Buffalo Chicken Sliders: The Perfect Game Day Appetizer
Buffalo chicken sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines the bold, tangy flavors of buffalo sauce with tender shredded chicken, all nestled between soft slider buns. These bite-sized sandwiches are perfect for game day parties, family gatherings, or any time you want to serve something delicious that everyone will love.
These mini sandwiches pack all the flavor of traditional buffalo chicken wings but in a more convenient, less messy format. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, these sliders deliver maximum taste with minimal effort.
What Makes Buffalo Chicken Sliders Special
Buffalo chicken sliders offer the perfect balance of spicy buffalo flavor, creamy textures, and satisfying bread. Unlike traditional wings, sliders are easier to eat and serve, making them ideal for entertaining.
The combination of tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and cool ranch or blue cheese creates a flavor profile that keeps people coming back for more.
These handheld appetizers are also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the heat level, add different toppings, or even make them ahead of time for easy party planning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Buffalo Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (divided)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Assembly
- 12 slider buns or dinner rolls
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 large tomato, sliced thin
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Pickles
- Avocado slices
- Extra buffalo sauce
- Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and shred: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then shred it using two forks or your hands.
- Add buffalo sauce: Mix the shredded chicken with 3/4 cup of buffalo sauce until well coated. Set aside.
Making the Creamy Spread
- Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and chopped chives until smooth.
- Season to taste: Add a pinch of salt and pepper if needed.
Assembling the Sliders
- Prepare the buns: Slice the slider buns in half horizontally. Lightly toast them if desired.
- Spread the base: Apply a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture to the bottom half of each bun.
- Add the chicken: Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture evenly onto each bottom bun.
- Layer the toppings: Add lettuce, tomato slices, and red onion if using.
- Top it off: Place the top bun on each slider and gently press down.
Cooking Methods and Variations
Slow Cooker Method
For an even easier approach, you can make the buffalo chicken in a slow cooker:
- Place seasoned chicken in the slow cooker
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours
- Shred the chicken and mix with buffalo sauce
- Keep warm until ready to serve
Baked Version
To make baked buffalo chicken sliders:
- Assemble the sliders completely
- Place them in a baking dish
- Brush the tops with melted butter
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through
Grilled Chicken Option
For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken breasts over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side before shredding and mixing with buffalo sauce.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
Buffalo chicken sliders pair wonderfully with classic game day foods and fresh sides:
- Crispy sides: French fries, onion rings, or potato chips
- Fresh options: Coleslaw, cucumber salad, or veggie sticks with ranch
- Comfort foods: Mac and cheese, baked beans, or corn on the cob
- Beverages: Cold beer, lemonade, or iced tea
Consider serving these sliders alongside other party appetizers like mozzarella sticks, jalapeño poppers, or a veggie tray for a complete spread.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storing Leftovers
- Store leftover buffalo chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Keep assembled sliders wrapped individually for up to 2 days
- Reheat chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of buffalo sauce
Make-Ahead Options
- Prepare the buffalo chicken up to 2 days in advance
- Make the cream cheese spread 1 day ahead
- Assemble sliders up to 4 hours before serving (store covered in refrigerator)
Freezing Instructions
- Freeze cooked buffalo chicken for up to 3 months
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating
- Add fresh buffalo sauce when reheating to restore moisture
Customization Ideas
Make these buffalo chicken sandwiches your own with these variations:
- Heat level: Use mild, medium, or hot buffalo sauce based on preference
- Cheese additions: Add provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack cheese
- Vegetable swaps: Try spinach instead of lettuce or add bell peppers
- Sauce alternatives: Mix buffalo sauce with honey for a sweet heat option
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe. Simply remove the skin, shred the meat, and mix with buffalo sauce. You’ll need about 3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken.
How spicy are buffalo chicken sliders?
The spice level depends on your buffalo sauce choice. Most commercial buffalo sauces are moderately spicy, but you can control the heat by using mild sauce or mixing buffalo sauce with ranch dressing.
Can I make these sliders gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute regular slider buns with gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
How many sliders does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 12 sliders, perfect for serving 4-6 people as a main dish or 8-12 people as an appetizer.
Can I prepare these for a large crowd?
Yes! This recipe doubles or triples easily. For large groups, consider using a slow cooker to keep the buffalo chicken warm throughout your event.
What’s the best buffalo sauce to use?
Popular choices include Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce, Sweet Baby Ray’s Buffalo Wing Sauce, or homemade buffalo sauce made with hot sauce and melted butter.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Buffalo chicken sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines bold, tangy buffalo sauce flavors with tender shredded chicken, all nestled between soft slider buns. These bite-sized sandwiches are perfect for game day parties, family gatherings, or any time you want something delicious that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Buffalo Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 12 slider buns or dinner rolls
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 large tomato, sliced thin
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Optional Toppings:
- Pickles
- Avocado slices
- Extra buffalo sauce
- Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then shred it using two forks or your hands.
- Mix the shredded chicken with 3/4 cup of buffalo sauce until well coated. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and chopped chives until smooth. Season with salt and pepper if needed.
- Slice the slider buns in half horizontally. Lightly toast them if desired.
- Apply a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture to the bottom half of each bun.
- Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture evenly onto each bottom bun.
- Add lettuce, tomato slices, and red onion if using.
- Place the top bun on each slider and gently press down.
Notes
- For slow cooker method: Cook seasoned chicken on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours, then shred and mix with buffalo sauce.
- Can substitute with 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Buffalo chicken can be prepared up to 2 days in advance.
- Recipe easily doubles or triples for large crowds.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 385Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 98mgSodium: 941mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 3gSugar: 4gProtein: 33g
The nutrition information provided is an estimate calculated using an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Exact values may vary depending on ingredient brands, measurements, preparation methods, and portion sizes. For the most accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or use your own preferred nutrition calculator.
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