Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Using a whole rotisserie chicken is my secret for creating a flavorful, cost-effective feast that feeds a group without strain. These budget-friendly Buffalo chicken sliders maximize every dollar, turning one chicken into a dozen satisfying mini sandwiches.

I remember the first time I made a big batch of these for a casual get-together. The game was on, the kitchen was buzzing, and I needed something that could disappear as quickly as the conversation. I pulled a rotisserie chicken from the fridge, shredded it, and tossed it in that classic, tangy buffalo sauce. Piled onto soft slider buns with a cool, creamy dressing and a quick melt of cheese, they were gone in what felt like seconds. That’s the magic of a great Buffalo chicken sliders recipe. It’s not just food; it’s the centerpiece of a good time. These sliders are the perfect bridge between a fast dinner recipe and a celebratory spread, delivering all the bold flavor of buffalo wings in a neat, handheld package perfect for game day, potlucks, or a fun family dinner. Simple ingredients, warm memories.

Print

Ingredients List

Buffalo chicken sliders start with humble, flavorful ingredients that come together for maximum impact. This recipe is designed for ease, using a store-bought rotisserie chicken to save you hours of prep time.

• 1 whole rotisserie chicken, skin removed, meat shredded (about 4 cups)
• ½ cup buffalo sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing, plus more for serving
• 12 slider buns (like King’s Hawaiian or potato rolls)
• 6 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese, cut in half
• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)

Smart Swaps & Dietary Notes:

• Chicken: Use 4 cups of shredded cooked chicken breast or thighs from your own roast, or grab a bag of pre-cooked shredded chicken from the store.
• Sauce & Heat: For a milder version, use half buffalo sauce and half barbecue sauce. For extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter mixture.
• Dressing: Blue cheese dressing is classic, but ranch is a crowd-pleaser. For a dairy-free option, use a vegan ranch or a simple mayo-lemon juice mixture.
• Buns: Gluten-free slider buns work perfectly here. You can also use small ciabatta rolls or even split a sheet of Hawaiian sweet bread.

Timing

One of the best things about this recipe is how it fits into a busy schedule. It’s the definition of fast dinners that feel special.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

That’s nearly 50% faster than making wings from scratch, and you get all the same great flavor without the mess. These Buffalo chicken sliders are the ultimate solution for last-minute hosting or a satisfying weeknight treat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for perfectly saucy, cheesy, and irresistible sliders every time.

1. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, melted butter, and ½ cup of your chosen dressing. Stir until every piece of chicken is evenly coated. The butter helps the sauce cling to the chicken and adds a rich, mellow flavor that balances the heat.
2. Assemble the Sliders. Without separating the individual buns, slice the entire package of slider buns in half horizontally, creating a top and bottom “sheet.” Place the bottom sheet of buns in a baking dish or on a sheet pan. Spread the saucy buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns.
3. Add the Cheese. Layer the halved slices of provolone or mozzarella over the chicken. If you’re using the optional shredded cheese, sprinkle it on top of the sliced cheese for an extra gooey finish.
4. Bake to Melted Perfection. Place the top sheet of buns over the cheese. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the buns are warm.
5. Finish and Serve. Remove from the oven, uncover, and brush the top of the buns with a little extra melted butter if desired for a golden finish. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives. Use a sharp knife to slice between the buns into individual sliders. Serve immediately with extra dressing on the side for dipping.

Nutritional Information

(Per slider, based on 12 sliders with ranch dressing and provolone)

• Calories: ~280
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 14g

This Buffalo chicken sliders recipe packs a protein punch thanks to the hearty shredded chicken. Using a lean rotisserie chicken is a great way to keep things balanced. The buffalo sauce itself is typically low in calories, and the butter provides healthy fats that help your body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins in the dish.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy gear to make these crowd-pleasing sliders. A regular kitchen will have everything required.

• A large mixing bowl
• A 9x13 inch baking dish or a rimmed sheet pan
• Aluminum foil
• A sharp knife for slicing
• A pastry brush (optional, for buttering bun tops)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t just any sliders; they’re a guaranteed hit. Here’s why this Buffalo chicken sliders recipe earns a permanent spot in your rotation.

• The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser: From kids to grandparents, the familiar, tangy flavor of buffalo sauce is almost universally loved. These sliders disappear fast at any gathering.
• Brilliantly Efficient: Using a rotisserie chicken is a game-changer. It turns a from-scratch project into a 25-minute assembly job, making it one of the best fast dinner recipes for busy nights.
• Customizable to the Core: Adjust the heat level, swap the cheese, change the dressing—this recipe is a flexible template. It’s easy to make a batch that pleases everyone.
• Minimal Cleanup: Mixing in one bowl and baking in one dish means you spend less time washing up and more time enjoying the game or your company.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: While they shine as football food, these sliders are just as welcome at a picnic, a casual weeknight dinner, or a potluck lunch.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Love the flavor but want to lighten things up? These simple swaps let you enjoy your Buffalo chicken sliders guilt-free.

