Easy Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Shredded Chicken

Oh, dear friends, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of something wonderful bubbling away in the kitchen, is there? Today, we’re whisking up a recipe that might surprise you, but I promise it carries all the warmth and joy of our favorite sweet treats: incredibly delicious Buffalo Chicken Sliders. They have that perfect balance of tangy heat and creamy coolness that just sings on your palate, making them an instant crowd-pleaser and a truly magical creation born right in your own kitchen.

I remember my grandmother, with flour dusting her apron, telling me that the best dishes are those made with a little bit of love and a lot of happy memories. While her specialty was always apple pie, the spirit of bringing people together with homemade delights is exactly what these sliders embody. They remind me that every meal can be an occasion for sharing and creating new, cherished moments around the table.

These sliders are a dream come true for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, offering big flavor without a fuss. They’re wonderfully easy to assemble and cook, making them perfect for new bakers and seasoned cooks alike. My top tip? Always taste your sauce as you go; that little adjustment makes all the difference!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting these delightful sliders begins with a few simple, yet powerful ingredients, much like how a pinch of cinnamon can transform a simple cookie. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are our canvas, ready to soak up the vibrant flavors of a homemade buffalo sauce, which truly makes these Buffalo Chicken Sliders sing. It’s all about those fresh, wholesome components that I always tell you make the best treats! You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Making these incredibly flavorful Buffalo Chicken Sliders is a delightful journey, much like watching a cake rise perfectly in the oven. You’ll start by preparing the chicken, tenderly air-frying it until it’s ready to be shredded and bathed in that glorious, zesty buffalo sauce. Then comes the joyous assembly, layering all those wonderful flavors onto soft slider buns, ready for baking until golden and irresistible. It’s a simple process that yields truly spectacular results, bringing everyone to the table with happy anticipation.

Spicy Air-Fried Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Quick and easy, these spicy air-fried buffalo chicken sliders are bursting with tangy flavor and offer a satisfying crunch, perfect for game day snacks or a fun weeknight meal.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12 sliders

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Air-Fried Chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper

For the Classic Buffalo Sauce

• 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
• 0.75 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Hot Sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 0.5 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 0.25 tsp garlic powder

For Assembly

• 12 slider buns split
• 0.5 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
• 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce or coleslaw mix
• 0.5 cup blue cheese crumbles optional
• 1 tbsp melted butter for brushing buns, optional

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Small saucepan
• Tongs

Method

 

Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels. In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
2. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the seasoned chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
3. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden brown. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove cooked chicken and set aside.

Make the Buffalo Sauce

1. While the chicken cooks, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the Frank’s RedHot sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Whisk until well combined and smooth.

Assemble the Sliders

1. In the large mixing bowl, combine the cooked air-fried chicken with the prepared buffalo sauce. Toss gently until all chicken pieces are thoroughly coated.
2. (Optional) Lightly brush the cut sides of the slider buns with melted butter and toast them lightly in a pan or under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden.
3. Spread a spoonful of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the bottom half of each slider bun.
4. Top with a small handful of shredded lettuce or coleslaw mix.
5. Place a generous portion of buffalo chicken onto the lettuce.
6. Sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles, if using.
7. Cap with the top half of the slider bun and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or pan-fry until cooked through. Leftover buffalo chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before assembling sliders.

Over the years, I’ve learned that sometimes the smallest touches make the biggest difference in any recipe, and these Buffalo Chicken Sliders are no exception! Here are a few secrets I’ve picked up to ensure yours are always a smash hit.

For perfectly tender chicken, don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket. Giving the chicken enough space allows it to cook evenly and get that lovely texture we all adore. This ensures every piece shreds beautifully and absorbs the sauce like a dream.

My Secret Trick: When making the buffalo sauce, I always warm the butter and hot sauce gently over low heat, stirring constantly, before adding the apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire. This slow warming really helps the flavors meld together into a smooth, cohesive sauce that clings to the chicken perfectly, rather than separating.

Don’t be shy with the dressing! A generous dollop of ranch or blue cheese dressing on your slider buns before adding the chicken creates a lovely creamy base that perfectly complements the spicy filling. It’s that delightful contrast that makes each bite so satisfying.

Finally, a quick brush of melted butter over the tops of your slider buns before baking gives them that irresistible golden-brown crust and a touch of richness. It’s a small step, but it adds so much to the overall experience of these delightful Buffalo Chicken Sliders.

Fun Variations for Buffalo Chicken Sliders

One of the greatest joys of baking and cooking is making a recipe truly your own, and these Buffalo Chicken Sliders are wonderfully adaptable! Think of them as a canvas for your culinary creativity.

Spice It Up or Tone It Down

If you’re like my friend Sarah, who adores extra heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your buffalo sauce or a few extra dashes of hot sauce. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of Frank’s RedHot and increase the butter slightly for a creamier, less fiery kick.

Cheesy Delights

While blue cheese crumbles are classic, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese melted over the chicken before serving can add a wonderful, gooey layer. My nephew absolutely insists on a mix of cheddar and mozzarella when I make these Buffalo Chicken Sliders for him!

Veggie Boost

For a fresh crunch, consider adding thinly sliced celery or carrots to your shredded lettuce topping. Or, for a different twist, finely chopped bell peppers can be mixed directly into the chicken filling for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

What to Serve With Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Just like a slice of pie isn’t complete without a scoop of vanilla ice cream, these Buffalo Chicken Sliders are even more delightful when paired with the right accompaniments. I love thinking about how to round out a meal, making it feel truly special and complete.

For a cool contrast to the spicy sliders, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a good idea. It offers a refreshing palate cleanser that balances the richness beautifully.

A classic side like crunchy celery and carrot sticks with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping is a must. It’s simple, satisfying, and complements the flavors perfectly. My mom always makes sure we have plenty of veggie sticks when I bring over a batch of these for family gatherings.

And for those who love a bit of carb indulgence, a side of crispy sweet potato fries or homemade potato chips would be an absolute dream alongside these sliders. Sometimes, the simplest pairings truly elevate the whole experience.

How to Store Buffalo Chicken Sliders

When we create something wonderful in the kitchen, we always want to make sure we can enjoy every last bite! Storing these Buffalo Chicken Sliders properly means you can savor their deliciousness for a little longer.

Fridge Storage

Any leftover chicken mixture can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best to store the shredded chicken and buns separately to prevent the buns from getting soggy. When you’re ready for more, simply warm the chicken mixture gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheating Tips

To reheat the full assembled sliders, wrap them loosely in foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. My personal tip? I like to add fresh lettuce and dressing after reheating to keep everything wonderfully crisp and vibrant. This ensures your Buffalo Chicken Sliders taste just as amazing as the first time!

Nutritional Benefits

While we often focus on the joy and flavor of our homemade creations, it’s lovely to know they can offer some goodness too! These Buffalo Chicken Sliders provide a good source of lean protein from the chicken, which is always a plus for a satisfying meal. It’s about creating a treat that’s both indulgent and made with simple, wholesome ingredients, a balance I always strive for in my kitchen.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook and shred the chicken a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and then warm it gently before tossing with the buffalo sauce when you’re ready to assemble your delicious Buffalo Chicken Sliders.

Faq 2

What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No air fryer? No problem! You can bake or pan-fry the boneless chicken breasts until cooked through, then shred them. The key is to get that tender, shreddable chicken for your amazing Buffalo Chicken Sliders.

Faq 3

Can I use a different type of bun?
Certainly! While slider buns are perfect, you can use small brioche buns, Hawaiian rolls, or even small dinner rolls. Just ensure they’re sturdy enough to hold all the flavorful filling of your Buffalo Chicken Sliders.

Faq 4

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make these sliders dairy-free, use a plant-based butter alternative for the sauce and consider a dairy-free ranch or blue cheese dressing. You can omit the blue cheese crumbles or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Sliders.

Conclusion

And there you have it, dear friends! These Easy Buffalo Chicken Sliders are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to bring warmth, flavor, and laughter into your home. With simple ingredients and a little bit of care, you can create a dish that not only satisfies hungry tummies but also creates those precious memories that truly feed the soul. So, gather your ingredients, put on your favorite apron, and delight in the joyful, home-baked magic of these incredible sliders. I can’t wait for you to try them!