Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

If you’re looking for a recipe that brings everyone together, you’ve found it! These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a delightful treat that works for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or anytime you want to impress your friends and family with minimal effort. The combination of tender shredded chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and gooey cheese all nestled in fluffy slider buns makes these sliders not just delicious but also incredibly comforting.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up. You don’t have to be a gourmet chef to create something that feels special. Plus, they are the kind of dish that gets people talking and coming back for seconds—there’s just something about those spicy flavors that makes them irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these sliders ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves sliders! They’re perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make Ahead: Prep them in advance for easy entertaining or meal prep during the week.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that will have your taste buds dancing.
• Versatile: Enjoy them as an appetizer or make them the star of your main course!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These spicy buffalo chicken sliders come together using simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather what we need!

For the Sliders

• 9 pack slider buns
• 1 1/2 cups shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup Frank’s buffalo hot sauce
• 2 Tbsp ranch dressing
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp paprika
• 1 cup shredded cheese

For the Topping

• 2 Tbsp butter
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp Italian seasoning

Variations

One of the best things about these sliders is their flexibility! Feel free to get creative based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Use shredded turkey or cooked tofu for a different twist!
• Add some veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or green onions for extra crunch and flavor.
• Switch up the sauce: Try a different hot sauce or even barbecue sauce for a sweeter barbecue flavor.
• Make it cheesy: Add more cheese or try a different variety like pepper jack for some extra heat!

How to Make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This step is crucial because it ensures that your sliders bake evenly and come out perfectly cheesy and golden.

Step 2: Mix Up the Filling

In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Frank’s hot sauce, ranch dressing, salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mixing these ingredients together really melds those spicy flavors with the creamy ranch—trust me; this step makes all the difference!

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

Place the bottom halves of your slider buns in a lined baking sheet. Divide your delicious chicken filling equally among all the buns. Then top with shredded cheese before placing the tops back on. This layering creates an irresistible cheesy goodness once baked.

Step 4: Brush with Butter

In a small bowl, melt some butter and mix in garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Brush this mixture over the tops of your buns. This adds flavor and helps achieve that lovely golden color while baking.

Step 5: Bake Them Up

Cover your baking sheet with foil and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes. After that time, remove the foil and let them bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until they are lightly golden and bubbly on top. This step allows all those flavors to meld beautifully into each other while ensuring that cheese melts perfectly.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Once done baking, cut them into individual sliders and serve immediately! They’re best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while they’re still warm and gooey—perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). Enjoy with your favorite sides or dipping sauces!

Pro Tips for Making Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

These sliders are easy to prepare and perfect for any gathering, but a few tips can take them from good to unforgettable!

• Use rotisserie chicken – This saves time and adds incredible flavor. The pre-cooked chicken is tender and perfectly seasoned, making your preparation even quicker.
• Adjust the heat – If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of hot sauce or mix in a little more ranch dressing. This way, you can customize the spice level to suit everyone’s taste buds.
• Opt for fresh buns – Soft, fresh slider buns will elevate your dish. Look for those that are slightly sweet and fluffy; they’ll soak up the flavors beautifully without falling apart.
• Experiment with cheeses – While shredded cheese works great, consider trying blue cheese or pepper jack for an extra kick. These alternatives can add depth and richness to each bite.
• Serve immediately – Sliders are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they’re warm and cheesy. Setting them out right away ensures that every guest gets to experience their gooey goodness at its peak.

How to Serve Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Serving these spicy buffalo chicken sliders can be just as fun as making them! Here are some ideas to present this delicious dish that will surely impress your guests.

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions – A sprinkle of fresh green onions adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the spicy filling perfectly.
• Crumbled blue cheese – For an extra touch of indulgence, top your sliders with crumbled blue cheese. Its creamy texture pairs wonderfully with the spiciness!

Side Dishes

• Celery sticks with ranch dip – Classic buffalo chicken pairings! Crisp celery sticks provide a refreshing crunch while the cool ranch dip balances out the heat of the sliders.
• Sweet potato fries – These flavorful fries add a hint of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the spicy sliders. Plus, they are a healthier alternative to regular fries!
• Crispy garden salad – A light garden salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers offers a refreshing side that helps cut through the richness of the sliders.
• Pickle spears – Adding tangy pickle spears is a simple yet effective way to enhance flavor. Their acidity complements the richness of the buffalo sauce perfectly.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders will be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy every scrumptious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious flavors throughout the week while saving time. Here’s how you can store and enjoy them later!

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover sliders in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.

Freezing

• Assemble the sliders but do not bake them if you plan to freeze.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Reheating

• For refrigerated sliders, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• For frozen sliders, bake directly from frozen for about 20-25 minutes, covering with foil initially and then removing it for the last few minutes to crisp up the buns.

FAQs

Have some questions? Here are answers to common inquiries about these delicious sliders!

Can I make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them a day in advance and bake them right before serving. Just store the unbaked sliders covered in the refrigerator overnight.

What sides pair well with Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders?

These sliders go great with veggie sticks, potato wedges, or a fresh salad. They’re also fantastic alongside some creamy coleslaw!

How can I make these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders healthier?

Consider using whole grain slider buns and reducing the amount of cheese or ranch dressing. You can also add extra veggies into the chicken mixture for added nutrition.

Can I use other types of chicken?

Absolutely! Feel free to use rotisserie chicken or even shredded turkey if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders as much as I do! They’re not only packed with flavor but also easy to whip up for gatherings or a cozy night in. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them during a quiet evening at home, they are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy cooking, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences with this delightful recipe!