I can’t tell you how many game nights I’ve hosted where the star of the show was my Baked Buffalo Chicken Sliders. I mean, really, what’s not to love? Tender, spicy, and oh-so-saucy chicken all sandwiched between soft, pillowy buns? It’s like a flavor explosion in each bite! These sliders have become a staple at my gatherings and are always met with rave reviews. Whenever I serve them, I can practically hear the crunch of my friends’ bites mingling with their delighted “Mmm” sounds – it’s music to my ears!
To be honest, I think the reason these sliders are so popular is that they blend the right amount of heat with creamy goodness. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up. I love that I can prep them ahead of time and then pop them in the oven when my guests arrive. Let’s dive into the details so you can start impressing your friends and family too!
What’s in Baked Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Shredded Chicken: The star ingredient! You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick fix or cook up your own chicken breasts. Either way, it gives the sliders that rich, hearty base.
Buffalo Sauce: This is where the magic (and the heat) happens! I typically go for Frank’s RedHot for that perfect kick. Just the right blend of spice and flavor!
Cream Cheese: This creamy addition balances the heat just right. I love how it melts into the chicken and adds a wonderful richness to each bite.
Cheddar Cheese: Grated cheddar creates a gooey, melty topping that is to die for. I prefer sharp cheddar for that punchy flavor!
Slider Buns: Soft, plush buns that hold everything together. I usually use Hawaiian rolls for their sweetness but any slider or dinner rolls will work just fine.
Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh crunch and pop of color – plus, they give an extra layer of flavor to the filling!
Is Baked Buffalo Chicken Sliders Good for You?
Oh, goodness! Like most indulgent recipes, Baked Buffalo Chicken Sliders are best enjoyed in moderation, but there are certainly some pros!
Shredded Chicken: Lean protein packed with nutrients, chicken is a great main ingredient. It’s low in fat and can help keep you feeling full.
Buffalo Sauce: If you’re mindful of the sauce usage, it can add flavor with fewer calories than many traditional sauces. Just be cautious of the sodium levels.
Cream Cheese: While delicious, it’s still cream cheese, so I recommend using a low-fat version or just a tad bit less – it’s all about balance!
In moderation, these sliders can fit into a reasonably healthy diet, especially if paired with a crunchy salad or fresh veggie platter on the side!
Ingredients List
– 2 cups shredded chicken (about 1 rotisserie chicken)
– ½ cup Buffalo sauce (I love Frank’s RedHot)
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 12 slider buns (I recommend Hawaiian rolls)
– 2 green onions, chopped
– Optional: additional Buffalo sauce for drizzling
*Serves 6-8*
How to Make Baked Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
1. **Preheat your oven** to 350°F (175°C). Let’s get that kitchen warming up!
2. **In a mixing bowl,** combine the shredded chicken, Buffalo sauce, and softened cream cheese. Mix until it’s all well-coated and creamy.
3. **Gently fold in** the shredded cheddar and half of the chopped green onions. It’s starting to look extra appetizing!
4. **Slice the slider buns** in half (so they open up like a sandwich). Place the bottom halves in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. **Spread the chicken mixture** evenly over the bottom buns. Pop the top halves back on to create slider sandwiches.
6. **Cover the whole dish** with aluminum foil and bake for about 20 minutes.
7. **Remove the foil** and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the tops are golden and deliciously toasty.
8. **Serve warm,** topped with the remaining green onions and an optional drizzle of Buffalo sauce if you’re feeling wild!
Slider Suggestions to Make It Pop!
– Add a side of celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for the ultimate “Buffalo” experience.
– You can make these sliders more or less spicy by adjusting the amount of Buffalo sauce. If your crowd isn’t fond of spice, mix in some barbecue sauce with the Buffalo sauce for a milder version.
– Looking for a vegetarian option? Substitute the chicken with shredded cauliflower or chickpeas and use a vegan cream cheese for a crowd-pleasing alternative!
I encourage you to give these Baked Buffalo Chicken Sliders a whirl. They’re simple, scrumptious, and downright fun to serve! Don’t forget to drop me a message and let me know how yours turned out. I can’t wait to hear about your savory triumphs!