Picture this: a casual weekend gathering where laughter fills the air, and the tantalizing scent of buffalo chicken sliders wafts from the kitchen, beckoning every guest to the table. I discovered this recipe during a particularly busy week, when the last thing I wanted was to order another round of fast food. Instead, I found joy in crafting these easy and crowd-pleasing Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders that everyone raves about.
With just a handful of ingredients and a convenient baking method, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to whip up something that tastes downright gourmet. The combination of shredded chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and creamy ranch dressing all nestled between soft King’s Hawaiian rolls creates a flavor explosion that’s perfect for any occasion—be it game day, a cozy family dinner, or a spontaneous get-together with friends. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to elevate your home cooking game!
Why love Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Simplicity: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it an effortless choice for your busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
Flavor-packed: The harmonious blend of zesty buffalo sauce and creamy ranch dressing not only tantalizes the taste buds but also guarantees rave reviews from family and friends.
Versatile: Perfect for game day, movie nights, or casual dinners, these sliders are a true crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
Comfort food: Soft King’s Hawaiian rolls enveloping a savory chicken filling provide a warm, satisfying bite that feels like a hug for your stomach.
One pan wonder: No fuss and minimal cleanup required; just prepare, bake, and enjoy! For more delicious ideas, check out my guide on quick and easy weeknight meals.
Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders Ingredients
Unlock the secret to irresistible sliders with these simple ingredients!
For the Chicken Filling
• Shredded chicken – Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time; it’s juicy and flavorful!
• Buffalo sauce – Adjust the amount to control the spice level; Frank’s RedHot works wonders.
• Ranch dressing – Adds a creamy, cooling contrast to the heat; homemade or store-bought is fine.
• Honey – A touch of sweetness balances the spiciness; feel free to substitute with agave syrup.
• Garlic cloves – Freshly minced garlic elevates flavor, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.
• Black pepper – Just a pinch adds depth; you can always adjust to taste!
For the Cheesy Goodness
• Mozzarella cheese – Freshly grated provides that gooey, stretchy texture; consider a mix for extra flavor.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds a delightful nutty flavor; freshly shredded will make a noticeable difference.
For the Sliders
• King’s Hawaiian Rolls – Their soft sweetness perfectly complements the spicy filling; any slider bun can be a substitute.
• Butter – Enhances the richness and helps the tops brown beautifully; consider using garlic butter for an extra kick!
• Italian seasoning – A mix of herbs like oregano and basil adds an aromatic touch; you can also use dried herbs individually.
• Garlic salt – Provides an extra punch of flavor; if you’re watching sodium, regular salt works too!
Feel free to customize these Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders to suit your taste—your family will thank you for this delicious, easy meal!
How to Make Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, honey, minced garlic, and a pinch of black pepper until everything is nicely blended.
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Add Cheese: Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses so that the filling is creamy and cheesy. This will create a delightful texture in every bite.
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures even baking, helping the sliders develop that golden brown crust!
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Prepare Rolls: Slice the King’s Hawaiian Rolls in half horizontally and lay the bottoms in a baking dish. Make sure they fit snugly for the best results.
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Spread Filling: Evenly distribute the chicken mixture over the bottom halves of the rolls, ensuring every slider will be full of flavor.
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Top with Rolls: Place the top halves of the rolls over the filling, gently pressing down to ensure they seal in all those delicious flavors.
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Brush with Butter: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. Brush this mixture generously over the top of the rolls for an extra burst of flavor.
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Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the sliders are golden brown and bubbly.
Optional: Garnish with chopped green onions for an added pop of color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders Variations
Feel free to get creative and make these sliders your own masterpiece!
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for extra heat. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Vegetarian Option: Swap shredded chicken for roasted cauliflower or chickpeas mixed with buffalo sauce. This twist keeps the flavors bold while accommodating plant-based diets.
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Cheese Lovers: Experiment with different cheeses like sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a zesty flavor twist that melts perfectly. Cheese can be a game changer!
