These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a tasty twist on a classic. Featuring shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, they’re packed with flavor and perfect for a quick bite!
They’re like little flavor bombs that can make anyone’s party more fun! I love serving them with some crunchy veggies and ranch dressing—it’s a winning combo every time! 🌶️
Making these sliders is a breeze! Just cook the chicken, mix it with the sauce, and pile it on your favorite buns. Quick, easy, and super satisfying after a long day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is ideal for these sliders. If you’re looking for a quicker option, precooked chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.
Buffalo Sauce: The star of the show! For a milder flavor, you can use a traditional mild sauce or even a BBQ sauce. If you want to kick up the heat, try adding hot sauce to your favorite dressing.
Ranch Dressing: Ranch adds a creamy texture and balances the spice. You can substitute with blue cheese dressing if you prefer a sharper taste. Homemade ranch is easy too and allows you to control the flavor!
Slider Buns: Standard slider buns are great, but you can use whole wheat buns or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Just ensure they are sturdy enough to hold the filling.
Cheddar Cheese: While optional, it adds a delicious creamy element. Feel free to swap with mozzarella for a milder taste, or pepper jack for an extra kick!
How Do I Shred Chicken Easily?
Shredding chicken might seem tricky, but it’s really simple! Here’s a tip: once you’ve cooked the chicken in the slow cooker, it will be so tender that it will practically fall apart.
- Use two forks. Grab one fork in each hand, and hold the chicken in place with one while using the other to pull apart the meat.
- Shred directly in the slow cooker to mix with the buffalo sauce. This saves an extra bowl to clean!
- If you prefer, you can also use a handheld mixer on a low speed for quick shredding. Just be careful not to overdo it, or it’ll turn mushy!
How to Make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and requires cooking time of 3-7 hours in a slow cooker, depending on the setting. After that, just 10-12 minutes in the oven to get everything nice and toasty! Overall, it’s super easy and worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Next, place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Pour the buffalo sauce over the chicken and season with a little salt and pepper. Set the slow cooker to cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to be super tender so you can shred it easily later.
2. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to shred it! Grab two forks and shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Stir it around to mix it up with the delicious buffalo sauce. This really gives it that spicy kick!
3. Mix with Ranch Dressing:
In a separate bowl, take the shredded chicken and mix in the ranch dressing. Stir until it’s well combined. This step adds a creamy twist to the spicy chicken—so good!
4. Assemble the Sliders:
Now, it’s time to build your sliders! Slice the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves on a baking sheet. Next, evenly scoop the buffalo chicken mixture onto each bun half. If you’re feeling cheesy, sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top.
5. Bake and Serve:
Place the top halves of the buns on the chicken mixture. If you’d like, you can brush the tops with a little melted butter for extra flavor. Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Finally, remove from the oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious spicy buffalo chicken sliders!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Just ensure you increase the cooking time a bit—cook on low for about 8-9 hours or high for 4-5 hours until it’s tender enough to shred.
What Can I Substitute for Ranch Dressing?
If you don’t have ranch dressing on hand, you can use blue cheese dressing for a traditional buffalo flavor. Alternatively, a mix of Greek yogurt with a little dill and garlic powder works great as a healthier substitute!
How to Store Leftover Sliders?
To store leftovers, refrigerate any uneaten sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave them for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Can I Prepare These Sliders In Advance?
Yes! You can make the buffalo chicken in advance and assemble the sliders just before baking. Store the chicken mixture in the fridge for up to 3 days and assemble the sliders right before you’re ready to enjoy them.
