Baked Buffalo Chicken Sliders

This baked buffalo chicken sliders recipe transforms ordinary Hawaiian rolls into an irresistible game day appetizer that combines spicy buffalo chicken with creamy coleslaw. The buttery ranch topping takes these sliders to the next level, creating a perfect harmony of flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

I first made these sliders for a last minute Super Bowl gathering and they disappeared faster than any other dish. My brother in law who typically avoids spicy food ended up eating four of them and asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

• Hawaiian sweet rolls: Their slightly sweet flavor balances the spicy buffalo sauce perfectly. Look for packages that feel soft and fresh.
• Shredded rotisserie chicken: Saves tremendous time and provides tender juicy meat. Pick a fresh rotisserie chicken from the deli section.
• Buffalo sauce: Provides that signature tangy spicy kick. Use Frank's RedHot for authentic flavor.
• Plain coleslaw: Adds essential crunch and freshness. Pre-packaged works great but fresh is even better.
• Ranch dressing: Creates a cooling effect against the buffalo heat. Choose a thick creamy variety.
• Melted butter: Forms the base of the amazing topping that soaks into the rolls. Unsalted gives you better control of flavor.
• Ranch dip seasoning: Infuses every bite with herb and garlic notes. Use Hidden Valley for best results.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Baking Dish:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure proper cooking temperature. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or coat generously with non-stick spray. This preparation step prevents the sliders from sticking and makes serving much easier.

Slice The Hawaiian Rolls:

Take a large serrated knife and carefully slice through the entire slab of rolls horizontally. Cut slowly to maintain an even thickness between top and bottom pieces. Keep the rolls connected rather than separating them individually; this makes assembly much more efficient and helps the sliders hold together.

Create The Buffalo Chicken Layer:

In a medium bowl combine the shredded rotisserie chicken with buffalo sauce, stirring until every piece is coated evenly. The chicken should be moist but not swimming in sauce. Spread this mixture in an even layer across the bottom slab of rolls, pressing lightly to create a level surface.

Add The Coleslaw Layer:

Mix together the plain coleslaw and ranch dressing in a separate bowl until well combined. This creates a cooling creamy layer that balances the spicy chicken perfectly. Spread this mixture evenly over the buffalo chicken layer, making sure it reaches all the edges.

Complete The Assembly:

Place the top slab of rolls carefully over the coleslaw layer, lining up the edges as best you can. Press down gently to compact the layers slightly, which helps the sliders stay together when served.

Create The Buttery Topping:

In a small measuring cup or bowl mix the melted butter with the ranch seasoning packet, stirring until the seasonings are fully dissolved. This creates a flavorful mixture that will soak into the rolls and add incredible flavor.

Apply The Topping:

Slowly pour the butter mixture over the assembled sliders, making sure to cover the entire surface. Some will inevitably pool around the edges which is perfectly fine; this butter will soak into the bottom of the rolls creating amazing flavor.

Rest Before Baking:

Cover the pan with aluminum foil and let the assembled sliders rest at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period allows the rolls to absorb some of the butter mixture before baking.

Bake The Sliders:

Place the covered pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. This initial covered baking allows the heat to penetrate throughout without burning the tops.

Final Browning:

Remove the foil and return the sliders to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This uncovered baking creates a beautiful golden brown top with a slight crispness while keeping the inside soft and moist.

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The first time I made these sliders I accidentally doubled the buffalo sauce and worried I had ruined them. Turns out my family loved the extra spicy version and now requests them that way every time. Sometimes cooking mistakes lead to the most memorable dishes.

Make Ahead Tips

These sliders shine as a make ahead option for busy hosts. Assemble everything up to the butter pouring step then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve simply pour over the butter mixture and add about 5 minutes to the covered baking time. This makes them perfect for potlucks or parties where you want to minimize last minute preparation.

Spice Level Adjustments

For those sensitive to heat, reduce the buffalo sauce to 1/4 cup and mix with 1 tablespoon of melted butter to maintain moisture while lowering the spice level. If serving spice enthusiasts, add a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce just before serving or offer a small bowl on the side for dipping. You can also add thinly sliced jalapeños on top of the chicken layer for serious heat lovers.

Perfect Pairings

These buffalo chicken sliders pair wonderfully with fresh vegetable crudités and blue cheese dip to complete the buffalo wing experience. For beverages, cold beer particularly light lagers complement the spicy flavors perfectly. If serving as a complete meal, add a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sliders.

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Serve these sliders fresh from the oven and watch them disappear—an instant crowd-pleaser!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of bread for these sliders?

Yes, you can use any soft, pull-apart bread, but Hawaiian rolls add a sweet and fluffy texture that pairs well with the buffalo sauce.

→ Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

You can assemble the sliders ahead and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking, but they are best fresh out of the oven.

→ What can I use as a substitute for ranch dressing?

If you’re not a fan of ranch, try using blue cheese dressing for a tangy twist, or a creamy Italian dressing for a milder flavor.

→ How can I make these sliders spicier?

For extra heat, add more buffalo sauce or sprinkle red chili flakes or diced jalapeños into the chicken mixture.

→ What sides pair well with these sliders?

Pair these sliders with chips, fresh vegetable sticks, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.