Finding a meal that satisfies a crowd while requiring minimal effort is the ultimate kitchen victory. These savory pull-apart sandwiches offer a bold punch of flavor with every bite, combining the zip of classic wing sauce with the creamy coolness of garden ranch. Whether you are hosting a high-energy viewing party for the big game or simply looking for a streamlined dinner solution that skips the stress of intensive prep, these Easy Buffalo Chicken Sliders deliver consistent results. They rely on smart shortcuts, like using pre-cooked poultry, to ensure you spend less time at the counter and more time enjoying the gathering.
The beauty of this dish lies in the contrast between the soft, slightly sweet bread and the robust, spicy filling. By layering shredded meat with a blend of melted cheeses and a signature garlic-infused butter glaze, you create a handheld meal that is both substantial and incredibly easy to share. It is a reliable crowd-pleaser that balances heat and richness in a way that keeps guests coming back for seconds.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 12 count package Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 3 cups Shredded rotisserie chicken (skin removed)
- 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s)
- 1/2 cup Creamy ranch dressing
- 1 cup Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup Unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Dried parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Warm the Oven: Set your oven temperature to three hundred fifty Fahrenheit.
- Prepare the Pan: Lightly coat a nine by thirteen inch glass or ceramic baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and half of the total cheese mixture.
- Slice the Bread: Use a long serrated knife to cut the entire block of rolls in half horizontally, keeping the individual rolls connected.
- Layer the Ingredients: Place the bottom half of the rolls into the dish, spread the chicken mixture evenly across them, and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Seal and Glaze: Place the top bun section over the cheese. Whisk the melted butter and garlic powder together, then brush it generously over the rolls.
- Initial Bake: Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for fifteen minutes.
- Final Crisp: Remove the foil and continue baking for five minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the bread is toasted.
- Serve: Let the dish rest for a few minutes before slicing into individual squares.
Mastering the Step-by-Step Details
Achieving the Perfect Poultry Texture
The foundation of these Easy Buffalo Chicken Sliders is the chicken. While rotisserie chicken is the fastest route, ensuring it is shredded finely is key. Large chunks can make the sliders difficult to eat and cause the buns to slide apart. Aim for thin, bite-sized shreds that can easily soak up the buffalo-ranch mixture. If you are using leftover home-cooked chicken, ensure it isn’t overly dry; if it is, add an extra tablespoon of ranch to compensate for the lack of moisture.
The Art of the Layered Melt
When assembling, the order of operations matters for structural integrity. By mixing half the cheese into the chicken, you create a “glue” that keeps the filling from falling out. The remaining cheese on top acts as a second adhesive, sticking the top bun to the meat. When the cheese melts at three hundred fifty Fahrenheit, it creates a cohesive middle layer that provides that sought-after cheese pull without making the bread soggy.
Managing the Heat and Texture
The interplay of the buffalo sauce and the sweet bread is the hallmark of this recipe. The sugars in the Hawaiian rolls help temper the acidity and heat of the hot sauce. To ensure the bottoms don’t get mushy, avoid adding extra sauce beyond the measurements provided. The five-minute uncovered bake at the end is crucial—it dries out any excess surface moisture from the butter and gives the tops a slight crunch that contrasts with the soft interior.
Expert Culinary Tips
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Whenever possible, buy blocks of cheddar and mozzarella and shred them yourself. Pre-shredded bags contain anti-caking agents like potato starch that prevent the cheese from melting into that perfectly smooth, gooey consistency.
- Serrated Slicing: Use a long bread knife to slice the rolls. Trying to tear them or using a dull straight-edge knife will squash the airy structure of the sweet bread.
- The Foil Trick: Never skip the foil during the first part of the bake. Because Hawaiian rolls have a high sugar content, they brown very quickly. The foil allows the center to get hot and the cheese to melt without burning the tops.
- Uniform Buttering: Use a pastry brush to apply the garlic butter. If you pour it, the butter will pool in the crevices of the rolls, leading to some soggy spots and some dry spots.
- Resting Time: Allow the sliders to sit for three to five minutes after they come out of the oven. This sets the cheese and makes it much easier to cut clean lines between the rolls.
Creative Variations
- The Blue Cheese Twist: If you are a traditionalist, swap the ranch dressing for a high-quality blue cheese dressing and add a few crumbles of gorgonzola into the chicken mix.
- The Vegetable Crunch: Add finely diced celery to the chicken mixture. This provides a refreshing snap that mimics the experience of eating traditional buffalo wings.
- Spicy Kick: For those who crave more intensity, add a few slices of pickled jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the melted butter glaze.
- Barbecue Alternative: If you have guests who aren’t fans of spicy food, replace the buffalo sauce with a smoky honey barbecue sauce and use Monterey Jack cheese instead of mozzarella.
Serving Suggestions
These sliders are a complete flavor experience on their own, but they pair exceptionally well with cooling sides. A bowl of crisp celery sticks and carrot batons with extra ranch for dipping is the standard accompaniment. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside a heap of golden potato wedges or a simple vinegar-based coleslaw to cut through the richness of the cheese.
If you are serving these at a party, consider placing them on a large wooden board surrounded by extra buffalo sauce for those who want an extra dip. They also work well as a late-night snack for holiday gatherings, as they can be assembled hours in advance and popped into the oven right when guests get hungry.
FAQs
Can I make these sliders in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders, cover them, and keep them in the refrigerator for up to four hours before baking. If you do this, add about five minutes to the covered baking time to ensure the chilled chicken center heats through completely.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
To maintain the texture, place the sliders on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat them in an oven at three hundred Fahrenheit for about ten minutes. Using a microwave is faster but will often result in a chewier, tougher bread texture.
Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
While you can use canned chicken in a pinch, it often has a softer texture and a metallic undertone. Rotisserie or poached chicken breasts are highly recommended for the best flavor and a more authentic “wing” mouthfeel.
Do I have to use Hawaiian rolls?
While the sweetness of Hawaiian rolls is the perfect foil for the spicy buffalo sauce, you can use savory slider buns or small dinner rolls. If using savory rolls, you might want to add a tiny pinch of sugar to your butter glaze to balance the vinegar in the sauce.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 228 kcal |
| Protein | 21 g |
| Carbs | 2 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 432 mg |
Disclaimer
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on preparation and ingredients used.
PrintTangy and Cheesy Easy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
These Easy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Featuring shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce and ranch, topped with melted cheese on sweet Hawaiian rolls.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
12 count package Hawaiian sweet rolls
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to three hundred fifty Fahrenheit and grease a nine by thirteen inch dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and half of the cheeses.
3. Slice the entire block of rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom half in the dish.
4. Spread the chicken mixture over the rolls and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
5. Place the top bun section over the cheese.
6. Mix melted butter and garlic powder, then brush generously over the tops.
7. Cover with foil and bake for fifteen minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake for an additional five minutes until golden brown.
9. Let rest for five minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Grate your own cheese for a better melt.
Keep the rolls connected while slicing for easier assembly.
Use a serrated bread knife for clean cuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 228
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 432mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 77mg
