Delicious Homemade Buffalo Chicken Sliders

If you’re looking for a game day snack that will have your guests reaching for seconds before finishing their first, look no further than these mouthwatering Buffalo Chicken Sliders. These sliders are the epitome of kitchen magic – tender shredded rotisserie chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, cooled down with creamy ranch dressing, and topped with a blanket of gooey melted cheese, all nestled in sweet King’s Hawaiian Rolls. The result? A flavor explosion that will have even the most sophisticated foodies begging for more.

The beauty of these Buffalo Chicken Sliders lies in their simplicity and big flavor payoff. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a tray of these sliders ready to impress your guests, allowing you to actually enjoy the game instead of being stuck in the kitchen. With the perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and creamy flavors, these sliders are a crowd-pleaser that combines the best of comfort food and party snacks. So whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or craving a satisfying snack, these Buffalo Chicken Sliders are sure to be a hit every time.

Quick Benefits

• Time-saving: Rotisserie chicken cuts down on prep time and effort, providing flavorful shredded meat in minutes.
• Bold flavors: The combination of buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and melty cheese creates a perfect balance of tangy heat, creamy richness, and deep umami.
• Versatile: Easy to customize with different cheese variations, sauce adaptations, and protein substitutions to suit various tastes and dietary preferences.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare components in advance and assemble just before baking for convenient party prep or quick lunches.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Homemade Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for entertaining without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Addictive Flavor: The combination of spicy buffalo chicken, cool ranch, and melty cheese in sweet Hawaiian rolls creates a flavor explosion that keeps guests coming back for more.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by even those who typically prefer sophisticated foods, these sliders will have your guests reaching for seconds and asking for the recipe.
• Time-Saving: Using rotisserie chicken shreds quickly and adds a depth of flavor that boiled chicken lacks.
• Balanced Heat: The buffalo sauce provides the perfect tangy heat without overwhelming less adventurous eaters.
• Unexpected Twist: The addition of honey balances the tangy buffalo sauce, adding a hint of sweetness and creating caramelization for extra depth of flavor.
• Versatile: Customize with different cheeses, sauces, or protein substitutions to suit various preferences and dietary needs.
• Make-Ahead: Prep ahead by storing the chicken mixture or assembled sliders in the fridge until ready to bake, perfect for stress-free party planning.
• Perfect Pairings: Serve with crunchy celery and carrot sticks, kettle-cooked potato chips, or a side of coleslaw dressed with ranch for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Effortless Entertaining: These sliders are substantial enough for casual gatherings where guests are mingling, offering maximum flavor with minimal kitchen time.

Ingredients for Delicious Homemade Buffalo Chicken Sliders

For the Buffalo Chicken Filling

• ½ cup ranch dressing
• 3½ cups shredded chicken (from a rotisserie chicken)
• ½ cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Pinch of black pepper

For the Cheese Layer

• 2 cups low-moisture mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

For the Sliders

• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 12 count package King’s Hawaiian Rolls
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

How to Make Delicious Homemade Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Preheat and prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the buffalo chicken mixture

Combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, honey, minced garlic, and black pepper in a medium mixing bowl. Stir until chicken is evenly coated with the sauce mixture.

Step 3: Prepare the rolls

Slice the entire package of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally using a large bread knife, keeping the rolls connected. Place the bottom half of the rolls on the baking sheet with the cut side facing up.

Step 4: Layer the filling

Evenly spread the buffalo chicken mixture on the bottom half of the rolls, ensuring it covers the edges. Sprinkle freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the chicken layer. Optionally, layer cheese, chicken, and more cheese for better chicken “locking.”

Step 5: Add the top of the rolls

Lay the top halves of the rolls over the cheese layer to assemble a sandwich. Gently press down to slightly compress the layers.

Step 6: Prepare the garlic butter topping

Combine melted butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt in a small bowl. Stir to mix. Brush most of the mixture over the tops of the rolls using a pastry brush, saving a little for after baking.

