Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food, combining tender shredded chicken, bold buffalo sauce, gooey melted cheese, and soft buttery buns in one irresistible bite. Whether you are hosting game day, planning a party, or craving an easy dinner that delivers big flavor, these sliders never disappoint.
These sliders are spicy, cheesy, and perfectly balanced with buttery bread. They are easy to assemble, quick to bake, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Best of all, they are endlessly customizable and ideal for feeding a hungry crowd.
This recipe walks you through everything you need to know—from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to expert tips, variations, storage, and serving ideas—so you can make the best Buffalo Chicken Sliders every single time.
Why You’ll Love These Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Buffalo Chicken Sliders check every box for a go-to recipe. They are bold, comforting, and incredibly satisfying.
First, they are incredibly easy to make. You can use cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or leftovers. Assembly takes minutes, and the oven does the rest.
Second, the flavor is unbeatable. The tangy heat of buffalo sauce pairs perfectly with melty cheese and soft buns. Every bite is rich, savory, and crave-worthy.
Third, they are perfect for any occasion. Serve them for game day, parties, potlucks, family dinners, or casual gatherings. They work just as well as a main dish or an appetizer.
Finally, they are highly customizable. You can adjust the spice level, change the cheese, add toppings, or make them milder for kids.
Once you make these sliders, they will quickly become a regular on your menu.
What Are Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Buffalo Chicken Sliders are mini sandwiches made with shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, layered with cheese, and baked inside soft slider buns. They are typically brushed with butter and herbs before baking, which adds flavor and helps the tops turn golden and glossy.
The inspiration comes from classic buffalo wings, but sliders offer a less messy and more filling alternative. Instead of wings, you get juicy chicken packed into soft bread with cheese that melts into every crevice.
Because they are baked as a group and pulled apart, they are perfect for sharing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Each one plays an important role in building flavor and texture.
Slider Buns
Soft slider rolls are essential. Hawaiian rolls work beautifully because they are slightly sweet and ultra-soft, which balances the spicy buffalo sauce.
Chicken
Cooked chicken breast works best. You can use shredded baked chicken, poached chicken, or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Buffalo Sauce
Choose your favorite buffalo sauce. Use mild, medium, or hot depending on your spice preference. The sauce should be tangy and buttery.
Cheese
Mozzarella or provolone melts beautifully and creates that irresistible cheese pull. You can also mix cheeses for extra flavor.
Butter
Melted butter brushed over the buns adds richness and helps them brown evenly.
Seasonings
Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper enhance the overall flavor without overpowering the buffalo sauce.
Fresh Herbs
Parsley or chives add freshness and color. They also balance the richness of the sliders.
Optional Add-Ins
Ranch or blue cheese dressing, sliced pickles, or thinly sliced onions can be added for extra flavor and texture.
Ingredients: Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Sliders
- 12 slider buns (Hawaiian or soft dinner rolls)
≈ 340 g total - 2½ cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
≈ 375 g - ¾ cup buffalo sauce
≈ 180 ml - 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
≈ 170 g
Butter Topping
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
≈ 57 g - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
≈ 1.5 g - ½ teaspoon onion powder
≈ 1.5 g - ¼ teaspoon fine salt
≈ 1.25 g - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
≈ 0.6 g - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped
≈ 5 g
Optional Add-Ins (Highly Recommended)
- ¼ cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
≈ 60 ml - ¼ cup sliced pickles or thinly sliced red onion
≈ 30 g - ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for extra heat)
≈ 0.5 g
For Serving (Optional)
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
- Extra ranch or blue cheese dressing
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders
These sliders come together quickly and easily. The process is simple and foolproof.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Place it in a bowl and pour in the buffalo sauce. Toss until every piece is evenly coated. The chicken should look juicy and vibrant.
Step 2: Prepare the Buns
Slice the slider buns horizontally without separating them individually. Place the bottom half of the buns in a baking dish or on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
Spread the buffalo chicken evenly over the buns. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the chicken, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Step 4: Add the Tops
Place the top half of the buns over the cheese. Press gently to help everything hold together.
