Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

If you’re looking for a delicious and crowd-pleasing dish, then these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are just what you need! They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a fun family gathering. The combination of fluffy slider buns and zesty shredded chicken smothered in spicy buffalo sauce makes this recipe a true favorite in my kitchen.

These sliders are not only easy to whip up, but they also bring everyone together around the table. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe has earned a special place in my heart!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, these sliders come together in no time!
• Family-Friendly Flavor: The mild heat from the buffalo sauce is balanced perfectly with ranch dressing, making it appealing to both adults and kids.
• Perfect for Any Gathering: Whether it’s game day or a casual dinner, these spicy buffalo chicken sliders will steal the show.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep them in advance and pop them in the oven right before serving for stress-free entertaining.
• Endless Customization: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and wholesome, making it easy to create mouthwatering sliders that everyone will love. Gather the following:

• 9 pack slider buns
• 1 1/2 cups shredded chicken
• 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
• 2 Tbsp butter
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp Italian seasoning

Variations

One of the best things about these sliders is their flexibility! Feel free to mix things up with these variations:

• Swap the protein: Use shredded turkey or even chickpeas for a plant-based option that still packs a punch.
• Add extra veggies: Toss in some chopped celery or carrots into the chicken mixture for added crunch and flavor.
• Change up the cheese: Try using pepper jack cheese for an extra kick or mozzarella for a milder taste.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.

How to Make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This step is crucial because it ensures that your sliders bake evenly and develop that beautiful golden color we all love.

Step 2: Mix the Chicken Mixture

In a bowl, combine your shredded chicken, Frank’s hot sauce, ranch dressing, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mixing these ingredients well helps all those wonderful flavors meld together. This is where the magic starts!

Step 3: Prepare the Slider Buns

Place the bottom halves of your slider buns on a lined baking sheet. This creates a sturdy base for all that delicious filling we’re about to add.

Step 4: Fill Up Those Buns!

Divide the flavorful chicken mixture evenly between all the buns. Don’t skimp here—each bite should be packed with flavor! Then top with shredded cheese and place the tops of the buns back on.

Step 5: Butter It Up!

In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix in additional garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Brush this buttery goodness generously over the tops of the buns. It adds an irresistible golden hue and flavor!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover your baking sheet with foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 15 minutes; then remove the foil and let them bake for another 5-10 minutes until golden brown. This step allows the cheese to melt beautifully without burning.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Once they’re done baking, cut your sliders apart and serve while they’re hot! Pair them with some fresh veggies or chips for a delightful meal everyone will enjoy.

Enjoy making these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders—they’re sure to become a go-to recipe you’ll always want to share!

Pro Tips for Making Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Creating the perfect spicy buffalo chicken sliders can be a delightful experience, and a few tips can help elevate your dish!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh shredded chicken and high-quality hot sauce will maximize flavor and enhance the overall taste of your sliders.
• Adjust the spice level: If you’re sensitive to heat, feel free to reduce the amount of hot sauce or mix in some mild sauce for balance.
• Experiment with cheese: While shredded cheese works great, trying different types like pepper jack or cheddar can add unique flavors and textures to your sliders.
• Let them rest before serving: Allowing the sliders to sit for a few minutes after baking helps the flavors meld together, making each bite even more delicious.
• Customize toppings: Consider adding toppings like sliced pickles or diced green onions for an extra crunch and burst of flavor.

How to Serve Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

These spicy buffalo chicken sliders are not only delicious but also visually appealing! With a bit of creativity, you can serve them in a way that impresses your guests.

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and brightness to each slider.
• Crumbled blue cheese: If you enjoy the classic buffalo flavor profile, crumbled blue cheese on top provides tanginess and richness.

Side Dishes

• Crispy sweet potato fries: These sweet and savory fries are a delightful contrast to the spicy sliders, offering a satisfying crunch.
• Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw with a tangy dressing complements the heat of the sliders perfectly, providing a cooling effect.
• Veggie sticks with ranch dip: A platter of crunchy carrot and celery sticks served with ranch dip makes for a healthy and crunchy accompaniment.
• Potato wedges: Seasoned potato wedges are easy to prepare and pair wonderfully with spicy dishes, creating a hearty meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress at your next gathering. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time or store leftovers to enjoy later. Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover sliders in an airtight container.
• Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If you have individual sliders, wrapping them in plastic wrap can help keep them moist.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap each slider tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Label the bags with the date to keep track of freshness.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat sliders in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• You can also microwave them for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, but this may result in a softer bun.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders that might help you out!

Can I use a different sauce for my Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders?

Absolutely! While Frank’s hot buffalo sauce gives it that classic flavor, feel free to experiment with your favorite hot sauces or even BBQ sauce for a different twist.

How do I make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders spicier?

To amp up the heat, add more hot sauce to your chicken mixture or incorporate some diced jalapeños into the filling before baking.

Can I make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders without ranch dressing?

Yes! If you’re looking for an alternative, consider using a vegan ranch dressing or even a creamy avocado spread for added flavor.

How do I serve my Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders?

These sliders are fantastic on their own, but you can also serve them with celery sticks and carrot sticks on the side. Pairing with a refreshing dip can enhance the experience!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders! They’re not just delicious; they’re perfect for gatherings, game days, or even a cozy night at home. Enjoy every cheesy bite and feel free to get creative with toppings and sides. Happy cooking!