Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Perfect For Game Day

What makes a single appetizer disappear faster than any other dish at football parties and tailgates across America? The winning combination lies in tender shredded chicken coated in tangy buffalo sauce, nestled between soft slider buns with cooling ranch dressing. These buffalo chicken sliders have become the undisputed champion of game day food, offering bold flavors in a perfectly portable package that guests can eat with one hand while cheering for their team. The buffalo chicken sliders feature juicy chicken breast tossed in classic hot sauce and butter, topped with crisp celery, melted cheese, and creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing for that signature buffalo wing experience.

Ingredients List

For these buffalo chicken sliders, you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 3/4 cup buffalo sauce
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
• 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 2 tablespoons melted butter for brushing
• Optional: Sliced pickles, red onion, or additional buffalo sauce for drizzling

Timing

These buffalo chicken sliders require:

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Assembly time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook and Shred Chicken

Place chicken breasts in a large pot with chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is tender throughout. Remove chicken from the broth and let it cool for 5 minutes, then use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. The slightly cooled chicken shreds more easily without falling apart into mush.

Step 2: Make Buffalo Chicken Mixture

Return the shredded chicken to a clean bowl. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and mix it with buffalo sauce over low heat until combined. Pour this mixture over the shredded chicken and toss thoroughly until every piece is coated in the spicy, tangy sauce. The butter helps the sauce cling to the chicken while adding richness that balances the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more buffalo sauce for extra heat or a pinch of salt if needed.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake Sliders

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping them connected as a sheet if using Hawaiian rolls. Place the bottom half in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer the buffalo chicken evenly across the buns, then sprinkle with shredded cheese and diced celery. Drizzle or spread ranch dressing over the celery, then place the top buns over everything. Brush the tops with melted butter for golden, crispy finish. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cheese melts and the tops turn golden brown. Let cool for 2-3 minutes before separating into individual sliders.

Nutritional Information

For a serving of these buffalo chicken sliders (makes 12 servings):

• Calories: 285
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 680mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 22g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 4 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Calcium: 12% of daily value
• Iron: 10% of daily value
• Vitamin A: 8% of daily value

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Transform your buffalo chicken sliders into a healthier version with these modifications:

• Whole Wheat Buns: Replace white slider buns with whole wheat versions to add 3g of fiber per serving and provide more sustained energy without blood sugar spikes.
• Greek Yogurt Dressing: Use Greek yogurt mixed with herbs and lemon juice instead of ranch dressing to increase protein to 25g per serving while cutting fat by 40%.
• Reduced Sodium Sauce: Choose low-sodium buffalo sauce and broth to decrease sodium content by approximately 200mg per slider without sacrificing the signature tangy heat.
• Grilled Chicken Option: Grill the chicken breasts instead of poaching for added smoky flavor while reducing overall cooking liquid and creating more intense charred notes.
• Lettuce Wrap Alternative: Skip the buns entirely and serve the buffalo chicken in crisp lettuce cups for a low-carb, gluten-free option with only 120 calories per serving.
• Baked Chicken Method: Use rotisserie chicken or meal-prepped grilled chicken to save time and potentially reduce sodium if you control the seasoning yourself.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your buffalo chicken sliders experience with these ideas:

• Arrange on a large platter garnished with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and small bowls of extra ranch and buffalo sauce for dipping and customization.
• Serve the buffalo chicken sliders alongside classic game day sides like crispy french fries, potato wedges, coleslaw, or mac and cheese for a complete comfort food spread.
• Create a slider bar where guests can add their own toppings—pickles, red onions, extra cheese, bacon, or different sauce intensities—for personalized combinations.
• Pair with cold beer, hard cider, or classic cocktails like whiskey sours that complement the spicy heat and cut through the richness beautifully.
• Keep buffalo chicken sliders warm in a slow cooker set to low if serving over an extended game or party, ensuring they stay hot and melty for hours.
• Garnish the serving platter with fresh celery leaves, cherry tomatoes, and lemon wedges for pops of color that make the presentation more appealing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Master these buffalo chicken sliders by avoiding these pitfalls:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Boiling chicken too long creates dry, stringy meat that won’t absorb sauce properly. Cook just until it reaches 165°F internal temperature for juicy results.
• Soggy Bottom Buns: Excess moisture from the chicken and sauce makes bottoms mushy. Toast buns lightly before assembly or add cheese directly to the bun as a moisture barrier.
• Not Enough Buffalo Sauce: Being conservative with sauce results in bland, underseasoned chicken. The chicken should be generously coated and look visibly orange-red throughout.
• Skipping the Butter: Buffalo sauce alone tastes vinegary and harsh. The butter mellows the heat, adds richness, and helps sauce cling to chicken for better flavor distribution.
• Wrong Chicken Cut: Using chicken thighs instead of breasts creates greasier sliders with different texture. Stick with lean breast meat for classic buffalo chicken flavor and consistency.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Preserve the freshness of your buffalo chicken sliders with these strategies:

• Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftovers of buffalo chicken sliders assembled sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 10-12 minutes to restore warmth without drying out.
• Separate Component Storage: Store buffalo chicken mixture separately from buns for up to 4 days, assembling fresh sliders as needed to prevent soggy buns and maintain quality.
• Freezing Method: Freeze the cooked buffalo chicken mixture alone for up to 3 months in freezer bags. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before assembling and baking fresh sliders.
• Reheating Guidelines: Reheat refrigerated buffalo chicken sliders in the oven rather than microwave to restore crispy tops and prevent rubbery texture. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
• Make-Ahead Strategy: Cook and shred the chicken up to 2 days ahead, storing it plain. Toss with buffalo sauce mixture on the day of your event for maximum freshness and flavor.

Conclusion

These buffalo chicken sliders combine tender shredded chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and melted cheese for the ultimate game day appetizer. Ready in under an hour with crowd-pleasing flavors and easy portability, these sliders satisfy even the pickiest football fans. Try this buffalo chicken sliders recipe and share your game day creations in the review section or leave a comment on our blog!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts? Yes, rotisserie chicken is a perfect time-saving shortcut. Use about 4 cups of shredded meat and skip straight to tossing it with the buffalo sauce mixture.

How spicy are buffalo chicken sliders? They’re moderately spicy with tangy heat that most people find enjoyable. Use mild buffalo sauce for sensitive palates or increase heat with hot sauce additions for spice lovers.

Can I make these buffalo chicken sliders in a slow cooker? Absolutely! Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker with broth and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-7 hours, shred, add buffalo sauce and butter, then assemble on buns.

What’s the best cheese to use? Cheddar provides classic flavor, pepper jack adds extra heat, and blue cheese crumbles offer authentic buffalo wing taste. Monterey jack or provolone work well too.

Can I make these sliders ahead for a party? Prepare the buffalo chicken mixture up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Assemble sliders 30 minutes before guests arrive, then bake fresh for best results.

Can I make buffalo chicken sliders gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free slider buns or serve the buffalo chicken in lettuce wraps. Check that your buffalo sauce and seasonings are certified gluten-free.