Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

Sizzling Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe: Spicy Game Day Joy

Crispy buffalo chicken sliders pack a seriously delicious punch of flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Every bite combines spicy, tangy elements into one irresistible mini sandwich.

Small yet mighty, these little gems transform standard party snacks into something extraordinary.

Tender chicken pieces nestled between soft rolls create a perfect handheld experience.

Zesty buffalo sauce brings a kick that keeps people coming back for more.

Quick to prepare and even faster to disappear, these sliders guarantee instant crowd-pleasing success.

You won’t be able to resist grabbing another slider before the plate empties.

Why Buffalo Chicken Sliders Are So Loved

  • Unleash Flavor Explosion: Packed with zesty buffalo sauce and bold seasonings that transform ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering experience.
  • Simplify Meal Prep: Slow cooker method requires minimal hands-on effort, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious results without complex techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: These sliders deliver classic game day and party vibes, guaranteed to satisfy both kids and adults with their irresistible combination of spicy chicken, creamy ranch, and tangy blue cheese.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows quick ingredient swaps or adjustments, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and dietary needs.

What Goes Into Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: The primary protein that absorbs the spicy buffalo sauce and becomes the star of these sliders.
Spice and Seasoning:
  • Buffalo Sauce: Provides the signature spicy and tangy flavor that defines the chicken's taste profile.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall depth and complexity of the chicken's flavor.
Accompaniments and Toppings:
  • Slider Buns: Soft bread rolls that serve as the base for holding the juicy buffalo chicken.
  • Butter: Used to toast the buns and create a golden, crispy exterior.
  • Ranch Dressing: Creamy condiment that balances the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.
  • Blue Cheese Crumbles: Adds a tangy and sharp flavor contrast to the spicy chicken.
  • Chives: Fresh herb that provides a bright and light garnish to the sliders.

How To Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders Step By Step

Step 1: Prep The Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and place them directly into the slow cooker. Pour buffalo sauce generously over the chicken, making sure every inch gets beautifully coated.

Step 2: Season Generously

Sprinkle these seasonings across the chicken:
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Massage the spices into the meat to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 3: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Let the chicken cook for 6-7 hours until it becomes incredibly tender and can be easily pulled apart with forks.

Step 4: Shred The Chicken

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Using two forks, pull and shred the meat completely. Return the shredded chicken back into the cooking liquid to keep it moist and flavorful.

Step 5: Toast The Buns

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Melt butter and gently toast the slider buns until they turn golden brown with crispy edges.

Step 6: Layer The Buffalo Chicken

Spread the shredded buffalo chicken evenly across the bottom halves of the toasted buns.

Step 7: Add Creamy Ranch

Drizzle ranch dressing over the chicken, allowing it to seep into all the delicious little spaces.

Step 8: Sprinkle Blue Cheese

Scatter blue cheese crumbles across the chicken for a tangy, creamy kick.

Step 9: Garnish With Chives

Sprinkle freshly chopped chives on top to add a bright, fresh herb accent.

Step 10: Serve Immediately

Place the top bun halves on the sliders and serve while everything is warm and deliciously inviting.

Tips That Help With Buffalo Chicken Sliders

  • Choose Lean Chicken Cuts: Select skinless, boneless chicken breasts for a healthier slider that's lower in fat and calories without compromising flavor intensity.
  • Shred with Precision: Use two forks pulled in opposite directions to create consistent, tender chicken strands that absorb sauce more effectively and ensure even distribution.
  • Control Spice Levels: Adjust buffalo sauce quantity based on personal heat tolerance by adding sauce gradually and tasting throughout cooking process for perfect flavor balance.
  • Enhance Texture Contrast: Toast buns until edges are golden and crisp to provide a delightful crunch that complements the soft, saucy chicken and prevents soggy bottoms.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare buffalo chicken filling up to 3 days in advance and store in refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and simplifying party or meal prep.

