Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

The Juiciest Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe: Sheet Pan Magic

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with these mouthwatering buffalo chicken sliders that pack a serious flavor punch.

Zesty buffalo sauce coats tender, juicy chicken nestled between soft slider buns.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of spicy and savory notes that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

The sheet pan method makes preparation a breeze, cutting down on cleanup time and maximizing deliciousness.

You can whip up these sliders in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy evenings or game day gatherings.

Crisp, golden rolls topped with spicy chicken create an irresistible combination that transforms a simple meal into a crowd-pleasing feast.

Prepare to be the hero of dinner with these addictive buffalo chicken sliders that are sure to become a new family favorite.

Buffalo Chicken Sliders Crowd Favorite Points

  • Perfect for game day, parties, or casual gatherings where everyone wants delicious, shareable bites that satisfy big appetites.
  • Combines simple ingredients and straightforward assembly, allowing you to create restaurant-style sliders with minimal kitchen effort and maximum flavor impact.
  • Easily adaptable recipe lets you adjust spice levels, swap cheeses, or add extra toppings to match individual taste preferences without complicated modifications.
  • Delivers a complete meal in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous hunger moments when you want something tasty and filling fast.

Buffalo Chicken Sliders Ingredient Overview

Main Protein:
  • Shredded Chicken: The star ingredient that provides the hearty and juicy base for the sliders.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Buffalo Sauce, Ranch, Honey: A tangy and sweet combination that gives the chicken a bold and zesty flavor profile.
  • Garlic, Black Pepper: Aromatic seasonings that add depth and warmth to the chicken mixture.
Bread and Cheese Components:
  • Slider Rolls: Soft and compact bread that serves as the perfect vessel for the buffalo chicken filling.
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a rich and gooey texture to complement the spicy chicken.
Topping and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Butter, Italian Seasoning, Garlic Salt: A flavorful butter mixture that adds a golden, crispy exterior to the slider rolls.
  • Parchment Paper: Used to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup during baking.

Slider Assembly Tools

  • Sheet Pan: Essential for baking and holding sliders, ensures even cooking.
  • Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining chicken and sauce ingredients smoothly.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup super easy.
  • Measuring Cups/Spoons: Helps get precise amounts of ingredients for balanced flavor.
  • Cheese Grater: Optional, if using block cheese that needs shredding.
  • Sharp Knife: Great for slicing rolls and cutting finished sliders.
  • Pastry Brush: Helps evenly spread seasoned butter over roll tops.
  • Foil: Covers sliders during initial baking to keep moisture locked in.

Sheet Pan Slider Directions for Buffalo Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350F and grab a baking sheet.

Line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Chicken Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine your ingredients:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Buffalo sauce
  • Ranch dressing
  • Honey
  • Minced garlic
  • Cracked black pepper

Mix everything until the chicken is completely coated and bursting with zesty flavors.

Step 3: Build the Slider Foundation

Slice your rolls in half horizontally.

Gently place the bottom halves on the prepared baking sheet, creating a soft, pillowy base for your sliders.

Step 4: Layer on the Deliciousness

Spread the chicken mixture evenly across the roll bottoms.

Sprinkle both types of cheese generously on top, creating a melty, gooey layer of goodness.

Crown the sliders with the top halves of the rolls.

Step 5: Add Mouthwatering Seasoning

Melt butter and mix with:
  • Italian seasoning
  • Garlic salt

Brush most of this magical mixture over the tops of the rolls, ensuring every inch is covered in flavor.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking sheet with foil and slide into the oven.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the sliders are heated through and the cheese is melted.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy top.

Step 7: Final Touch and Serve

If desired, brush the remaining butter mixture over the rolls.

Let the sliders cool slightly to avoid burning your mouth.

Cut into individual sliders and serve hot, watching everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Slider Success Secrets for Buffalo Chicken

  • Increase buffalo sauce for extra kick or mix different hot sauce brands to create a unique spice profile.
  • Pat chicken dry before shredding to prevent soggy sliders and ensure crisp texture.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for smoother, more even melting and richer taste.
  • Replace regular rolls with gluten-free versions and use dairy-free cheese for allergy-friendly adaptation.
  • Assemble sliders up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for convenient meal prep.

