Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Introduction

When it comes to game day snacks, few things beat the satisfying crunch and flavor of Buffalo Chicken Sliders. My family and I discovered this recipe during last year’s football season, and it quickly became a go-to favorite. These sliders pack a punch with spicy buffalo chicken, creamy dressing, and melted cheese, all nestled between soft, fluffy buns. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make! Whether we’re cheering for our favorite team or just enjoying a casual weeknight dinner, these sliders never fail to impress. They’re perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply a fun meal at home. Let’s dive into how to make these delicious bites!

Ingredients

For the Sliders:

• 2-3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls work great)
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing (for drizzling)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon parsley (optional, for garnish)

Optional Toppings:

• Lettuce
• Sliced pickles
• Thinly sliced red onion

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Shred the Chicken: If using rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Mix with Buffalo Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce, mixing until the chicken is fully coated.

Step 2: Assemble the Sliders

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Slider Buns: Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
3. Add Chicken and Cheese: Evenly spread the buffalo chicken mixture over the bottom halves of the slider buns. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chicken.
4. Top the Sliders: Place the top halves of the buns on top of the chicken and cheese layer.

Step 3: Bake the Sliders

1. Brush with Butter: Brush the melted butter over the tops of the slider buns. If desired, sprinkle some parsley for garnish.
2. Bake: Cover the sliders loosely with foil and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops of the buns are golden brown.

Step 4: Serve

1. Drizzle with Dressing: Drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the sliders, or serve the dressing on the side for dipping.
2. Optional Additions: Add lettuce, pickles, or thinly sliced red onion for extra crunch and flavor.

Enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Sliders! They’re perfect for a flavorful, spicy, and cheesy bite!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 12 sliders
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200 kcal

Nutritional Breakdown per Slider

• Calories: 200 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 500mg
• Sugar: 2g
• Fiber: 1g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve

• Platter Style: Arrange the sliders on a large platter for a party spread.
• Dipping Station: Offer ranch and blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
• Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the sliders for a pop of color.
• Toppings Bar: Provide optional toppings like lettuce, pickles, and onions for guests to customize their sliders.
• With Sides: Pair with celery sticks and carrot sticks for a classic Buffalo experience.

Additional Tips

1. Rotisserie Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor—perfect for busy weeknights.
2. Adjust the Heat: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or mix in some ranch dressing with the sauce for a milder flavor.
3. Bun Choices: While Hawaiian rolls are sweet and soft, you can also use whole wheat or regular slider buns for a healthier option.
4. Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken mixture a day ahead and assemble the sliders just before baking for quick serving.
5. Serving Size: Consider doubling the recipe for larger gatherings—these sliders disappear fast!

Recipe Variations

• Buffalo Cauliflower Sliders: For a vegetarian option, substitute shredded cauliflower for the chicken. Toss with buffalo sauce and bake until tender.
• Spicy Chicken Sliders: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture for an extra kick.
• Cheesy Chicken Sliders: Mix in cream cheese with the buffalo chicken for an even creamier filling.
• Slow Cooker Option: Use a slow cooker to cook the chicken with buffalo sauce for several hours for an effortless, tender filling.
• Different Sauces: Experiment with different sauces like BBQ or sriracha for unique flavor combinations.

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect Pairings: Serve alongside potato chips or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
• Garnished Plates: Add carrot and celery sticks with a small bowl of ranch dressing for a crunchy side.
• Game Day Snacks: Combine with other finger foods like nachos, pigs in a blanket, or cheese platters for an epic game day spread.
• Meal Prep: These sliders can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for quick meals throughout the week.
• Party Favors: Wrap sliders in foil for easy transport to parties or gatherings.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing Leftovers: Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Assemble the sliders without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Reheating: Reheat leftover sliders in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
   Yes, you can use cooked frozen chicken. Just thaw and shred before mixing with the buffalo sauce.
2. What type of buffalo sauce should I use?
   Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice, but feel free to use any brand you prefer.
3. Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken mixture in advance and assemble the sliders right before baking.
4. Are these sliders spicy?
   They have a kick from the buffalo sauce, but you can adjust the heat by using less sauce or mixing in ranch dressing.
5. Can I bake the sliders without butter?
   While the butter adds flavor and helps achieve a golden crust, you can skip it if desired.
6. What are good side dishes to serve with these sliders?
   Consider serving them with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a fresh salad.
7. Can I use regular buns instead of slider buns?
   Yes, you can use any type of bun; just adjust the amount of chicken mixture accordingly.
8. Can I grill these sliders instead of baking?
   Yes, you can grill them! Just wrap them in aluminum foil and grill until heated through.
9. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
   Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
10. Are these sliders suitable for kids?
    Yes, but you might want to reduce the buffalo sauce for younger children who prefer milder flavors.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the ultimate party food, combining simplicity with bold flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, throwing a casual get-together, or just looking for a fun weeknight meal, these sliders are sure to be a hit. With their delicious, spicy filling and the option for customizable toppings, they provide a tasty bite that can satisfy any crowd. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy these mouthwatering sliders that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

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