Buffalo chicken sliders are the perfect handheld version of everyone’s favorite spicy chicken wing flavors, combining tender shredded chicken coated in tangy buffalo sauce with cool, creamy toppings all nestled in soft slider buns. These bite-sized sandwiches deliver all the bold, zesty taste of traditional buffalo wings without the mess, making them ideal for parties, game day gatherings, or casual dinners where you want maximum flavor in a convenient package. Unlike messy chicken wings that require constant hand-washing, these sliders allow guests to enjoy the same authentic buffalo experience while keeping their hands clean and their attention on the game. Perfect for feeding crowds, meal prepping, or whenever you crave that classic buffalo kick, these sliders offer restaurant-quality taste with the convenience of handheld eating that makes them disappear fast from any spread.
Serves: 8-10 people (makes 12 sliders)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Assembly Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce, plus extra for serving
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 12 slider buns or dinner rolls
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups coleslaw mix
- 3 celery stalks, finely diced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons butter for toasting buns
Cooking the Perfect Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a large pot or slow cooker and add the chicken broth, ensuring the liquid covers the chicken completely. If using a stovetop, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 18-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For slow cooker method, cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours. The chicken should be tender enough to shred easily with two forks.
Creating the Buffalo Sauce
While the chicken cooks, prepare the buffalo sauce mixture in a large bowl. Combine the buffalo wing sauce, melted butter, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth and well blended. The sauce should have a vibrant orange-red color and a perfect balance of heat and tang.
Shredding and Seasoning
Remove the cooked chicken from the liquid and let it cool slightly until safe to handle. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding any fat or gristle. Add the shredded chicken to the bowl with the buffalo sauce mixture, tossing thoroughly to ensure every piece is well coated with the flavorful sauce.
Making the Creamy Slaw
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and ranch dressing, mixing until smooth and creamy. Add the coleslaw mix, diced celery, and chopped green onions, stirring until all vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy dressing. This slaw provides the perfect cool contrast to the spicy buffalo chicken while adding satisfying crunch.
Preparing the Slider Buns
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add the butter. Slice the slider buns in half and toast them cut-side down in the buttered skillet for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy. This toasting step prevents the buns from becoming soggy and adds a delightful textural contrast to the finished sliders.
Assembling the Sliders
Place the bottom halves of the toasted buns on a serving platter. Divide the buffalo chicken evenly among the 12 bottom buns, creating generous portions that will satisfy hungry guests. Top each portion with a spoonful of the creamy slaw mixture, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each slider for extra richness.
Final Assembly and Serving
Crown each slider with the top half of the bun, pressing gently to help everything hold together. Arrange the completed sliders on a large serving platter and provide small bowls of extra buffalo sauce and ranch dressing for those who want additional flavor. Serve immediately while the chicken is warm and the buns are still slightly toasted.
Presentation and Serving Tips
For easier handling at parties, secure each slider with a colorful toothpick through the center. This helps keep all the components together and makes them easier for guests to grab and eat. Arrange on platters with celery sticks and carrot sticks as traditional buffalo wing accompaniments.
Nutritional Information
Each buffalo chicken slider contains approximately 285-310 calories, making them a substantial but reasonable portion for parties or meals. The sliders provide about 22-25 grams of protein from the chicken and cheese, 18-22 grams of carbohydrates from the buns, and 14-18 grams of fat from the butter, cheese, and creamy slaw. The high protein content makes them satisfying and helps maintain energy levels.
Health Benefits
These sliders offer several nutritional advantages beyond their incredible taste. Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, providing all essential amino acids needed for muscle maintenance and growth, plus important B-vitamins for energy metabolism and brain function. The coleslaw mix contributes vitamin C for immune support, vitamin K for bone health, and fiber for digestive wellness. Celery adds potassium for heart health and antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. The moderate portion size allows for enjoyable indulgence while providing substantial nutrition from high-quality ingredients.
Tips for the Best Results
For the juiciest chicken, don’t overcook it and let it rest in its cooking liquid for a few minutes before shredding. The buffalo sauce can be made spicier by adding more cayenne pepper or milder by increasing the butter content. Make-ahead tip: the buffalo chicken can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator, then reheated gently before assembly. For easier serving at large gatherings, set up a slider assembly station where guests can build their own with various toppings. The creamy slaw can be made a day ahead and actually improves in flavor as it sits. For extra heat lovers, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to individual sliders.
