There’s something irresistible about Buffalo Chicken Sliders that makes every gathering feel like a celebration. The way tender, shredded chicken mingles with zesty hot sauce and creamy ranch creates a flavor explosion in every bite. Those soft slider buns cradle the savory filling perfectly, and when you bite through the melty layer of Monterey Jack (or cheddar) cheese, you’ll understand why these little sandwiches have earned a permanent place in my recipe rotation. Whether you’re looking for a crowd‐pleasing appetizer or a laid‐back dinner, these sliders hit all the right notes: spicy, tangy, creamy, and just a hint of buttery goodness.
What I love most is how approachable this recipe is, even for beginner home cooks. With just a handful of pantry staples and a slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, you can have these sliders ready to pull apart and savor after a few easy steps. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—adjust the heat by dialing the Buffalo sauce up or down, swap blue cheese for feta (or skip it altogether), or toss in pickled jalapeños for an extra kick. With only 15 minutes of hands-on prep time, about 4 hours of slow cooking, and a quick 10-minute bake, these sliders bring big flavor with minimal fuss. Clocking in around 400 calories per serving, they strike the perfect balance between indulgence and share-worthy fun.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN BUFFALO CHICKEN SLIDERS
To create these mouthwatering Buffalo Chicken Sliders, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the tender protein base to the crunchy slaw and cheesy toppings, every component works in harmony to deliver that signature blend of heat, creaminess, and texture.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
These lean cuts cook down tender in the slow cooker and shred beautifully, soaking up all the spicy Buffalo sauce and savory broth.
- Salt and pepper
Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken and help balance the tanginess of the hot sauce.
- Buffalo hot sauce
The heart and soul of the sliders, this sauce delivers that classic tangy-spicy punch reminiscent of your favorite wing joint.
- Chicken broth
Adds moisture and depth of flavor, ensuring the chicken stays juicy as it simmers in the slow cooker.
- Ranch dressing
Swirled into the shredded chicken and mixed with the slaw, ranch adds a cooling, herby creaminess that mellows the heat.
- Slider buns
Soft, pillowy, and perfectly sized, these mini buns cradle the chicken mixture and melt-topped cheese for the ideal handheld treat.
- Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
A layer of melty cheese brings richness and gooey texture—cut each slice in half to fit snugly over the sliders.
- Crumbled blue cheese (optional)
For blue cheese lovers, a sprinkle adds tangy, pungent bites. Feel free to omit or swap with feta if preferred.
- Coleslaw mix
Provides crunchy contrast and a fresh bite when tossed with ranch, balancing the warm, spicy chicken filling.
- Melted butter
Brushed on the buns before baking, butter gives the tops a golden sheen and rich, toasty flavor.
- Dried parsley
A sprinkle of parsley adds color and a subtle herbaceous note to the buttery topping.
HOW TO MAKE BUFFALO CHICKEN SLIDERS
You’re just a few straightforward steps away from these crowd-pleasing Buffalo Chicken Sliders. With the slow cooker handling the chicken and a quick bake to finish, you’ll be slicing into spicy, cheesy goodness in no time.
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when your sliders are assembled and topped.
2. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper to build a flavorful foundation.
3. In a slow cooker, combine the seasoned chicken, Buffalo hot sauce, and chicken broth. Cook on high for 3–4 hours, or until the meat is fully cooked and shreds easily.
4. Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded pieces to the slow cooker and stir in ranch dressing. Let the mixture simmer on low to blend the flavors.
5. In a small bowl, toss the coleslaw mix with the remaining ranch dressing. Cover and refrigerate until assembly time.
6. Line a baking sheet and arrange the split slider buns bottom halves in neat rows. Spoon a generous mound of the Buffalo chicken onto each bun base.
7. Top each heap of chicken with a half slice of Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of blue cheese, if using.
8. Gently place the top halves of the buns over the cheesy chicken.
9. In another small bowl, whisk melted butter with dried parsley. Use a pastry brush to coat each bun top evenly.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the buns are golden.
11. Remove the sliders; lift the top buns and add a spoonful of the prepared coleslaw to each one.
12. Close the sliders, serve immediately, and enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Sliders!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR BUFFALO CHICKEN SLIDERS
Once your Buffalo Chicken Sliders are fresh out of the oven, it’s time to think about the perfect accompaniments and presentations. These sliders work beautifully in casual or festive settings, and you can elevate the experience with a few thoughtful touches.
