Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

Name: Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: Cooking spray; 1 (12-oz.) pkg. Hawaiian Sweet Dinner Rolls (such as King’s Hawaiian); 6 oz. Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups), divided; 3 cups (about 11 1/4 oz.) cooked, finely shredded chicken breast, warmed; 1/4 cup cayenne pepper hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot); 1/4 cup ranch dressing; 1 (1-oz.) envelope ranch dressing mix, divided (3 1/2 Tbsp.); 2 Tbsp. (1 oz.) unsalted butter, melted

Cook Time: 10 minutes

These Buffalo chicken sliders are perfect for any party or tailgate event. The combination of spiciness from the hot sauce and the creaminess from the ranch dressing will definitely satisfy your taste buds!

Ingredients:

1 (12-ounce) package of Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls
6 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese (about 1 cups), divided
3 cups finely shredded cooked chicken breast, warmed
cup cayenne pepper hot sauce (e.g., Franks RedHot)
cup ranch dressing
1 (1-ounce) envelope ranch dressing mix, divided
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

Follow these steps to create your delicious Buffalo Chicken Sliders:

Preheat your oven to 350F (175C).
Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
Using a serrated bread knife, cut the rolls in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves intact. Place the bottom half of the rolls, cut-side up, on the prepared baking sheet.
Evenly sprinkle cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the bottom half of the rolls.
In a large bowl, stir together the warmed shredded chicken, hot sauce, ranch dressing, and 3 tablespoons of the ranch dressing mix until well-coated.
Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom half of the rolls on the baking sheet.
Top the chicken with the remaining cup of shredded cheese.
Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese layer, then brush the tops and sides of the rolls with melted butter.
Sprinkle the tops of the rolls with the remaining tablespoon of ranch dressing mix.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted, the tops of the rolls are golden brown, and the chicken mixture is heated through.
Remove from the oven and cut into 12 sliders. Serve immediately!

Test Kitchen Tips:

For a quicker prep, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breast from scratch.
You can swap Monterey Jack with provolone cheese or any cheese of your choice.
Placing cheese on both the top and bottom of the chicken creates a barrier that prevents the rolls from absorbing too much moisture.
For a fun variation, serve the sliders with a simple coleslaw on top for extra crunch and flavor.

Make-Ahead Tip:

If you want to prep ahead, you can make the chicken mixture up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight in the fridge. When ready to bake, reheat the mixture in the microwave for 1 minute on HIGH before assembling and baking the sliders.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 234
Total Fat: 12g (16% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 6g (29% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 55mg (18% Daily Value)
Sodium: 530mg (23% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 17g (6% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 5g
Protein: 14g (27% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 4mg (4% Daily Value)
Calcium: 138mg (11% Daily Value)
Iron: 1mg (7% Daily Value)
Potassium: 152mg (3% Daily Value)

Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

The Story Behind Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Buffalo chicken sliders are a modern twist on the classic Buffalo chicken wing, a dish that traces its roots back to 1964 in Buffalo, New York. The original Buffalo wing was created at the Anchor Bar, where co-owner Teressa Bellissimo deep-fried chicken wings and tossed them in a cayenne pepper hot sauce. Over the decades, this fiery, tangy flavor became iconic, inspiring countless variations. Buffalo chicken sliders emerged as a convenient, handheld adaptation perfect for parties, sports events, and casual gatherings, combining the spicy punch of Buffalo sauce with the ease of mini sandwiches.

Regional Variations

While Buffalo wings originated in Western New York, Buffalo chicken sliders have spread nationwide, often reflecting regional tastes. In the Midwest, they are sometimes paired with a creamy coleslaw inside the slider, adding a cool contrast to the spicy chicken. Southern versions may incorporate smoked chicken or a touch of barbecue sauce blended with the traditional hot sauce. The Hawaiian sweet roll base, popular in many recipes, adds a subtle sweetness that balances the heat and reflects a more contemporary, cross-regional style rather than a strict adherence to the Buffalo wing tradition.

How They Differ From Similar Dishes

Buffalo chicken sliders are distinct from traditional chicken sandwiches or regular Buffalo wings due to their combination of textures and presentation. Unlike wings, which are served with bones and dipping sauces on the side, sliders feature shredded, boneless chicken baked with cheese on soft rolls, making them more portable and easier to eat in a casual setting. Compared to standard chicken sandwiches, sliders are smaller, shareable, and often include layers of flavor such as ranch dressing and melted cheese, creating a unique balance of spicy, creamy, and savory elements.

Where Youll Commonly Find Them

These sliders are especially popular at parties, tailgates, and casual sporting events due to their small size and ease of serving. They are frequently featured on appetizer menus in American-style diners and pubs, as well as at game-day buffets. Because they can be prepared ahead of time and baked quickly before serving, they are a favorite for hosting gatherings where guests can grab them easily without utensils.

Fun and Interesting Facts

The original Buffalo wing recipe was intended as a late-night snack, but it quickly became a culinary icon.
Buffalo chicken sliders can be customized with a variety of cheeses, including Monterey Jack, cheddar, or provolone, each adding a slightly different flavor profile.
The use of Hawaiian sweet rolls is a modern innovation, adding a touch of sweetness to balance the spiciness of the hot sauce.
While often served with ranch dressing, some purists prefer blue cheese dressing to mimic the classic Buffalo wing experience.
They are perfect for meal prepping: the chicken mixture can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for several days, making assembly quick and stress-free.

AI Audio version of the recipe is available!

You can listen to this recipe in AI audio format. Simply click the play button below to listen to the content in a format that suits you best. It’s a great way to absorb information on the go!

FAQ about Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat the mixture in the microwave on HIGH for about 1 minute before assembling and baking the sliders.

Absolutely! You can substitute the Monterey Jack cheese with other types of cheese like provolone or cheddar. The key is to use cheese that melts well to create a gooey filling for the sliders.

Leftover sliders should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

Yes, you can freeze Buffalo Chicken Sliders. After baking, allow them to cool completely. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you're ready to eat, reheat them in the oven or microwave.

To avoid soggy rolls, layer the cheese on both the top and bottom of the chicken mixture. This creates a barrier that helps prevent the buns from absorbing too much moisture from the filling.

Yes, you can make your own ranch dressing mix by combining ingredients like dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and salt. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste.

Buffalo Chicken Sliders pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with a fresh coleslaw, potato chips, or a side salad. For a twist, you could even top the sliders with some homemade coleslaw.

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. You can use it in place of freshly cooked chicken breast to speed up the preparation process.

Bake the sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted, and the tops of the rolls are golden brown.

Comments

Jack Martinez

01/06/2024 12:44:37 PM

Overall, there wasn't anything particularly bad about this slider, but it didn't quite hit the spot for me. I opted for Sweet Baby Ray's Buffalo Sauce in my preparation. Everyone in my family gobbled them up without any issues. While we all appreciated the flavor, we collectively lean towards a traditional buffalo-style wing over the slider. Perhaps we were longing for that cooling element of ranch or blue cheese dip?