These Buffalo Chicken Dip Sliders bring all the spicy, cheesy goodness you love in dip form, tucked between soft slider buns. Perfect for parties or a cozy night in!
Honestly, who can resist that creamy buffalo chicken filling? It’s like a party on a bun! I like to serve them with ranch dressing on the side for dipping—so tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Cooked Chicken: This is the main ingredient. You can use rotisserie chicken for ease or any leftover cooked chicken you have. If you’re vegetarian, consider using shredded jackfruit or plant-based chicken alternatives.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Adjust the heat to your liking! If you prefer less spice, try using BBQ sauce or a combination of BBQ and hot sauce. For a homemade version, mix hot sauce with melted butter and a bit of vinegar.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the dip. You can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a healthier option, or use dairy-free cream cheese if needed.
Ranch Dressing: I love a classic ranch flavor, but you can switch it up with blue cheese dressing for a sharper taste or make a homemade ranch dressing with herbs and buttermilk.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is perfect here, but feel free to replace it with Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend. For a sharper flavor, try using aged cheddar.
Slider Buns: Any small sandwich roll will work. If you want a healthier twist, use whole wheat or gluten-free buns. For a fun touch, use mini bagels or pretzel rolls!
What Technique Ensures My Sliders Are Perfectly Heated and Toasted?
Getting those sliders just right takes a few simple steps. Making sure they’re heated through and toasty is essential for great flavor!
- Preheat to 350°F (175°C) first. This helps ensure even cooking.
- Cover the baking dish with foil during the first part of baking. This traps steam and keeps the sliders moist.
- After 15-20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for 5 more minutes. This step is key for getting that nice golden color on top!
- If you added melted butter, brush it on right before the final bake for extra flavor and shine.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Buffalo Chicken Filling:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- ½ cup Buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns
- Extra ranch dressing for serving
- Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, celery sticks, or shredded carrots
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to cook. You’ll be mixing the ingredients and layering them on slider buns, making it a super fast and fun dish to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, your sliders will cook evenly and get nice and warm.
2. Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, Buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, and ranch dressing. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything until well blended. It should be smooth and creamy!
3. Add the Cheese:
Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture. This will add a delicious cheesy flavor to your sliders!
4. Assemble the Sliders:
Slice the slider buns in half so that you have a top and a bottom. Place the bottom halves in a baking dish. Now, spoon the Buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the buns.
5. Cap It Off:
Place the top halves of the buns over the chicken mixture. If you want an extra boost of flavor, you can brush melted butter over the tops of the sliders. This step is optional but highly recommended!
6. Bake the Sliders:
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 15-20 minutes. This will heat the sliders through. Once that’s done, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to get the tops deliciously toasty.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Take the sliders out of the oven and let them cool for a minute. Serve them warm with extra ranch dressing on the side, and feel free to add any garnishes you like, such as chopped green onions, celery sticks, or shredded carrots. Enjoy your delicious Buffalo Chicken Dip Sliders!
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Cooking My Own?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds a nice flavor. Just shred the meat off the bones and make sure to remove any skin before mixing it with the other ingredients. It’s quick and easy!
How Can I Spice Up the Heat Level?
If you like it spicier, feel free to add more Buffalo wing sauce to the mixture! You can also include diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. Just remember to taste as you go!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which keeps them nice and toasty!
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture and assemble the sliders in advance! Cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just increase the baking time by a few minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
