Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, delivering all the spicy, tangy flavor of classic buffalo wings in a convenient, bite-sized package perfect for game days, parties, or simply a fun weeknight meal. This recipe offers a straightforward way to create these deliciously addictive sliders, proving that gourmet taste can easily be achieved in your own kitchen.
Key Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Sliders:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing (for serving, optional)
- 24 slider buns or dinner rolls
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley (for garnish, optional)
- Celery sticks, thinly sliced (for serving, optional)
- Ranch dressing (for serving, optional)
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders:
Whip up these incredibly easy yet wonderfully satisfying Buffalo Chicken Sliders in under an hour, perfect for any occasion that calls for a little spicy kick and comfort. The magic lies in the tender shredded chicken infused with zesty buffalo sauce, nestled in soft slider buns, creating a burst of flavor in every single bite. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, with cooking time around 25-30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped yellow onion. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it using two forks or your hands.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the shredded chicken to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Pour in the buffalo wing sauce, stirring to coat the chicken evenly. If you like a little extra richness, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of butter here. Simmer over low heat for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become heated through.
- Assemble the Sliders: While the chicken mixture is simmering, lightly toast your slider buns if desired. Once the chicken is ready, spoon generous portions of the buffalo chicken mixture onto the bottom halves of the slider buns.
- Add Toppings (Optional): If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture. You can place the sliders under a broiler for a minute or two until the cheese is melted and bubbly, or simply cover the skillet for a few minutes to let the residual heat melt the cheese.
- Serve: Top with the other halves of the slider buns. Serve immediately with blue cheese dressing, ranch dressing, and thinly sliced celery sticks on the side for an authentic buffalo experience.
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Sliders:
You’ll absolutely fall in love with these Buffalo Chicken Sliders because they capture that irresistible spicy, tangy buffalo wing flavor in a perfectly portioned, handheld treat that’s unbelievably easy to make. Unlike traditional buffalo wings which can be messy and time-consuming, these sliders offer a quick and clean way to satisfy your craving, proving that all the bold flavors can be enjoyed without the fuss. The tender, shredded chicken tossed in a zesty buffalo sauce, nestled in soft slider buns with optional melty cheese and cool blue cheese dressing, creates a symphony of taste and texture that’s simply addictive.
Making these Buffalo Chicken Sliders at home is also a fantastic way to save money without sacrificing flavor, especially when entertaining a crowd or feeding a hungry family. Imagine enjoying a gourmet appetizer experience that’s budget-friendly and can be prepared in a flash, making it your go-to for casual gatherings or last-minute get-togethers. So go ahead, ditch the takeout menu and invite your friends over for an unforgettable slider party – you won’t regret giving these flavor-packed bites a try!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
To store any leftover Buffalo Chicken Sliders, allow the chicken mixture to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the mixture for up to 3-4 days. When ready to reheat, you can do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, or microwave in short bursts until warm. If you want to assemble fresh sliders, reheat only the chicken mixture and assemble with fresh buns. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooled buffalo chicken mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as described.
Final Thoughts:
These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the perfect fusion of convenience and incredible flavor, making them a guaranteed hit for any gathering or personal craving. Give them a try and discover just how easy it is to bring a taste of game-day-winning deliciousness right to your table.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to cool slightly.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- In the same skillet, add the finely chopped yellow onion. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.1 medium yellow onion, 2 cloves garlic
- Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it using two forks or your hands.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Return the shredded chicken to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Pour in the buffalo wing sauce, stirring to coat the chicken evenly. If you like a little extra richness, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of butter here. Simmer over low heat for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become heated through.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 1 medium yellow onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
- While the chicken mixture is simmering, lightly toast your slider buns if desired. Once the chicken is ready, spoon generous portions of the buffalo chicken mixture onto the bottom halves of the slider buns.24 slider buns or dinner rolls
- If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture. You can place the sliders under a broiler for a minute or two until the cheese is melted and bubbly, or simply cover the skillet for a few minutes to let the residual heat melt the cheese.1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Top with the other halves of the slider buns. Serve immediately with blue cheese dressing, ranch dressing, and thinly sliced celery sticks on the side for an authentic buffalo experience.1/2 cup blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, ranch dressing