
Introduction to Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Hey there, fellow home cooks! If you’re like me, juggling a busy life with kids, careers, and social obligations, finding time to whip up a delightful meal can be a challenge. That’s where my Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders come to the rescue! These adorable little bites pack a flavorful punch, making them the perfect solution for a hectic weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for your next gathering. They are incredibly simple to make, allowing you to pull together something delicious without breaking a sweat. Let’s dive into crafting this crowd-pleaser together!
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
What’s not to love about these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders? They are quick and easy, taking just about 35 minutes from start to finish. Life is busy, and sometimes you need something that satisfies without feeling like another chore. Plus, the zesty flavor becomes a surefire hit at any gathering. Picture your family or friends raving about them—now that’s the kind of joy I want to share!
Ingredients Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
To create these scrumptious Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that bring big flavor. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Slider buns: These little wonders provide the perfect vessel for all that spicy goodness. Consider whole wheat or gluten-free options if preferred.
- Shredded chicken: A tender, juicy filling. You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick route, or boil and shred your own for a fresh touch.
- Franks hot sauce: The heart of the spice! Feel free to adjust the heat by choosing your favorite hot sauce brand.
- Ranch dressing: Adds a creamy, cool contrast to the spicy chicken. You could also use blue cheese dressing for a bolder flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance every component of the dish. Always be generous but taste as you go!
- Garlic powder: Provides an underlying warmth that complements the spiciness wonderfully.
- Paprika: This brings a subtle smoky flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try smoked paprika for a deeper taste.
- Shredded cheese: Melting cheese on top adds delicious gooeyness that makes each slider irresistible. Cheddar or mozzarella works beautifully.
- Garlic butter: A blend of melted butter and garlic that’s brushed on top of the buns, adding richness. You can use olive oil instead for a lighter version or even herbed butter for extra flavor.
- Italian seasoning: This mix brings in some holistic herbal goodness. It pairs perfectly with the garlic for that extra layer of flavor.
For precise quantities, check the bottom of the article for easy printing options!
How to Make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first, let’s get that oven fired up! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, line a 9×9 baking sheet or casserole dish with parchment paper. This little magic paper makes clean-up a breeze and keeps those sliders from sticking. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later! Just imagine the crispy edges of those sliders waiting for you—let’s aim for that grilled perfection!
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, the spicy Franks buffalo hot sauce, ranch dressing, and your favorite seasonings—salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This mixture is the life of the party, bursting with flavor! With a fork or spoon, stir everything together until it’s well incorporated. The spicy, creamy fill becomes the heart of our sliders. Don’t be surprised if you’re tempted to munch on it right now; it smells heavenly!
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
Grab your bottom slider buns and place them in your prepared baking dish. This is where the magic begins! Evenly distribute that warm chicken mixture over each bun, creating a colorful and tasty layer. Next, sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top of the chicken. Don’t be shy! Finally, pop the tops of the slider buns back on, completing our delightful little sandwiches. It’s like tucking them into bed, ready for a cozy bake!
Step 4: Butter Topping
Now, for the finishing touch! In a small bowl, melt your butter and mix in garlic powder and Italian seasoning. This garlic butter is going to elevate your sliders! Using a pastry brush, generously brush this glorious mixture over the tops of each bun. The aroma alone will make your family swoon. This step not only enhances flavor but also gives a beautiful golden hue as they bake, promising a real treat for the eyes and taste buds!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking sheet tightly with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Let it bake for 15 minutes; this allows the sliders to warm thoroughly. After that, remove the foil, allowing the tops to get that desired golden crisp. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, keeping a close eye on them. You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly—now that’s what I call slider bliss!
Tips for Success
- Prep your ingredients before you start to save time and avoid stress.
- Feel free to mix up the sauces—add a touch of BBQ or a splash of honey for sweetness.
- Let the sliders rest for a few minutes after baking. This gives the cheese a chance to set, making them easier to handle.
- For extra crunch, include pickles or jalapeños in the filling!
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet: A 9×9 dish works well, but any oven-safe dish will do.
- Parchment paper: If you don’t have this, lightly greasing the dish will suffice.
- Mixing bowl: A medium-sized bowl is perfect for combining ingredients.
- Pastry brush: Use a spoon if you don’t have one for applying the butter.
Variations
- Spicy BBQ Chicken Sliders: Swap out the buffalo sauce for your favorite BBQ sauce. This gives a sweeter, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with shredded chicken for those who prefer a milder spice.
- Buffalo Cauliflower Sliders: For a vegetarian twist, replace the chicken with roasted cauliflower florets tossed in buffalo sauce. This makes a fantastic, healthy option that even meat lovers might enjoy!
- Creamy Blue Cheese Sliders: Add crumbled blue cheese to the chicken mixture for an intense flavor kick. This adds a beautiful creaminess that balances the heat of the buffalo sauce perfectly!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your sliders with crispy celery sticks for a refreshing crunch.
- Serve with a side of tangy ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- A chilled glass of iced tea or lemonade balances the spice beautifully.
- For a fun presentation, serve sliders on a wooden board with colorful garnishes!
FAQs about Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Can I make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for a day. Assemble the sliders right before baking for optimal freshness. This way, you’ll have a quick meal ready to pop in the oven when you’re pressed for time!
How do I store leftovers of Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt it!), you can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven to maintain that delightful cheesiness. You’ll need about 10-15 minutes at 350°F to get them nice and warm!
Can I change the spice level in the sliders?
What side dishes go well with Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
These sliders pair beautifully with a fresh side salad, crispy fries, or even some classic buffalo chicken dip. Mix and match to create a fantastic spread! You can even serve them with cheese-stuffed jalapeños for a truly festive atmosphere!
Are Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders gluten-free?
Yes, they can easily be made gluten-free! Just ensure you use gluten-free slider buns, and you’re all set for a tasty, allergy-friendly treat everyone can enjoy!
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly rewarding about serving up a tray of Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders. You gather everyone around, and suddenly the laughter floats through the air, transforming the meal into a celebration. Whether it’s game day or a casual weeknight dinner, these sliders create moments that linger long after the last bite. The perfect blend of spice and comfort, along with the ease of preparation, makes them a go-to in my kitchen. So, gather your loved ones, whip up a batch, and enjoy the delicious memories that are just waiting to be made!
Print
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 sliders 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make recipe featuring tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, topped with cheese, and baked in slider buns.
Ingredients
- 9 pack slider buns
- 1 1/2 cups shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup Franks 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
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×9 baking sheet or casserole dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, hot sauce, ranch, salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika.
- Add the bottom of the slider buns to the lined baking sheet.
- Divide the chicken filling between all the buns. Top with cheese and close with the top buns.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Brush the tops of the buns with a pastry brush.
- Cover baking sheet with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until lightly golden and the cheese has melted.
- Cut and serve with desired sides immediately while still hot.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce.
- These sliders can be served with celery sticks and extra ranch dressing on the side.
- Great for parties or game day!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg