Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the perfect crowd-pleaser for any gathering! With their fluffy buns filled with juicy, spicy chicken and gooey cheese, they are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Whether it’s game day, a party, or just a cozy family dinner, these sliders will surely impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe requires just 10 minutes of prep time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous get-togethers.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of Frank’s hot buffalo sauce and ranch dressing creates a bold flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer or main course, these sliders can fit into various occasions from casual gatherings to festive celebrations.
• Cheesy Goodness: Each slider is topped with melted cheese, adding rich flavor and texture that everyone will love.
• Easily Scalable: You can easily double or triple the recipe to serve larger groups without much extra effort.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders is a breeze with the right tools. Having everything ready will help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowl
• Pastry brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking the sliders, ensuring they cook uniformly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly for maximum flavor.
• Pastry brush: Helps evenly apply melted butter on the tops of the sliders for a golden finish.

Ingredients

• 9 pack slider buns
• 1 1/2 cups shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup Frank’s buffalo hot sauce
• 2 Tbsp ranch dressing
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp paprika
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 2 Tbsp butter
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp Italian seasoning

How to Make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 baking sheet or casserole dish with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the following:
* 1 1/2 cups shredded chicken
* 1/2 cup Frank’s buffalo hot sauce
* 2 Tbsp ranch dressing
* ½ tsp salt
* ¼ tsp ground black pepper
* ½ tsp garlic powder
* ¼ tsp paprika

Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

Place the bottom halves of the slider buns in the lined baking sheet.
Distribute the chicken mixture evenly among all buns. Top each with 1 cup shredded cheese, then place the top halves of the buns back on.

Step 4: Add Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, mix together:
* 2 Tbsp melted butter
* ½ tsp garlic powder
* ¼ tsp Italian seasoning

Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the buns using a pastry brush.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the baking sheet with foil and bake in your preheated oven at 350°F for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5–10 minutes or until lightly golden brown and cheese has melted.

Step 6: Serve

Once baked, cut sliders apart and serve immediately while still hot alongside your favorite sides. Enjoy your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders!

How to Serve Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or simply looking for a tasty meal, these sliders can be dressed up or down to fit any occasion.

With Fresh Veggies

• Crunchy Carrots and Celery: Pair your sliders with fresh carrot and celery sticks for a refreshing crunch that balances the spice.
• Sliced Cucumbers: Cool cucumber slices offer a nice contrast to the heat of the chicken.

Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing: A classic pairing, ranch dressing helps tone down the heat while adding creamy flavor.
• Blue Cheese Dressing: For those who love bold flavors, blue cheese dressing complements the spicy buffalo sauce beautifully.

On a Platter

• Party Platter Presentation: Arrange sliders on a large platter with colorful garnishes like parsley or edible flowers for an eye-catching display.
• Mini Skewers: For easy serving, use mini skewers to hold the sliders together, making them perfect for guests to grab and go.

Accompanied by Drinks

• Craft Beer: A cold craft beer pairs wonderfully with these spicy sliders, enhancing their flavor profile.
• Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing beverages like lemonade or iced tea help balance the spiciness of the dish.

How to Perfect Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

To make your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders even better, consider these helpful tips for preparation and presentation.

• Bold flavor combinations: Use a mix of sauces for added depth; consider combining buffalo sauce with garlic aioli.
• Fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh chicken rather than pre-cooked for superior taste and texture.
• Melt the cheese perfectly: Cover with foil during baking to ensure the cheese melts evenly before browning it at the end.
• Adjust spice levels: Modify the amount of hot sauce based on your preference; reduce it for milder sliders or increase it for extra heat.

Best Side Dishes for Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders pair well with a variety of side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Classic French Fries: Crispy fries add a satisfying crunch and are perfect for dipping in leftover sauces.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the heat of the sliders and adds crunch.
3. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad is another great side that complements the flavors while offering comfort food vibes.
4. Sweet Potato Wedges: Baked sweet potato wedges add sweetness that balances out the spiciness of the chicken.
5. Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad with veggies creates a light and colorful accompaniment that’s easy to prepare.
6. Macaroni and Cheese: This classic dish offers rich creaminess, making it a favorite pairing with spicy foods.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making spicy buffalo chicken sliders can be easy, but some common mistakes can lead to less-than-ideal results. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough spices can make your sliders bland. Be sure to use salt, pepper, and garlic powder as directed in the recipe.
• Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry. Cook your chicken just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for juicy results.
• Not using enough sauce: Underestimating the importance of sauce can lead to dry sliders. Make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly in Frank’s hot buffalo sauce for that signature flavor.
• Using stale buns: Old slider buns may fall apart easily. Always use fresh slider buns for the best texture and taste.
• Skipping the butter brush: Neglecting to brush buns with butter can result in a less appealing appearance. The buttery topping helps achieve a golden finish and adds flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• item They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• item Keep them away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.

Freezing Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

• item Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• item Place wrapped sliders in a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months.
• item Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 30-45 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, covering it with a lid. This method keeps them moist while warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making spicy buffalo chicken sliders.

Can I make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble sliders when ready to bake.

What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar cheese is commonly used, but you can also try mozzarella or pepper jack for extra spice.

How spicy are these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders?

The heat level depends on how much Frank’s hot buffalo sauce you use. Adjust it according to your taste preference.

Can I use grilled chicken instead of shredded?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken adds a nice smoky flavor that complements the buffalo sauce well.

Final Thoughts

These spicy buffalo chicken sliders are not only delicious but also versatile. They’re great as an appetizer or main dish at any gathering. Feel free to customize them with different toppings or sauces to suit your taste preferences!