Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Sink your teeth into these irresistibly tangy, perfectly spiced Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders that deliver a mouthwatering punch of flavor in every bite. These mini sandwiches combine tender shredded chicken smothered in classic buffalo sauce with a cooling blue cheese slaw, all nestled between soft, buttery buns. Whether you’re hosting game day festivities, planning a casual get-together, or simply craving a satisfying weeknight dinner, these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. You’ll learn how to achieve the perfect balance of heat, create the most flavorful buffalo chicken filling, and assemble these addictive mini sandwiches for maximum enjoyment.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are about to become your new favorite handheld delight for so many reasons. First, they strike that perfect balance between fiery buffalo spice and cool, creamy elements—creating an irresistible contrast that keeps you coming back for more. The tender, juicy chicken shreds effortlessly and soaks up the vibrant buffalo sauce, while the crisp slaw provides a refreshing crunch against the soft, pillowy slider buns.

What makes these buffalo chicken mini sandwiches truly special is their versatility. They’re equally at home as an impressive party appetizer or a satisfying main course. Plus, you can prepare the buffalo chicken mixture ahead of time, making these sliders a convenient option for busy households or entertaining.

The textural symphony is what truly elevates these sliders—from the melt-in-your-mouth chicken to the crisp vegetables and the soft yet slightly toasted buns. Each bite delivers a perfect medley of temperatures and textures that make these sliders completely addictive.

Ingredients

For the Buffalo Chicken:

• 2 pounds (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5g) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (5g) onion powder
• ½ teaspoon (2.5g) salt
• ¼ teaspoon (1g) black pepper
• ¾ cup (180ml) buffalo sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter

For the Blue Cheese Slaw:

• 2 cups (140g) shredded cabbage
• ½ cup (50g) shredded carrots
• ⅓ cup (80ml) blue cheese dressing
• ¼ cup (35g) crumbled blue cheese
• 2 tablespoons (6g) chopped fresh chives

For Assembly:

• 12 slider buns
• 2 tablespoons (30g) butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon (3g) garlic powder
• Ranch or additional blue cheese dressing, for serving
• Sliced pickles (optional)

The buffalo sauce is the star ingredient here, providing that signature tangy heat that makes these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders so craveable. For best results, use a high-quality buffalo sauce with a balanced flavor profile—not just pure heat.

Pro Tips

Perfectly Cooked Chicken
The key to exceptional Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders is properly cooked chicken that shreds easily. For the most tender results, cook your chicken breasts until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), then let them rest for 5-10 minutes before shredding. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist, flavorful chicken. If you’re short on time, a pressure cooker can cook the chicken in just 12 minutes, making the meat fall-apart tender with minimal effort.

Buffalo Sauce Balance
Getting the right sauce-to-chicken ratio is crucial. Start with ½ cup of buffalo sauce, then taste and adjust. The chicken should be well-coated but not swimming in sauce. Remember that the flavor intensifies as the mixture sits, so if making ahead, you might want to start with slightly less sauce and add more just before serving. For an extra layer of richness, always whisk the melted butter into your buffalo sauce—it creates a silkier texture and helps mellow the heat.

Toasting Technique
Don’t skip toasting the slider buns! This simple step prevents soggy sliders and adds a delightful textural contrast. Brush the insides of the buns with melted garlic butter and either toast them in a skillet or pop them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Watch them carefully as they can burn quickly. This creates a slight barrier against moisture while adding flavor and a wonderful crunch that elevates your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders from good to unforgettable.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring they’re evenly coated on all sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, you can place the seasoned chicken in a slow cooker on low for 6 hours or in a pressure cooker for 12 minutes with ½ cup of chicken broth. Once cooked, remove the chicken and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before shredding it using two forks.

Step 2: Make the Buffalo Sauce Mixture
While your chicken is resting, prepare the buffalo sauce by melting the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, whisk in the buffalo sauce until well combined. Pour this sauce over your shredded chicken and toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is generously coated. If you prefer extra spicy buffalo chicken sliders, feel free to add an additional tablespoon or two of buffalo sauce to your taste preference.

Step 3: Prepare the Blue Cheese Slaw
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots. Pour the blue cheese dressing over the vegetables and toss until everything is well coated. Gently fold in the crumbled blue cheese and chopped chives. This cool, creamy slaw provides the perfect counterbalance to the spicy buffalo chicken. For the best flavor, let the slaw rest in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before assembling your sliders.

