Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Blue Cheese Slaw

This Buffalo Chicken Sliders recipe is an easy, flavorful dish that works equally well as a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer. The tangy buffalo chicken pairs perfectly with sweet Hawaiian rolls for a crowd-pleasing bite.

Is Buffalo Chicken spicy?

Buffalo chicken gets its heat from buffalo sauce, which shares ingredients with hot sauce—mainly vinegar and cayenne pepper—but also contains butter. That butter gives buffalo sauce a richer, smoother texture and mellows the sharpness you find in plain hot sauce.

Because cayenne pepper is a key ingredient, buffalo sauce does have heat. However, many bottled varieties range from mild to very hot, so you can choose a sauce to match your preference. You can also control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of sauce used in the recipe.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need. Quantities are given in the full recipe below.

• Cooked chicken – Any cooked, shredded chicken works: rotisserie, leftover roasted chicken, or shredded slow-cooker chicken.
• Cream cheese – Melted, to bind and thicken the filling.
• Buffalo sauce – Choose mild or hot depending on how spicy you want the sliders.
• Ranch dressing – Adds creaminess and flavor to the filling.
• Hawaiian rolls – Sweet, soft rolls work best; separate bottoms to make serving easier.
• Mozzarella cheese – Melts nicely and complements the buffalo flavor.
• Unsalted butter – Melted and brushed on top for a golden finish.
• Parsley – Optional garnish to brighten the presentation.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders

You’ll need a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, mixing bowls, a spatula, and a brush for the butter. Follow these streamlined steps for fast prep and reliable results.

Make the creamy sauce

In a large bowl, whisk melted cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing until smooth and lump-free. A silky sauce gives the best texture for the chicken filling.

Add the Chicken

Toss shredded chicken in the buffalo sauce mixture until thoroughly coated. Use a rotisserie chicken for convenience or prepare shredded chicken ahead of time for meal prep.

Slice the Rolls

Slice the package of rolls in half horizontally. Arrange the bottom halves in a greased 9×13 baking dish, keeping them together if you prefer to bake all 12 sliders at once. Separating the bottoms into individual pieces makes serving neater.

Add the Buffalo Chicken and Cheese

Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns, taking the filling to the edges so each slider is filled. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the filling, then place the roll tops back on.

Brush with Butter

Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with parsley. For an extra savory finish, add a light dusting of grated Parmesan before baking.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake 5 more minutes to brown the tops. Remove, let cool briefly, slice, and serve.

Serve

These sliders are ideal for a party spread or as part of a casual meal. Serve them alongside fries, roasted vegetables, or air-fried veggies for a complete plate. They also pair well with a variety of appetizers on the buffet table.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to one day; beyond that the rolls can become soggy. Reheat in the microwave in short increments until warm, or reheat covered in a low oven to preserve texture.

Tips and Tricks:

• Sara Lee Hawaiian buns hold up well to the moisture of these sliders, but any soft, slightly sweet roll will work.
• Separating the bottom buns before adding the filling makes serving much easier and cleaner.
• Substitute different cheeses—pepper jack, cheddar, or crumbled blue cheese—for varied flavor profiles.
• Use a rotisserie chicken to save time, or prepare shredded chicken in a slow cooker for meal prep.

Buffalo Chicken Sliders FAQ

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