texture; substitute with whole grain or gluten-free buns if desired.
- Shredded Chicken – Provides a juicy, protein-rich filling; consider using rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Frank’s Buffalo Hot Sauce – Adds the characteristic spicy flavor; feel free to replace it with your favorite hot sauce.
- Ranch Dressing – Balances the heat with creamy goodness; blue cheese dressing can offer a bolder flavor.
- Salt – Enhances overall flavor; adjust according to your taste preference.
- Ground Black Pepper – A bit of warmth; using freshly cracked pepper gives the best flavor.
- Garlic Powder – Introduces savory notes; fresh garlic can make a delightful substitute.
- Paprika – Provides depth and subtle smokiness; opt for smoked paprika for a richer flavor.
For the Topping
- Shredded Cheese – Melts to create a gooey topping; Cheddar or your favorite cheese blend works best.
- Garlic Butter – Adds a golden finish to the buns; a vegan option can be made with dairy-free butter.
- Italian Seasoning – Complements the garlic and enhances the overall flavor profile; feel free to omit it if not available.
Embrace the joy of preparing Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders, and get ready for a feast that your friends and family will adore!
How to Make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
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Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup!
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Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken with Frank’s buffalo hot sauce, ranch dressing, salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed and coated for maximum flavor.
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Assemble Sliders: Place the bottoms of the slider buns in the lined baking dish. Evenly distribute the spicy chicken mixture over the buns, creating a hearty filling.
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Add Cheese: Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the chicken filling. Then, gently place the tops of the buns on each slider to complete the assembly.
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Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, melt some butter and combine it with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Brush this flavorful mixture over the tops of the buns for a golden finish.
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Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. This helps the sliders heat through while keeping them moist.
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Bake Uncovered: After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is beautifully melted.
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Serve Hot: Remove from the oven, carefully cut the sliders into individual portions, and serve them warm. For an optional crunch, consider adding some crunchy cabbage on the side!
Optional: Drizzle with extra ranch dressing for a creamy touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing busy cooks to enjoy delicious flavors with minimal last-minute effort! You can assemble the sliders up to 24 hours in advance: simply prepare the filling and layer it between the buns, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. To maintain freshness, avoid adding the butter mixture until you’re ready to bake, as this helps prevent the buns from becoming soggy. When it’s time to serve, just brush the tops with garlic butter, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and add another 5-10 minutes until they’re golden and cheesy—perfect for entertaining or a cozy family night!
What to Serve with Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
These sliders are perfect for creating a delightful spread that will impress your guests and keep them coming back for more.
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Veggie Sticks: Crunchy carrots and celery provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy sliders, enhancing the overall meal experience.
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Crispy French Fries: Golden fries can be a comforting classic, perfect for dipping into ranch or blue cheese dressing alongside the sliders.
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Refreshing Coleslaw: A light and tangy slaw balances the heat of the sliders, adding a touch of crunch and freshness.
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Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: These savory bites bring an additional layer of comfort, with their creamy texture perfectly complementing the sliders.
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Beer or Hard Cider: Pairing your sliders with an ice-cold beer or a fruity hard cider can elevate the taste experience, offering a delightful contrast to the heat.
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Mini Fruit Skewers: Bright and juicy fruits bring a hint of sweetness, creating a lovely contrast to the savory flavors of the sliders and keeping things light.
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Dessert Bars: Finish off your meal with sweet dessert bars that are easy to grab and enjoy, leaving your guests satisfied and smiling.
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Variations
Feel free to make these sliders your own with delightful twists and substitutions! The possibilities are as tasty as they are exciting.
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Turkey Swap: Use shredded turkey instead of chicken for a deliciously different flavor. This is especially great after Thanksgiving!
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Plant-Based Option: Try a plant-based chicken alternative for a hearty, meat-free version that everyone will love. It’s a perfect choice for vegetarians!
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Extra Veggies: Add diced celery or green onions to the chicken mixture for an extra crunch and fresh flavor. This little addition brightens every bite!
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Cheese Variation: Mix up the cheese by using pepper jack for an exciting kick, or go bold with a blue cheese crumble. Both options elevate the sliders!
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Topping Choices: Layer on some sliced jalapeños for a fiery surprise. This brings heat and a vibrant pop of color to your sliders.
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Sauce Swap: Experiment with barbecue sauce instead of buffalo sauce for a sweet twist that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
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Crunchy Toppings: Blanketed in creamy ranch, add sliced pickles for tang and crunch, making each slider even more irresistible.
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Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to the chicken filling for a burst of freshness that enhances the overall flavor. It’s a flavorful delight!
How to Store and Freeze Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. This helps keep the sliders moist and flavorful while allowing you to enjoy them again.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze assembled but unbaked sliders tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers in an oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or in an air fryer for a crispier finish. Ensure they’re heated through before serving.
Make-Ahead: Assemble your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders earlier in the day; storing them in the fridge allows for quick baking just before guests arrive!
Expert Tips for Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
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Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the sliders; removing them when the cheese is bubbly and the tops are golden ensures a soft interior without dryness.
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Hot Sauce Balance: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a smaller amount of Frank’s hot sauce. You can always add more to customize the spice level to your liking.
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Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use freshly cracked black pepper and homemade or high-quality ranch dressing, as they elevate the taste of these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders.
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Alternate Fillings: Have fun experimenting! Swap the chicken for shredded turkey or even a plant-based option for a different twist that’ll cater to various diets.
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Serve with Style: Offer a side of celery sticks and an extra bowl of ranch dressing to enhance the experience and add a refreshing crunch alongside your sliders.
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken is best to use for the sliders?
Absolutely! I recommend using shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor. It’s already cooked and packed with juicy goodness. You can also use leftover grilled or baked chicken if you have some on hand!
How should I store leftovers?
After your gathering, store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. I often reheat mine in a toaster oven to maintain that perfect texture!
Can I freeze the Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Yes, you can! I suggest wrapping the unbaked sliders tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for extra protection, so they don’t get freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake them, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
What’s the best way to reheat the sliders?
For reheating, I recommend placing the sliders in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. If you want them crispy, a quick toss in the air fryer works wonders too!
Are these sliders suitable for my gluten-free friends?
Very much so! Simply substitute the slider buns with gluten-free buns, and you’re all set for a delicious crowd-pleaser that everyone can enjoy. Plus, the flavor will remain top-notch!
What if I prefer a milder flavor?
If you’d like less heat, start with a smaller amount of Frank’s hot sauce. You can mix in more gradually until you reach your desired spice level. Feel free to use a different sauce altogether if you’re looking for a milder, sweeter option!
Irresistible Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders for Game Day Fun
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9x9 baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken with Frank's buffalo hot sauce, ranch dressing, salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Place the bottoms of the slider buns in the lined baking dish, and evenly distribute the spicy chicken mixture over the buns.
- Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese over the chicken filling and place the tops of the buns on each slider.
- Melt butter and combine it with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Brush this mixture over the tops of the buns.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the tops are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, cut the sliders into individual portions, and serve them warm.