These Fiery Buffalo Chicken Sliders Bake are packed with spicy goodness! Made with shredded chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and gooey cheese, they are a real crowd-pleaser.
Perfect for game day or a fun dinner, these sliders are super easy to make. I love serving them with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for extra flavor. Who can resist a tasty bite? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: I often use rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor. If you’re cooking from scratch, poach or bake chicken breasts. You can also use shredded turkey if you have leftovers!
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but you can use any brand you like. For a milder flavor, mix it with more ranch dressing or opt for a homemade sauce, blending hot sauce with melted butter.
Cheese: Cheddar adds great flavor, but you could swap it for Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a little extra kick. If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, skip it or use more cheddar on top.
Slider Buns: I love using soft dinner rolls. They hold the ingredients well! If you want a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free slider buns or use lettuce wraps for a lighter version.
How Do I Ensure My Sliders Stay Moist While Baking?
Keeping your sliders juicy is crucial! First, mix your chicken thoroughly with buffalo sauce and dressing; this moisture will help. Also, be sure to brush melted butter on the top buns before baking – it keeps everything tender and adds flavor as well!
- Cover the sliders with foil for the first half of baking to keep steam in, which helps keep them moist.
- Remove the foil towards the end to brown the tops without drying them out.
- Serve immediately after baking for the best texture and flavor!
Fiery Buffalo Chicken Sliders Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Filling:
- 2 lbs cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
For the Cheesy Toppings:
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, for topping)
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prep, and then you’ll bake it for about 15-20 minutes. So, you’re looking at roughly 30-35 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a quick meal or snack that’s sure to impress.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your sliders bake evenly and come out perfectly gooey and golden!
2. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a large bowl, take your shredded chicken and mix it with the buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing. Stir well until all the chicken is nicely coated with that spicy goodness!
3. Slice the Slider Buns:
Carefully slice the slider buns in half horizontally. You can keep them attached at the back to make it easier when serving, or you can separate them completely if you prefer.
4. Assemble the Sliders:
Spread an even layer of the buffalo chicken mixture over the bottom halves of the buns. Make sure to cover each one so every bite is delicious!
5. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top of the chicken. If you love cheese, don’t be shy – go for it!
6. Top It Off:
Place the top halves of the buns over the cheesy chicken layer. They’re ready to go into the oven now!
7. Butter the Buns:
Brush the tops of the slider buns with melted butter. This will help them turn a beautiful golden brown and add flavor!
8. Bake the Sliders:
Transfer the assembled sliders to a baking dish and pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are lightly browned.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re done baking, take them out of the oven and, if you like, sprinkle some crumbled blue cheese on top. Finish off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives to add some color.
10. Enjoy!
Serve these warm sliders with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. Trust me, they’ll be a hit!
Enjoy the spicy, cheesy, and tender flavors of these Fiery Buffalo Chicken Sliders Bake!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just remember to thaw it completely before shredding. The best way to thaw chicken is to leave it in the refrigerator overnight or use the quick method of placing it in a sealed bag and submerging it in cold water. Make sure to cook it thoroughly once thawed!
How Can I Make These Sliders Less Spicy?
If you want to tone down the heat, you can reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce used. Mixing it with extra ranch dressing can also help balance the spice. Alternatively, consider using a milder sauce, like a honey BBQ, instead of buffalo sauce.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken mixture and assemble the sliders a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, bake as directed, but you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re chilled.
How Do I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but the oven will help keep the buns nice and soft!
