Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders – A Zesty Game Day Favorite

When it comes to comfort food that brings people together, sliders are at the top of the list. Bite-sized yet packed with flavor, they make the perfect grab-and-go snack for gatherings, parties, or even a fun family dinner. Among the endless slider varieties, Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders hold a special place in my kitchen. They’re bold, zesty, creamy, and oh-so satisfying. If you love the fiery kick of buffalo wings but want the convenience of a handheld sandwich, this recipe will win your heart (and your guests’ too).

Think of this as the ultimate mash-up: the classic flavors of buffalo chicken wings paired with the buttery softness of Hawaiian rolls, baked together with melted cheese until golden and bubbly. The result? A tray of irresistible sliders that disappear in minutes—so don’t be surprised if you find yourself making a double batch.

Let’s dive into what makes these sliders the ultimate crowd-pleaser, and of course, I’ll walk you step by step with a full ingredient list, instructions, and cozy little tips from my kitchen.


Ingredients:

  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
  • 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls (or slider buns)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone/cheddar blend)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: crumbled blue cheese, extra buffalo sauce for drizzling

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish or sheet pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Stir well until all the chicken is coated.
  3. Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally (keeping them connected as a slab for easier assembly). Place the bottom half in the prepared dish.
  4. Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly across the rolls.
  5. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the chicken layer. Add crumbled blue cheese if desired for extra flavor.
  6. Place the top half of the rolls back on.
  7. In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Brush this mixture over the tops of the rolls.
  8. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted and tops are golden.
  9. Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and let cool slightly before cutting into individual sliders.
  10. Serve warm with extra buffalo sauce or ranch for dipping.

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Zesty shredded chicken mixed with buffalo sauce, layered in Hawaiian rolls with melted cheese, baked to golden perfection.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 sliders
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken rotisserie chicken works great
  • 1 cup buffalo wing sauce use your favorite brand
  • 2 tbsp ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
  • 12 pieces Hawaiian sweet rolls slider size
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or provolone/cheddar blend
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking dish
  • Knife
  • Brush

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. Combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and ranch dressing.
  3. Slice Hawaiian rolls horizontally and place bottom half in the dish.
  4. Spread chicken mixture evenly over rolls.
  5. Top with shredded cheese and optional blue cheese.
  6. Place roll tops back on.
  7. Mix melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Brush over tops.
  8. Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes, then uncover and bake 5–7 minutes more.
  9. Remove, garnish with parsley, and cut into sliders.

Notes

Perfect for parties, game day, or family dinners. Double the batch—they go fast!

Tips & Tricks

  • Use rotisserie chicken for the easiest prep—it adds rich flavor and saves time.
  • Want it creamier? Stir in 4 oz of cream cheese into the chicken mixture before baking.
  • For extra spice, add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the butter topping.

Variations

  • Swap mozzarella for cheddar or pepper jack for more zing.
  • Try BBQ sauce instead of buffalo for a smoky twist.
  • Add pickles or jalapeños for extra crunch and heat.

Serving Suggestions
These sliders shine on game day spreads alongside celery sticks and ranch dip. They also make a fun weeknight dinner with a side of fries, salad, or roasted veggies. Pair them with an icy cold lemonade or beer for the ultimate treat.

Storage Information
Leftovers (if you have any!) keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through—this keeps the buns from getting soggy.

FAQ

  • Can I make these ahead? Yes! Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake right before serving.
  • Are they too spicy? You control the heat—use mild buffalo sauce or mix buffalo with ranch to mellow it out.
  • Can I freeze them? Yes! Wrap baked sliders tightly in foil, freeze up to 1 month, and reheat in oven.

History / Fun Facts
Buffalo chicken traces back to Buffalo, New York, where spicy wings were invented in 1964. The tangy, buttery hot sauce quickly became a sensation, inspiring countless spin-offs—from dips to pizzas to sliders like these. Hawaiian rolls, on the other hand, have their roots in Portuguese sweet bread brought to Hawaii. Marrying the two traditions—spicy American wings and sweet fluffy bread—creates a match made in foodie heaven.

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