Introduction to Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Why Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the Perfect Homemade Meal
Are you looking for a deliciously satisfying meal that's perfect for game day or a casual weeknight dinner? Look no further than Buffalo Chicken Sliders! These bite-sized sandwiches boast a delightful blend of spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With the convenience of using shredded rotisserie chicken, preparation is a breeze—allowing you to focus on enjoying time with friends or family.
What’s great about Buffalo Chicken Sliders is how easily they can be customized. Want an extra kick? Add more buffalo sauce. Prefer a touch of sweetness? Try drizzling some honey on top. These sliders are not only crowd-pleasers but also incredibly versatile.
Plus, they come together in just a matter of minutes! Baking them allows the cheese to melt perfectly while the tops become golden brown and crispy. Pair them with a side of coleslaw for a refreshing crunch or serve them with fresh veggie sticks to round out your perfect platter. If you’re ready to elevate your next meal with a bit of zest, let’s dive into this delectable recipe!
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Sliders
If you're looking to whip up some delicious Buffalo Chicken Sliders, let's dive right into the key ingredients you'll need to create this crowd-pleasing dish. These sliders are perfect for game day or a casual get-together, and they come together easily with some simple ingredients.
- Shredded Chicken: You’ll need about 3-4 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken. This is a great time-saver; just grab a pre-cooked one from the store!
- Buffalo Wing Sauce: The buffalo wing sauce brings that spicy kick we all love. Half a cup will give your sliders just the right amount of heat.
- Ranch Dressing: Balanced with ranch dressing, this ingredient keeps things creamy and flavorful. Another half cup is needed.
- Seasoning: A teaspoon of cajun seasoning, along with a pinch of salt and pepper, will elevate the taste.
- Slider Rolls: For the bread, grab two packs of King's Hawaiian rolls—these sweet rolls will perfectly complement the spicy filling.
- Cheese: Finish it off with eight ounces of shredded Monterey Jack cheese for extra gooey goodness.
For topping your sliders, you’ll want to prepare a buttery mixture with three tablespoons of unsalted butter and half a teaspoon of Italian seasoning. This will give your sliders a delightful finish as they bake.
So, are you ready to gather these ingredients and dive into making some irresistible Buffalo Chicken Sliders? Let's do this!
Preparing Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Buffalo Chicken Sliders are not just a snack; they're a fiesta of flavors, perfect for game day or cozy nights in. Let’s dive into how you can easily whip these up at home!
Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. This setting is crucial because you want your sliders to come out perfectly baked—deliciously melty cheese and golden tops await! While your oven warms up, grab a large baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet and give it a light spray with cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze!
Mix the buffalo chicken filling
Now, let’s get to the star of the show—the filling. In a medium mixing bowl, add 3-4 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken. The beauty of using rotisserie chicken is its convenience and the rich flavor it adds. To this, pour in ½ cup of buffalo wing sauce and ½ cup of ranch dressing. If you're looking to spice things up a little, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of cajun seasoning along with ¼ teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. You can use your hands or a fork—whatever you prefer! Wondering which buffalo sauce to use? Check out this guide on the best buffalo sauces.
Prepare the slider buns
Next up, it’s time to get the buns ready. You’ll be using two packages of King’s Hawaiian rolls—these sweet, soft little guys are perfect for sliders! Instead of pulling apart the rolls, take a serrated knife and slice them in half laterally (like you would for a bagel). Place the bottom layer into your prepared baking dish, cut side up, making it easy to build your sliders.
Assemble the sliders
Here comes the fun part. First, sprinkle half of your shredded Monterey Jack cheese (8 ounces) evenly across the bottom layer of the rolls. Next, spread the buffalo chicken mixture you created earlier over the cheese, ensuring an even distribution. Don’t forget to top it off with the rest of the cheese—let's be honest, the more cheese, the better! Finally, place the tops of the buns gently on top of the cheese and chicken—like a cozy blanket.
Bake the sliders
To finish, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and mix in ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the sliders; this will add a beautiful flavor and golden finish. Place your prepared sliders in the oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
Once they’re done, let them cool for a moment; then, serve them up! These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are sure to be a hit with your friends and family. Consider serving with a side of crunchy coleslaw to add a refreshing crunch. Enjoy your homemade delight!
Variations on Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Blue Cheese
For a tangy twist, try adding crumbled blue cheese to your Buffalo Chicken Sliders. Just sprinkle a generous layer on top of the chicken mixture before adding the metal absorption layer of cheese. The bold flavor pairs perfectly with the spicy buffalo sauce, creating a delightful contrast that’s sure to please your taste buds. You can also serve additional blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping!
