Name: Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders- Easy Appetizer
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 9 sliders
Ingredients: 9 pack slider buns; 1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken; 1/2 cup Frank's Buffalo Hot Sauce; 2 Tbsp ranch dressing; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp ground black pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp paprika; 1 cup shredded cheese; 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 tsp garlic powder (for the butter topping); 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning (for the butter topping)

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are more than just a party appetizer; they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a little burst of fiery flavor that ignites taste buds and sparks conversation. What is it about these miniature marvels that makes them so irresistible? Perhaps it’s the perfect marriage of tender, shredded chicken coated in that iconic tangy, spicy buffalo sauce, all nestled within soft, pillowy slider buns. They’re undeniably fun to eat, perfectly portioned for mingling, and deliver a satisfying punch without overwhelming your palate. We love them because they offer that comforting, familiar buffalo wing experience in a convenient, handheld package, making them ideal for game nights, BBQs, or simply when you’re craving something incredibly delicious and a little bit adventurous. The magic lies in achieving that ideal balance of heat, tang, and savory chicken, complemented by the subtle sweetness of the bun and a cooling ranch or blue cheese drizzle. Get ready to elevate your slider game!

Ingredients:

9 pack slider buns
1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut!)
1/2 cup Frank’s Buffalo Hot Sauce
2 Tbsp ranch dressing
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp paprika
1 cup shredded cheese (a mild cheddar or Monterey Jack works wonderfully)
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
½ tsp garlic powder (for the butter topping)
¼ tsp Italian seasoning (for the butter topping)

Preparing the Spicy Buffalo Chicken Filling

First, we need to get our buffalo chicken mixture ready. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cups of shredded cooked chicken with the 1/2 cup of Frank’s Buffalo Hot Sauce. Stir everything together until the chicken is thoroughly coated in the vibrant, spicy sauce. This is where the magic begin extracts to happen, transforming simple shredded chicken into a flavorful, zesty filling. Next, we’ll add the 2 tablespoons of ranch dressing. The ranch dressing is key here; it mellows out the heat of the buffalo sauce just enough while adding a creamy tang that complements the spice beautifully. Don’t skip this step!

Now it’s time to season our chicken mixture. Add the ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon of paprika. These spices work in harmony to deepen the flavor profile. The salt enhances all the other tastes, the black pepper adds a subtle warmth, the garlic powder provides that savory undertone, and the paprika contributes a touch of smoky sweetness and color. Mix everything thoroughly again, ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the chicken and sauce. You want every bite to be packed with flavor. Once everything is well combined, set this mixture aside. It’s already smelling fantastic, isn’t it?

Assembling and Baking the Sliders

Now for the assembly of our delicious Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders. We’ll start by preparing the slider buns. Carefully slice the entire pack of 9 slider buns in half horizontally. It’s often easiest to do this with a serrated knife, gently sawing through the buns. Lay the bottom halves of the buns in a single layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish. If your baking dish is a little snug, don’t worry, you can arrange them as best as possible, they’ll spread a bit as they bake.

Next, evenly distribute the prepared spicy buffalo chicken mixture over the bottom halves of the slider buns. Make sure to get a good amount of chicken on each bun. This is the heart of our sliders, so be generous! After the chicken is in place, sprinkle the 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the chicken layer. The cheese will melt and bind everything together, creating a gooey, irresistible filling. Using a shredded cheese that melts well is important for that classic slider experience.

In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of melted butter with the ½ teaspoon of garlic powder and ¼ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. This simple butter mixture will add an incredible flavor and help to toast the tops of the buns. Brush this seasoned butter generously over the top halves of the slider buns. Make sure to get good coverage on each bun. Place the buttered top halves of the buns on top of the cheese and chicken, completing the sliders.

Finally, it’s time to bake these beauties. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes with the foil on. This initial baking period allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to start melting thoroughly. After 15-20 minutes, carefully remove the aluminum foil. Continue to bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the tops of the buns are golden brown and slightly crispy, and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Once they’re perfectly golden and delicious, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the sliders rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making them easier to handle. Serve them warm and watch them disappear!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! You’ve successfully navigated the delightful journey of creating your very own Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders. These sliders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for game nights, casual get-togethers, or even just a satisfying weeknight meal. The combination of tender shredded chicken coated in fiery buffalo sauce, all nestled within soft slider buns, is simply irresistible. Don’t be afraid to adjust the spice level to your preference; a little more or less cayenne pepper can make a big difference. We hope you enjoy every single bite!

For serving suggestions, consider pairing your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, crispy potato wedges, or a refreshing blue cheese dip. For variations, try adding some shredded cheddar cheese along with the chicken mixture before assembling, or swap out the blue cheese dressing for a ranch dressing for a milder flavor profile. You could also experiment with different types of slider buns, like brioche for a touch of sweetness.

We truly encourage you to make these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders your own. Experiment with ingredients, share them with loved ones, and savor the delicious results. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the buffalo chicken filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the buffalo chicken mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply warm it up gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before assembling your sliders.

What if I don’t like spicy food? Can I still make these sliders?

Yes, you can! To make milder Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders, reduce the amount of hot sauce used and omit the cayenne pepper. You can also opt for a milder hot sauce. Alternatively, you can serve the buffalo chicken mixture and let individuals add their preferred amount of sauce.