Description
These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the perfect game day or party appetizer featuring tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce combined with creamy ranch and honey, layered with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on soft King’s Hawaiian rolls. Baked to golden perfection with a buttery garlic and Italian herb topping, these sliders deliver a harmonious blend of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors in a convenient handheld form.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 3 1/2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken preferred)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (e.g., Franks)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 Tbsp. honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- Pinch of black pepper
Cheese
- 2 cups low moisture mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
Rolls & Topping
- 12 count King’s Hawaiian Rolls
- 4 Tbsp. butter, melted
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp. garlic salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup after baking.
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, honey, minced garlic, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and the chicken is fully coated in the sauce.
- Prepare Rolls: Carefully slice the King’s Hawaiian Rolls horizontally in half. Arrange the bottom halves in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they fit snugly.
- Assemble Sliders: Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls. Then sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly on top of the chicken layer. For a cheesier slider, layer some cheese, then chicken, followed by more cheese.
- Add Top Rolls: Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese and chicken layers, pressing gently to form sliders.
- Prepare Butter Topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. Brush the majority of this mixture generously over the top rolls, reserving some for after baking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the sliders tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the sliders are heated through and the cheese has melted.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes. This will crisp and lightly brown the tops of the rolls for added texture and flavor.
- Cool and Serve: Remove sliders from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Optionally, brush the remaining garlic butter on top for a shiny finish. Slice the sliders and serve warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves preparation time and adds great flavor, but cooked shredded chicken can also be used.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce depending on your preferred spice level.
- For extra cheesiness, layer cheese both under and on top of the chicken.
- King’s Hawaiian rolls offer a sweet contrast to the spicy buffalo chicken; other soft rolls can be substituted.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Buffalo chicken sliders, spicy chicken sliders, party appetizers, game day recipes, Hawaiian rolls sliders, buffalo sauce appetizers, cheesy sliders, easy chicken sliders
