Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Your Go-To Recipe for Game Day, Parties, and Easy Weeknight Meals
These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are an absolute game-changer – featuring tangy and spicy buffalo chicken nestled in soft slider buns, all brushed with a delectable buttery ranch mixture that elevates them to something truly special. They are incredibly versatile, perfect whether you’re serving them as a hearty meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer!
Every host has a few go-to recipes that consistently earn rave reviews and disappear quickly at gatherings. While my Cheesy Corn Dip and Baked Goat Cheese Dip are always hits, sometimes the occasion calls for something a bit more substantial, something that can truly satisfy a hungry crowd. That’s where these Buffalo Chicken Sliders come into play – a recipe so good, it’s bound to become your new entertaining MVP.
Whether you’re hosting a lively game day party, attending a summer potluck, planning a festive holiday get-together, or simply looking for a fun and easy dinner, these sliders fit the bill perfectly. They combine irresistible flavors with effortless preparation, making them a fantastic choice for any event. You can easily prepare the buffalo chicken ahead of time, and the assembly is quick, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your guests. Get ready for an explosion of spicy, savory, and utterly delicious flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds!
Mastering the Buffalo Chicken: Instant Pot, Rotisserie, or Slow Cooker
The heart of these incredible sliders is the tender, flavorful buffalo chicken. While this recipe provides detailed instructions for cooking the chicken in an Instant Pot, offering a fast and efficient way to achieve perfectly shredded chicken, we understand that flexibility is key in the kitchen. Therefore, we’ve also included options for those who prefer even quicker preparation or a more hands-off approach.
If you’re short on time but still crave that homemade taste, a store-bought rotisserie chicken is your best friend. It’s already cooked to perfection, requiring only a simple shredding before being tossed with our signature buffalo sauce and seasonings. This method drastically cuts down on prep time without sacrificing flavor, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
For those who prefer a “set it and forget it” method, especially when planning ahead for a party, using a slow cooker works wonderfully. The slow, gentle cooking process ensures exceptionally tender chicken that easily shreds, ready to soak up all the tangy goodness of the buffalo sauce. Regardless of your chosen cooking method, the ultimate goal remains the same: to create moist, shredded chicken infused with a zesty, spicy buffalo flavor that will be the star of your sliders.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Crafting truly memorable Buffalo Chicken Sliders requires a handful of simple yet impactful ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the irresistible flavor and texture profile that makes these sliders so beloved.
- Slider Buns: The foundation of our sliders.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken.
- Buffalo Sauce: The iconic tangy and spicy flavor.
- Butter: For richness in the chicken and the bun topping.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: Adds a creamy, savory depth to both the chicken and the buns.
- Water: Essential for pressure cooking the chicken in the Instant Pot.
When it comes to slider buns, many people gravitate towards King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls for their signature sweetness and soft texture. However, for these Buffalo Chicken Sliders, I personally prefer a more savory and buttery bun that complements the robust chicken filling without adding extra sweetness. Any good quality slider bun, classic dinner roll, or even King’s Hawaiian savory butter rolls will work beautifully. The key is a soft bun that can absorb a little of that delicious buttery ranch topping without becoming soggy, providing the perfect contrast to the spicy chicken.
Quick & Easy: How To Make Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken
Using the Instant Pot is a fantastic way to achieve perfectly tender, shredded buffalo chicken in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Follow these simple steps for a succulent chicken filling:
- Combine Liquids and Seasoning: In the inner pot of your Instant Pot, combine the water, your favorite buffalo sauce, and the ranch seasoning mix. Whisk them together until well blended.
- Add Chicken and Butter: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the pot. Dot the chicken with pieces of butter. This adds a rich, savory note as the chicken cooks.
- Pressure Cook: Securely close and lock the Instant Pot lid. Ensure the vent is sealed. Cook on high pressure for 14 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure according to your Instant Pot’s instructions. This will allow you to open the lid safely.
- Shred and Toss: Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pot. Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in a shallow dish or on a cutting board. The chicken should be incredibly tender and easy to shred. Return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot with the remaining sauce and toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the delicious buffalo mixture.
Speedy Alternative: Using Rotisserie Chicken
For an even faster route, especially when time is of the essence, opt for a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply shred about 3 cups of rotisserie chicken meat. In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with 1 cup of buffalo sauce, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of ranch dressing mix until everything is thoroughly coated. This method provides all the flavor with minimal effort.
Assembling and Baking Your Delicious Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Once your buffalo chicken is perfectly shredded and coated in its flavorful sauce, you’re ready to assemble these irresistible sliders. This step is quick and straightforward, and you can even prepare the chicken a day in advance to streamline your party prep.
- Prepare the Buns: Carefully slice your slider buns horizontally, keeping all the top halves together and all the bottom halves together if they come connected. Arrange the bottom halves of the buns in a single, even layer in a baking dish. A 9×13 inch dish typically works well for a dozen sliders.
- Layer the Chicken: Evenly spread the delicious buffalo chicken mixture over the bottom buns. Make sure to get a good amount of chicken on each slider for maximum flavor in every bite.