Unique Takes for Buffalo Chicken Sliders

  • Vegetarian Buffalo Cauliflower Sliders: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower florets, keeping buffalo sauce and ranch for plant-based protein alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free slider rolls or lettuce wraps to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining original flavor profile.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Sliders: Add diced jalapeños to chicken mixture and swap ranch for pepper jack cheese for extra heat and zesty kick.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Sliders: Substitute buffalo sauce with tzatziki, use feta cheese, and add chopped fresh herbs like oregano and mint for a Mediterranean flavor transformation.

Serving Sliders to Please a Crowd

  • Party Platter Perfection: Arrange sliders on a large wooden board with fresh celery sticks, blue cheese crumbles, and extra buffalo sauce for dipping.
  • Game Day Companion: Serve alongside crispy potato wedges, coleslaw, or a light green salad to balance the spicy chicken and create a complete meal.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: Garnish with chopped green onions, drizzle extra ranch, and cut sliders into smaller portions for easy sharing at gatherings or potlucks.
  • Quick Meal Upgrade: Pair with chilled beer or sparkling lemonade to complement the buffalo sauce's tangy flavor and create a delightful dining experience.

Storage Tips for Buffalo Chicken Sliders

  • Store leftover sliders in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
  • Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label container with date for easy tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Place sliders on baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until cheese melts and chicken heats through.
  • Place slider on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature. Use paper towel to absorb excess moisture and maintain crispness.

FAQs

  • What cheese works best for these sliders?

Sharp cheddar and mozzarella are perfect because they melt beautifully and provide rich, creamy flavor that complements the buffalo chicken.

  • Can I make these sliders spicier?

Yes, increase the amount of buffalo sauce or add a dash of hot sauce to intensify the heat level. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for extra kick.

  • How do I keep the rolls from getting soggy?

Toast the bottom half of rolls slightly before adding chicken mixture and use a slotted spoon when transferring chicken to minimize excess liquid. This helps maintain the rolls’ crispy texture.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. They’re great for game day, parties, or quick weeknight dinners.

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Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Buffalo chicken sliders deliver a spicy and zesty party appetizer that combines shredded chicken, tangy sauce, and melted cheese on mini rolls. Guests will devour these crowd-pleasing bites that pack big flavor in a small package.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Filling:

  • 3 1/2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended)
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s)
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pinch black pepper

Cheese:

  • 2 cups freshly grated low-moisture mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese

Assembly:

  • 12 count King’s Hawaiian Rolls
  • 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, creating a spicy and tangy base for the sliders.
  3. Gently fold in ranch dressing, honey, minced garlic, and a dash of black pepper to enhance the flavor profile of the chicken mixture.
  4. Carefully slice the dinner rolls horizontally, creating a top and bottom layer for the sliders.
  5. Arrange the bottom half of the rolls on the prepared sheet pan, creating a stable foundation for the filling.
  6. Spread the seasoned chicken mixture evenly across the roll bottoms, ensuring consistent coverage.
  7. Sprinkle a generous layer of both cheeses over the chicken, creating a rich and melty topping.
  8. Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese layer, creating a complete slider structure.
  9. Melt butter and mix with Italian seasoning and garlic salt to create a flavorful glaze.
  10. Brush most of the seasoned butter mixture over the tops of the rolls, ensuring even coating.
  11. Cover the sheet pan with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes until the sliders are heated through and the cheese melts.
  12. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy top.
  13. Optional: Brush with remaining butter for extra richness and shine.
  14. Allow sliders to cool slightly before cutting and serving to let the flavors meld and prevent burning.

Notes

  • Customize Heat Level Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to dial up or tone down spiciness according to personal preference.
  • Cheese Flexibility Swap cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for different flavor profiles and melting characteristics.
  • Healthier Protein Options Use grilled or rotisserie chicken for leaner protein alternatives that maintain tender texture.
  • Make-Ahead Convenience Prepare chicken mixture and assemble sliders in advance, then refrigerate and bake just before serving for stress-free entertaining.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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