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Buffalo Chicken Sliders are little bites packed with big flavor! Soft slider buns hug tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy, spicy buffalo sauce, topped with a cooling bit of ranch or blue cheese dressing and crisp lettuce or celery. They’re a perfect mix of spicy, creamy, and crunchy all in one small, tasty package.

I love making these sliders when we have friends over because everyone can grab a handful and keep the party going without missing a beat. They’re a great way to enjoy that classic buffalo chicken flavor without the mess of wings. Plus, I usually make extra sauce because I love dunking or drizzling a little more on each slider for that extra kick.

Serving these sliders with some cool veggies or even sweet potato fries on the side makes them feel like a little celebration on the plate. They’re super easy to customize, so if you like it extra spicy or want to add some cheese on top, go for it! Every time I make these, it feels like sharing a favorite game day snack with friends and family—always satisfying and fun.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Shredded Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, but you can poach or grill chicken breasts too. For a vegetarian option, try shredded jackfruit or tofu tossed in buffalo sauce.

Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is classic, but you can adjust heat by mixing hot sauce with melted butter. For less spice, use a milder wing sauce or add more butter to mellow the heat.

Slider Buns: Soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian or brioche buns work best for that tender, shiny top. Whole wheat buns add fiber, or gluten-free buns work well if needed.

Coleslaw: The coleslaw cools the heat and adds crunch. Use a mix of shredded cabbage and carrots for texture. If you prefer, swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.

Pickles: Optional but recommended for a tangy contrast. Dill pickles add a nice zing; sweet pickles can add a different flavor profile.

How Do I Make the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Sliders Without Making a Mess?

Keeping the sliders tasty but neat is all about keeping the chicken saucy enough without dripping and balancing textures.

• Coat the shredded chicken evenly with buffalo sauce so each bite tastes good but isn’t swimming in sauce.
• Toast or warm the slider buns after brushing the tops with butter and garlic powder to prevent sogginess and add flavor.
• Add coleslaw just before serving; it adds crunch and helps soak up some sauce without making the bun soggy.
• Use small spoonfuls of coleslaw and drain pickles well to keep everything tidy.
• Wrap the sliders in foil when warming to keep them moist but not soggy.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls – I prefer using medium-sized bowls for mixing the chicken and coleslaw ingredients; they make stirring easy and keep everything contained.
• Baking sheet – perfect for baking the sliders after assembling, so they stay warm and the tops get a slight glaze from the butter.
• Pastry brush – I use it to lightly brush the melted butter and garlic mixture onto the buns for a shiny, flavorful top.
• Sharp knife – handy for slicing the slider buns evenly and for chopping any toppings or pickles.
• Measuring spoons and cups – help keep the ingredients precise, especially for the sauce and coleslaw dressing.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Use shredded cooked turkey or chicken leftover from a roast for a milder, different protein. It works well if you want less spice.
• Try blue cheese crumbles instead of ranch dressing for a strong, tangy flavor that pairs great with buffalo sauce.
• Add sliced celery or green onions to the coleslaw for extra crunch and flavor, which complements the spicy chicken nicely.
• Mix in a splash of honey or BBQ sauce with the buffalo sauce if you prefer a sweeter, milder taste.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders?

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Buffalo Chicken:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (rotisserie or poached)
• ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)

For the Coleslaw:

• 1 cup coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 8 slider buns (soft, shiny top)
• Pickle slices (optional, about 8 slices)
• 2 tbsp butter (melted)
• ½ tsp garlic powder

Time Needed to Make the Sliders

This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time plus 10 minutes of warming in the oven. It’s a quick and tasty meal or party snack you can easily put together.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken:

In a medium bowl, mix your shredded chicken with the buffalo wing sauce until every piece is evenly coated. This gives the chicken that classic spicy, tangy Buffalo flavor.

2. Make the Coleslaw:

In another bowl, combine the coleslaw mix with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well so everything is mixed nicely. This cool, crunchy slaw balances the heat from the chicken.

3. Assemble the Sliders:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and lay the bottom halves on a baking sheet. Spoon the buffalo chicken evenly onto each bottom bun. Next, add about 1-2 tablespoons of the coleslaw on top of the chicken, then place a pickle slice if you like a little extra tang. Finish by placing the bun tops on each slider.

4. Finish and Warm the Sliders:

Mix the melted butter with garlic powder, and lightly brush this flavorful mixture on the tops of the slider buns. Wrap the whole baking sheet with aluminum foil to keep the sliders moist, then warm in the oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. Serve warm and enjoy your tasty buffalo chicken sliders!

Can I Use Frozen Chicken for These Sliders?

Yes! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed before shredding and mixing with the buffalo sauce. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker thawing.

Can I Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Prepare the buffalo chicken and coleslaw up to a day in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble and warm the sliders just before serving for the freshest taste.

How Should I Store Leftover Sliders?

Place leftover sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them wrapped in foil in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through to keep the buns soft.

What Can I Use Instead of Slider Buns?

If you can’t find slider buns, mini hamburger buns or small dinner rolls work well as substitutes. You can also use sandwich bread cut into smaller squares for a bun-free option.