Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Featured in Start the Party: Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers.

These buffalo chicken sliders are a full plate of flavor! Shredded chicken is coated in a tangy mix of buffalo sauce, honey, and ranch dressing, then piled high with two cheeses on soft rolls. A buttery garlic topping adds the finishing touch before baking to golden perfection. Ready in 35 minutes, this sheet-pan meal is great for parties, BBQs, or a quick weeknight dinner! Everyone will love the mix of spicy, cheesy goodness with a hint of sweetness.
A chef holding a plate of food.
Updated on Sun, 09 Mar 2025 05:24:49 GMT
Buffalo Chicken Sliders fresh out of the oven Pin it
Buffalo Chicken Sliders fresh out of the oven | linacooks.com

These buffalo chicken sliders emerge from the oven with an irresistible aroma of spicy sauce and melted cheese. Tender shredded chicken is coated in a perfectly balanced buffalo-honey sauce, then layered with two types of melted cheese between soft, golden slider buns. The combination creates the ultimate party sandwich that disappears quickly at any gathering.

The honey-buffalo sauce combination was discovered by accident during Super Bowl party preparations. After several test batches to perfect the ratio, these sliders became an instant crowd favorite. The subtle sweetness balances the heat perfectly while complementing the soft rolls.

Key Ingredients

  • Shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken or home-cooked breast meat, shredded while warm for best flavor absorption
  • Buffalo sauce: Frank's RedHot Buffalo provides classic tangy heat that can be adjusted to taste
  • Ranch dressing: Choose a thick, creamy variety to help tame the heat
  • Honey: Pure honey adds natural sweetness that balances the spice
  • Fresh mozzarella: Freshly grated for superior melting quality
  • Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty depth
  • Slider buns: Hawaiian rolls provide ideal texture and subtle sweetness

Assembly Method

Sauce Preparation:
Combine warm shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, honey, and ranch dressing. Mix until evenly coated and season with garlic and black pepper.
Building Layers:
Place bun bottoms in a greased pan. Top with seasoned chicken mixture, ensuring even distribution. Layer with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Final Assembly:
Add bun tops and brush with seasoned melted butter for a golden finish.

Finishing Steps

Baking Tips:
Brush tops thoroughly with garlic-herb butter mixture. Bake until golden brown and cheese is fully melted. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe Pin it
Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe | linacooks.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside fresh celery and carrot sticks with extra buffalo sauce for dipping. Add coleslaw for a cool, crunchy contrast. Pairs well with cold beer or lemonade.

Recipe Variations

Experiment with different cheese combinations like cheddar or pepper jack. Add crumbled blue cheese or crispy bacon. Include pickled jalapeños for extra heat.

Storage Instructions

Assemble up to 24 hours ahead without butter topping. Wrap in foil and refrigerate. Add butter mixture just before baking.

These buffalo chicken sliders have become a staple at gatherings, consistently drawing people back for seconds. Their perfect balance of flavors creates memorable moments around the table.

Cheesy Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe Pin it
Cheesy Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe | linacooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare some parts ahead of time?
You sure can! Get the chicken mixture ready in advance but wait to put it all together and bake until you’re ready to serve.
→ What’s the benefit of using fresh cheese?
Freshly grated cheese melts much smoother compared to pre-shredded, which has additives to keep it from clumping.
→ How can I tweak the spice level?
Sure thing! Use milder buffalo sauce or adjust the ratio of ranch dressing for less heat.
→ Can I swap the bread?
Of course! While Hawaiian rolls are ideal, any soft slider buns will work just fine.
→ How do I keep the bottoms from turning soggy?
Make sure the chicken mixture isn’t overly wet, and only assemble right before baking.

Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Tangy buffalo chicken and melted cheese stuffed into soft rolls, finished with a buttery garlic glaze. A game day favorite that’s easy to serve!

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Paolina

Category: Appetizers

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 sliders)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Chicken Mixture

01 3 1/2 cups chicken, already shredded (a store-bought rotisserie works great!)
02 Half a cup of buffalo sauce (try Frank’s or a similar one)
03 1/2 cup ranch dressing
04 2 tablespoons of honey
05 3 small cloves of garlic, finely chopped
06 A dash of black pepper

→ Cheesy Topping

07 2 full cups of mozzarella cheese, freshly grated, and low-moisture
08 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, also freshly shredded

→ Assembly Ingredients

09 12-pack of King’s Hawaiian rolls
10 4 tablespoons melted butter
11 1 teaspoon garlic salt
12 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

Instructions

Step 01

Set the oven to 350°F and lay out a sheet of parchment paper on a baking tray before you start.

Step 02

In a big bowl, mix together the chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, honey, garlic, and pepper.

Step 03

Slice the rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom layer on a baking sheet that you prepared earlier.

Step 04

Spread the chicken mix all over the base layer, then sprinkle both types of cheese over it. Place the top layer of the rolls back on.

Step 05

Blend your melted butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. Use the majority of this mixture to brush the tops of the rolls.

Step 06

Pop it into the oven, covered with foil, for about 15-20 minutes until everything's nice and gooey. Take off the foil and bake an extra 5 minutes to brown the tops.

Step 07

If you like, brush on some extra butter mixture. Let it rest for a few minutes so it’s easier to slice. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  1. Tastes best when served right after baking
  2. Can be kept in an airtight container for 2 days
  3. Reheat at 325°F in the oven for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 30-second bursts

Tools You'll Need

  • A flat baking sheet
  • Parchment paper to line the sheet
  • A bowl for mixing everything
  • A brush for spreading the butter mixture
  • Foil for covering the sliders while baking

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy ingredients like cheese, butter, and ranch
  • Contains egg from the ranch dressing
  • Rolls have gluten/wheat

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 230
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 4 g
  • Protein: 16 g