Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Is there anything better than the tangy, spicy kick of buffalo chicken? I think not! And what’s even better than buffalo chicken wings? Easy-to-eat, perfectly portioned Buffalo Chicken Sliders! These little bites of heaven are destined to become your new game day obsession, tailgating MVP, or quick weeknight dinner solution. Imagine warm, soft slider buns piled high with juicy shredded chicken, tossed in a lip-smacking buffalo sauce, and topped with a creamy, cooling slaw. My friends, this is flavor town, population: your taste buds. And I am here to share my best recipe to get there.

I’ve been perfecting this recipe for years, tweaking the sauce for the perfect balance of heat and tang, and testing different slaw variations until I landed on the ultimate crowd-pleaser. As a recipe developer with a passion for easy, flavorful food, I’m confident that these sliders will be a hit at your next gathering. Plus, with football season in full swing, there’s no better time to whip up a batch of these addictively delicious appetizers. Get ready to score some serious points with your friends and family!

Ingredients: Your Buffalo Chicken Slider Arsenal

• Chicken: The foundation of our slider masterpiece. I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their ease of use, but boneless, skinless chicken thighs will also work. They’ll offer a richer flavor. Aim for about 1.5 pounds.
• Buffalo Sauce: This is where the magic happens! Frank’s RedHot is my go-to, but feel free to experiment with your favorite brand. The base is usually aged cayenne peppers which offer that signature flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps the buffalo sauce cling to the chicken. Unsalted butter is ideal, allowing you to control the overall saltiness.
• Vinegar: A touch of vinegar, white or apple cider, brightens the sauce and adds a necessary tang.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A dash of Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami to the buffalo sauce. The anchovies in Worcestershire provide a savory backbone.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile. Fresh garlic can be overpowering in this application, so powder is best.
• Slider Buns: Choose your favorite! Hawaiian rolls are a popular choice for their sweetness and soft texture. Potato rolls or brioche rolls also work well.
• Coleslaw Mix: Pre-shredded coleslaw mix makes things super easy, but you can also shred your own cabbage and carrots.
• Mayonnaise: The base of our creamy coleslaw dressing. Use full-fat mayo for the best flavor and texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds tang and creaminess to the coleslaw. Greek yogurt can be substituted for a healthier option.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides a touch of acidity to balance the richness of the mayo and sour cream.
• Sugar: A pinch of sugar balances the acidity of the vinegar and sour cream in the coleslaw.
• Celery Seed: Adds a subtle celery flavor that complements the buffalo chicken.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course!

Ingredient Science and Substitution Tips:

• Chicken Cooking Methods: You can bake, poach, slow cook, or even grill the chicken. Poaching results in incredibly tender chicken. I’ve tested them all!
• Buffalo Sauce Alternatives: If you’re sensitive to spice, consider using a milder buffalo sauce or adding a touch of honey or brown sugar to tame the heat. You can also reduce the amount of buffalo sauce and increase the amount of butter to reduce the overall spiciness.
• Vegan Option: Substitute the chicken with shredded jackfruit or cauliflower florets for a delicious vegan alternative. Use a vegan butter substitute and vegan mayo.

Expert Tips for Buffalo Chicken Slider Perfection

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that take these sliders from good to great. Here are my top expert tips:

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Dry chicken is the enemy! Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C).
• Shred the Chicken While It’s Warm: It’s much easier to shred warm chicken than cold chicken. Use two forks or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment.
• Taste and Adjust the Buffalo Sauce: Everyone has different preferences for spice levels. Taste the sauce and adjust the amount of buffalo sauce, butter, or vinegar to your liking.
• Don’t Overdress the Coleslaw: Nobody likes soggy coleslaw! Add the dressing gradually until the coleslaw is lightly coated.
• Toast the Slider Buns: Toasting the buns adds a nice textural contrast and prevents them from getting soggy.
• Assemble the Sliders Just Before Serving: This prevents the buns from getting soggy and the coleslaw from wilting.
• Add Blue Cheese Crumbles: If you’re a fan of blue cheese, a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles adds a tangy, pungent flavor that complements the buffalo chicken perfectly.

FAQ: Your Burning Buffalo Chicken Slider Questions Answered

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the shredded buffalo chicken and the coleslaw ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the sliders just before serving to prevent the buns from getting soggy.

How do I reheat leftover buffalo chicken?

You can reheat leftover buffalo chicken in the microwave, oven, or stovetop. For the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. For the oven, bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. For the stovetop, heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Can I freeze buffalo chicken sliders?

I don’t recommend freezing assembled sliders, as the buns and coleslaw will become soggy. However, you can freeze the shredded buffalo chicken. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

What other toppings can I add to these sliders?

The possibilities are endless! Some other topping ideas include blue cheese crumbles, ranch dressing, avocado slices, pickled onions, and crispy fried onions.

Can I use a different type of meat?

While these are called “Buffalo Chicken Sliders,” you could experiment with shredded pork or even ground beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Are these sliders gluten-free?

To make these sliders gluten-free, simply use gluten-free slider buns. Ensure the buffalo sauce and Worcestershire sauce are also gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.

Can I make these spicier?

Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce or use a hotter variety of buffalo sauce. You can also add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.

Your New Go-To Slider Recipe

So there you have it: my ultimate recipe for Buffalo Chicken Sliders. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, tailgating with friends, or just looking for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, these sliders are sure to hit the spot. Don’t be surprised when these become a regular item on your menu!

Now, I want to hear from you! What are your favorite slider toppings? Have you tried making these with any variations? Let me know in the comments below! And if you make these sliders, be sure to snap a photo and tag me on social media. I can’t wait to see your creations!

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