If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing snack or an irresistible game day treat, this Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender shredded chicken in a tangy buffalo sauce, combined with creamy cheese, and nestled in soft slider buns, these sliders hit all the right notes. The balance of spicy, creamy, and savory flavors makes them absolutely addictive. Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving a tasty bite, these sliders are sure to become a fast favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe lies in its simple and straightforward ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating layers of flavor and the perfect texture that makes these sliders unforgettable.
- 3 cups shredded boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The hearty foundation of the dish, providing protein and tenderness.
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce: Adds that iconic spicy tang that defines the flavor profile.
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened): Brings rich creaminess to balance the buffalo heat.
- 12 slider buns: Soft, pillowy buns that cradle all the delicious fillings perfectly.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a cool and tangy contrast, enhancing the overall flavor.
- 2 cloves fresh garlic (minced): Infuses the chicken mixture with savory depth and aromatic warmth.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Warming the oven ensures your sliders get that lovely slightly crispy finish when baked at the end.
Step 2: Combine Chicken, Garlic, and Buffalo Sauce
In your slow cooker or Instant Pot, toss together the cooked shredded chicken, the fresh minced garlic, and the spicy buffalo sauce. Stir everything gently until the chicken is beautifully coated in that vibrant sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken Mixture
If you opt for the slow cooker, set it on low for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to mingle richly and the chicken to absorb all the tangy heat. Using an Instant Pot? Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally, locking in moisture and flavor.
Step 4: Mix in Cream Cheese
Once cooked, if your chicken isn’t already shredded, give it a good shred now for perfect bite-sized pieces. Then fold in the softened cream cheese until everything is melted and combined into a luscious, creamy mixture.
Step 5: Assemble the Sliders
Spread generous spoonfuls of your buffalo chicken filling onto the slider buns. Don’t forget to top each one with a dollop of sour cream to add that welcome cooling touch that complements the heat.
Step 6: Bake Until Warm and Slightly Crispy
Place your sliders on a baking sheet and slide them into the preheated oven. Bake for about 10 minutes, just enough to warm through and crisp up the edges of the buns for a delightful texture contrast.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe even more, consider topping with freshly chopped celery or green onions. Their crunch and freshness cut through the creamy heat beautifully. A sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles also adds a classic buffalo wing vibe that many love.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crunchy veggie sticks like celery and carrots for a traditional buffalo experience. If you want something heartier, crispy potato wedges or seasoned fries are stellar partners that soak up any extra sauce perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, line up your sliders on a wooden board with small flags or toothpicks to hold them together. Serve alongside mini bowls of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. You can even toast the buns with a brush of melted butter and garlic for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the buns separate if possible to avoid sogginess, then reassemble before reheating to maintain freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked buffalo chicken filling in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and prepare buns fresh when serving.
Reheating
For best results, reheat sliders in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the buns regain some crunch. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the texture won’t be quite as good.
FAQs
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe without a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Absolutely! You can warm the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce together in a saucepan on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot and combined. Then proceed with mixing in the cream cheese.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you prefer a lighter option, Greek yogurt or a soft ricotta cheese can substitute for cream cheese, though they will slightly change the texture and richness of the sliders.
Are these sliders spicy?
They have a nice kick from the buffalo sauce, but the cream cheese and sour cream help mellow the heat. You can adjust the spiciness by using more mild or hot buffalo sauce depending on your preference.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes! The buffalo chicken filling is perfect for prepping a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge and assemble and bake the sliders right before serving.
What toppings work well on Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe?
Besides sour cream, try shredded lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing. Each adds a new texture or flavor dimension to these tasty sliders.
Final Thoughts
These Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe are a guaranteed hit whenever you serve them. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and so satisfying you’ll find yourself coming back for more. Whether for a casual gathering or a cozy night in, these sliders bring warmth and excitement to the table. Give this recipe a try, and watch it become one of your go-to favorites!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (plus 6 hours slow cooking or 15 minutes Instant Pot cooking)
- Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes (slow cooker) or 50 minutes (Instant Pot plus prep and baking)
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a perfect blend of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and tender shredded chicken served on soft slider buns. Ideal as a party appetizer or game day treat, they combine slow-cooked or pressure-cooked chicken with a tangy buffalo kick, finished off with a baking step for a warm, slightly crispy slider experience.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups shredded boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked)
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
Slider Assembly
- 12 slider buns
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for warming and crisping the sliders.
- Combine Ingredients: In a slow cooker or Instant Pot, add the cooked shredded chicken, minced garlic, and buffalo sauce. Stir everything together to ensure the chicken is well coated with the sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: If using a slow cooker, set it on low and cook for 6 hours. For Instant Pot users, cook on high pressure for 15 minutes followed by a natural pressure release for tender and flavorful chicken.
- Mix in Cream Cheese: Once cooked, shred the chicken further if not done already. Stir in the softened cream cheese until fully combined, adding creamy richness to the spicy mixture.
- Assemble the Sliders: Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture generously onto each slider bun and add a dollop of sour cream on top to balance the heat.
- Bake Sliders: Arrange the assembled sliders on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until the buns are warm and slightly crispy, enhancing the texture.
Notes
- You can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to assemble and bake.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your preferred spice level.
- For a healthier option, use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
- These sliders can be served with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for an authentic buffalo experience.
- If you prefer a quicker method, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts yourself.
