Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are perfect for any gathering or game day celebration. The combination of fluffy slider buns and juicy shredded chicken tossed in Frank’s hot buffalo sauce creates a flavor explosion that will impress your guests. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a main dish, these sliders are sure to satisfy cravings and keep everyone coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these sliders in no time.
• Flavor Packed: The spicy buffalo sauce combined with ranch dressing creates an irresistible taste.
• Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for parties, game days, or even a casual family dinner.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or sauces to suit your taste.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With nine sliders in one batch, there’s enough to share—or keep all to yourself!

Tools and Preparation

Before getting started on your spicy buffalo chicken sliders, gather the essential tools you’ll need. Having the right equipment helps streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowl
• Pastry brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Allows for even cooking and easy transfer of sliders in and out of the oven.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients effortlessly.
• Pastry brush: Helps evenly distribute butter over the slider buns.

Ingredients

To make these delicious spicy buffalo chicken sliders, gather the following ingredients:

For the Sliders

• 9 pack slider buns
• 1 1/2 cups shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup Frank’s buffalo hot sauce
• 2 Tbsp ranch dressing
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp paprika
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 2 Tbsp butter
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp Italian seasoning

How to Make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 baking sheet or casserole dish with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Shredded chicken
2. Frank’s hot buffalo sauce
3. Ranch dressing
4. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika

Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

Place the bottom halves of the slider buns onto the lined baking sheet.
– Divide the chicken mixture evenly among all buns.
– Top each bun with shredded cheese.
– Place the top halves of the slider buns on each filled bottom half.

Step 4: Add Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, mix together:
1. Melted butter
2. Garlic powder
3. Italian seasoning

Using a pastry brush, generously brush this mixture over the tops of the slider buns.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the baking sheet with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until lightly golden and cheese is melted.

Step 6: Serve

Remove from oven, cut into individual sliders, and serve immediately while still hot alongside your favorite sides!

How to Serve Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

These spicy buffalo chicken sliders are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a game day snack or a casual dinner. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your slider experience.

With Fresh Veggies

• Carrot sticks: Crunchy and refreshing, they provide a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the sliders.
• Celery sticks: A classic pairing with buffalo chicken, they add a satisfying crunch.
• Cucumber slices: Light and crisp, they help balance out the heat of the spicy buffalo sauce.

With Dipping Sauces

• Ranch dressing: Creamy and tangy, it complements the spice of the sliders perfectly.
• Blue cheese dressing: A bold choice that pairs well with buffalo flavors for those who love strong tastes.
• Hot sauce: For those who crave more heat, a drizzle or dip of extra hot sauce will kick things up a notch.

On a Platter

• Arrange sliders on a large platter: This makes an impressive presentation for gatherings.
• Garnish with fresh herbs: Chopped parsley or cilantro can add color and freshness to your spread.

How to Perfect Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

To make your spicy buffalo chicken sliders even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose quality chicken: Using freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken enhances flavor and texture.
• Balance the sauce: Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your heat preference; feel free to mix in more ranch for creaminess.
• Use fresh buns: Opt for soft, fresh slider buns for the best texture and taste.
• Don’t skip the butter: Brushing melted butter on top adds richness and helps achieve that golden brown finish.
• Allow time to rest: Letting sliders sit for a few minutes after baking helps them hold together when served.

Best Side Dishes for Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Pairing side dishes with your spicy buffalo chicken sliders can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the sliders.
2. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make a hearty side that complements the spice.
3. Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad offers a cool, comforting balance to the heat from the buffalo sauce.
4. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and is easy to prepare alongside your sliders.
5. Sweet Potato Fries: These offer a sweet touch that pairs nicely with spicy flavors and are easy to bake or fry.
6. Pickles: Tangy pickles cut through richness, providing an excellent contrast with each bite of slider.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making spicy buffalo chicken sliders, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken mixture can lead to bland sliders. Make sure to use salt, pepper, and spices for flavor.
• Overstuffing the buns: Filling the slider buns too much can cause them to fall apart. Use just the right amount of filling to keep them intact.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in a cold oven can affect cooking time and texture. Always preheat your oven before baking these sliders.
• Leaving out the butter: Forgetting to brush melted butter on top results in dry buns. Don’t skip this step for that golden finish!
• Cutting prematurely: Cutting the sliders before they cool slightly can make them messy. Allow them to sit for a few minutes after baking before slicing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover spicy buffalo chicken sliders in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

• Wrap each slider individually with plastic wrap or foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and wrap the sliders in foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place one slider on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30-60 seconds or until warmed, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add the slider for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making spicy buffalo chicken sliders:

What type of chicken should I use for Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders?

You can use shredded rotisserie chicken or cook chicken breasts yourself. Both options work well!

Can I make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare everything in advance and bake when ready. This is perfect for parties or game day!

What can I serve with Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders?

These sliders pair well with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Are there variations of Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders?

Absolutely! You can customize by adding toppings like blue cheese crumbles, jalapeños, or different types of cheese.

Final Thoughts

These spicy buffalo chicken sliders are not only delicious but also versatile! You can easily customize them with your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level. Perfect for parties, game days, or any casual gathering, these sliders are sure to impress your guests. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!