- Charcuterie-style platter
Arrange the sliders on a large board alongside bowls of extra ranch and blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, carrot sticks, and your favorite pickles. Guests can grab a slider and customize each bite.
- Game-day spread
Pair the sliders with crispy sweet potato fries or kettle-style chips, and line up a selection of chilled beers or soda for a winning lineup that keeps everyone satisfied.
- Mini slider bar
Offer toppings in small dishes—sliced jalapeños, pickled onions, extra cheese slices, and coleslaw—so people can build their own creations. It’s interactive and fun!
- Fresh garnish
Sprinkle chopped green onions and a dusting of paprika over the baked sliders for a pop of color and added flavor depth that makes every plate Pinterest-worthy.
HOW TO STORE BUFFALO CHICKEN SLIDERS
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or dealing with leftovers after a big event, proper storage keeps your sliders tasting just as good as when they first came out of the oven. Follow these tips to maintain freshness, texture, and flavor.
Even when you’ve got a busy schedule, these sliders hold up remarkably well. After cooking, allow them to cool for about 10 minutes and then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; simply reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to revive that crispy bun and gooey cheese.
If you plan to freeze for longer storage, assemble the sliders through step 8 (before brushing with butter). Wrap the baking sheet tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then pop it into the freezer. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—when you’re ready, unwrap, brush with butter and parsley, and bake at 375°F for 15–18 minutes until heated through.
For leftover chicken, store it separately in a sealed container, and keep the buns at room temperature or in a bread bag. Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of chicken broth, then assemble fresh for better bun texture.
Keep the coleslaw chilled in its own container and add just before serving. This ensures the slaw stays crisp and prevents the buns from becoming soggy.
CONCLUSION
Buffalo Chicken Sliders bring together all the elements of a perfect party appetizer or quick weeknight dinner: tender, spicy chicken; creamy ranch and blue cheese; crunchy slaw; and melty cheese all tucked into soft, buttery buns. From the moment you pop open that slow cooker lid to the final bite, you’ll appreciate how simple ingredients can transform into an unforgettable flavor experience. Plus, with only 15 minutes of prep time and a hands-off slow-cooking window, they fit seamlessly into busy schedules. Whether you call them a fun twist on classic Buffalo wings or the ultimate handheld comfort food, these sliders are here to impress—and they’re beginner-friendly too!
Feel free to print and save this recipe for easy reference—stash it in your recipe binder or bookmark it on your device so you can recreate this spicy treat anytime. You’ll also find a FAQ section below for troubleshooting tips and extra ideas. If you give these Buffalo Chicken Sliders a try, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Drop a comment with your questions, suggestions, or feedback—your kitchen victories (and lessons learned) make this cooking journey all the more fun. Enjoy, and happy cooking!
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Sliders pack a flavorful punch, combining tender chicken tossed in spicy sauce with creamy ranch and crunchy coleslaw, all nestled in soft slider buns.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
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In a slow cooker, combine the chicken breasts, Buffalo hot sauce, and chicken broth. Cook on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreds with a fork.
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Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the cooker and stir in 1/4 cup of ranch dressing. Let it simmer on low until needed.
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In a small bowl, mix the coleslaw mix with 1/4 cup ranch dressing. Refrigerate until it's time to assemble the sliders.
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Place the split slider buns on a baking sheet. Add a scoop of the shredded Buffalo chicken onto the bottom half of each bun.
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Top the chicken with a half slice of cheese and a sprinkle of blue cheese, if using.
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Top with the remaining bun halves.
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In a small bowl, combine melted butter and dried parsley. Brush the tops of the sliders with the butter mixture.
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Bake the sliders in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Remove from the oven, lift the top bun halves, and add a spoonful of coleslaw to each slider.
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Replace the tops, serve immediately, and enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Sliders!
Note
- Adjust the Buffalo sauce amount based on your spice preference.
- These sliders are perfect for game day or casual parties.
- Substitute blue cheese with feta or omit it if not preferred.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
- Add pickles or sliced jalapenos for extra flavor.