Step 4: Toast the Buns
Preheat your oven to broil or set to 400°F (200°C). Mix the melted butter with garlic powder in a small bowl. Separate your slider buns and place them cut-side up on a baking sheet. Brush the inside of each bun with the garlic butter mixture. Toast the buns under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until they’re lightly golden and fragrant. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!

Step 5: Assemble Your Sliders
Start with the bottom half of each slider bun. Spoon a generous portion of the buffalo chicken mixture onto each bun base, then top with a tablespoon of the blue cheese slaw. If desired, add a pickle slice for extra tang. Cap each slider with the top half of the bun. For presentation and practicality, you can insert a toothpick through each slider to hold it together. Serve your assembled Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders immediately while they’re still warm, with extra buffalo sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.

Variations

Honey Buffalo Chicken Sliders
For those who enjoy a sweet-and-spicy combination, create a honey buffalo version of these delicious mini sandwiches. Simply stir 2 tablespoons of honey into your buffalo sauce mixture before coating the chicken. The honey balances the heat beautifully while adding a subtle stickiness that makes these buffalo chicken bites even more irresistible. This variation is particularly popular with guests who enjoy flavor but might be sensitive to too much spice.

Ranch Chicken Sliders
If blue cheese isn’t your preference, these buffalo chicken sandwiches work wonderfully with a ranch twist instead. Replace the blue cheese dressing and crumbles with ranch dressing in the slaw, and add a teaspoon of ranch seasoning to the chicken before cooking. The cool, herby flavors of ranch complement the spicy buffalo sauce perfectly, creating a crowd-pleasing alternative that maintains all the deliciousness of the original Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders.

Vegetarian Buffalo Sliders
Accommodate non-meat eaters with a vegetarian adaptation using cauliflower instead of chicken. Break a head of cauliflower into small florets, toss with olive oil and seasonings, then roast at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes until tender. Coat the roasted cauliflower in the buffalo-butter mixture and continue with the slider assembly as directed. These vegetarian buffalo sliders deliver all the spicy satisfaction while being completely meat-free.

Storage and Serving

Your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders can be stored effectively for later enjoyment. The buffalo chicken mixture keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep. For best results, store the chicken, slaw, and buns separately, assembling just before serving to prevent sogginess. You can also freeze the cooked buffalo chicken for up to 3 months—simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or extra buffalo sauce to restore moisture.

When it comes to serving these mini buffalo sandwiches, consider presenting them on a large platter for a party, arranged in rows with toothpicks inserted to help guests grab them easily. For a complete meal, pair these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders with crispy sweet potato fries, a cool cucumber salad, or classic potato chips. They also taste fantastic alongside celery and carrot sticks with additional blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping, mirroring the traditional buffalo wing accompaniments in a complementary side dish.

FAQs

Can I make these buffalo chicken sliders ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the buffalo chicken mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The slaw can be made 24 hours ahead, though it’s best to add the blue cheese crumbles just before serving. Assemble the sliders shortly before serving to maintain optimal texture and prevent the buns from becoming soggy.

How spicy are these buffalo chicken sliders?
The spice level depends primarily on your choice of buffalo sauce. For milder sliders, choose a sauce labeled “mild” or cut the buffalo sauce with a bit of melted butter. For extra heat, look for “hot” varieties or add a few dashes of cayenne pepper to your mixture.

What can I use instead of blue cheese?
If blue cheese isn’t your preference, substitute with ranch dressing and shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese. The goal is to provide a cool, creamy element to balance the spicy buffalo chicken.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Simply shred the meat and warm it in a skillet before adding your buffalo sauce mixture.

How do I keep my sliders from getting soggy?
Toasting the buns creates a barrier against moisture. Additionally, serve any wet ingredients (like extra sauce or dressing) on the side, and if making ahead, store components separately until just before serving.

Conclusion

These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are comfort food at its finest — bite-sized bundles of tangy, spicy goodness balanced with cool, creamy elements that make your taste buds dance. They’re the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and texture that satisfies cravings while being remarkably simple to prepare. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, whether for game day celebrations, casual gatherings, or family dinners where everyone gets to customize their perfect slider. Make these once, and they’re guaranteed to become part of your regular rotation of crowd-pleasing favorites.

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