Name: Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 sliders
Ingredients: 3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded; 1 package Kings Hawaiian Rolls (12 count); 1/2 cup Ranch dressing; 1/2 cup Frank’s buffalo sauce; 1/4 cup butter, melted; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Buffalo Chicken Sliders are more than just a bite-sized snack; they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, an explosion of flavor that dances on your taste buds. There’s something inherently joyful about these miniature delights, perfect for game nights, casual gatherings, or even just a satisfying weeknight treat. The irresistible combination of tender, shredded chicken coated in a zesty, tangy buffalo sauce, nestled within soft, pillowy slider buns, is what truly sets these apart. They offer that perfect balance of spicy kick, creamy coolness from the blue cheese or ranch dressing, and a satisfying chew. We’ll show you how to create Buffalo Chicken Sliders that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!).

Ingredients:

3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
1 package Kings Hawaiian Rolls (12 count)
1/2 cup Ranch dressing
1/2 cup Frank’s buffalo sauce
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Preparation and Assembly

The journey to delicious Buffalo Chicken Sliders begin extracts with gathering your ingredients and a little bit of prep work. First, ensure your rotisserie chicken is nicely shredded. You can do this by hand or with two forks. The goal is to have bite-sized pieces that will mix well with the sauces. Next, prepare your Kings Hawaiian Rolls. These sweet and soft rolls are the perfect vessel for our spicy, cheesy filling. You’ll want to keep them intact as much as possible to create the sliders.

Now, let’s get our buffalo chicken mixture ready. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, ranch dressing, and Frank’s buffalo sauce. Mix everything thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated in the creamy, tangy sauce. This is where the magic happens, creating that classic buffalo flavor we all love. Don’t be afraid to really get in there and ensure every piece of chicken is dressed.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and garlic powder. This will form the base of our flavorful topping that we’ll brush over the sliders later. The melted butter helps to crisp up the tops of the rolls and infuses them with a subtle garlicky aroma, which complements the buffalo chicken beautifully.

Building the Sliders

Now it’s time to assemble these flavor-packed bites. Carefully slice the entire package of Kings Hawaiian Rolls in half horizontally, creating a top and bottom layer. This is a crucial step to ensure even distribution of the filling. You can use a long serrated knife to get a clean cut. Be gentle, as these rolls are soft.

Arrange the bottom half of the Hawaiian rolls in a 9×13 inch baking dish. This dish will cradle our sliders as they bake. Make sure they are nestled together snugly. Now, evenly distribute the buffalo chicken mixture over the bottom layer of rolls. Spread it out so that each roll gets a generous portion of the chicken. Don’t skimp here – this is the heart of the slider!

After the chicken, it’s time for the cheese. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the buffalo chicken mixture. Follow this with an even layer of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the cheddar. The combination of these two cheeses provides a wonderful melty texture and a savory depth that balances the spice of the buffalo sauce. The mozzarella will get wonderfully gooey, and the cheddar adds its sharp, distinct flavor.

Now, place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls over the cheese and chicken filling. Gently press down on the top of the rolls to help them settle and compact slightly. This will make them easier to handle and ensure the filling stays in place during baking.

Baking to Perfection

Before we bake, it’s time for that delicious garlic butter topping. Brush the melted butter and garlic powder mixture evenly over the tops of the assembled sliders. This step is vital for achieving a golden-brown, slightly crispy exterior and adding another layer of savory flavor. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the rolls.

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This will help to steam the rolls slightly and melt the cheese thoroughly without drying out the tops. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly and the rolls are heated through.

After the initial baking time, carefully remove the aluminum foil. This allows the tops of the sliders to crisp up and turn a beautiful golden brown. Continue baking, uncovered, for another 5-7 minutes, or until the tops are lightly toasted and irresistible. Keep a close eye on them during this stage to prevent burning. The aroma filling your kitchen will be incredible!

Once they’re beautifully golden and the cheese is perfectly melted, remove the Buffalo Chicken Sliders from the oven. Let them rest in the baking dish for about 5 minutes before attempting to separate them. This resting period allows the cheese to set slightly, making them easier to serve without the filling falling out. Carefully use a spatula or knife to cut between the individual sliders. Serve these delectable Buffalo Chicken Sliders warm and enjoy every bite of their savory, spicy, and cheesy goodness!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a fantastic crowd-pleaser, perfect for game days, casual get-togethers, or even a fun weeknight meal. The balance of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, and tender chicken tucked into soft slider buns is simply irresistible. We hope you enjoy making and devouring these delightful little sandwiches as much as we do!

For serving, these sliders are excellent on their own, but they pair wonderfully with classic sides like potato salad, coleslaw, or crispy french fries. You can also serve them with a side of extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, add finely chopped celery for extra crunch, or even swap out the slider buns for Hawaiian rolls. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your perfect Buffalo Chicken Sliders.

Give these Buffalo Chicken Sliders a try and let us know what you think! We encourage you to share your own twists and enjoy the delicious outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the buffalo chicken filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The buffalo chicken filling can be prepared a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day of your event and allow the flavors to meld even further.

What’s the best way to keep the sliders warm if I’m serving them at a party?

To keep your Buffalo Chicken Sliders warm, you can arrange them on a baking sheet and place them in a preheated oven at a low temperature (around 200°F or 95°C) for about 15-20 minutes before serving. Alternatively, you can keep them in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting, though be mindful they don’t dry out.