Super Bowl Buffalo Chicken Sliders

The air in our kitchen always thickens with anticipation when it's game day, a delicious hum of excitement mixed with the aroma of something wonderful baking. These Buffalo Chicken Sliders first made their appearance during a particularly nail-biting playoff game, and I swear, the collective sigh of satisfaction after the first bite was almost louder than the crowd cheering on TV. They just clicked – spicy, tangy, and incredibly satisfying. I remember my cousin, usually a picky eater, reaching for a third before halftime even started.

One chilly autumn afternoon, I brought a big pan of these to a neighborhood potluck, hoping they'd be a nice addition to the usual spread of chili and cornbread. I placed them on the table, still warm from the oven, and within minutes, they were gone. The best part was seeing everyone’s eyes light up, and hearing the requests for the recipe start flowing – it felt like I'd stumbled upon a culinary superpower.

Ingredients

• Chicken Breast, Shredded: Using pre-cooked chicken is your secret weapon for speed; a rotisserie chicken works beautifully here, giving you extra flavor without the fuss.
• Unsalted Butter, Melted: This isn't just for moisture; it carries the buffalo flavor deep into the chicken and helps those buns get perfectly golden.
• Buffalo Hot Sauce: Frank's RedHot is the classic choice for that authentic buffalo zing, but feel free to adjust the amount based on your preferred heat level.
• Shredded Coleslaw Mix: The ultimate shortcut for crisp, fresh slaw; just make sure it's finely shredded for easy slider assembly.
• Ranch Dressing: Choose a good quality, creamy ranch; it provides the essential cool contrast to the spicy chicken.
• Fresh Chives, Chopped: These aren't just for garnish; their mild oniony flavor adds a pop of freshness that brightens the whole dish.
• Slider Buns (Brioche or Potato Rolls): Opt for soft, slightly sweet buns like brioche or potato rolls; they hold up well to the fillings and add a delightful richness.
• Crumbled Blue Cheese: While optional, the tangy, pungent blue cheese adds a sophisticated depth that buffalo wings are famous for; don't be afraid to try it!
• Sesame Seeds: These are for more than just looks; they add a subtle nutty crunch and make your sliders look professionally baked.

Instructions

Get the Oven Warm:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure a perfectly toasted slider from the start.

Toss the Buffalo Chicken:

In a big bowl, lovingly combine your shredded chicken with the melted butter and vibrant buffalo hot sauce until every piece is gloriously coated and ready for its bun.

Mix the Creamy Slaw:

In a separate bowl, gently fold together the coleslaw mix, creamy ranch dressing, and fresh chives. Taste and season with a pinch of salt and pepper until it's just right.

Prepare the Buns:

Carefully slice all 12 slider buns in half horizontally, then arrange the bottom halves snugly in a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Layer the Flavor:

Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over all the bun bottoms. If you're using blue cheese, scatter those delightful crumbles over the chicken now.

Add the Slaw Topping:

Spoon a generous dollop of your creamy ranch slaw onto each chicken mound, then gently place the bun tops over everything.

Brush and Sprinkle:

Melt a little extra butter and use a pastry brush to lightly coat the tops of the buns. For that classic bakery finish, sprinkle with sesame seeds if you like.

Bake to Perfection:

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5–7 minutes, just until the tops are golden brown and irresistible.

Serve and Savor:

Let them cool for just a moment before serving warm; get ready for eager hands to reach for these delicious bites!

Save

Beyond game days, these sliders have become my go-to comfort food for movie nights with friends, or even a simple weeknight dinner when I need a little cheer. There’s something about the way everyone gathers around the platter, laughing and reaching for more, that makes them feel less like just food and more like a shared moment of pure joy.

Mastering the Buffalo Kick

It took me a few tries to get the buffalo sauce just right, especially for a crowd with varying spice tolerances. The trick I learned is to start with a little less hot sauce than you think, then taste a small piece of chicken and add more if needed. The ranch slaw is crucial for balancing the heat, so don't skimp on that creamy goodness – it’s like a cool hug for your tastebuds after the buffalo zing.

The Art of the Slaw

While store-bought coleslaw mix is a huge time-saver, you can really elevate your slaw by adding finely shredded red cabbage for color or even a touch of grated carrot for extra sweetness. Always mix the dressing in just before assembling the sliders to prevent the cabbage from getting watery and losing its crispness. If you're feeling adventurous, a tiny splash of apple cider vinegar in the dressing can add a bright tang that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Assembly Line Efficiency

When you're making these for a party, setting up a little assembly line makes the process incredibly efficient. Have your bun bottoms lined up, chicken ready, then slaw, then bun tops. It makes quick work of what might seem like a lot of individual pieces.

• Prepare the chicken mixture and the slaw up to a day in advance, storing them separately in the fridge, then assemble and bake closer to serving time.
• Arrange the slider bottoms snugly in your baking dish so they don't shift around when you're layering.
• Don't forget to brush the tops of the buns with melted butter for that beautiful golden finish and sprinkle of sesame seeds; it adds a professional touch!

Save

These Super Bowl Buffalo Chicken Sliders are more than just a recipe; they're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings smiles and full bellies. I hope they bring as much joy to your table as they have to mine!

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make the buffalo chicken mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the buffalo chicken mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before assembling the sliders for the best flavor and texture.

→ What's the best way to shred chicken for this dish?

For perfectly shredded chicken, you can use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment on low speed, or simply use two forks to pull the cooked chicken breasts apart while they are still warm.

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

Absolutely. While brioche or potato rolls are recommended for their softness and slight sweetness, Hawaiian rolls or even small dinner rolls work well. Choose a bun that can hold up to the fillings.

→ How can I adjust the spiciness level of the buffalo chicken?

To increase the heat, add more buffalo hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or some finely diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture. For less spice, use a milder hot sauce or reduce the amount specified.

→ What are good side dishes to serve with these buffalo chicken sliders?

These sliders pair wonderfully with classic game day sides like celery sticks, carrot sticks, extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, or even some crispy potato chips. A simple green salad also offers a nice contrast.