Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

Name: Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 4 (4 ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 0.5 cup buffalo wing sauce, or more as needed; 4 slices LAND O LAKES® Deli American, cut into quarters; 8 slider buns, sliced; 8 tablespoons blue cheese salad dressing; 1 rib celery, cut into 2-inch thin sticks

Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 ounces each)
cup buffalo wing sauce, or more as needed
4 slices LAND O LAKES Deli American cheese, cut into quarters
8 slider buns, sliced
8 tablespoons blue cheese salad dressing
1 rib celery, cut into 2-inch thin sticks

Directions

Cut each chicken breast in half and place into a large resealable plastic food bag.
Using a meat mallet, gently flatten each chicken breast to about inch thickness.
Pour the desired amount of buffalo wing sauce into the bag, seal it, and shake gently to coat the chicken.
Refrigerate the chicken in the bag for at least 30 minutes to marinate.
Preheat a gas grill to medium or prepare a charcoal grill until the coals are ash white.
Remove the chicken from the buffalo sauce and discard the sauce. Place the chicken onto the grill.
Grill the chicken for 10-12 minutes, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches at least 165F and the chicken is no longer pink in the center. Optionally, brush with more buffalo wing sauce while grilling.
During the last minute of grilling, top each piece of chicken with two quarters of cheese.
Place the slider buns, cut-side down, on the grill and toast them for 1-2 minutes until golden.
Spread blue cheese salad dressing on the cut sides of the toasted buns.
Place a couple of celery sticks and a piece of grilled chicken on the bottom half of each bun, then cover with the top half of the buns.
Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious buffalo chicken sliders!

Recipe Tips

For extra flavor, you can add more buffalo sauce to taste, or serve with a side of extra blue cheese dressing for dipping!

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	277
Total Fat	15g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	44mg
Sodium	759mg
Total Carbohydrates	16g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Total Sugars	1g
Protein	17g
Vitamin C	1mg
Calcium	21mg
Iron	0mg
Potassium	124mg

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History of Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Buffalo chicken sliders are a variation of the famous Buffalo chicken wings, which originated in Buffalo, New York, in the 1960s. The creation of Buffalo wings is credited to Teressa Bellissimo, who accidentally invented them when she deep-fried chicken wings and coated them in a spicy, tangy sauce made of butter and hot sauce. Over time, the bold flavors of Buffalo wings spread across the U.S. and became a beloved comfort food. The slider version of the dish is a smaller, portable iteration of this classic, perfect for parties, cookouts, or casual gatherings.

Regional Variations

While Buffalo chicken sliders originated from Buffalo, New York, the dish has been embraced by various regions and adapted to local tastes. In some parts of the U.S., you might find variations in the sauce, adding ingredients like ranch dressing or additional spices for extra heat. In the South, it is common to pair the sliders with a side of crispy fried pickles or slaw, which complements the spicy, tangy flavor of the chicken. Some regions may even use different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack instead of American cheese for an added kick.

Distinguishing Features from Similar Dishes

Buffalo chicken sliders are distinct from other chicken sandwich varieties because of their bold, spicy Buffalo wing sauce coating. While chicken sandwiches may feature grilled or fried chicken with various toppings and sauces, Buffalo chicken sliders stand out due to the signature heat from the sauce combined with a cooling element like blue cheese dressing. The slider format itself is also unique, offering a small, bite-sized portion that's easy to eat at social events. Compared to traditional chicken sandwiches, sliders provide a fun and casual twist on the flavor profile.

Where Buffalo Chicken Sliders Are Usually Served

Buffalo chicken sliders are commonly served at parties, tailgates, cookouts, and gatherings where finger food is preferred. They are especially popular at sporting events or as appetizers at casual restaurants and bars. Because of their small size and the ease with which they can be eaten in one bite, they make the perfect snack for groups. They are often served alongside other appetizers like fries, onion rings, or vegetables with ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce.

Interesting Facts About Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Buffalo wings and their variations are typically served with celery and blue cheese dressing, which helps balance out the heat of the hot sauce.
Despite the name "Buffalo," the dish has no relation to the animal; it is named after the city of Buffalo, New York, where it was invented.
The slider version of Buffalo chicken has become a popular dish at trendy gastropubs and food trucks across the U.S.
Buffalo chicken sliders can be made using various types of chicken, such as grilled, fried, or even baked, to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.

FAQ about Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

Leftover buffalo chicken sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or heat them on a grill or stovetop until warmed through.

Yes, you can freeze buffalo chicken sliders. Assemble the sliders and wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1-2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven or microwave.

Yes, you can prepare the buffalo chicken in advance. Marinate the chicken in the buffalo wing sauce for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator before grilling. You can also grill the chicken a day ahead and store it in the fridge, then reheat before assembling the sliders.

Absolutely! You can substitute buffalo wing sauce with any hot sauce or BBQ sauce that you prefer. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance or flavor preference.

Yes, you can use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone. The cheese should melt easily, so it's best to choose a cheese that melts well.

To add more heat, you can mix cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chili flakes into the buffalo wing sauce. Another option is to serve the sliders with a spicy dipping sauce or add sliced jalapeños on top.

Buffalo chicken sliders pair well with a variety of sides like coleslaw, sweet potato fries, potato chips, or a simple salad. You can also serve extra blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.

To make the sliders healthier, you can use whole wheat slider buns, opt for a lighter dressing, or use grilled chicken breast instead of frying. You can also cut back on the cheese or skip it entirely.

Comments

Janet Anderson

11/23/2023 01:43:25 AM

These sliders were incredibly simple to put together and were a big hit with my colleagues. I decided to elevate the buffalo sauce by adding curry and cayenne for an extra spicy kick. I also offered a side of blue cheese and ranch dressing for dipping.