Step 7: Bake covered

Tent aluminum foil over the sliders to prevent burning. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and filling is hot.

Step 8: Bake uncovered

Uncover and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and crispy.

Step 9: Finish and serve

Take out of the oven and brush the tops with the leftover butter mixture. Let the sliders cool for 3-5 minutes, then cut along the seams of the rolls to make 12 sliders. Serve warm and gooey.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the Buffalo Chicken Sliders, it is important to store any leftovers properly to maintain their quality. Leftover sliders can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To store them, wrap each slider individually in foil and then place them in an airtight container. This method helps preserve their freshness and prevents them from drying out in the fridge.

When you are ready to enjoy the leftover sliders, it is best to reheat them in the oven rather than the microwave. Preheat your oven to 325°F and reheat the sliders for about 10-15 minutes until they are warmed through. Reheating them in the oven helps retain the soft texture of the rolls and ensures they are just as delicious as when they were freshly baked. By following these storage and reheating techniques, you can continue to enjoy these flavorful sliders even after your gathering is over.

Ingredient Substitutions

For those looking to make adjustments to the recipe, consider some ingredient substitutions to cater to different preferences or dietary needs. If you prefer a milder heat level, you can swap the buffalo sauce for a milder hot sauce or even barbecue sauce to create a different flavor profile while still maintaining the saucy texture. Additionally, if you have dietary restrictions or preferences, you can substitute the shredded chicken with cooked and shredded turkey, pulled pork, or even a plant-based protein like chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

Cheese variations can significantly alter the flavor profile of the sliders. Experiment with different types of cheese such as blue cheese crumbles mixed with mozzarella for an authentic buffalo wing flavor, or pepper jack for an extra kick of heat. You can also try different cheeses like cheddar or Swiss to create a unique twist on the classic recipe. These substitutions allow you to customize the sliders to suit your taste preferences or dietary requirements while still enjoying the delicious combination of flavors and textures.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive serving suggestion, set up a DIY slider bar at your next gathering. Arrange bowls of additional toppings like blue cheese crumbles, sliced jalapenos, and crispy bacon for guests to customize their buffalo chicken sliders to their liking. Encourage guests to mix and match different cheeses, sauces, and proteins for a personalized slider experience that will keep them coming back for more.

To elevate your buffalo chicken sliders for a special occasion, serve them on a wooden board or rustic platter garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. Pair the sliders with a side of tangy coleslaw drizzled with ranch dressing and a selection of local craft beers or homemade cocktails to create a memorable and delicious spread that will impress even the most discerning foodies at your gathering.

FAQs for Delicious Homemade Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Question?

Why use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?

Answer:

Rotisserie chicken saves time and effort while providing tender, flavorful meat that shreds beautifully. The slight roasted flavor adds depth beyond what plain boiled chicken could offer.

Question?

Can I make these buffalo chicken sliders ahead of time?

Answer:

Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture up to two days ahead and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and bake. You can also assemble the sliders up to 4 hours before baking, cover tightly, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Question?

What are some cheese variations I can try with these sliders?

Answer:

You can try adding blue cheese crumbles for an authentic buffalo wing flavor, using pepper jack for extra heat, or blending BBQ sauce with buffalo sauce for a sweeter heat profile. These variations can transform the flavor experience of the sliders.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a winning game day snack that never fails to impress a crowd. The perfect combination of spicy buffalo chicken, creamy ranch, and melty cheese nestled in sweet Hawaiian rolls is a flavor explosion that will keep everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a quick and delicious meal, these sliders are sure to satisfy.

So next time you’re in need of a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and impossible to resist, look no further than these Buffalo Chicken Sliders. With their simple yet bold flavors, they are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Don’t be surprised if they become your most requested recipe, just like they have for me. Enjoy making and sharing these sliders with your friends and family – they’re sure to become a new favorite!