Buffalo Chicken Sliders: A Game Day Favorite

Introduction

When it comes to easy, crowd-pleasing meals, Buffalo Chicken Sliders reign supreme in our household. The perfect blend of spicy buffalo chicken, melted cheese, and soft slider buns makes these sliders an absolute hit during game days, parties, or even just a fun weeknight dinner. The combination of flavors and textures creates a satisfying bite that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whenever I make these sliders, the aroma fills the kitchen, and I can always count on my family to gather around the table, ready to devour them. If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious recipe that will wow your guests, look no further!

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 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: Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly 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 you like, you can 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: If desired, add lettuce, pickles, or thinly sliced red onion for some extra crunch and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 12 sliders
• Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per slider
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve the sliders warm from the oven.
• Provide dipping sauces on the side for guests to customize their flavors.
• Add a side of fresh veggies or chips for a complete meal.

Additional Tips

1. Rotisserie Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken not only saves time but also adds a great flavor to the sliders.
2. Buffalo Sauce: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your spice tolerance. You can always add more for extra heat!
3. Cheese Choices: While mozzarella and cheddar work great, feel free to experiment with pepper jack or blue cheese for a twist.
4. Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and assemble the sliders just before baking for a quicker meal.
5. Baking Time: Keep an eye on the sliders as they bake to ensure they don’t overcook.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with shredded jackfruit or a mix of roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version.
• BBQ Chicken Sliders: Use BBQ sauce instead of buffalo sauce for a different flavor profile.
• Mini Meatball Sliders: Replace chicken with cooked meatballs and use marinara sauce for a unique take.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair the sliders with a side of celery and carrot sticks, along with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
• Serve with sweet potato fries or onion rings for a fun, casual meal.
• A light salad can balance out the richness of the sliders and make for a well-rounded meal.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Assemble the sliders without baking, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
• Storage: Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?

• Yes! Cook and shred fresh chicken breasts or thighs, then mix with buffalo sauce.

1. How can I make these sliders less spicy?

• Use a milder buffalo sauce or mix in some ranch dressing with the buffalo sauce for a creamier, less spicy flavor.

1. Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

• Yes! Assemble the sliders and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

1. What if I don’t have slider buns?

• You can use regular burger buns, but you may need to adjust the baking time.

1. Can I add more toppings?

• Absolutely! Feel free to add avocado, jalapeños, or different types of cheese.

1. What side dishes pair well with these sliders?

• Consider serving with potato wedges, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

1. Can I bake these on a grill?

• Yes! You can wrap the sliders in aluminum foil and place them on a grill for about 10-12 minutes.

1. Is there a gluten-free option?

• Use gluten-free slider buns and ensure the buffalo sauce is gluten-free.

1. How can I keep the sliders warm during a party?

• Use a slow cooker on warm to keep them heated and ready to serve.

1. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
   • The oven is best for reheating. Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Sliders are not just another recipe; they are an experience that brings family and friends together. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just want a fun dinner, these sliders are sure to impress with their bold flavors and cheesy goodness. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So gather your loved ones, prepare these delightful sliders, and enjoy the compliments that will surely come your way!

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