Name: Buffalo Chicken Slider Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (12-ounce) package Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls; 3 cups shredded chicken breast; ¾ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or Frank's Buffalo); ¼ cup ranch dressing (Greek-yogurt based recommended); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

There's something irresistibly cozy about a perfectly juicy slider. This Buffalo Chicken Slider Recipe hits all the best notes: tender shredded chicken, bold buffalo heat, creamy ranch coolness, and just the right melt of cheese—all tucked into soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls. Trust me, it’s a total crowd-pleaser that comes together in a snap!

A close-up of a sandwich made with two soft, golden brown dinner rolls seasoned with herbs and coarse salt. The sandwich is cut in half and stacked, showing two thick layers of shredded chicken mixed with a creamy, orange sauce inside. The top and bottom layers of the rolls look fluffy and slightly shiny, while the chicken filling appears moist and well-coated with the sauce. The background is blurred with several similar sandwiches around, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Slider Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Slider Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Slider Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Buffalo Chicken Slider Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen whenever I want something quick, comforting, and crowd-friendly. The spicy, tangy sauce paired with soft Hawaiian buns is like the perfect little party on your plate.

Super quick prep: You’ll have these ready in about 20 minutes, making them ideal for last-minute guests or game day.
Flavor-packed: The garlic powder and Italian seasoning add subtle layers that make the sliders taste way more complex than their simplicity suggests.
Easy to customize: Whether you prefer more heat, extra cheese, or a ranch swap, you can easily tweak this recipe to match your mood.
Shareable fun: These sliders are perfect for parties, potlucks, or a cozy dinner with friends—you really can’t go wrong.

A group of nine small sandwiches sit close together on brown parchment paper. Each sandwich has a top and bottom bun with a golden brown color and light sprinkling of coarse salt and black pepper. The buns appear soft and slightly shiny. Inside each sandwich is a layer of shredded orange filling, looking creamy and seasoned, slightly spilling out around the edges. The sandwiches rest on a white marbled surface with a black-handled knife laying nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here has a purpose and working together, they create that famous Buffalo slider magic. Plus, a quick shopping tip: grab shredded rotisserie chicken if you want to speed things up even more!

Flat lay of a small stack of shiny golden Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls, a white ceramic bowl filled with shredded cooked chicken breast, a small white bowl with bright orange hot sauce, a small white bowl of creamy white ranch dressing, a small white bowl holding fine garlic powder, a small white bowl filled with shredded white mozzarella cheese, a small white bowl with melted golden butter, and a small white bowl containing dried Italian seasoning, all arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls: Their soft, slightly sweet flavor balances the spicy buffalo sauce perfectly and keeps every bite fluffy.
Shredded chicken breast: A lean protein that soaks up the sauce beautifully without overwhelming the slider.
Hot sauce: I always reach for Frank’s RedHot—it’s classic, tangy, and not too overpowering.
Ranch dressing: Greek-yogurt based ranch adds creamy tang and cools down the heat without weighing the slider down.
Garlic powder: Just a touch adds depth and a savory kick.
Shredded mozzarella (or provolone, Havarti): Melts like a dream, offering gooey richness that’s the ultimate comfort food texture.
Unsalted butter: Brushed on top with Italian seasoning to give the buns a golden, flavorful crust.
Italian seasoning: This little herb blend lifts the whole slider with hints of oregano, basil, and thyme.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing it up depending on my mood. Sometimes I’ll swap ranch for blue cheese dressing for that tangy punch, or add celery slices for crunch. Feel free to personalize these sliders so they suit your taste perfectly.

Blue cheese twist: I swapped ranch for blue cheese dressing once at a party, and it was an instant hit with guests who love classic Buffalo wing vibes.
Extra heat: Add a pinch of cayenne or jalapeño slices if you like it spicy—but watch out, the heat sneaks up fast!
Cheese upgrade: Adding pepper jack or sharp cheddar layers gives a stronger flavor punch that's fantastic for cheese lovers.
Make it vegetarian: Replace shredded chicken with crispy cauliflower bites tossed in Buffalo sauce for a fun meat-free version.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Slider Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Buns

I always start by placing a rack in the center of the oven and preheating it to 375°F. Then, without separating the buns completely, slice them horizontally so you get one flat bottom piece to hold all the filling. Lining a baking sheet with parchment paper makes clean-up effortless.

Step 2: Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, hot sauce, ranch dressing, and garlic powder. I like to stir this together gently so every bit of chicken gets coated but still holds some texture—this combo brings the perfect balance of heat and creaminess.

Step 3: Assemble & Add Cheese

Scatter half of your shredded cheese over the bottom buns before spooning the buffalo chicken filling evenly atop. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese right over the chicken. This layering ensures plenty of melty goodness in every bite.

Step 4: Brush the Tops & Bake

Place the tops of the buns back on, then mix melted butter with Italian seasoning. Brush this generously over the top buns to get a beautiful golden crust. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cheese bubbles and the tops are slightly toasted. Let them cool a few minutes before slicing apart with a serrated knife—it helps keep everything neatly in place.

Top Tip

Having made these sliders a dozen times, I’ve learned a few tricks to make sure they come out perfect every time. These tips will save you from common pitfalls and help you impress your guests effortlessly.

Don’t slice buns too early: Cutting the buns just before assembling keeps them fresh and prevents drying out.
Brush butter generously: That Italian-seasoned butter on top not only browns beautifully but also adds a fragrant, savory note that's easy to overlook.
Use a serrated knife: When slicing into the baked sliders, a serrated knife preserves the fluffiness of the buns and keeps the filling intact.
Adjust heat to your liking: Feel free to start with less hot sauce and add more—Buffalo spice isn’t always predictable and you want a flavor you enjoy.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Slider Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Sliders - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping these sliders with freshly chopped celery for a refreshing crunch and extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of chopped scallions or crispy fried onions adds a nice touch too.

Side Dishes

These sliders pair wonderfully with classic sides like carrot sticks, celery, and crunchy coleslaw. For a heartier spread, consider baked sweet potato fries or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I sometimes arrange these sliders on a large wooden board surrounded by little bowls of ranch, blue cheese, and extra hot sauce. Adding some colorful veggie sticks makes the spread look festive and inviting—plus, it makes it easy for guests to help themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I pop leftover sliders into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. They hold up well, but I recommend reheating gently so the buns don’t dry out too much.

Freezing

These sliders freeze beautifully! I wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and then reheat, which helps keep that soft bun texture intact.

Reheating

To reheat, I like to unwrap the sliders and bake them uncovered at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese gets melty again. This method refreshes the sliders better than microwaving, which can lead to soggy buns.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Buffalo Chicken Slider Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the sliders a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator—just add the butter topping and bake right before serving for best results.

What if I don’t have shredded chicken on hand?

No worries! Rotisserie chicken works like a charm and saves tons of time. Just shred it yourself or buy pre-shredded chicken from many grocery stores.

Can I use a different type of bun?

You absolutely can. While Hawaiian rolls are best for their sweet softness that balances the heat, slider buns or even small brioche buns will work well too depending on what you have.

How spicy are these sliders?

They have a moderate kick from the Buffalo sauce, but you can adjust the heat by using less hot sauce or adding more for a fiery punch—tailor to your preference!

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Slider Recipe has been a lifesaver for quick dinners and fun gatherings. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—you'll love how it's simple, satisfying, and bursting with that classic Buffalo flavor. Once you try it, I bet it’ll become one of your go-to recipes too. Happy cooking!