Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders (Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Recipe)

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the kind of recipe that instantly brings people together. Whether it’s game day, a family gathering, a casual party with friends, or a busy weeknight when you want something bold and satisfying, these sliders always deliver. Soft, fluffy buns are filled with juicy shredded chicken coated in tangy Buffalo sauce, mellowed with creamy ranch, layered with melty cheese, and finished with a buttery garlic topping that bakes to golden perfection.

This is comfort food with attitude—spicy, cheesy, savory, and incredibly easy to make. Best of all, this recipe uses simple ingredients and takes just 35 minutes from start to finish, making it a reliable go-to when you need maximum flavor with minimal effort.

In this in-depth, SEO-optimized guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about making the best Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders—from ingredient choices and step-by-step instructions to variations, make-ahead tips, storage, serving ideas, and expert tricks that guarantee perfect results every time.

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Why Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Are Always a Hit

Buffalo chicken is already a classic favorite, but turning it into sliders takes it to the next level. Here’s why these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are so popular:

• Perfect balance of heat and creaminess – The sharp tang of Buffalo sauce is softened by ranch and melted cheese.

• Soft + crispy texture contrast – Fluffy buns on the inside, golden and buttery on top.

• Easy to scale up – Great for feeding a crowd without extra work.

• Versatile – Serve as an appetizer, main course, or party snack.

• Beginner-friendly – No complicated techniques or fancy equipment required.

If you’re looking for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, this recipe checks every box.

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Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders – Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Servings: 9 sliders

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Ingredients Breakdown (With Pro Tips)

Buffalo Chicken Filling

• 9-pack slider buns
  Soft dinner rolls or Hawaiian-style rolls work best. Their slight sweetness balances the spice beautifully.

• 1½ cups cooked shredded chicken
  Rotisserie chicken is ideal for flavor and convenience, but leftover roasted or poached chicken works just as well.

• ½ cup Frank’s Buffalo hot sauce
  A classic choice that delivers authentic Buffalo flavor without overwhelming heat.

• 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
  Adds creaminess and cools the spice. Blue cheese dressing can be substituted if preferred.

• ½ teaspoon salt
  Enhances the overall flavor.

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon paprika
  Adds warmth and subtle smokiness.

• 1 cup shredded cheese
  Cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend—choose based on how spicy you want the sliders.

Garlic Butter Topping

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  Adds herby depth and aroma to the tops of the buns.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish or sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling

In a medium bowl, combine:

• Shredded chicken

• Buffalo hot sauce

• Ranch dressing

• Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika

Mix until the chicken is evenly coated and glossy with sauce. Taste and adjust spice if needed.

3. Assemble the Sliders

Slice the slider buns horizontally without separating them. Place the bottom halves into the prepared dish. Spread the Buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the buns, then sprinkle cheese generously on top. Finish by placing the top buns back on.

4. Prepare the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Brush generously over the tops of the buns, making sure every corner is coated.

5. Bake

Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5–10 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese is fully melted.

6. Serve

Slice into individual sliders and serve hot with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.

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Tips for the Best Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

• Use rotisserie chicken for speed and flavor.

• Don’t oversauce—too much liquid can make the buns soggy.

• Cover first, uncover later to ensure gooey cheese without burning the tops.

• Brush butter generously for maximum flavor and golden color.

• Let rest 2–3 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.

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Delicious Variations to Try

Extra Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Add:

• A pinch of cayenne

• Extra Buffalo sauce

• Pepper jack cheese

Mild Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Use:

• Less Buffalo sauce

• Extra ranch

• Mozzarella cheese

Blue Cheese Buffalo Sliders

Swap ranch for blue cheese dressing and sprinkle blue cheese crumbles with the shredded cheese.

Crunchy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Add thinly sliced celery or red onion inside the sliders before baking for extra texture.

Buffalo Chicken Bacon Sliders

Add cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory upgrade.

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Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make Ahead

Assemble the sliders (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Brush with garlic butter just before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

• Oven: 325°F for 10–15 minutes (best texture)

• Air fryer: 320°F for 5–7 minutes

• Microwave: Quick but softer buns

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Serving Suggestions

These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders pair perfectly with:

• Celery and carrot sticks

• French fries or sweet potato fries

• Coleslaw or pasta salad

• Pickles or crunchy chips

• Extra ranch or blue cheese dressing

They also work beautifully as part of a game-day spread with wings, dips, and finger foods.

Print

Nutrition (Approximate Per Slider)

• Calories: 270–300 kcal

• Protein: 14–16 g

• Fat: 15–18 g

• Carbohydrates: 18–20 g

• Sodium: 550–650 mg

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Common Questions About Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, but drain it very well and shred finely to avoid excess moisture.

Can I freeze them?
They’re best fresh, but baked sliders can be frozen individually and reheated in the oven.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Absolutely—just use gluten-free slider buns.

What cheese melts best?
Mozzarella and cheddar melt beautifully; pepper jack adds spice.

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Final Thoughts

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are more than just a recipe—they’re a guaranteed win. They’re quick, comforting, bold, and endlessly customizable, making them perfect for nearly any occasion. From the tangy Buffalo-ranch chicken to the melty cheese and buttery garlic topping, every bite delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

What truly makes these sliders special is their versatility. You can dial the heat up or down, swap cheeses, add crunch, or prep them ahead for stress-free entertaining. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting friends for game day, or just craving something spicy and cheesy, this recipe will never let you down.