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Buffalo chicken sliders are my go-to for game days, potlucks, and family movie nights when you need something easy that absolutely everyone will love. Rich, flavorful shredded chicken is tossed in tangy buffalo sauce and cozy ranch dressing, topped with lots of gooey cheese, and baked between buttery Hawaiian rolls for an irresistible, cheesy pull-apart treat. They come together quickly, are perfectly spicy for adults but kid-friendly, and never last long on the table.
My crowd always requests these during football season or when friends come to visit. They’re one of those recipes that makes the whole kitchen smell incredible and gets everyone hungry before you even serve.
Ingredients
- Shredded chicken: About three and a half cups. Use rotisserie for the tenderest result and easiest prep
- Buffalo sauce: Half a cup. Choose a quality sauce like Franks for that classic tangy heat
- Ranch dressing: Half a cup. Helps balance the spice and keeps the filling creamy. Go for a thick and tangy variety
- Honey: Two tablespoons. Adds a little sweetness that mellows the buffalo spice and creates perfect balance
- Garlic: Three cloves, minced. Use fresh for the best flavor and aroma
- Black pepper: Just a pinch. Freshly ground gives a gentle kick
- Mozzarella cheese: Two cups. Freshly grate your cheese for the best melt and texture
- Parmesan cheese: Half a cup. Adds sharpness and depth. Opt for a wedge and grate yourself
- King's Hawaiian rolls: One twelve-count package. Their subtle sweetness pairs perfectly with the spicy filling
- Butter: Four tablespoons, melted. Use real butter for a rich golden finish
- Italian seasoning: One teaspoon. A simple blend brings extra flavor to the roll tops
- Garlic salt: One teaspoon. Gives the tops of the sliders a savory punch
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven:
- Preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for an easy cleanup and nonstick surface
- Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling:
- In a medium bowl mix together the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, honey, minced garlic, and black pepper. Keep stirring until every piece of chicken is evenly coated and the mixture looks creamy and bright
- Slice the Rolls:
- Take a sharp bread knife and carefully slice the entire block of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Keep the rolls connected as one piece to make layering and serving easier. Place the bottom half, cut side up, on your prepared baking sheet
- Assemble the Filling and Cheeses:
- Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the rolls, reaching every corner. Now sprinkle the grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses generously so every bite is gooey and flavorful. You can alternate layers if you like—half the cheese first, then the chicken, then the rest of the cheese on top for maximum coverage
- Finish the Sandwich:
- Gently place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls over the cheese, pressing down slightly so everything holds together
- Prepare the Butter Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. Stir until everything is blended well. Use a pastry brush to coat the tops of the rolls with most of this buttery mix. Reserve a little for after baking to add shine and aroma
- Bake the Sliders:
- Cover the sliders loosely with aluminum foil to prevent overbrowning on top. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for fifteen to twenty minutes. This melts all the cheese and heats the filling all the way through
- Crisp the Tops:
- Uncover and continue baking for about five more minutes. The tops should turn golden brown and slightly crisp, which adds the perfect texture
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and give the tops a final brush with the reserved butter mixture. Let the sliders rest for three to five minutes before slicing through the seams of the rolls. Serve warm for that perfect cheesy pull
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My personal favorite part is the cheesy edges where the melted mozzarella meets that buttery golden roll top. My family gathers around the oven just to grab the first slice because everyone wants the extras that ooze out.
Storage Tips
Leftover sliders keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at three hundred and fifty degrees Fahrenheit until hot and the cheese is melted again for best results. You can freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in foil and pop them straight into the oven from frozen when you need a quick snack or lunch.
Ingredient Substitutions
No ranch dressing on hand? You can swap in blue cheese dressing for a little extra bite or try a Greek yogurt dressing for a tangier, creamy touch. If mozzarella is missing, you can use Monterey Jack or provolone for meltiness. For a different twist, replace some of the buffalo sauce with barbecue sauce for a smoky sweet version. Any dinner roll can substitute for Hawaiian rolls, but the soft sweetness is hard to beat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these warm out of the oven with extra ranch or blue cheese on the side for dipping. I love piling sliced celery and carrot sticks next to them for crunch and a classic buffalo pairing. If you are making a party spread, lay the sliders out on a platter and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a festive touch.
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Buffalo chicken sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties or family meals with a bold and cheesy touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How spicy are these sliders?
The spice is moderate, thanks to the buffalo sauce. You can use a milder or hotter buffalo sauce to adjust heat.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Assemble up to one day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best texture and flavor.
- → What can I use instead of ranch dressing?
Blue cheese dressing is a tasty swap for ranch, or try Greek yogurt mixed with herbs for a fresher profile.
- → How do I shred the chicken easily?
Use two forks or a hand mixer to quickly shred cooked rotisserie chicken for easy, even pieces.
- → Can these be reheated?
Yes, reheat in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until warm. This keeps the rolls soft and the cheese melty.
- → Are there gluten-free alternatives?
Use gluten-free slider buns and check your sauces and seasonings to ensure they're gluten-free as well.