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This hearty buffalo chicken slider recipe has been my party go-to for years. They're the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and cheesy goodness all nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls. The garlic herb butter takes them to the next level, creating sliders that disappear faster than I can serve them.
I first made these sliders for a last minute Super Bowl party and they were such a hit that now my friends specifically request them for every gathering. The combination of buffalo sauce with cooling ranch creates that perfect flavor balance that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- For the Buffalo Chicken Filling Shredded rotisserie chicken provides a convenient shortcut with tender meat that soaks up all the flavors
- Buffalo sauce brings the signature spicy kick look for Franks RedHot for authentic flavor
- Ranch dressing cools the heat while adding creaminess
- Honey balances the spice with a touch of sweetness
- Minced garlic adds depth choose fresh cloves for the best flavor
- Black pepper enhances all the flavors
- For the Cheese Layer Freshly grated mozzarella melts perfectly and creates that irresistible cheese pull
- Parmesan cheese adds a sharp nutty flavor that complements the buffalo sauce
- For the Sliders Kings Hawaiian Rolls provide the perfect sweet soft base for these sliders
- Melted butter creates a golden crispy exterior
- Italian seasoning adds herbaceous notes
- Garlic salt enhances the savory quality of the butter topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
- Preheat your oven to exactly 350°F for even baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper making sure to cover the entire surface to prevent any cheese from sticking and burning. This step saves significant cleanup time later.
- Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling
- Combine your shredded chicken with buffalo sauce ranch dressing honey minced garlic and black pepper in a medium bowl. Use a fork to thoroughly mix ensuring every piece of chicken is coated evenly with sauce. The mixture should be moist but not runny taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Prepare the Hawaiian Rolls
- Using a large serrated knife cut the entire package of rolls horizontally keeping them connected. This technique ensures even portions and makes assembly much easier. Place the bottom half cut side up on your prepared baking sheet.
- Layer the Ingredients
- Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly across the bottom half of rolls making sure to reach the edges for flavor in every bite. Distribute the freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the chicken layer. For maximum stability consider adding some cheese first then chicken then the remaining cheese which helps lock everything in place.
- Assemble the Sliders
- Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese layer and press down gently to compact everything. The slight pressure helps meld the flavors and creates a more stable slider.
- Prepare and Apply the Butter Topping
- Mix melted butter Italian seasoning and garlic salt in a small bowl until well combined. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the tops of the rolls saving a small amount for after baking. This butter mixture creates that irresistible golden crispy top.
- Initial Baking Phase
- Cover the sliders with aluminum foil creating a loose tent that prevents the tops from burning. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until you can see the cheese has melted completely and the filling is hot throughout.
- Final Baking for Color
- Remove the foil and continue baking for 5 more minutes watching carefully until the tops turn a beautiful golden brown. This uncovered baking creates that perfect crispy exterior that contrasts with the soft interior.
- Finishing Touches
- Brush the remaining butter mixture over the hot tops for a glossy appetizing finish. Let the sliders rest for 3 to 5 minutes before cutting along the seams to create individual sliders. This brief rest allows the cheese to set slightly making cleaner cuts.
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The honey in this recipe was my accidental addition one day when I thought the buffalo sauce was too spicy for my nieces and nephews. It turned out to be the secret ingredient that balances the heat perfectly and now I would never make these without it. Even my spice loving uncle commented on how perfectly balanced they were.
Make Ahead Options
These sliders work wonderfully as a make ahead dish. You can prepare the entire recipe up to the baking step cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve simply remove from the refrigerator while the oven preheats then bake as directed adding about 5 extra minutes to the covered baking time. The butter topping can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator just warm it slightly before brushing on the rolls.
Adjusting the Heat Level
One of the beauties of this recipe is how easily you can customize the spiciness. For a milder version reduce the buffalo sauce to 1/4 cup and increase the ranch to 3/4 cup. For extra spicy sliders add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture and use a spicier buffalo sauce brand. You can also serve extra buffalo sauce on the side for those who want more heat or extra ranch for those who need to cool things down.
Serving Suggestions
These buffalo chicken sliders pair perfectly with crisp fresh sides that balance their richness. I love serving them with a simple celery and carrot stick platter with extra ranch dressing for dipping. A tangy coleslaw also makes an excellent accompaniment cutting through the richness of the cheese and butter. For a complete game day spread add some crispy baked potato wedges and a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
Storage and Reheating
While these sliders are best enjoyed fresh they can be stored and reheated with good results. Place leftover sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. For best reheating results wrap individual sliders loosely in foil and heat in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. The foil prevents the tops from over browning while reheating. If using a microwave heat in 30 second intervals at 50% power to prevent the bread from becoming tough.
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Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make these Buffalo Chicken Sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them covered. When ready to serve, add 5-7 minutes to the baking time since they'll be starting cold. For best results, wait to brush with the butter mixture until just before baking.
- → How spicy are these Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
The spice level is moderate with the measurements provided. The ranch dressing and honey help balance the heat from the buffalo sauce. To adjust spiciness, simply increase or decrease the amount of buffalo sauce to taste. For a milder version, use 1/4 cup buffalo sauce, and for extra heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- → What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
These sliders pair wonderfully with fresh vegetable sides like celery and carrot sticks, coleslaw, potato salad, or a simple green salad. For a more substantial meal, serve with potato chips, french fries, or sweet potato fries. Additional ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side makes a great dipping option.
- → Can I substitute the Hawaiian rolls with something else?
While Hawaiian rolls provide the perfect sweet contrast to the spicy buffalo chicken, you can substitute with other dinner rolls or slider buns. Brioche rolls or potato rolls work well as alternatives. Just be sure they're connected in the package for easy assembly and cutting.
- → How do I prevent the bottoms of my sliders from getting soggy?
To prevent soggy bottoms, you can lightly toast the cut sides of the rolls before adding the filling. Place the halved rolls cut-side up under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Another option is to create a barrier by spreading a thin layer of softened butter or ranch dressing on the bottom half before adding the chicken mixture.
- → Can I freeze these Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Yes, these sliders freeze well! Bake them completely, allow to cool, then wrap individual portions tightly in aluminum foil and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, wrap the frozen sliders in foil and bake at 325°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through, then unwrap for the last few minutes to crisp up the tops.