Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a crowd-pleaser at any gathering! Perfect for game day, parties, or a cozy family dinner, these sliders combine fluffy buns with juicy shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce and gooey cheese. The best part? They come together quickly and easily, making them an ideal choice for busy cooks who still want to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these sliders in no time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of spicy buffalo sauce and creamy ranch dressing provides an irresistible flavor that everyone will love.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual get-together or a festive celebration, these sliders fit right in.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the spice level or toppings to suit your taste preferences.
• Satisfying Comfort Food: The blend of cheesy goodness and tender chicken makes for a hearty treat.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delicious spicy buffalo chicken sliders, you’ll need some essential tools to help you along the way.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Pastry brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: This is crucial for baking the sliders evenly while ensuring they maintain their shape.
• Parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment makes cleanup easy and prevents sticking.
• Mixing bowls: These help you combine ingredients effectively without making a mess.
• Pastry brush: A pastry brush allows you to apply butter mixture evenly across the buns for added flavor.

Ingredients

For the Sliders

• 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

For the Topping

• 2 Tbsp butter
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp Italian seasoning

How to Make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×9 baking sheet or casserole dish by lining it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, hot sauce, ranch dressing, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

Place the bottom halves of the slider buns on the prepared baking sheet. Evenly distribute the chicken mixture over each bun. Top with shredded cheese before placing the top halves back on.

Step 4: Apply Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, melt butter and mix it with additional garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the tops of the slider buns with this mixture.

Step 5: Bake

Cover your baking sheet with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and cheese has melted.

Step 6: Serve

Once baked, cut into individual sliders and serve immediately while hot alongside your favorite sides!

How to Serve Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

These spicy buffalo chicken sliders are delicious and perfect for any gathering. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your slider experience.

Pair with Fresh Veggies

• Carrot and Celery Sticks: Crisp veggies add a refreshing crunch to balance the heat of the sliders.
• Cucumber Slices: Light and hydrating, cucumber slices offer a cool contrast.

Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing: A classic choice that complements the spicy sauce perfectly.
• Blue Cheese Dressing: For those who enjoy a tangy flavor, this is an excellent addition.

Add Some Crunch

• Crispy Fried Onions: Sprinkle on top for an added layer of texture and flavor.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, serve sliders wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves.

Serve with Pickles

• Dill Pickles: Their tanginess cuts through the richness of the sliders.
• Bread and Butter Pickles: Sweet and tangy pickles add an interesting flavor twist.

How to Perfect Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

To make your spicy buffalo chicken sliders even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Always opt for fresh shredded chicken and high-quality sauces for the best flavor.
• Adjust spice levels: Customize the heat by adding more or less hot sauce based on your preference.
• Toast the buns: Lightly toast the slider buns before filling them to enhance their flavor and prevent sogginess.
• Experiment with cheese: Try different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or cheddar, for unique flavor profiles.
• Let them rest: Allow the sliders to rest for a few minutes after baking to help set the filling.

Best Side Dishes for Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Complement your spicy buffalo chicken sliders with these fantastic side dishes.

1. Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds crunch and balances out the spiciness of the sliders.
2. Sweet Potato Fries: These crispy fries provide a sweet contrast that pairs well with spicy flavors.
3. Potato Salad: A classic side dish that can be made creamy or vinegary, depending on your preference.
4. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brings sweetness and freshness to your meal.
5. Macaroni Salad: A chilled pasta salad offers comfort and is easy to prepare ahead of time.
6. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: For a veggie alternative, these bites echo the flavors of your sliders while being deliciously crunchy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders can be easy, but there are a few common mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your chicken mixture properly can make the sliders bland. Always taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and spices before assembling.
• Overfilling the buns: Adding too much filling can make it difficult to close the sliders and may cause spills during cooking. Stick to an even distribution of chicken and cheese for best results.
• Neglecting the baking time: Baking them for either too long or too short can affect texture. Make sure to follow the recommended times for golden-brown sliders.
• Using stale buns: Fresh slider buns are key for a great texture. Check your buns for freshness and softness before using them in this recipe.
• Not letting them rest: Cutting into the sliders immediately can cause the filling to spill out. Allow them to sit for a few minutes after baking for easier serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover sliders in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

• Wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place in a freezer-safe bag or container; they will last for up to 2 months.

Reheating Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover sliders with foil, and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual sliders on medium power for about 30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm in a non-stick pan over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders.

Can I use other types of meat?

You can substitute shredded turkey or beef if you prefer. Both work well with buffalo sauce!

How can I make these sliders vegetarian?

Use plant-based shredded chicken alternatives mixed with buffalo sauce. You can also add grilled vegetables as a filling.

What is the best sauce for Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders?

Frank’s hot buffalo sauce is a popular choice, but feel free to experiment with different brands or levels of spiciness!

How spicy are these sliders?

The spice level depends on how much hot sauce you use. Adjust it according to your preferences!

Final Thoughts

These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize them with various toppings, such as lettuce, tomatoes, or different cheeses. Perfect as an appetizer or a main meal, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!