Buffalo Chicken Pastry Sliders: A Game-Day Crowd-Pleaser!
Are you searching for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further than these irresistible Buffalo Chicken Pastry Sliders! They combine the spicy kick of buffalo chicken with the flaky, buttery goodness of pastry, all in a convenient and shareable slider format. Perfect for game days, parties, or even a fun weeknight meal, these sliders are guaranteed to disappear in minutes. This recipe provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to create these flavorful treats at home, ensuring a successful and delicious outcome every time.
## Why These Buffalo Chicken Pastry Sliders Are a Must-Try
* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and tender chicken creates a taste sensation that will leave your guests craving more.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these sliders are surprisingly easy to prepare, even for beginner cooks.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** The perfect appetizer for any gathering, these sliders are always a hit with both kids and adults.
* **Versatile:** Customize the spice level and cheese to your preferences for a truly personalized dish.
* **Quick & Convenient:** Using pre-made pastry dough cuts down on prep time, making these sliders a convenient option for busy schedules.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:
* **Cooked Chicken:** 2 cups, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
* **Cream Cheese:** 4 ounces, softened
* **Buffalo Wing Sauce:** 1/2 cup (adjust to your preferred spice level)
* **Ranch Dressing:** 1/4 cup
* **Cheddar Cheese:** 1 cup, shredded
* **Monterey Jack Cheese:** 1 cup, shredded
* **Green Onions:** 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional)
* **Garlic Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon
* **Onion Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon
* **Salt:** 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste
* **Pastry Dough:** 1 sheet (approximately 14 ounces), thawed (we recommend using puff pastry, but crescent roll dough can be substituted)
* **Egg:** 1 large, beaten (for egg wash)
* **Sesame Seeds:** 1 tablespoon (for garnish, optional)
* **Blue Cheese Crumbles:** Optional, for garnish
* **Celery Sticks & Carrot Sticks:** For serving (optional)
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Buffalo Chicken Pastry Sliders:
**1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:**
* In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, green onions (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
* Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a spicier kick, add more buffalo wing sauce. If you want a milder flavor, add a touch more ranch dressing or cream cheese.
**2. Prepare the Pastry Dough:**
* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the sliders from sticking and make cleanup easier.
* Lightly flour a clean surface. Unfold the thawed pastry dough sheet on the floured surface.
* Gently roll out the pastry dough to a 12×12 inch square. This will ensure that the sliders are uniform in size.
**3. Assemble the Sliders:**
* Evenly spread the buffalo chicken mixture over the entire surface of the pastry dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
* Carefully roll the pastry dough into a tight log, starting from one end and working your way to the other. Make sure the seam is sealed tightly to prevent the filling from escaping during baking.
**4. Cut the Sliders:**
* Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the log into 12 equal slices, each about 1 inch thick. A serrated knife will help to cut through the pastry dough without compressing it.
**5. Arrange and Bake:**
* Place the slider slices, cut-side up, on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each slider. This will allow for even baking and prevent them from sticking together.
* In a small bowl, whisk together the egg to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of each slider with the egg wash. This will give the sliders a golden-brown color and a glossy finish.
* Sprinkle the tops of the sliders with sesame seeds (if using) for added flavor and visual appeal.
* Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is heated through and bubbly. Keep an eye on the sliders to prevent them from burning.
**6. Cool and Serve:**
* Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the sliders cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to set slightly and prevent it from being too hot.
* Serve the Buffalo Chicken Pastry Sliders warm, garnished with blue cheese crumbles (if using). You can also serve them with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and extra ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
## Tips and Variations
* **Spice it Up:** For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or provolone, to create unique flavor combinations.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Substitute the chicken with cooked and crumbled cauliflower or shredded jackfruit for a vegetarian-friendly version.
* **Make-Ahead Option:** Assemble the sliders ahead of time, but don’t bake them until just before serving. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
* **Air Fryer Method:** For a quicker cooking time, you can air fry the sliders. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the sliders in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
* **Crescent Roll Variation:** If you don’t have puff pastry, you can use crescent roll dough instead. Simply unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Spread the chicken mixture on each triangle, roll it up, and bake according to the instructions.
* **Add Vegetables:** Finely diced celery, carrots, or bell peppers can be added to the chicken mixture for extra flavor and texture.
* **Individual Sliders:** Instead of rolling and slicing the pastry, cut the pastry sheet into squares, top each square with the chicken mixture, and fold the corners up to form individual sliders.
## Serving Suggestions
These Buffalo Chicken Pastry Sliders are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
* **Game Day Appetizer:** The perfect addition to your game day spread, these sliders are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
* **Party Snack:** Serve them at your next party or potluck for a delicious and easy-to-eat snack.
* **Quick Weeknight Meal:** Pair them with a side salad or soup for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
* **Lunchbox Treat:** Pack a couple of sliders in your lunchbox for a tasty and convenient lunch option.
Serve these delightful sliders with a variety of dipping sauces, such as:
* Ranch Dressing
* Blue Cheese Dressing
* Buffalo Wing Sauce
* Honey Mustard
Complement the flavors of the sliders with refreshing side dishes like:
* Celery Sticks and Carrot Sticks
* Coleslaw
* Potato Salad
* Macaroni Salad
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per Slider, approximate values may vary based on specific ingredients used):
* Calories: 250-300
* Protein: 15-20g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g
## Conclusion
These Buffalo Chicken Pastry Sliders are a guaranteed hit for any occasion. With their delicious combination of spicy buffalo chicken and flaky pastry, they’re the perfect appetizer for game days, parties, or a fun weeknight meal. The easy-to-follow recipe and customizable options make them a winner for cooks of all skill levels. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to impress your friends and family with these irresistible sliders!
Enjoy this recipe, and let me know in the comments below what you think! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family who are looking for a delicious and easy appetizer to make. Happy cooking!
**Enjoy!**