The spicy, tangy flavor of buffalo chicken meets creamy ranch seasoning in these mouthwatering sliders. Nestled between pillowy Hawaiian sweet rolls and topped with melty cheddar cheese, every bite offers a satisfying blend of heat and savory comfort.
These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for game nights, tailgates, or any casual get-together. They’re quick to make, bursting with flavor, and easy to scale for a party. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, they always disappear fast!
Full Recipe:
-
3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
-
½ cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
-
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
-
12 Hawaiian sweet rolls
-
6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
-
2 tablespoons melted butter
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Directions:
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13” baking dish.
-
In a large bowl, toss the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and ranch seasoning until well coated.
-
Slice the entire sheet of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected.
-
Place the bottom half of the rolls in the baking dish. Layer evenly with buffalo chicken mixture.
-
Top with cheddar cheese slices.
-
Place the top half of the rolls on top to create a sandwich layer.
-
Brush the tops with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and dried parsley.
-
Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
-
Remove foil and bake uncovered for 5-7 more minutes until tops are golden and cheese is melty.
-
Slice and serve warm!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal per slider | Servings: 12 sliders
The Ultimate Guide to Buffalo Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the kind of crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed treat that brings people together—whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, a family movie night, or just craving comfort food with a little heat. These small-but-mighty sandwiches capture everything we love about buffalo wings: the spice, the tang, the richness—and layer it all between soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls for an irresistible bite-sized experience.
These sliders offer a perfect combination of spicy buffalo chicken, creamy ranch seasoning, melty cheddar cheese, and buttery golden buns. They’re baked until everything melds together into cheesy, spicy perfection. What makes them so special isn’t just the flavor—it’s their versatility, ease of preparation, and ability to satisfy a crowd with minimal effort.
Why Buffalo Chicken Sliders Are a Fan Favorite
The inspiration behind these sliders is classic American bar food—buffalo wings. Named after their origin in Buffalo, New York, buffalo wings have become a game-day staple. These sliders transform the messy, finger-staining wing experience into something more manageable, more shareable, and arguably even more delicious.
By using shredded chicken, typically from a rotisserie chicken or poached breasts, you retain all the juicy tenderness of wings without the bone. The buffalo sauce brings heat and tang, balanced out by the ranch seasoning that adds depth and creaminess. Topping everything with cheddar cheese and sealing it between soft rolls brings a comfort-food element that elevates the snack into a proper dish.
What Makes Hawaiian Rolls the Perfect Slider Base
Hawaiian rolls are soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet, making them the ideal base for a spicy slider. The sweetness balances the heat of the buffalo sauce and enhances the overall flavor profile. Their pillowy texture also holds up well in the oven, turning golden and slightly crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside.
Another benefit is their structure—they’re often baked as a connected batch, so you can slice them as a whole slab horizontally, fill them with the buffalo chicken mixture, then replace the top sheet and bake. This makes assembly and serving both fast and efficient.
Perfect Pairings for Buffalo Chicken Sliders
If you’re wondering what to serve with Buffalo Chicken Sliders, you’ve got options. Since the sliders already bring bold flavor, balance them with sides that complement or cool down the heat. Here are a few ideas:
-
Coleslaw: A crunchy, creamy slaw adds contrast and cuts through the richness.
-
Pickles or Pickled Vegetables: Their acidity brightens up each bite and brings another layer of texture.
-
French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: Because… why not? They’re a natural side to any slider.
-
Crudité and Ranch Dip: A lighter, healthier pairing that works well with the buffalo flavors.
-
Mac and Cheese: For a more indulgent meal, this pairing is comfort food heaven.
On the drink front, cold beer is the obvious choice, but sparkling water with lime, lemonade, or even a citrusy cocktail like a margarita or mojito also pairs beautifully with the spice.
Occasions Made for Sliders
Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the kind of dish that effortlessly fits into so many occasions. They’re ideal for:
-
Game Day Gatherings: These are practically made for football Sundays and sports nights. They’re bite-sized, easy to eat one-handed, and satisfyingly messy.
-
Potlucks and Parties: Easy to transport and easy to keep warm, they travel well and reheat like a dream.
-
Weeknight Dinners: They come together quickly and can be customized based on what you have in your fridge.
-
Picnics or Tailgates: Wrapped in foil, they stay warm and taste just as good outdoors.
Whether you’re serving a crowd or just feeding your family, their flexibility and flavor make them a go-to recipe that everyone loves.
Variations and Customizations
While the classic version with ranch and cheddar is always a hit, these sliders are endlessly adaptable. Here are a few popular tweaks to fit different taste preferences or dietary needs:
-
Blue Cheese Instead of Ranch: Go traditional with blue cheese crumbles mixed into the chicken, or a blue cheese dressing drizzle.
-
Spicy Mayo or Aioli: Adds creaminess and flavor with a different twist.
-
Add Bacon: Because bacon makes everything better. A few crispy pieces take it over the top.
-
Use Pepper Jack Cheese: For an extra spicy kick and melty texture.
-
Make It Vegetarian: Sub the chicken with buffalo cauliflower or jackfruit for a meatless alternative.
-
Low Carb Version: Use lettuce wraps or low-carb buns instead of Hawaiian rolls.
You can even set up a slider bar at a party and let guests add their own toppings like extra cheese, jalapeños, pickles, or slaw.
Tips for the Best Sliders Every Time
There are a few easy tricks to ensure your Buffalo Chicken Sliders come out perfectly every time:
-
Use freshly shredded chicken. Don’t overcook it or it may dry out during baking.
-
Brush the tops with seasoned butter. This ensures the rolls toast beautifully while adding extra flavor.
-
Cover with foil at first. This traps moisture and helps melt the cheese before uncovering to get that golden, toasty top.
-
Let them rest a few minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese and filling to settle, making them easier to cut and serve.
-
Don’t skimp on sauce. If you like them saucy, add a little extra buffalo sauce or even a drizzle of ranch before serving.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
While these sliders are best fresh from the oven, they also hold up surprisingly well. If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place them in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch, but baking helps retain the crispy top texture.
You can also freeze them for later. Wrap each slider individually in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders for Meal Prep
These sliders aren’t just party food—they’re also an excellent addition to your weekly meal prep. You can make the buffalo chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble the sliders and bake.
If you’re prepping for a busy week, consider doubling the recipe and keeping extras wrapped and ready to go for quick lunches or late-night cravings.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Sliders aren’t just a trend—they’re a timeless comfort food mashup that delivers on flavor, convenience, and crowd appeal. They hit the perfect balance of spicy and savory, melty and crunchy, indulgent yet approachable. Whether you’re a buffalo sauce fanatic, a ranch devotee, or simply love Hawaiian rolls, this dish checks all the boxes.
They’re easy to scale up, easy to customize, and nearly impossible to mess up. With just a few pantry staples and a little oven time, you’ve got a dish that’ll become a staple in your rotation—whether for entertaining or just feeding your family something fun and satisfying.