9 Amazing Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

I’m Daniel, and I started Reciqa because I truly believe that the best meals don’t need complicated steps or hours of standing over the stove. Cooking should bring joy, not stress! It’s about connection, making something delicious that everyone gathers around, and honestly, making sure cleanup isn’t a nightmare. That’s why these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are one of my absolute favorite go-to recipes. They hit that perfect sweet spot: they’re incredibly easy to assemble, they bake up beautifully on one sheet pan, and the flavor payoff is huge. If you need something fast for a weeknight or you’re hosting a game day crowd, these sliders are your new best friend. Seriously, they disappear every single time!

Why You Will Love These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

These aren’t just any mini sandwiches; they are little flavor bombs baked to cheesy perfection. I keep coming back to this recipe because it’s so reliable. You can trust that they will turn out great, even if you’re new to baking. Here’s why I think you’ll fall in love:

• They take almost no time to prep—we’re talking ten minutes max before they go into the oven.
• The flavor balance is spot on: that tangy heat from the buffalo sauce cuts right through the creamy ranch and the gooey melted cheese.
• They are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for parties, tailgates, or just a fun, cozy dinner when you don’t feel like making full plates.

Gathering Everything for Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Okay, now that you know how easy these are going to be, let’s get our ducks in a row. The beauty of these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders is that most of the ingredients are just hanging out in your pantry already. We’re just combining a few key players to make magic happen in that oven. Don’t skip grating your own cheese if you can help it; it melts so much better!

Exact Ingredient Measurements for Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

I’ve written down exactly what I use, down to the last sprinkle of seasoning. Make sure you have everything measured out before you start mixing the chicken!

Component	Amount	Notes
Slider Buns	9 pack	Use the whole pack, usually connected together.
Shredded Chicken	1 1/2 cups	Pre-cooked is perfect here!
Frank’s Buffalo Hot Sauce	1/2 cup	This is the classic heat source.
Ranch Dressing	2 Tbsp	Creamy and cooling.
Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika	To taste/As listed	These are for the chicken mixture.
Shredded Cheese	1 cup	Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend works great.
Butter (for topping)	2 Tbsp	Must be melted for brushing.
Garlic Powder & Italian Seasoning (for topping)	As listed	These jazz up the buttery tops!

Equipment Needed for Baking Your Sliders

Before we dive into the assembly line, let’s make sure your kitchen station is ready to go. Having the right gear makes this whole process fly by, especially when we’re trying to get these sliders into the oven fast. You don’t need anything fancy, just the basics for mixing and baking!

Essential Tools for Perfect Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

You’ll want these items handy. Trust me, having a dedicated pastry brush makes coating the tops so much cleaner than using a spoon. If you keep these ready, making Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders is a breeze:

• Standard 9×9 inch baking dish or casserole dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Parchment paper (super important for cleanup!)
• Small bowl for the butter topping
• Pastry brush or silicone brush
• Sharp knife for cutting when done

Step-by-Step Instructions for Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

This is where the real fun starts! Since the prep is so quick, we want to get everything into the oven as soon as possible so you can get to eating. The total cook time is only about 20 to 25 minutes, which is insane for how good these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders taste. Just follow these steps closely, and you’ll have the best appetizer on the block. If you are looking for more appetizer ideas, check out our collection of appetizers.

Preparing the Spicy Chicken Filling

First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F. While it warms up, line your 9×9 baking dish or casserole dish with parchment paper. This step is non-negotiable, trust me, it saves you scrubbing later! Grab your large mixing bowl. Toss in your 1 1/2 cups of shredded chicken. Now, pour in the half cup of Frank’s hot sauce and those two tablespoons of ranch dressing. Make sure you add your seasonings now too: the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika go right in there.

Now, mix it up! You need to stir this combination thoroughly until every single piece of chicken is coated. You want that vibrant orange color everywhere. Don’t be shy with the mixing; we need that flavor distributed evenly so every slider gets the same spicy kick. Set that bowl aside once it looks perfectly combined.

Assembling and Layering Your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Take your 9-pack of slider buns, and gently slice the entire block in half horizontally—like you’re preparing to make one giant sandwich. Place the bottom half of the buns snugly into your prepared dish. Next, grab that spicy chicken mixture and divide it evenly across those bottom buns. Try to spread it out so you don’t end up with one bun overloaded and another one too light.

Once the chicken is distributed, sprinkle that full cup of shredded cheese right over the top of the meat. Don’t leave any bald spots! Then, carefully place the top half of the buns back on top of the cheese. Just gently press down to secure everything in place. They should look like one giant, beautiful, cheesy block of potential happiness.

Creating and Applying the Garlic Butter Topping

Time for the secret weapon that makes the tops crispy and savory! In that small bowl (no need to wash the chicken bowl yet!), melt your two tablespoons of butter. You can do this quickly in the microwave. Once it’s liquid gold, whisk in the extra half teaspoon of garlic powder and that quarter teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Give it a quick stir.

Take your pastry brush and generously brush this seasoned butter all over the tops of the assembled sliders. Make sure you get into the edges and corners. This butter mixture is what gives you that beautiful golden crust when they bake. Don’t be stingy here; the butter soaks right into the tops of the buns and makes them incredible! For more baking tips, you might enjoy reading about sugar cookies with buttercream frosting.

