Easy Buffalo Chicken Sliders: A Crowd-Pleasing Recipe

Buffalo chicken sliders are the perfect appetizer or game-day snack. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe provides detailed instructions for creating delicious buffalo chicken sliders that will disappear in minutes. Get ready to spice things up!

Why You’ll Love These Buffalo Chicken Sliders

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and simple ingredients.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and chicken is irresistible.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Perfect for parties, game days, or a quick weeknight meal.
* **Customizable:** Adjust the spice level to your preference.
* **Versatile:** Serve as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Chicken:** 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
* **Buffalo Sauce:** 1 cup (Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice).
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted.
* **Ranch Dressing:** 1/2 cup.
* **Slider Buns:** 12-16 slider buns.
* **Celery:** 2 stalks, finely chopped (optional, for garnish).
* **Blue Cheese Crumbles:** 1/4 cup (optional, for topping).
* **Garlic Powder:** 1 teaspoon.
* **Onion Powder:** 1 teaspoon.
* **Paprika:** 1 teaspoon.
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon (for cooking chicken).

Equipment

* Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
* Two Forks (for shredding chicken)
* Baking Sheet
* Mixing Bowl
* Measuring Cups and Spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to making these mouthwatering buffalo chicken sliders:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

There are several ways to cook the chicken for this recipe. Choose the method that works best for you:

* **Skillet Method:**
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
3. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before shredding.

* **Boiling Method:**
1. Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a large pot and cover with water.
2. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly before shredding.

* **Slow Cooker Method:**
1. Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a slow cooker.
2. Add 1/2 cup of water or chicken broth.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is easily shredded.

* **Instant Pot Method:**
1. Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the Instant Pot.
2. Add 1 cup of chicken broth.
3. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release.
4. Release any remaining pressure manually.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to shred it:

1. Place the cooked chicken on a cutting board.
2. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can use your hands, but be careful as the chicken may still be hot.

Step 3: Make the Buffalo Sauce

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the buffalo sauce and melted butter.
2. Whisk until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Add the shredded chicken to the bowl with the buffalo sauce mixture.
2. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the slider buns in half.
3. Place the bottom halves of the buns on a baking sheet.
4. Spread a thin layer of ranch dressing on each bottom bun.
5. Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture onto the bottom buns.
6. Top with blue cheese crumbles (optional).
7. Place the top halves of the buns on the sliders.

Step 6: Bake the Sliders (Optional)

For warm and melty sliders, bake them in the preheated oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the buns are lightly toasted and the filling is heated through. This step is optional but highly recommended.

Step 7: Serve

1. Remove the sliders from the oven (if baked).
2. Garnish with chopped celery (optional).
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Sliders

* **Use High-Quality Buffalo Sauce:** The flavor of the buffalo sauce will significantly impact the overall taste of the sliders. Choose a brand you enjoy.
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** If you prefer milder sliders, use less buffalo sauce or mix it with a little ranch dressing or sour cream. For spicier sliders, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
* **Toast the Buns:** Toasting the buns before assembling the sliders will prevent them from getting soggy.
* **Add Cheese:** Cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone cheese are all great additions to these sliders.
* **Make Ahead:** You can cook the chicken and shred it ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the sliders. The sauce can also be prepared in advance.
* **Serve with Dipping Sauces:** Offer additional ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or even extra buffalo sauce for dipping.
* **Try different toppings:** Consider adding toppings like coleslaw, sliced pickles, or caramelized onions to your sliders for added flavor and texture.
* **For a healthier option:** Use whole wheat slider buns and bake the chicken instead of frying it.

Variations

* **Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the buffalo sauce for extra heat.
* **BBQ Buffalo Chicken Sliders:** Mix BBQ sauce with the buffalo sauce for a sweet and smoky flavor.
* **Creamy Buffalo Chicken Sliders:** Add cream cheese or sour cream to the buffalo sauce for a creamy texture.
* **Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Bacon:** Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the filling for a smoky and savory twist.
* **Buffalo Chicken Meatball Sliders:** Use buffalo chicken meatballs instead of shredded chicken for a fun and different take on this classic recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Buffalo chicken sliders are a versatile dish that can be served in various ways:

* **Appetizer:** Serve them as an appetizer at parties or gatherings.
* **Game Day Snack:** Perfect for watching sports with friends and family.
* **Lunch:** A quick and easy lunch option.
* **Dinner:** Serve with a side salad or fries for a complete meal.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover buffalo chicken sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the sliders in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Recipe Card

**Yields:** 12-16 sliders
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 25 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
* 1 cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
* 1/2 cup ranch dressing
* 12-16 slider buns
* 2 stalks celery, finely chopped (optional)
* 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 tablespoon olive oil

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook the Chicken:** Cook chicken using your preferred method (skillet, boiling, slow cooker, or Instant Pot).
2. **Shred the Chicken:** Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
3. **Make the Buffalo Sauce:** In a mixing bowl, combine buffalo sauce and melted butter. Whisk until combined.
4. **Combine Chicken and Sauce:** Add shredded chicken to the bowl with the buffalo sauce mixture. Toss to coat.
5. **Assemble the Sliders:** Slice slider buns in half. Place bottom halves on a baking sheet. Spread ranch dressing on each bottom bun. Spoon buffalo chicken mixture onto the bottom buns. Top with blue cheese crumbles (optional). Place the top halves of the buns on the sliders.
6. **Bake (Optional):** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake sliders for 5-10 minutes, or until buns are lightly toasted and filling is heated through.
7. **Serve:** Remove from oven (if baked). Garnish with chopped celery (optional). Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per slider)

* Calories: 250-350
* Protein: 20-25g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 15-20g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

Conclusion

These easy buffalo chicken sliders are a guaranteed hit for any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up a batch of these flavorful sliders in no time. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the game, or simply looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, these sliders are sure to please. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the perfect combination of spice, flavor, and fun!

Enjoy!