Step 5: Butter the Buns
Brush the tops with melted butter. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and herbs.
Step 6: Bake
Bake until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown. Let the sliders rest briefly, then pull them apart and serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Sliders
A few simple tips can take your sliders from good to unforgettable.
Use freshly shredded cheese whenever possible. Pre-shredded cheese does not melt as smoothly.
Do not over-sauce the chicken. You want it coated, not swimming. Too much sauce can make the buns soggy.
Cover the sliders loosely with foil during the first part of baking if the tops brown too quickly.
Let the sliders rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set slightly and makes them easier to serve.
Spice Level Adjustments
Buffalo Chicken Sliders are easy to customize for heat.
For mild sliders, use mild buffalo sauce and mix it with a little melted butter or ranch dressing.
For medium heat, use classic buffalo sauce as written.
For extra spicy sliders, add hot buffalo sauce, cayenne pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes.
Always taste the chicken mixture before assembling to adjust seasoning.
Cheese Options and Variations
Cheese plays a big role in these sliders, and there are plenty of options.
Mozzarella provides a mild flavor and excellent melt.
Provolone adds a slightly sharper taste.
Cheddar brings bold flavor and color.
Pepper jack adds extra heat.
A combination of cheeses creates depth and richness.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders Variations
This recipe is a great base for creative twists.
Ranch Buffalo Sliders
Drizzle ranch dressing over the chicken before adding the cheese.
Blue Cheese Sliders
Crumble blue cheese over the buffalo chicken for classic buffalo flavor.
Crispy Buffalo Sliders
Top the chicken with crushed crackers or fried onions before baking.
BBQ Buffalo Sliders
Mix buffalo sauce with barbecue sauce for a smoky twist.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Pickles
Add sliced pickles for tang and crunch.
Make-Ahead and Party Prep Tips
Buffalo Chicken Sliders are perfect for entertaining because they are easy to prep ahead.
You can assemble the sliders completely, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
You can also prepare the buffalo chicken mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
When ready to bake, let the sliders sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, then bake as directed.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftover sliders store well and reheat beautifully.
Store cooled sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
For best results, reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the buns from getting soggy.
Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread rubbery.
How to Freeze Buffalo Chicken Sliders
These sliders can be frozen for later.
Wrap baked or unbaked sliders tightly in foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
Freeze for up to two months.
Bake frozen sliders covered until heated through, then uncover to crisp the tops.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Sliders
These sliders pair well with a variety of sides.
Classic options include celery sticks, carrot sticks, and ranch or blue cheese dip.
For heartier meals, serve with fries, potato wedges, or coleslaw.
For lighter options, pair with a simple salad or roasted vegetables.
They also work well alongside other party foods like nachos, wings, or dips.
Game Day and Party Favorite
Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a game-day classic for a reason.
They are easy to eat, easy to share, and packed with flavor.
They stay warm well, making them ideal for serving over time.
Guests can grab one or two without committing to a full plate.
They fit perfectly on appetizer tables and snack spreads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes. Assemble ahead and bake when ready.
Can I make them less spicy?
Yes. Use mild buffalo sauce or mix it with ranch.
What buns work best?
Soft slider buns or Hawaiian rolls work best.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free slider buns.
Why These Buffalo Chicken Sliders Always Work
This recipe is reliable, flexible, and universally loved.
The balance of heat, cheese, and buttery bread keeps people coming back for more.
The texture combination is unbeatable—soft buns, juicy chicken, and melty cheese.
The presentation is impressive, yet the effort is minimal.
They are comfort food at its best.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Sliders are one of those recipes that never go out of style. They are bold, cheesy, and comforting, yet simple enough for any home cook to master.
Whether you are making them for a party, game day, or an easy dinner, these sliders deliver every time. Once you serve them, expect requests for the recipe and empty trays within minutes.
If you are looking for a guaranteed hit, Buffalo Chicken Sliders are always the right choice.
