Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

These spicy buffalo chicken sliders are guaranteed crowd-pleasers at any gathering The fluffy slider buns soak up tangy buffalo sauce and melted cheese with every bite I love serving them straight from the oven for casual game nights or quick family meals when everyone craves bold flavor

When I first made these for a football party they disappeared in minutes Since then they are my go to for easy entertaining and friends always ask for the recipe

Ingredients

• Slider buns: Choose soft fluffy buns they help soak up the flavorful sauce
• Shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great or any cooked chicken breast for juicy texture
• Franks buffalo hot sauce: This gives the signature kick look for original or mild to adjust the spice
• Ranch dressing: Adds cool creamy balance to the heat select a quality brand with fresh herbs
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoned flavor use freshly ground pepper if possible
• Garlic powder: Boosts the savory notes buy pure garlic powder with no additives
• Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness pick smoked paprika for deeper flavor if available
• Shredded cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack melt beautifully and add gooey texture grate from a block for best melting
• Butter: Use real unsalted butter for richness not margarine
• Italian seasoning: Brings aroma and color check the herb mix for quality dried basil oregano and parsley

Step by Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan:

Start by preheating the oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Line a nine by nine baking sheet or casserole dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup

Mix Chicken Filling:

Combine the shredded chicken with buffalo hot sauce ranch dressing salt pepper garlic powder and paprika Stir thoroughly so the chicken is evenly coated and every bite gets a balance of spice and creamy dressing

Assemble the Sliders:

Place the bottom halves of the slider buns on the prepared baking sheet Spoon the chicken mixture across all buns making sure each gets an equal amount Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the chicken ensuring good coverage Place the top halves of the buns over the filling to form sandwiches

Make and Apply Garlic Butter:

Melt the butter in a small bowl Mix in garlic powder and Italian seasoning Brush this flavorful butter over the tops of the buns with a pastry brush The butter will infuse each slider with rich garlicky taste and help the tops brown beautifully

Bake covered then uncovered:

Cover the baking sheet with foil and bake for fifteen minutes This allows the cheese to melt and the sliders to heat through Remove the foil and bake for an additional five to ten minutes until the tops are lightly golden and slightly crispy

Serve Hot:

Let the sliders cool for just a minute or two then cut into individual portions Serve immediately while the cheese is gooey and the buns are soft and warm

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My favorite part is the garlicky butter topping It creates such a mouthwatering aroma The first time my family tried these my kids begged for extra garlic butter and now it is a regular step in our recipe

Storage Tips

Leftover sliders keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days Reheat in the oven for best texture If freezing wrap individually and thaw before warming so the bread stays soft

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use shredded turkey or even cooked pork if you have leftovers For dairy free skip the cheese and ranch and use vegan friendly substitutes For extra spice add diced jalapenos or a splash of hot sauce in the filling

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sliders with crunchy celery and carrot sticks for a classic buffalo side A crisp green salad or homemade fries pair perfectly For parties I set out extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping

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Cultural and Historical Context

Buffalo chicken was first created in Buffalo New York and is a classic American bar food Turning it into sliders makes it perfect for sharing and ideal at parties tailgates and family get togethers This version is inspired by those classic flavors but packed into convenient warm sandwiches

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes these sliders spicy?

The heat comes from Frank's buffalo hot sauce combined with black pepper and paprika, giving the filling a bold kick.

→ Can rotisserie chicken be used?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time without sacrificing flavor or texture.

→ How do you keep the sliders from turning soggy?

Baking the sliders uncovered for the final few minutes helps the cheese melt and the tops crisp without trapping excess moisture.

→ What type of cheese works best?

Shredded mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or cheddar cheese all melt well and complement the spicy buffalo flavor.

→ Can I prepare the sliders ahead of time?

Assemble the sliders and refrigerate, then bake just before serving to keep them fresh and melty.