Super Bowl Buffalo Chicken Sliders

I remember one blustery Super Bowl Sunday, scrambling for snacks that felt special but wouldn't chain me to the kitchen. The scent of buffalo sauce wafted through the house, promising something delicious without too much fuss. These chicken sliders became that perfect solution, a true MVP for our game day spread. They’re quick to assemble and always disappear faster than you can say “touchdown.”

One year, my younger cousin, usually quite picky, devoured three of these without a word, only to declare them “the best mini sandwiches ever” between bites. His approval, usually reserved for pizza, was a monumental win. It was a chaotic day with kids and adults everywhere, but those sliders just quietly did their job of making everyone happy.

Ingredients

• Chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken makes this recipe lightning-fast, and shredding it ensures every bite is tender and saucy.
• Unsalted butter: Butter helps mellow the heat of the buffalo sauce just a touch and makes the chicken incredibly rich.
• Buffalo hot sauce: This classic hot sauce delivers that iconic tangy, spicy kick we all crave in buffalo dishes.
• Shredded coleslaw mix: Pre-shredded saves so much time, and the crunchy cabbage offers a fantastic contrast to the soft chicken.
• Ranch dressing: This creamy dressing is the perfect cool counterpoint to the spicy buffalo, binding the slaw together beautifully.
• Chopped fresh chives: Optional, but these add a delicate oniony freshness that brightens up the slaw.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the slaw and ensuring all the flavors sing.
• Slider buns: Soft, slightly sweet buns are crucial for the best slider experience, holding everything together perfectly.
• Crumbled blue cheese: If you love a classic blue cheese tang with your buffalo, this is a must-add for a punchy, savory bite.
• Unsalted butter: Brushing the buns with butter before baking gives them a lovely golden crust and rich flavor.
• Sesame seeds: A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a satisfying crunch and a professional-looking finish to your sliders.

Instructions

Prep the Oven:

Get your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) so it's ready for action.

Mix the Buffalo Chicken:

In a spacious bowl, gently combine the shredded chicken with the melted butter and buffalo hot sauce until every piece is gloriously coated.

Whip up the Ranch Slaw:

In a separate bowl, toss together the coleslaw mix, creamy ranch dressing, and fresh chives; then season it just right with salt and pepper.

Arrange the Buns:

Carefully slice your slider buns in half horizontally, laying all the bottom halves neatly into your baking dish.

Layer the Goodness:

Spoon the saucy buffalo chicken evenly over the bottom bun halves, and if you're a fan, sprinkle that blue cheese right over the top.

Assemble the Sliders:

Top the chicken with a generous dollop of your fresh ranch slaw, then nestle the bun tops gently into place.

Butter and Garnish:

Brush the tops of your assembled sliders with a little melted butter, and if you fancy, scatter some sesame seeds for extra flair.

Bake to Perfection:

Cover the dish snugly with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then unveil them for another 5–7 minutes until those tops are beautifully golden.

Serve Warm and Enjoy:

Pull them from the oven, let them cool just slightly, and serve them up while they’re perfectly warm and inviting.

Save

One year, a massive thunderstorm rolled in just as I was taking these out of the oven, plunging the whole neighborhood into darkness. We ended up eating them by candlelight, and honestly, the soft glow and the warm, spicy sliders made for an incredibly cozy and memorable evening. It just goes to show how adaptable good food can be.

The Balancing Act of Slaw

The creamy ranch slaw isn’t just an afterthought here; it’s the hero that calms the fiery buffalo chicken. Its cool, crisp texture and tangy dressing provide a crucial counterpoint to the rich, spicy chicken, making each bite perfectly balanced. Without it, the sliders would lose a significant part of their charm.

Choosing the Perfect Vessel

The bun choice might seem small, but it makes a huge difference in these sliders. Brioche offers a slightly sweet, rich, and tender crumb, while potato rolls are wonderfully soft and classic. Opt for a bun that can stand up to the moist filling without getting soggy too quickly, ensuring every bite is sturdy and satisfying.

Game Day MVP Strategies

These sliders are surprisingly forgiving and can be a fantastic make-ahead option. You can assemble them completely, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. For extra zest, try adding thinly sliced pickled jalapeños before baking for a tangy kick!

• For extra zest, try adding thinly sliced pickled jalapeños before baking for a tangy kick!
• Offer a side of crisp celery sticks and an extra bowl of ranch for dipping, it’s always a hit!
• You can assemble them completely, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.

Save

These Super Bowl Buffalo Chicken Sliders are more than just a snack; they’re a little bite of joy perfect for sharing. I hope they bring as much deliciousness and easy comfort to your table as they have to mine!

Recipe FAQs

→ Can these be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the buffalo chicken mixture and the ranch slaw in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

→ What kind of chicken is best to use?

Cooked chicken breast, either shredded or diced, works perfectly. You can use leftover roast chicken, rotisserie chicken, or simply boil/bake chicken breasts and then shred them.

→ Can I adjust the spice level?

Absolutely. For less heat, reduce the amount of buffalo hot sauce or choose a milder brand. For extra spice, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture or include sliced jalapeños.

→ What if I don't like blue cheese?

No problem! The blue cheese is optional. You can simply omit it, or try adding a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for a different flavor profile.

→ What's the best way to serve these?

These are best served warm, straight out of the oven. They pair wonderfully with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.

→ Can I use different types of buns?

While brioche or potato rolls are recommended for their softness, you can certainly experiment with other small rolls or even Hawaiian sweet rolls for a touch of sweetness.