If you love the bold, tangy flavor of buffalo chicken, these Buffalo Chicken Sliders are about to become a new favorite. Packed with seasoned ground chicken, diced vegetables, plenty of buffalo sauce, and two kinds of melty cheese, these sliders deliver big flavor in a small, crowd-friendly package.
Soft Hawaiian rolls are lightly toasted and brushed with a buttery buffalo glaze, then filled with juicy buffalo chicken, creamy blue cheese crumbles, and gooey Monterey Jack. Once baked, the tops turn golden and slightly crisp while the inside stays warm, cheesy, and full of spicy buffalo flavor.
Perfect for game day, casual gatherings, family dinners, or party platters, these sliders are easy to prepare and even easier to serve. Pair them with crisp celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for the ultimate buffalo chicken experience.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 20 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cupBuffalo sauce, divided
- 1 tablespoom dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
- 1 teaspoon onion salt, divided
- 1 package Hawaiian Rolls (12 ct)
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ¼ cup onion, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 carrot stick, diced
- 1 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded
- ½ cup blue cheese crumbles
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment and set aside.
In a frying pan, combine 6 tablespoons of the butter with about 2 tablespoons of the Buffalo sauce, parsley, ½ t garlic powder and ½ t onion salt.
Heat over low until melted and stir to combine. Remove from the heat and transfer to a small bowl.
Using a serrated knife, cut the entire package of rolls in half horizontally. Place the cut sides up on the prepared pan.
Use a pastry brush to cover the cut sides of the rolls with a bit of the melted butter mix. Retain enough to coat the tops, set aside.
Place the pan with the coated rolls in the oven for 5 minutes – just enough to toast the edges a bit. Remove from the oven and set aside.
In the same frying pan used for the butter (no need to wipe clean), add the chicken, remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, ½ teaspoons garlic powder and ½ teaspoons onion salt. Heat over medium low until browned, breaking up chunks often.
Meanwhile, finely dice the onion, celery and carrot. Add to the chicken and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes or until beginning to soften.
Drizzle the meat mixture with the remaining Buffalo sauce and toss to coat. Remove from the heat.
Spread the meat mixture over the bottom half of the rolls.
Sprinkle with the monterey jack cheese and blue cheese crumbles.
Top with the top half of the rolls and gently press to secure the halves. Brush the top of the rolls with the remaining melted butter mix.
Cook in the oven for an additional 10 minutes or until the edges are crispy and butter has melted.
Storage: Sliders should be stored in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat prior to serving.
What to Serve With Buffalo Chicken Sliders
These spicy, cheesy sliders pair well with cool, crunchy sides that balance the heat of the Buffalo sauce. They are perfect for game day spreads, party platters, or casual family dinners.
Great side options include:
- Celery and carrot sticks with ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Crispy French fries or seasoned potato wedges
- Coleslaw for a cool and creamy contrast
- Mac and cheese for a comforting, hearty side
- Pickles or pickle spears to cut through the richness
- Potato salad or pasta salad for summer gatherings
For parties, serve the sliders with several dipping sauces such as ranch, blue cheese dressing, or extra Buffalo sauce so guests can customize the flavor.
Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Sliders
A few simple tips can make these sliders even better.
- Toast the rolls first. Lightly toasting the Hawaiian rolls prevents them from becoming soggy once the chicken filling is added.
- Adjust the spice level. If you prefer milder sliders, reduce the Buffalo sauce slightly or mix it with a little melted butter.
- Use freshly shredded cheese. It melts smoother and gives the sliders a creamier texture.
- Serve immediately. These sliders taste best when the rolls are warm and the cheese is perfectly melted.
Easy Variations
You can easily customize these sliders depending on your taste or what you have on hand.
Shredded Chicken Version
Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground chicken for a quicker option.
Ranch Buffalo Sliders
Mix a few tablespoons of ranch dressing into the Buffalo chicken mixture for a creamy twist.
Extra Cheesy Sliders
Add cheddar or mozzarella along with the Monterey Jack for an extra gooey filling.
Milder Family Version
Replace half of the Buffalo sauce with barbecue sauce for a sweeter flavor that kids may enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Buffalo chicken sliders ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the chicken mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the sliders just before serving.
Can I freeze Buffalo chicken sliders?
It is best to freeze the cooked chicken mixture rather than the assembled sliders. Thaw and assemble with fresh rolls before baking.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of ground chicken?
Yes. Shredded rotisserie chicken works well and saves time. Simply mix it with the Buffalo sauce and continue with the recipe.
What rolls work best for sliders?
Hawaiian rolls are popular because their slight sweetness balances the spicy Buffalo sauce, but brioche slider buns also work well.
