What if you could serve a dish so delicious and satisfying that it leaves your guests raving and asking for the recipe? That’s exactly what these Zesty Buffalo Chicken Sliders deliver. This sheet pan recipe combines bold flavors, melty cheese, and buttery rolls to create a dish that’s as easy to make as it is irresistible to eat. Perfect for game nights, casual gatherings, or even a weekday dinner, these sliders are bound to become a favorite in your home.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for something quick and crowd-pleasing, this recipe is the ultimate solution. Let’s dive into the steps that’ll have you serving these zesty sliders in no time.
Why Zesty Buffalo Chicken Sliders Are Perfect for Any Gathering
Picture this: it’s game day, and you want something more exciting than chips and dip, yet simple enough to whip up in a pinch. Zesty Buffalo Chicken Sliders hit that sweet spot. They’re loaded with tender, shredded chicken mixed in a tangy Buffalo sauce, complemented by creamy ranch dressing and honey for a touch of sweetness.
Plus, thanks to the sheet pan method, you can bake everything at once, making cleanup a breeze. It’s a no-fuss, all-flavor kind of dish that feels like a win for everyone at the table.
What Makes This Recipe Crowd-Pleasing?
These sliders shine because they balance bold, spicy flavors with rich, cheesy goodness, all wrapped up in soft, buttery rolls. Here’s why they’re perfect for a crowd:
- Easy to Make: You’ll love how quickly this recipe comes together with just a few simple steps.
- Flavor-Packed: The Buffalo sauce brings heat, the ranch adds creaminess, and the honey ties it all together with a subtle sweetness.
- Customizable: You can tweak the spice level, switch up the cheese, or even try a different type of roll to suit your preferences.
Ingredients for Zesty Buffalo Chicken Sliders
| Category | Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| For the Filling | Shredded chicken (rotisserie preferred) | 3 ½ cups |
| Buffalo sauce (e.g., Frank’s) | ½ cup | |
| Ranch dressing | ½ cup | |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons | |
| Garlic, minced or pressed | 3 cloves | |
| Black pepper | Pinch | |
| For the Cheese | Low-moisture mozzarella cheese | 2 cups, freshly grated |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup, freshly shredded | |
| For the Rolls | King’s Hawaiian Rolls | 12-count |
| For the Garlic Butter Topping | Butter, melted | 4 tablespoons |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon | |
| Garlic salt | 1 teaspoon |
Essential Tools for Making Sheet Pan Sliders
Before you start, make sure you have these tools on hand:
- A sheet pan or baking tray
- Parchment paper (for easy cleanup)
- A sharp knife for slicing rolls
- A small mixing bowl and brush for the butter topping
Step-by-Step Instructions for Zesty Buffalo Chicken Sliders
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, lightly grease a sheet pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, honey, minced garlic, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
3. Assemble the Sliders
- Use a sharp knife to slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping the top and bottom layers intact.
- Place the bottom layer of rolls on the prepared sheet pan. Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom rolls.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses generously over the chicken layer.
4. Add the Top Rolls
Carefully place the top layer of rolls over the cheesy chicken mixture, aligning them with the bottom layer.
5. Prepare the Garlic Butter Topping
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. Using a basting brush, generously coat the tops of the rolls with this buttery mixture.
6. Bake to Perfection
Place the sliders in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, let the sliders cool slightly before using a sharp knife to separate them. Serve warm, and watch them disappear as everyone digs in!
Tips for Making the Best Buffalo Chicken Sliders
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. It’s tender, flavorful, and perfect for shredding.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Prefer it milder? Add less Buffalo sauce or mix in more ranch. For extra heat, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Freshly Grate Your Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting. Grating your own ensures gooey, melted perfection.
- Don’t Skimp on the Butter Topping: The garlic butter not only adds flavor but also gives the rolls that irresistible golden finish.
Serving Suggestions for Zesty Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Pair your sliders with sides that complement their zesty, savory flavors. Here are a few ideas:
- Dips: Serve with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Vegetables: Add a side of celery and carrot sticks to echo classic Buffalo wings.
- Drinks: Pair with a cold beer, sparkling lemonade, or even iced tea for a refreshing balance.
Variations to Try for Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are a few variations to consider:
- BBQ Chicken Sliders: Swap the Buffalo sauce for BBQ sauce to create a smoky, tangy twist.
- Cheese Lovers’ Delight: Add a layer of cheddar or pepper jack cheese for even more cheesy goodness.
- Spicy Jalapeño Sliders: Add thinly sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute shredded jackfruit for chicken and use plant-based ranch and Buffalo sauce.
Nutritional Breakdown of Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per slider:
- Calories: ~230
- Protein: ~14g
- Carbohydrates: ~18g
- Fats: ~12g
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Can I make the sliders ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the sliders without the butter topping, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the butter topping and bake as directed.
What’s the best type of chicken to use?
Rotisserie chicken is the easiest option, but you can also use baked or boiled chicken breasts and shred them.
Can I use a different type of roll?
Absolutely! Brioche rolls or dinner rolls work just as well if you prefer a different texture or flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for the best texture.
Can I freeze the sliders?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze them unbaked. Assemble the sliders, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser
Zesty Buffalo Chicken Sliders are everything you need in a go-to party dish: flavorful, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress. The balance of heat, creamy ranch, gooey cheese, and soft rolls makes every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a game-day gathering, a family dinner, or simply craving comfort food, these sliders are the answer.
Why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to wow your crowd with this irresistible sheet pan recipe!
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Zesty Buffalo Chicken Sliders: A Crowd-Pleasing Sheet Pan Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
Description
These Zesty Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser! A perfect combination of spicy Buffalo chicken, melty cheeses, and buttery Hawaiian rolls, all baked to golden perfection on a sheet pan. Ideal for game nights, casual gatherings, or family dinners, this recipe is easy, quick, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 3 ½ cups shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- ½ cup Buffalo sauce (e.g., Frank’s)
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- Pinch of black pepper
For the Cheese:
- 2 cups low-moisture mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
For the Rolls:
- 12-count King’s Hawaiian Rolls
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a sheet pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, honey, minced garlic, and black pepper. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Assemble the Sliders:
- Using a sharp knife, slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom layers intact.
- Place the bottom layer of rolls on the prepared sheet pan.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom layer of rolls.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses generously over the chicken.
4. Add the Top Rolls:
- Carefully place the top layer of rolls over the cheesy chicken mixture. Align them with the bottom layer for even slicing later.
5. Prepare the Garlic Butter Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with Italian seasoning and garlic salt.
- Use a basting brush to generously coat the tops of the rolls with the garlic butter mixture.
6. Bake to Perfection:
- Bake the sliders in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove from the oven and let the sliders cool for a few minutes. Use a sharp knife to separate them into individual portions. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the sliders up to 24 hours in advance (without the butter topping) and store them in the fridge. Brush with butter and bake when ready.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
- Freezing: Assemble sliders, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American