Name: Buffalo Chicken Slider Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (12-ounce) package Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls (such as King’s Hawaiian); 3 cups shredded chicken breast; ¾ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or Frank's Buffalo); ¼ cup ranch dressing (Greek-yogurt based recommended); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone or Havarti), divided; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

There's nothing quite like the perfect bite-sized explosion of spicy, cheesy goodness, and this Buffalo Chicken Slider Recipe delivers just that. These sliders hit that amazing balance between tangy buffalo heat and sweet, soft Hawaiian rolls, making every bite absolutely irresistible.

A close-up view of a soft, golden-brown sandwich bun sliced horizontally into two layers with a thick, creamy filling of shredded chicken mixed with a reddish-orange sauce. The shredded chicken filling is moist and chunky, spilling out slightly from the sides of the sandwich. The top bun has a shiny surface sprinkled with coarse salt and small dried herbs, adding texture. The sandwich is stacked in front of other similar sandwiches on a light-colored wooden surface, with a white marbled background softly blurred behind. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Slider Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Slider Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Slider Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I whipped these up for a casual game night, and the sliders disappeared faster than I could blink. They're incredibly flavorful without being overwhelming, plus they come together in just about 20 minutes. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just craving something fun and tasty, this Buffalo Chicken Slider Recipe always brings the party to the table.

Quick & Easy: You can have these sliders on the table in under 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Perfect Flavor Balance: The sweet Hawaiian rolls mellow out the spicy buffalo sauce, creating a harmonious taste.
Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: The creamy ranch and melty cheese make these sliders a hit with all ages.
Customizable: You can easily swap cheeses or adjust the heat level to suit your taste.

The image shows nine small sandwiches together on white parchment paper. Each sandwich has a shiny, soft, brown top bun sprinkled with coarse salt and black pepper. Below the top bun, there is a thick layer of shredded, orange-colored filling mixed with cheese that stretches out slightly between the sandwiches. The bottom buns are soft and white, holding the filling. The sandwiches are placed close to each other with one partly pulled out showing the filling and melted cheese inside. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is all about blending flavors that complement each other — the tender shredded chicken soaked in buffalo sauce, the cooling ranch dressing, and those irresistible Hawaiian rolls. Each ingredient plays a part in creating sliders that are juicy, spicy, creamy, and sweet all at once.

Flat lay of a stack of soft Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls with golden brown tops, a small white bowl filled with bright orange-red hot sauce, a heaping pile of shredded white chicken breast, a small white bowl of creamy white ranch dressing, a small white bowl holding melted golden butter, a neat mound of shredded mozzarella cheese, a small white bowl of mixed Italian seasoning with dried herbs, and a sprinkle of garlic powder artfully arranged in a circle, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls: Their sweetness and soft texture perfectly balance the spicy buffalo sauce while holding up well to baking.
Shredded chicken breast: A lean protein base that soaks up the sauce and keeps each slider hearty.
Hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot): Classic buffalo flavor with just the right level of heat and tang.
Ranch dressing (Greek-yogurt based): Adds creaminess and cools down the heat for a rounded flavor.
Garlic powder: Brings a subtle depth that enhances the savory notes.
Shredded mozzarella (or provolone, Havarti): Melts beautifully over the chicken, creating gooey, cheesy goodness.
Unsalted butter: Combined with Italian seasoning for brushing on top, it adds a golden, flavorful crust.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb mix that gives the tops a little extra kick and aroma.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Buffalo Chicken Slider Recipe to suit whatever mood I'm in or whats in my fridge. It’s super forgiving, so don’t hesitate to swap out the cheese or dial up the heat if you like things spicy.

Variation: Once, I swapped out the mozzarella for sharp cheddar and added some chopped celery for crunch—it was a fresh twist that everyone enjoyed.
Heat level: I like to start with classic Frank’s RedHot, but feel free to add extra hot sauce or some cayenne pepper if you really want that spicy punch.
Dairy-free option: Use a vegan ranch and dairy-free cheese to make these sliders inclusive for all diets.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Slider Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Buns

I always start by warming the oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things clean. Then, without pulling apart the sides, I slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally so they’re still connected like a giant sandwich—this makes it easier to prep and bake all the sliders at once. Place the bottom halves on the baking sheet, ready for the filling.

Step 2: Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling

In a mixing bowl, toss together your shredded chicken, hot sauce, ranch, and garlic powder until everything is nicely coated. This combo is where the magic happens—the creamy ranch tempers the buffalo heat, so don’t skip it! You want the chicken to be spicy but balanced.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

Scatter some shredded mozzarella on the bottom buns first—this creates a melty barrier that keeps the bread from getting soggy. Then pile on the buffalo chicken mixture evenly, sprinkle on the remaining cheese, and sandwich with the top buns.

Step 4: Butter and Bake

Mix melted butter with Italian seasoning and brush it generously over the top buns. This step gives the sliders a beautiful golden color and that irresistible herb-butter aroma. Pop them in the oven for about 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is melty and the tops have browned just right.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the sliders cool just a few minutes so they set up a bit—this makes slicing easier without squishing the filling. Use a serrated knife to cut carefully between each bun, and then dig in!

Top Tip

From my many game day experiences, I’ve learned that a few little tricks take these sliders from good to unforgettable. They’re pretty foolproof, but these tips keep your sliders perfect every time.

Don’t Overload the Filling: Too much chicken mixture can make the sliders messy and hard to eat — aim for a balanced layer so they hold together well.
Brush Butter Generously: This step ensures the buns toast up golden and add flavor, so don’t be shy with that herb-butter.
Let Cool Before Cutting: Sliders are tempting to dive into right away, but a brief rest lets the cheese set slightly and keeps everything neat.
Choose Quality Rolls: Using good-quality Hawaiian rolls makes a big difference — the right balance of sweetness and softness really shines through.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Slider Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Sliders - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top my sliders with a sprinkle of chopped celery or green onions for some crunch and a fresh pop of color. Blue cheese crumbles are also a fantastic addition if you want to amp up the buffalo vibe.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with these sliders? Classic crispy oven-baked fries or a simple mix of carrot and celery sticks with ranch make for a true game-day spread. I’ve also paired them with a cool coleslaw which adds a nice refreshing crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like setting up a slider bar—offering a few cheese options, extra hot sauce, and veggie toppings so guests can customize their own. It makes things fun and interactive, and honestly, everyone loves adding their own flair!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually separate the tops and bottoms with parchment paper to keep the buns from getting too soggy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these sliders before by wrapping them tightly in foil and placing them in a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to a month and thaw quickly in the fridge overnight, making them great for meal prep.

Reheating

To reheat, I pull the sliders from the fridge (or thawed from freezer), pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, covered loosely with foil to keep the buns soft and the cheese melty.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Buffalo Chicken Slider Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders and refrigerate them, then bake right before serving — just add a few extra minutes to baking time if chilled.

What type of cheese works best for Buffalo Chicken Sliders?

Mozzarella is my favorite because it melts beautifully without overpowering the buffalo flavor, but provolone or Havarti are great alternatives for a slightly different taste and creaminess.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut here. Just shred it well and mix with the other ingredients for a quick and flavorful filling.

How spicy are these Buffalo Chicken Sliders?

They have a nice medium heat thanks to the buffalo sauce, balanced by ranch dressing and sweet rolls. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more hot sauce or using a milder substitute.

Final Thoughts

I adore this Buffalo Chicken Slider Recipe because it always brings people together with its bold yet approachable flavors. These sliders transform simple ingredients into something truly memorable, whether it’s a casual night or a big gathering. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a go-to crowd-pleaser in your kitchen too!