Are you ready to spice up your next meal? These Savory Buffalo Chicken Sliders are easy to make and pack a flavorful punch. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or enjoying a family dinner, these sliders will impress everyone. I’ll guide you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and even tips for extra flavor. Let’s dive into making a dish that everyone will love!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Flavor Fusion: The combination of spicy buffalo sauce and creamy ranch dressing creates a deliciously balanced flavor that everyone loves.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spice level with more or less buffalo sauce, or add your favorite toppings like pickles or jalapeños.
- Perfect for Parties: These sliders are a crowd-pleaser, easily served at parties, game days, or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients List
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
– 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup ranch dressing
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 12 slider buns
– 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
– Fresh parsley for garnish
– Optional: Sliced pickles for topping
These ingredients create a delicious mix of flavors. The shredded chicken gives a nice base. The buffalo sauce adds heat. Cream cheese and ranch dressing make it creamy. Shredded cheddar brings richness. Celery adds crunch, and parsley gives a fresh touch.
Recommended Brands
For buffalo sauce, I like Frank’s RedHot or Crystal. They have great flavor and spice. For ranch dressing, try Hidden Valley or Annie’s. They are creamy and rich. Use Philadelphia cream cheese for the smoothest texture. For cheddar cheese, choose Cabot or Tillamook for quality and taste.
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor
You can add sliced pickles for a tangy crunch. Green onions also work well for an oniony kick. Consider jalapeños for added heat. If you love extra creaminess, add more cream cheese. You can always mix in different cheeses, like pepper jack, for a fun twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. First, take 2 cups of cooked chicken. Shred it into small pieces.
2. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce. Make sure the chicken is fully coated.
3. Next, add 1/4 cup of softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup of ranch dressing. Stir until the mixture is creamy.
4. Fold in 1/2 cup of finely diced celery and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This adds crunch and flavor.
Baking Instructions
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. Take 12 slider buns and split them in half. Place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
7. Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture onto each bun. Spread it evenly.
8. Place the top halves of the buns over the chicken. For extra flavor, add sliced pickles on top if you like.
9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 15 minutes until heated through.
10. Finally, remove the foil and bake for an extra 5 minutes. This makes the tops crispy.
Serving Suggestions
11. Once done, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
12. Arrange the sliders on a platter. Serve with extra ranch dressing or celery sticks for dipping. Enjoy your flavorful buffalo chicken sliders!
Tips & Tricks
How to Make the Sliders More Flavorful
To enhance the flavor of your sliders, add garlic powder or onion powder. A splash of hot sauce can boost the heat too. Mixing in chopped green onions gives a fresh taste. You can also add a little smoked paprika for a smoky touch. Each of these additions will make the sliders pop with flavor.
Best Practices for Shredding Chicken
For easy shredding, use warm chicken. Warm meat pulls apart much better than cold. Use two forks to shred or simply use your hands. If you have a mixer, a paddle attachment will save time. Just pulse it gently until the chicken is shredded. Aim for small, even pieces for the best texture in your sliders.
Adjusting Spice Levels for Different Preferences
To adjust the spice level, start with less buffalo sauce. You can add more later if needed. For milder sliders, mix in more cream cheese or ranch dressing. If you want more heat, use a hotter buffalo sauce. Always taste the mixture before you bake it. This way, you can make sure it’s just right for everyone.
Pro Tips
- Adjust the Spiciness: If you prefer a milder flavor, start with less buffalo sauce and add more to taste after mixing.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the buffalo chicken mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
- Cheese Variation: Experiment with different types of cheese, like pepper jack or mozzarella, for a unique twist on flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these sliders with a side of carrot sticks or cucumber slices to balance the heat and add a refreshing crunch.
Variations
Vegetarian Buffalo Chicken Sliders
You can easily make a vegetarian version of these sliders. Instead of chicken, use shredded jackfruit or chickpeas. Both options soak up flavors well. Mix them with buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and ranch dressing. You can add diced celery for crunch too. This way, everyone can enjoy the tasty sliders.
Gluten-Free Options
To make these sliders gluten-free, swap regular buns for gluten-free ones. Many stores offer great options. Ensure that the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing are gluten-free as well. You can find several brands that meet these needs. With these swaps, you can savor each bite without worry.
Alternative Sauces and Toppings
Feel free to switch up the sauce and toppings. Instead of buffalo sauce, try barbecue sauce for a sweeter flavor. You can also mix in some sriracha for a spicy kick. For toppings, consider avocado slices or jalapeños for added flair. Experiment with these ideas to find your favorite combination.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Sliders
After you enjoy your sliders, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, take the sliders out of the fridge. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sliders on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, until warm. This keeps the buns nice and soft.
Freezing for Later Use
To freeze, wrap each slider in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your tasty Buffalo Chicken Sliders anytime!
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the buffalo sauce. This makes the dish quick and easy. Plus, rotisserie chicken is juicy and tender. It works perfectly in sliders, giving you a tasty meal in minutes.
What dips pair well with Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Buffalo chicken sliders taste amazing with a few dips. Ranch dressing is a classic choice. It cools the heat from the buffalo sauce. Blue cheese dressing is another great option. It adds a rich flavor that complements the sliders. You can also try a creamy garlic dip for a fun twist. Serve these dips on the side for extra flavor.
How do I make these sliders ahead of time?
To make sliders ahead of time, prepare the chicken mix first. Combine the chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, ranch, celery, and cheese in a bowl. Store this mix in the fridge for up to one day. When you’re ready to bake, split the buns and fill them. Then, follow the baking steps. This way, you’ll have hot sliders ready to serve with little effort.
You learned about making delicious Buffalo Chicken Sliders. We covered key ingredients, brands, and optional flavors. I provided easy steps, from prep to baking.
You also gained tips on enhancing flavor and adjusting spice. We looked at tasty variations, storage tips, and answered common questions.
Now, you’re ready to create your sliders with confidence. Enjoy each bit