• For a Lighter Version: Use light butter or substitute half the butter with low-sodium chicken broth. Opt for a light ranch or blue cheese dressing, or make your own with Greek yogurt.
• High-Protein Boost: The chicken is already a great source of protein. For an even bigger boost, use all white meat from the rotisserie chicken. You can also check out our High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad for another protein-packed, buffalo-flavored option.
• Gluten-Free: Simply use your favorite gluten-free slider buns or lettuce wraps. Ensure your buffalo sauce and dressing are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb/Keto: Ditch the buns altogether! Serve the cheesy buffalo chicken mixture in a bowl, over a salad, or wrapped in large lettuce leaves for a crunchy, refreshing vessel.

Serving Suggestions

A great plate of Buffalo chicken sliders is even better with the right companions. Here’s how to build the perfect spread.

• The Essential Dip: Always serve with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side. A small bowl for each person prevents double-dipping drama!
• Crunchy Sides: Classic celery and carrot sticks are a must—they cool the palate and add a fresh crunch. A simple vinegary coleslaw also cuts through the richness beautifully.
• Potato Perfection: Serve with crispy potato wedges, tater tots, or a bag of good kettle chips for the ultimate casual feast.
• For a Full Meal: Turn these sliders into dinner by adding a simple green salad or a cup of tomato soup for dipping. They’re substantial enough to stand alone.
• Other Buffalo Favorites: If you’re hosting a true buffalo-themed night, pair these sliders with other favorites like our Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe for variety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few small missteps can change your slider game. Avoid these pitfalls for the best results every time.

1. Using Dry Chicken: The magic is in the sauce clinging to moist chicken. If you’re cooking your own chicken, don’t overcook it. Rotisserie chicken is perfect because it’s already juicy. If using leftover chicken, consider adding a tablespoon of chicken broth to the mixture if it seems dry.
2. Skipping the Butter: Melting butter into the buffalo sauce is crucial. It tempers the vinegar’s sharpness, adds richness, and helps the sauce coat the chicken evenly instead of pooling at the bottom of the bowl.
3. Overloading the Buns: It’s tempting to pile the chicken high, but an overly thick layer will make the sliders messy to eat and can prevent the buns from getting properly warm in the center. Aim for an even, moderate layer.
4. Overbaking: You’re just melting cheese and warming everything through. Baking for too long can dry out the chicken and make the buns hard. Ten minutes at 350°F is usually perfect.
5. Not Serving Immediately: These Buffalo chicken sliders are at their absolute peak when the cheese is still stretchy and the buns are warm. They can sit for a few minutes, but they are truly a “serve straight from the oven” kind of dish.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Got leftovers? No problem. Here’s how to keep your Buffalo chicken sliders tasting great.

• Leftovers: Store any leftover assembled sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The buns will soften from the sauce, so for best texture, reheat them open-faced under the broiler for a minute to crisp up the bun slightly.
• Freezer Prep for the Filling: The unbaked buffalo chicken mixture freezes beautifully. Cool it completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before assembling and baking your sliders. This is a fantastic way to prep football food in advance.
• Reheating: The best way to reheat a full pan of sliders is covered with foil in a 300°F oven until warmed through (about 15 minutes). For individual sliders, a quick 30-second zap in the microwave works, though the bun will be soft. For a crisper bun, use a toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes.
• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the entire pan of Buffalo chicken sliders, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 8 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to the bake time if baking straight from the fridge.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the best chicken dishes recipes are the ones that bring people together with minimal stress and maximum flavor. These Buffalo Chicken Sliders do exactly that. They transform a simple rotisserie chicken into a festive, shareable meal that feels like a celebration, whether it’s for a big game or a quiet Tuesday night. Comfort food, made easy.

I hope this recipe becomes a trusted favorite in your home, a go-to for those moments when you need something reliably delicious and joyfully simple. Regular kitchen, regular time, great results.

If you give these sliders a try, I’d love to hear how they turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tell me your favorite way to serve them. And don’t forget to tag @StackSipSnack on Pinterest if you share a photo!

Love this handheld buffalo flavor? You might also enjoy these other easy, portable recipes:

• For a wrap version, try our Buffalo Chicken Wrap.
• If you love a crispy chicken sandwich, our Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich for Perfect Picnics is a must-try.
• For a different spicy twist on chicken, check out this Spicy Grilled Chicken Wrap with Chipotle Mayo Recipe.

FAQs about Buffalo Chicken Sliders

💬 Lets Stay Connected!
For daily recipes, kitchen tips, and exclusive content, follow me on:
👉 Facebook for behind the scenes and community fun
👉 Pinterest for visual inspiration and meal ideas
👉 X (Twitter) for quick tips and trending recipes

📲 Join the flavor journey, your next favorite recipe is just a follow away!