Name: Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups shredded chicken (Preferably from a rotisserie chicken); 0.5 cups Frank's Buffalo hot sauce (For spice); 2 tablespoons ranch dressing (For creaminess); 0.5 teaspoons salt; 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper; 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder; 0.25 teaspoons paprika; 1 cups shredded cheese (For topping); 9 pieces slider buns; 2 tablespoons butter (For brushing on the buns); 1 teaspoons garlic powder (For the butter mixture); 1 teaspoons Italian seasoning (For the butter mixture)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Where Spicy Meets Comfort: My Favorite Buffalo Chicken Sliders

You know, sometimes you stumble upon a recipe that just clicks. For me, it was the Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders. You have the fiery tang of Buffalo sauce harmonizing with tender shredded chicken, all nestled between warm, fluffy slider buns. Every bit is a flavor explosion that makes me crave them again and again. I often whip these up for game nights, gatherings, or even just a cozy night in, and they never fail to impress. So, let me share how I bring this tasty delight to life in my own kitchen.

Getting Started with the Essentials

First things first: preparation is critical. You want everything to be ready so you can simply meld those glorious flavors together. So, I start by preheating my oven to 350°F. If you have a baking sheet or casserole dish handy, line it with parchment paper—trust me, it makes cleanup a whole lot easier later on.

Now, the real magic happens when you gather your ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need some basics but trust me, they create a phenomenal taste. Here’s what you’re going to use: 1 ½ cups of shredded chicken, which I usually snag from a rotisserie bird—because who has time to boil chicken on a crazy weeknight? Along with that chicken, you’ll need ½ cup of Frank’s Buffalo hot sauce to bring that spicy punch, and 2 tablespoons of ranch dressing for a creamy balance. Don’t forget a pinch of salt (½ teaspoon), some ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon), garlic powder (½ teaspoon), and a smidge of paprika (¼ teaspoon). And of course, cheese—1 cup of shredded cheese to top it all off, plus a couple of tablespoons of butter and some more garlic and Italian seasoning to give the buns the love they deserve.

Mixing It All Together

Once you have everything prepped, grab a mixing bowl and start combining those ingredients. Toss the shredded chicken into the bowl and drizzle in the hot sauce and ranch dressing. Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. The aroma is seriously intoxicating! Mix it all until the chicken is well-coated, and you can just feel the excitement building.

Building the Sliders

Now, let’s talk buns! I’ve found that a 9-pack of slider buns works perfectly for this recipe. Place the bottom halves into your lined baking sheet—this is where all that tasty filling is going to shine. Divide the chicken mixture evenly among the buns, making sure each one gets a hearty scoop of that spicy goodness. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of cheese over each slider before topping them with the top halves of the buns. Honestly, how could you resist?

A Quick Brush of Flavor

Here’s where I like to add a little extra touch. In a small bowl, melt a couple of tablespoons of butter, and mix in more garlic powder and a dash of Italian seasoning. This mixture is your secret weapon; brush it over the top of those buns with a pastry brush. It gives them a gorgeous golden hue as they bake and infuses even more flavor.

Baking to Glory

Cover the entire baking sheet with foil and pop it in the oven. It bakes at 350°F for about 15 minutes—just enough time for the cheese to melt and those buns to get beautifully warm. After the initial bake, I like to remove the foil and let them go back in for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for a lightly golden color and that intoxicating melty cheesiness. When they come out, the smell fills the kitchen, and it’s all I can do not to dive right in.

The Final Touch

As you pull them out of the oven, take a moment to admire your handiwork. Slice them up (if you can wait), and serve them hot! They pair beautifully with classic sides like celery and carrot sticks, or even a cooling ranch dip on the side. You could also whip up some homemade potato wedges for a more substantial meal.

Storage and Leftover Love

Now, if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which is rare but possible!), these sliders store quite well. Just keep them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll be good for about 2-3 days. I sometimes find that they actually taste even better the next day when all those flavors have had a chance to meld together—if that’s even possible!

Tips and Tricks from My Kitchen

Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that could take these sliders from good to great. For instance, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, switch up the cheese; a pepper jack adds a delightful kick. You can also adjust the heat by adding more or less hot sauce to tailor it to your preference. And if you want to make this dish vegetarian, shredded jackfruit can make a fabulous substitute for chicken.

Closing Thoughts

So there you have it, my go-to Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders. The ease of making them along with the robust flavors make this dish a constant favorite in my home. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a lively game night with friends, these sliders always deliver a memorable experience. Try them yourself and get ready for an addictive combination of spice and comfort. Trust me, you won’t regret it!