New Styles For Buffalo Chicken Sliders

  • Spicy Blue Cheese Sliders: Replace ranch with extra blue cheese dressing and add pickled jalapeños for heightened heat and bold flavor complexity.
  • Mediterranean Chicken Sliders: Swap buffalo sauce for tzatziki, incorporate crumbled feta, and top with diced cucumber for a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • BBQ Ranch Sliders: Substitute buffalo sauce with smoky barbecue sauce, add crispy bacon bits, and drizzle ranch dressing for a classic barbecue chicken experience.
  • Honey Sriracha Sliders: Blend buffalo sauce with honey and sriracha for a sweet-spicy combination, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, and add crisp coleslaw for textural contrast.

What To Eat With Buffalo Chicken Sliders

  • Pair with Cool & Creamy Blue Cheese Dip: Complement the spicy buffalo chicken with a homemade blue cheese dip that balances heat and creaminess, creating a perfect flavor harmony.
  • Refresh with Crisp Pilsner Beer: Select a light, crisp pilsner that cuts through the rich buffalo sauce and cleanses the palate between slider bites, enhancing the overall eating experience.
  • Crunch with Tangy Coleslaw Side: Add a zesty coleslaw with apple cider vinegar and a hint of honey to provide a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm, spicy sliders, introducing textural excitement.
  • Balance with Chilled Cucumber Salad: Introduce a refreshing cucumber salad dressed in light yogurt and dill to cool down the buffalo chicken's intense heat, offering a palate-cleansing accompaniment.

Buffalo Chicken Sliders Storage Tips

  • Store leftover buffalo chicken sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and maintaining flavor integrity.
  • Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags for storage up to 2 months, ensuring no moisture penetrates the packaging.
  • Keep shredded chicken and buns stored separately to prevent soggy bread, allowing you to reassemble when ready to enjoy again.
  • Warm refrigerated sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.

Common Questions On Buffalo Chicken Sliders

  • Is buffalo sauce very spicy?

Buffalo sauce offers a medium heat level, typically ranging from mild to moderately hot. The spiciness can be adjusted by using different brands or mixing with additional hot sauce or mild sauce to suit personal taste preferences.

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly for this recipe. They tend to be more flavorful and stay extra moist during slow cooking, which can enhance the overall texture of the buffalo chicken sliders.

  • How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Cooking on low heat in the slow cooker and ensuring the chicken is completely covered in sauce helps maintain moisture. Avoid overcooking and check the chicken’s tenderness periodically to keep it juicy and tender.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes – 7 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Spicy buffalo chicken sliders deliver a flavor explosion that brings game day excitement to your table. Crispy chicken, zesty sauce, and creamy blue cheese create an irresistible mini sandwich you’ll crave at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 lbs chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce

Slider Components:

  • 12 slider buns
  • 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing

Seasoning and Garnish:

  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
  • 2 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)

Instructions

  1. Place chicken breasts in a slow cooker and generously coat with buffalo sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
  2. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the chicken to enhance flavor profile.
  3. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours until chicken becomes tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  4. Remove chicken from slow cooker and use two forks to shred meat completely, then return to cooking liquid.
  5. Warm a skillet and melt butter, then lightly toast slider buns until golden and crisp on the edges.
  6. Layer shredded buffalo chicken onto bottom halves of toasted buns, creating an even distribution.
  7. Drizzle ranch dressing over chicken, allowing it to seep into the meat’s crevices.
  8. Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles across the chicken for an added tangy dimension.
  9. Garnish with freshly chopped chives to provide a bright, herbaceous finish.
  10. Cap with top bun halves and serve immediately while ingredients remain warm and textures are optimal.

Notes

  • Customize heat levels by adjusting buffalo sauce quantity, allowing spice-sensitive individuals to enjoy the recipe.
  • Meal prep friendly option: store shredded chicken in airtight containers for up to 4 days, making quick weeknight dinners simple.
  • Swap slider buns with lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative that maintains delicious flavor profile.
  • Consider using rotisserie chicken as a time-saving substitute, reducing overall cooking time while preserving recipe’s zesty essence.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-7 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star