There are nights when you just need a dish that makes everyone gather around the table with smiles—and these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are exactly that. They’re cheesy, saucy, and just the right kind of messy (the fun kind, not the “scrubbing the couch cushions” kind).
I’ll be honest—between juggling kids’ schedules and trying to squeeze in my weekly trip to the farmer’s market, I don’t always have hours to spend in the kitchen. That’s why recipes like this are my best friends: quick prep, simple ingredients, and loads of flavor.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
- They’re ready in just 35 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Great for game day, potlucks, or feeding a crowd without stress.
- Gooey cheese + tangy buffalo chicken = flavor that keeps people coming back for “just one more.”
- Kid-approved (well, depending on spice tolerance!).
What Do Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Taste Like?
Think of the comfort of baked cheesy chicken tucked into buttery slider buns, then give it a little kick of heat. They’re tangy from the buffalo sauce, creamy from the ranch, savory with garlic, and just the right balance of spice and indulgence.
It’s the kind of flavor that makes your kitchen smell amazing—and honestly, might have the neighbors “accidentally” dropping by.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
The beauty of Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders is that you don’t need anything fancy—just a handful of pantry staples and fresh items that come together in minutes. Here’s a closer look at each ingredient and why it matters for this recipe:
- Slider buns (9 pack) – Soft, pull-apart slider buns are the foundation. Their fluffy texture soaks up the buffalo sauce without falling apart, making each bite tender and satisfying. Hawaiian rolls or brioche sliders also work if you prefer a touch of sweetness.
- Shredded chicken (1 ½ cups) – Juicy chicken is the star of these sliders. Rotisserie chicken is my shortcut of choice (hello, weeknight dinner lifesaver), but you can also use leftover baked or grilled chicken. If you enjoy cozy casseroles, shredded chicken is also key in my Chicken Pot Pie Casserole—another family-favorite.
- Frank’s Buffalo hot sauce (½ cup) – The unmistakable tangy heat that defines buffalo flavor. It clings beautifully to the chicken, giving every slider a spicy kick.
- Ranch dressing (2 Tbsp) – Creamy and cool, ranch balances the heat of the buffalo sauce. It rounds out the flavor so the spice doesn’t overpower.
- Seasonings – Just a few spices turn up the flavor:
- ½ tsp salt – keeps everything balanced.
- ¼ tsp black pepper – adds a subtle bite.
- ½ tsp garlic powder – that savory, aromatic base note.
- ¼ tsp paprika – brings warmth and color.
- Shredded cheese (1 cup) – Melty cheese ties everything together. Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella gives extra stretch, and pepper jack adds even more spice for adventurous eaters.
- Garlic butter topping – The finishing touch that makes these sliders irresistible. A mix of butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning brushed on top creates golden, buttery buns that smell heavenly as they bake.
Every single ingredient plays its part—whether it’s adding heat, creaminess, or that melty, pull-apart factor that makes these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders impossible to resist.
How to Make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders (Step by Step)
Making these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders is easier than you might think, and the whole process takes just over 30 minutes from start to finish. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a tray of gooey, golden sliders ready to share (or not share—I won’t judge).
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Line a 9×9-inch baking dish or casserole pan with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze and keeps the sliders from sticking to the pan.
(Pro tip: If you love oven-baked chicken dishes, you’ll also enjoy my French Onion Chicken Rice Bake—same idea, but with rich, cheesy flavors.)
Step 2: Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
- 1 ½ cups shredded chicken
- ½ cup Frank’s Buffalo hot sauce
- 2 Tbsp ranch dressing
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp paprika
- Stir until the chicken is evenly coated with the spicy, creamy sauce. At this point, it should smell tangy and irresistible!
Step 3: Assemble the Slider Base
- Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping each set of nine connected for easier layering.
- Place the bottom halves of the slider buns into your prepared dish.
Step 4: Add the Filling and Cheese
- Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture evenly across the buns.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the chicken layer. The cheese will melt beautifully into the sauce as the sliders bake.
- Place the top halves of the buns back on to close up the sliders.
Step 5: Brush with Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl, mix together:
- 2 Tbsp melted butter
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
- Use a pastry brush to generously coat the tops of the buns. This step gives your sliders that glossy, golden finish and a burst of garlicky flavor.
Step 6: Bake the Sliders
- Cover the pan tightly with foil to lock in moisture.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. This step allows the cheese to melt and the flavors to marry together.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the cheese is bubbling.
Step 7: Slice and Serve Hot
- Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for just a minute or two.
- Use a sharp knife to slice along the bun lines, creating individual sliders.
- Serve immediately while the buns are still warm, the cheese is melty, and the buffalo chicken is saucy and delicious.
And just like that—you’ve got a tray of Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders ready to feed a hungry crowd. Whether it’s game day, a potluck, or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is the kind that disappears fast!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
- Make ahead tip: Assemble the sliders up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
- Spice control: Add more ranch if you want to tone down the heat. Or, sneak in jalapeños if you love extra fire.
- Cheese swaps: Mozzarella for stretch, cheddar for sharpness, or even pepper jack for more zing.
- Avoid soggy bottoms: Keep your chicken mixture thick—too much liquid will make the bread mushy.
- Freezer-friendly: Wrap leftovers in foil and freeze. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Storage
- Fridge: Store cooled sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individually in foil, then place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Pop them back in a 350°F oven (still wrapped in foil) for 10–15 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes! Leftover grilled or baked chicken works perfectly here.
What sides go best with these sliders?
Crispy fries, celery sticks with ranch, or even a fresh salad to lighten things up.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Just use a larger baking sheet and increase your cooking time by a few minutes.
Conclusion
When life gets busy but you still want something comforting, Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the answer. They’re simple, crowd-pleasing, and bursting with flavor. Make them once, and I promise they’ll become a regular in your rotation.
And hey, if you do whip these up, I’d love for you to share your creations—tag me or leave a rating. Nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchens filled with good food and happy people.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meals.
Print
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders That Will Be Your New Family Favorite
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 sliders 1x
Description
These spicy buffalo chicken sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser—fluffy buns loaded with shredded chicken tossed in Frank’s hot sauce, melty cheese, and brushed with garlicky butter before being baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 9 pack slider buns
- 1 1/2 cups shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup Frank’s buffalo hot sauce
- 2 Tbsp ranch dressing
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Garlic butter:
- 2 Tbsp butter
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×9 baking sheet or casserole dish with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, hot sauce, ranch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Place the bottom halves of the slider buns onto the lined baking sheet.
4. Evenly divide the chicken mixture over the buns. Top with shredded cheese and place the top halves of the buns over the filling.
5. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
6. Brush the tops of the buns with the garlic butter mixture using a pastry brush.
7. Cover the baking sheet with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
9. Remove from oven, cut into individual sliders, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
You can use rotisserie chicken for a faster prep time.
Add sliced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese for an extra spicy kick.
Serve with celery sticks and extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for a classic buffalo combo.
To make ahead, assemble sliders without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: buffalo chicken sliders, spicy sliders, party food, chicken appetizer