- Add Top Buns: Place the top halves of the slider buns over the chicken filling, creating little sandwiches.
- Craft the Buttery Ranch Topping: In a small bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in 1 tablespoon of ranch dressing mix until well combined. This creates a savory, fragrant mixture that adds an extra layer of flavor and helps toast the buns beautifully.
- Brush and Bake: Generously brush the buttery ranch mixture over the tops of the slider buns. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the sliders are heated through, the cheese (if added) is melted, and the buns are lightly golden and slightly toasted.
- Serve Warm: Remove the baking dish from the oven. For easy serving, you can slice the sliders along their original cut lines if the buns were connected. Serve immediately while warm, perhaps with some ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
This recipe calls for a simple store-bought ranch dressing mix, which is incredibly convenient. However, if you enjoy making things from scratch or want to control the ingredients, I highly recommend trying my Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix. It’s a fantastic staple to have on hand for this recipe and many others!
Exciting Recipe Variations & Customizations
These buffalo chicken sliders are already a huge hit, but they are also incredibly versatile, allowing you to easily customize them to suit your taste preferences or to add an extra special touch. Here are some fantastic variations to make these sliders truly your own:
- Cooling Dips on the Side: For those who love the buffalo flavor but prefer to manage the heat, offer a generous side of creamy ranch dressing or classic blue cheese dressing for dipping. It’s a perfect counterpoint to the spice. You can also offer celery and carrot sticks for a refreshing crunch.
- Add a Tangy Kick with Blue Cheese: Elevate the classic buffalo experience by sprinkling blue cheese crumbles directly over the chicken filling before adding the top buns. The pungent, salty blue cheese melts slightly and pairs perfectly with the spicy chicken.
- Cheesy Goodness: Before baking, add a layer of your favorite shredded cheese over the buffalo chicken. Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but Monterey Jack, provolone, or even a spicy pepper jack would be delicious. Bake until the cheese is wonderfully melted and bubbly, adding an extra layer of savory flavor and gooey texture.
- Spice Level Adjustment: If you prefer a milder flavor, use a less spicy buffalo sauce. For more heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper to your chicken mixture or opt for a “hot” buffalo sauce.
- Onion or Garlic Powder: Boost the savory notes by adding a pinch of onion powder or garlic powder to your chicken mixture before cooking or to the butter topping.
- Pickled Jalapeños or Onions: For an extra zing and crunch, layer thin slices of pickled jalapeños or red onions over the chicken before adding the top buns.
- Different Buns: Experiment with different types of small rolls like potato rolls for a slightly sweeter and softer bite, or even pretzel buns for a unique, savory twist.
Don’t be afraid to get creative! These sliders are a fantastic canvas for your culinary imagination. They are designed to be a crowd-pleaser that you can adapt for any occasion.
More Delicious Appetizer Recipes to Try
If you loved these Buffalo Chicken Sliders and are looking for more fantastic dishes perfect for entertaining or a tasty snack, explore some of my other popular appetizer recipes:
- Southwest Egg Rolls: Crispy, flavorful, and packed with zesty ingredients.
- Air Fryer Onion Rings: Achieve perfect crispy onion rings with less oil.
- Philly Cheesesteak Sliders: Another amazing slider option, full of savory goodness.
- Green Chili Chicken Enchilada Dip: A warm, cheesy, and spicy dip that’s incredibly addictive.
- Best White Queso: Creamy, dreamy, and perfect with tortilla chips.
- Refried Bean Dip: A simple yet satisfying dip for any gathering.
- Taco Dip: Layers of classic taco flavors in a refreshing dip.
- Cheesy Sausage Wontons: Bite-sized pockets of cheesy, savory sausage.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Erin Sellin
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 2 Tablespoons ranch dressing mix
Sliders
- 12 slider buns
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 Tablespoon ranch dressing mix
Instructions
-
In the base of the Instant Pot, mix together buffalo sauce, water, and ranch dressing mix. Add chicken and butter.
-
Close the lid and lock into place. Cook under high pressure for 14 minutes. Quick release the pressure to unlock the Instant Pot.
-
Remove chicken and use forks to shred. Add back to the pot and toss with the sauce to coat thoroughly.
-
Preheat oven to 350º F (175°C).
-
Slice slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottom buns in an even layer in a baking dish.
-
Arrange the shredded buffalo chicken evenly over the bottom buns, then place the tops of the buns over the chicken.
-
In a small bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and stir in 1 tablespoon of ranch dressing mix. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the buns.
-
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15-17 minutes until everything is hot, and the buns are slightly toasted and golden.
-
Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Calories: 373kcal |
Carbohydrates: 24g |
Protein: 41g |
Fat: 12g |
Saturated Fat: 5g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g |
Cholesterol: 112mg |
Sodium: 1405mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 4g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!
I created a fun group on Facebook, and I would love for you to join us! It’s a place where you can share YOUR favorite recipes, ask questions, and see what’s new at Dinners, Dishes and Desserts (so that you never miss a new recipe)!
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS recipes YOU make!
Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you never miss a post!
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram