Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Craving something that packs a punch and feeds a crowd? These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the answer. Imagine juicy, shredded chicken drenched in tangy buffalo sauce, piled high on soft slider buns, and topped with creamy coleslaw to cool the fire. These little flavor bombs are perfect for game day gatherings, potlucks, or even a fun weeknight dinner. What sets these sliders apart is the balance – the heat from the buffalo sauce is perfectly complemented by the coolness of the coleslaw and the buttery softness of the buns. They’re incredibly easy to make, customizable to your spice preference, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. Plus, with football season in full swing, these sliders are right on trend! I’ve been making variations of buffalo chicken for years, tweaking and perfecting it to achieve that ideal blend of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors. My experience lies in finding the perfect balance, ensuring maximum flavor payoff with minimal effort. Get ready to score big with these irresistible Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders!

Ingredients

Let’s break down what you’ll need to create these flavor-packed Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders. Don’t worry, most of these ingredients are pantry staples!

• Chicken: 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. You could also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor, but breasts are leaner and shred more easily. The protein in chicken helps keep you full and satisfied, making these sliders a substantial snack or meal.
• Buffalo Sauce: ¾ cup of your favorite buffalo wing sauce. The heat level can vary drastically between brands, so choose one you know and love or adjust the amount to your liking. Buffalo sauce typically gets its kick from cayenne pepper, which contains capsaicin, known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Hot Sauce: 1 tablespoon of hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot). This adds an extra layer of heat and complexity. Similar to buffalo sauce, hot sauce derives its spiciness from capsaicin.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Butter adds richness and helps the buffalo sauce adhere to the chicken.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Garlic powder provides a savory depth of flavor.
• Onion Powder: ½ teaspoon of onion powder. Onion powder complements the garlic powder and adds another layer of savory goodness.
• Slider Buns: 12 slider buns. Choose a soft, slightly sweet bun that will stand up to the saucy chicken. Hawaiian rolls are a popular choice!
• Coleslaw: About 2 cups of prepared coleslaw or a homemade version. Coleslaw provides a cool and creamy contrast to the spicy chicken. Cabbage, the main ingredient in coleslaw, is packed with vitamins and fiber.
• Blue Cheese Dressing (optional): For drizzling on top. If you’re a blue cheese lover, this adds a tangy and pungent flavor.
• Celery Sticks (optional): For serving alongside. Celery provides a refreshing crunch and helps cool the palate. Celery is a good source of vitamins and antioxidants.

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Chicken: Canned chicken (drained) can be used in a pinch, but the texture won’t be quite as good.
• Buffalo Sauce: If you don’t have buffalo sauce, you can make your own by combining hot sauce, melted butter, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
• Coleslaw: If you’re not a fan of coleslaw, try shredded lettuce or a simple cucumber salad for a cooling element.
• Slider Buns: Small dinner rolls can be used as a substitute.

Expert Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Sliders

After making countless batches of these sliders, I’ve picked up a few tricks to ensure they turn out perfect every time:

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Shred While Warm: Shred the chicken while it’s still warm. It will be much easier to shred and will absorb the buffalo sauce better. I use two forks to easily pull the chicken apart.
• Taste and Adjust the Sauce: Before adding the chicken to the buns, taste the buffalo sauce mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more hot sauce for extra heat, or a touch of honey for sweetness.
• Toast the Buns: Toasting the slider buns lightly will prevent them from getting soggy from the saucy chicken.
• Don’t Overfill the Sliders: Overfilling the sliders will make them difficult to eat. Aim for a generous, but manageable, amount of chicken and coleslaw.
• Make Ahead Tip: The buffalo chicken can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before assembling the sliders.
• Spice Level Control: If you’re serving these to a crowd with varying spice preferences, consider offering a mild and a spicy version. You can also serve extra buffalo sauce on the side for those who want more heat.
• Coleslaw Matters: A good coleslaw is key to balancing the flavors. I prefer a creamy coleslaw with a hint of sweetness. If you’re making your own, don’t overdress it – you want it to be lightly coated, not swimming in dressing.
• Serving Suggestions: These sliders are fantastic on their own, but they also pair well with sides like sweet potato fries, onion rings, or a simple green salad.

FAQ: Your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Slider Questions Answered

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the buffalo chicken filling up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and assemble the sliders. I recommend keeping the coleslaw separate until just before serving to prevent the buns from getting soggy.

How can I make these sliders less spicy?

To reduce the heat, use a milder buffalo sauce or reduce the amount of hot sauce. You can also add a touch of honey or brown sugar to the sauce to balance the spice with sweetness. Serving with a generous amount of coleslaw and blue cheese dressing will also help cool down the flavors.

Can I use a slow cooker or Instant Pot to make the buffalo chicken?

Absolutely! To use a slow cooker, place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the top, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is easily shredded. For the Instant Pot, add the chicken and buffalo sauce mixture to the pot, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.

What kind of buns are best for sliders?

Soft, slightly sweet buns like Hawaiian rolls are a popular choice. However, any small slider buns will work. Look for buns that are sturdy enough to hold the saucy chicken without falling apart. Toasting the buns lightly will also help prevent them from getting soggy.

What are some good toppings for these sliders besides coleslaw?

If you’re not a fan of coleslaw, you can try other toppings like shredded lettuce, thinly sliced cucumbers, or even pickled onions. Blue cheese crumbles, ranch dressing, or a drizzle of honey are also delicious additions.

Can I freeze the leftover buffalo chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the leftover buffalo chicken for up to 2 months. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently before assembling the sliders.

What side dishes go well with these sliders?

These sliders pair well with a variety of side dishes, such as sweet potato fries, onion rings, potato salad, macaroni salad, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad. Celery sticks with blue cheese dressing are also a classic accompaniment.

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