Baking Method for Perfect Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Now we bake! Cover the entire baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This first bake is crucial because it steams the buns slightly and gets the cheese thoroughly melted without burning the top. Pop it into your preheated 350°F oven for 15 minutes. After those 15 minutes are up, carefully remove the foil—watch out for that hot steam! Put the dish back into the oven uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes. You are looking for two things: the cheese should be totally gooey and bubbling, and those buttery tops should look lightly golden brown. Once you see that color, your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are ready to eat! Let them sit for just two minutes, then slice them apart with a sharp knife and serve them up hot.

Tips for Success When Making Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

I’ve made this recipe so many times that I have a few little tricks up my sleeve to make sure they are absolutely perfect every time you bake them. Don’t stress if you don’t have exactly what I listed, either; these are flexible! The biggest thing is making sure your chicken is fully coated in the sauce mixture before you layer it. A dry spot means a sad slider later on, and we definitely don’t want that.

Also, if you’re using a store-bought rotisserie chicken, just make sure you shred it finely. Big chunks won’t distribute as well across all nine buns, and then you end up with uneven filling. A little patience in the shredding stage pays off big time when you pull that pan out of the oven! If you are interested in making chicken from scratch, check out our recipe for chicken broth in a slow cooker.

Controlling the Heat Level in Your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

This is where you get to customize things for your crew! The heat level in these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders is totally adjustable based on how much buffalo sauce you use. If you have little ones or folks who can’t handle the burn, pull back about a quarter cup of the hot sauce and replace it with a tablespoon or two of ranch dressing instead. That will mellow out the tang and the spice beautifully.

On the flip side? If you want these sliders to really pack a punch, don’t be afraid to add a dash of cayenne pepper or even a tiny bit of your favorite super-hot sauce along with the Frank’s. Just remember to taste your mixture before you layer it on the buns so you know exactly what you’re getting! The Scoville scale measures the heat of chili peppers, which is what determines the spice level of your sauce. You can learn more about the Scoville Scale here.

Serving Suggestions for Your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

These sliders are rich and flavorful all on their own, but they absolutely sing when paired with something cool and crisp to cut through that heat. My go-to pairing is always a big bowl of crisp celery sticks and carrot sticks. They offer that perfect, refreshing crunch!

If you want a dip on the side, you can’t go wrong with extra ranch dressing, or maybe even a blue cheese dip if you like that classic pairing. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside some crispy oven fries or a simple, cool coleslaw. If you are looking for a great side dish, try our recipe for pesto potato salad.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

If you manage to have any of these incredible Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders left over—which is rare in my house!—they store remarkably well. Once they cool completely, just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. They stay good in the fridge for about three days.

To reheat, the oven is always best to refresh that crispy top. Pop them back into a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 10 minutes until warmed through. If you’re in a massive rush, the microwave works too, but cover them with a damp paper towel so they don’t dry out!

Common Questions About These Baked Sliders

It’s totally normal to have a few questions when you’re trying a new recipe, especially when you want to make sure it’s perfect for your crew. I’ve pulled together the questions I get asked most often about these easy, cheesy bites. Hopefully, this helps you prep for game day or dinner!

Can I make these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders ahead of time?

You absolutely can assemble them ahead of time, which is a lifesaver! I suggest mixing the chicken filling and layering everything—buns, meat, and cheese—in the baking dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, just let it sit on the counter for about 20 minutes while the oven preheats. Then, brush on that garlic butter topping and bake according to the instructions, maybe adding an extra 5 minutes covered since it’s starting cold.

What is the best type of shredded chicken to use for these baked sliders?

I’m a huge fan of convenience, so my top choice is always pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. It’s already seasoned a little bit, and it shreds up beautifully, giving you that perfect texture for the filling. If you’re cooking chicken yourself, just bake or boil some boneless, skinless breasts until they are done, let them cool slightly, and shred them with two forks. Either way, make sure you have about 1 1/2 cups packed measure for the recipe!

Nutritional Estimate for Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Now, I always tell folks that since we are using canned chicken or rotisserie chicken and adding butter on top, the exact numbers can swing a little bit based on what brand of ranch or cheese you grab. But for those of you tracking macros or just curious about what you’re digging into, here is a general estimate for one slider. Remember, this is just an approximation, not a lab-tested guarantee!

Nutrient	Estimated Value Per Slider
Calories	Approx. 250
Fat	Approx. 12g
Protein	Approx. 15g
Carbohydrates	Approx. 20g
Sugar	Approx. 3g
Sodium	Approx. 550mg

See? Not bad at all for something that tastes like a cheesy, spicy party on a bun! If you cut back on the butter topping, you can easily shave off a few grams of fat, too. Enjoy them! For more main dish ideas, browse our main dishes section.

Let Me Know What You Think!

I put my heart into making sure these recipes work perfectly for you at home. Now it’s your turn! Have you tried these incredible baked sliders yet? I always love hearing how they turned out at your game day party or weeknight dinner.

Drop me a rating below and let me know in the comments if you tried any fun swaps or additions. And if you snap a picture, tag me on social media—seeing your creations always makes my day!

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