Buffalo Chicken Sliders are little bites of spicy, tangy, and tender chicken all tucked into soft, fluffy slider buns. These sliders pack that classic Buffalo sauce kick, balanced by a bit of creamy ranch or blue cheese, and they’re perfect when you want a fun, flavorful snack or meal that’s easy to grab and share.
I love making these sliders for game day or casual get-togethers because they’re so quick to eat and always a crowd-pleaser. I usually shred the chicken after cooking it in that spicy Buffalo sauce to make sure every bite has that perfect saucy touch. Plus, adding a crisp celery stick or a little cool slaw always gives a nice crunch that I can’t get enough of!
One thing I’ve learned is that these sliders taste even better when served warm with some extra Buffalo sauce on the side. They’re great stacked on a tray for everyone to help themselves, and they disappear fast whenever I bring them out. If you like a little heat and big flavor without a lot of fuss, these Buffalo Chicken Sliders hit just the right spot every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Cooked and shredded chicken is the base here. I prefer poaching the chicken for extra tenderness, but rotisserie chicken works great if you want a shortcut. For a lighter option, use shredded turkey breast.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice for authentic Buffalo flavor. If you want less heat, mix the sauce with some melted butter or use a milder hot sauce. You can also make your own by combining hot sauce and butter.
Slider Buns: Soft buns like Hawaiian rolls are perfect because their slight sweetness balances the spicy chicken. If unavailable, small dinner rolls or even mini brioche buns are good alternatives.
Lettuce or Cabbage: Adding shredded iceberg lettuce or cabbage gives a refreshing crunch. I like cabbage for a bit of extra texture, but Romaine or even thinly sliced celery works well too.
Blue Cheese or Ranch Dressing: Either adds creamy coolness to balance the heat. If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, ranch dressing is a simple swap. You can also try a yogurt-based dressing for a lighter touch.
How Can I Make the Chicken Shredding and Saucing Process Easy and Mess-Free?
Shredding chicken after cooking ensures the Buffalo sauce coats every bite, but it can get messy if you’re not prepared. Here’s a smooth method:
- After cooking, let the chicken cool a bit. Then use two forks to pull the meat apart over a large bowl, so any juices stay contained.
- Once shredded, transfer the chicken directly into the bowl with Buffalo sauce for even mixing.
- Use a large spoon or tongs to toss gently, so the sauce coats each piece without splattering.
- If you want less mess during assembly, use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to buns, allowing extra sauce to stay behind.
This way, you’ll have juicy, saucy chicken ready for your sliders without sticky fingers or countertop splatters.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – I use it to toss the shredded chicken with sauce easily and evenly.
- Foil-wrapped baking sheet or oven-safe dish – for warming the buns without drying them out.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – to slice the buns smoothly and prepare any toppings.
- Serving platter or plate – to present your sliders so they’re easy to grab and look appealing.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use sliced jalapeños or pickled peppers for extra heat and crunch.
- Mix in cooked bacon bits or diced avocado for richer, creamier bites.
- Swap blue cheese dressing for a spicy ranch or a tangy aioli to change up the flavor profile.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for a fresh, herbal touch.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
For The Sliders:
- 8 slider buns (soft and slightly sweet, like Hawaiian rolls)
- 1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce or finely shredded cabbage
- 1/4 cup blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing
- Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley or chives for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare if the chicken is already cooked. Warming the buns adds about 5 minutes. Overall, you’ll have delicious Buffalo Chicken Sliders ready in about 15 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Toss the Chicken in Buffalo Sauce:
In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the Buffalo wing sauce. Stir well until every piece is coated with a nice spicy sauce.
2. Warm the Buns:
Wrap the slider buns in foil and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This makes the buns soft and warm, ready for assembling.
3. Assemble the Sliders:
Carefully slice each bun horizontally. On the bottom half of each bun, place a generous scoop of the Buffalo chicken.
Next, add a layer of shredded lettuce or cabbage on top of the chicken to add crunch and freshness.
Drizzle or spoon a bit of blue cheese or ranch dressing over the lettuce for creamy flavor.
Finally, cover with the top half of the bun.
4. Serve and Garnish:
Arrange the sliders on a serving plate. Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top if you like, for a splash of color and fresh taste.
Serve immediately with extra Buffalo sauce and dressing on the side, so everyone can add more if they want.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before cooking and shredding it. This helps keep the chicken tender and easy to shred for the sliders.
How Should I Store Leftover Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken filling separately in the microwave or on the stove, then assemble fresh sliders to keep buns from getting soggy.
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the shredded chicken and toss it in Buffalo sauce in advance, then refrigerate it. Warm the buns and assemble the sliders just before serving to keep everything fresh and tasty.
What Can I Substitute for Blue Cheese Dressing?
If you’re not a blue cheese fan, ranch dressing is a great alternative that still provides creamy flavor. You could also try a mild yogurt-based dressing or even a simple mayo mixed with a little lemon juice and garlic.