Vegetarian Buffalo Sliders
Craving something meatless? Substitute the chicken with a hearty blend of chickpeas or cauliflower tossed in your favorite buffalo sauce for vegetarian Buffalo Sliders. These sliders provide a deliciously spicy and satisfying alternative. You can also spice things up by adding a layer of sliced avocado or crunchy veggies like carrot or celery for extra texture and flavor.
Cooking Tips for Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Make Ahead Strategies
Preparing Buffalo Chicken Sliders in advance can save you time and stress. Consider making the buffalo chicken mixture up to three days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, so all you have to do when guests arrive is assemble and bake! You can also slice the rolls and prep the toppings the night before—just keep them covered to stay fresh.
Ensuring Perfectly Melty Cheese
For that ooey-gooey cheese experience that everyone craves, finely shred your cheese for even melting. Mixing different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack and cheddar, can elevate the flavor. To get that golden top, brush the rolls with a mix of melted butter and Italian seasoning—this little step adds a deliciously rich finish!
For more tips on creating entertaining-friendly recipes, check out Food Network.
Serving Suggestions for Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Pairing with Dipping Sauces
Elevate your Buffalo Chicken Sliders experience by offering a variety of dipping sauces. Traditional choices like ranch and blue cheese are always a hit. For a twist, consider a honey mustard or a spicy chipotle mayo to complement the bold flavors. Guests can customize their sliders, making each bite uniquely their own!
Ideal Side Dishes
Side dishes can really enhance your slider feast. Try serving your Buffalo Chicken Sliders with:
- Coleslaw: The crunchiness and creaminess balance the spiciness of the sliders.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness pairs nicely with the heat.
- Veggie Platter: A light option with veggies and a dip offers a refreshing contrast.
- Potato Salad: Classic and hearty, it's a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Feel free to mix and match to create a delightful spread!
Time Breakdown for Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Preparation Time
The prep for these flavorful Buffalo Chicken Sliders takes about 10 minutes. That's just enough time to gather your ingredients and whip up the delicious chicken mixture!
Cooking Time
You'll bake these beauties for 10 to 15 minutes. Just enough time for the cheese to melt and the tops to get a lovely golden brown color.
Total Time
In total, you're looking at roughly 20 to 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a game day snack!
Nutritional Facts for Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Calories per Slider
Each Buffalo Chicken Slider packs an inviting 116 calories, making it a delicious option for parties or a game day feast.
Protein Content
With 9 grams of protein per slider, these tasty bites can help you feel satisfied and energized throughout your day.
Key Nutritional Highlights
These sliders not only impress with their flavor but also bring along some nutritional benefits. They are:
- Low in Carbohydrates: Just 0.5g per slider, perfect for those watching their carb intake.
- Balanced Fats: Featuring 9g of total fat with a mix of healthy unsaturated fats.
- Rich in Calcium: Each slider provides 73mg of calcium, supporting strong bones.
Whether hosting a gathering or treating yourself, Buffalo Chicken Sliders combine taste with a bit of nutrition that won’t let you down! For more in-depth insights on nutrition, check out the USDA food database or Healthline.
FAQs about Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Can I use leftover chicken for sliders?
Absolutely! Using leftover chicken is a great way to repurpose and minimize waste. Just make sure to shred it before mixing it with the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. This way, you’ll still enjoy that same delicious flavor while saving time.
What are the best toppings for Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
When it comes to toppings, the options are endless! Classic choices include freshly chopped green onions, diced celery for a crunch, or even a drizzle of blue cheese dressing. For a bit of extra flavor, think about adding avocado slices or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a twist.
How do I make them spicier?
If you love heat, consider mixing in some extra buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper when preparing the chicken mixture. You can also serve your sliders with sliced jalapeños or a spicy aioli to elevate the dish to the next level.
For more inspiration, check out these tasty slider ideas that will surely impress your friends at your next gathering!
Conclusion on Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a must-try for any gathering! With their perfect balance of spicy and creamy flavors, they're sure to satisfy your cravings. Easy to make and great for sharing, these sliders will be a hit at your next party. Enjoy them with friends and family!
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Equipment
- baking dish
- Mixing Bowl
- Serrated knife
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 1 rotisserie chicken shredded chicken about 3-4 cups shredded chicken
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Buns and Cheese
- 2 packages King's Hawaiian rolls 12 count each
- 8 ounces shredded monterey jack cheese
Butter Topping
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a large baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Place the shredded chicken in a bowl. Add the buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix to combine.
- Do not pull the rolls apart; simply use a large serrated knife to slice the rolls in half as you would slice a bagel, separating the tops from the bottoms. Place the layer of bottoms into the prepared baking pan, cut side up.
- Sprinkle half of the cheese evenly across the rolls and top evenly with the chicken mixture. Top with the remaining cheese. Place the tops of the rolls on top.
- In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter and Italian seasoning. Brush over the tops of the sliders.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tops are slightly browned.
- If desired, serve with coleslaw on the sliders or on the side.
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