Easy Baked Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Why I Can’t Stop Making These Buffalo Chicken Sliders

• Only 5 ingredients! First and foremost, my favorite thing about these sliders is that they are made with just 5 ingredients. Rotisserie chicken, cheese, rolls, and buffalo sauce, plus a little butter. It’s really that simple!
• Perfect for game day. Is it really game day if there’s not a buffalo wing-flavored something on the menu?! As much as I love classic buffalo wings, they are a bit messy and time-intensive. So I tend to alternate between these buffalo chicken sliders and buffalo chicken wonton cups when we’re hosting for the game. The same buffalo flavor but without the mess!
• Just the right level of spicy. The filling for these sliders is made with chicken + buffalo hot sauce, so it’s naturally on the spicy side. But the subtle sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls and the gooey mozzarella cheese really help to balance it out. I find these are a hit with both people who love spicy foods and those who would opt to order mild wings at a restaurant. Basically, everyone loves them!

Recipe Ingredients

One of my favorite things about these sliders is that the ingredients list is short and sweet! Here is a run-down of each ingredient used. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the exact measurements.

• Hawaiian Rolls: I’ve found that Hawaiian Brand is the best for these sliders. They come in a pack of 12 and fit in a 13″x9″ pan perfectly. 
• Chicken: I like to use the white meat from a store-bought Rotisserie Chicken as a shortcut. However, if you have chicken breast at home, you could use that and then shred it.
• Buffalo Sauce: My favorite brand of buffalo sauce to use is Frank’s Red Hot. I use the original version, not the buffalo sauce version.
• Mozzarella Cheese: The shredded cheese adds an extra element of comfort food and helps the bottom bread from getting soggy.
• Butter: A light brush of melted butter on top of these sliders helps them turn golden brown.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders

These sliders are so quick and easy to make! Below is an overview of the steps; the complete instructions can be found in the recipe card below.

• Prep Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.  Spray a 9″x13″ baking dish with cooking spray.
• Create Buffalo Chicken Mixture: Combine the chicken and Frank’s Red Hot in a bowl until completely coated.
• Prepare Sliders: Cut the entire loaf of Hawaiian Rolls in half. I like to lightly place my hand on top, and using a serrated bread knife I cut right through the middle. This will give you a top half and bottom half. Add the bottom half of 12 slider buns to the baking dish. Top each slider bottom with 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese. Then add a handful (about 2-3 tablespoons) of the buffalo chicken mixture to each slider bun. Place the tops on each slider bun and brush with melted butter.
• Bake: Bake the sliders for 10 to 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and the top of the buns are toasted. Remove from oven. Garnish the top of the buns with diced fresh cilantro and drizzle with ranch if desired.

How Do I Keep Sliders From Getting Soggy?

The best way to keep sliders from getting soggy is to make sure to add the cheese before the meat. It gives the bottom bun a protective layer that helps prevent it from getting soggy. I also find that making them right before serving helps to prevent this.

Tips & Variations

Here are a few things to keep in mind when making these sliders, as well as a few easy variations.

• Don’t pull the sliders apart. The key to making sliders with Hawaiian rolls is to cut the rolls in half horizontally to create a bottom and top half, but NOT pull them apart. The top and bottom rolls should still be slabs of bread. It’s so much easier to work with it this way.
• Adjust the heat level. These sliders will be as spicy as the buffalo sauce used. For a more mild slider, use mild buffalo sauce and/or mix in some ranch dressing. For a spicier slider, use an extra hot buffalo sauce or a splash of your favorite hot sauce.
• Use a different cheese. I like to use shredded cheese because that’s what I usually have on hand. However, slices of provolone or similar cheese could also be used. A different type of shredded cheese is also another option!

Serving Suggestions

I usually serve these buffalo chicken sliders as part of a game day spread, with a few other appetizer-type foods. A few of my favorites include sheet pan steak nachos, crispy baked chicken wings, and bacon wrapped stuffed jalapenos. I usually offer some ranch dressing on the side for everyone to add if they want to.

These could also be served as a meal! Some crunchy coleslaw or carrots and celery sticks would offer a nice contrast to the flavor and texture of the sliders. Sweet potato fries or potato wedges would be great too.

Make Ahead & Storage

I think these buffalo chicken sliders are best enjoyed when they’re fresh from the oven. However, the filling mixture can be made in advance, and if there are leftovers (there have never been any in my house!), I do have some suggestions for reheating.

• Make ahead. The chicken mixture can be prepared and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Then just assemble the sliders and bake when it’s time to enjoy them.
• Leftovers. Leftover buffalo chicken sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. The best way to reheat them is in the oven until heated through. They can also be reheated in the microwave but the bread will be soggier.