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free slider buns to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste. Everyone can enjoy the fun!
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Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley into the filling for a fresh burst of flavor. It adds a lovely color and aromatic touch.
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Crunch Factor: Include a topping of crispy fried onions or crushed tortilla chips before baking for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy filling.
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Sweet & Spicy: Mix in some diced pineapple or mango for a fruity addition that balances the spice and brings a tropical twist to your sliders.
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Buffalo Ranch Dip: Serve with a side of buffalo ranch dip for an extra saucy experience. Use the same ranch dressing but add some blue cheese for depth—they’ll never get enough!
Expert Tips for Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders
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Perfect Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience; it’ll save you time and deliver moist, flavorful results.
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Sauce Balance: Adjust buffalo sauce quantity based on your spice preference; remember, you can always add more but can’t take it away!
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Cheese Mix: For added depth, consider mixing mozzarella with cheddar or pepper jack cheese. This enhances flavor while still keeping it comforting.
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Roll Care: Ensure the King’s Hawaiian Rolls fit snugly in your baking dish; this prevents filling from spilling during baking.
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Butter Brushing: Don’t skip brushing the rolls with the butter mixture; it creates a beautiful, golden crust that everyone will love.
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Serve Warm: These Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven; prepare some extra napkins for the cheesy goodness!
What to Serve with Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders?
Imagine gathering around the table with family and friends, each dish complementing the delicious sliders, creating a feast for the senses.
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Crispy Potato Wedges: The crunchy exterior and fluffy interior of potato wedges provide a satisfying contrast to the creamy sliders. Serve with a sprinkle of your favorite seasoning for added flavor.
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Coleslaw: This refreshing side adds crunch and a zingy flavor that balances the heat of the buffalo sauce beautifully. Plus, the vibrant colors brighten your table!
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Fresh Vegetable Platter: Crisp, colorful veggies with ranch dip offer a fresh, healthy option that’s perfect for dipping. This adds a light element in between bites of hearty sliders.
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Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: Want more spice? These bites bring that same buffalo flavor in a veggie form, making for a fun, delicious pairing that satisfies.
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Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery knots with a garlicky twist are perfect for sopping up any extra ranch or buffalo sauce left on the plate, bringing every bite together.
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Sparkling Lemonade: A fizzy, refreshing drink like sparkling lemonade enhances those flavors, offering a cool burst that complements the sliders’ heat deliciously.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: For a sweet ending, these classics provide a lovely contrast to the savory sliders, leaving everyone with a smile and a sense of satisfaction.
How to Store and Freeze Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Fridge: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain the soft texture of the King’s Hawaiian rolls, reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Freezer: If you want to store for longer, wrap the sliders tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To enjoy the sliders again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This ensures they remain deliciously cheesy and warm!
Serving Tip: Feel free to serve them with extra buffalo sauce or ranch dressing on the side for an added flavor boost!
Make Ahead Options
These Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy them with ease on busy nights! You can prepare the chicken filling (shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, honey, garlic, and black pepper) up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. The assembled sliders can also be prepped entirely and wrapped tightly with foil for up to 3 days before baking. When you’re ready to serve, simply preheat your oven, bake covered for 15 minutes, uncover for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden, and enjoy just as delicious sliders with minimal effort.
Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe FAQs
How do I pick the best chicken for the sliders?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is my go-to choice because it saves time and remains juicy and flavorful. If you opt for raw chicken, consider poaching or baking it until fully cooked, then shredding it before mixing with the other ingredients.
What’s the best way to store leftover sliders?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, wrap the sliders tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months!
How should I reheat the sliders?
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If frozen, it’s best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight first. Place the sliders on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through; this keeps them nice and cheesy!
Can I make these sliders spicier?
Very! If you love heat, consider using a spicier buffalo sauce or adding finely chopped jalapeños or hot sauce into the chicken mixture. Just remember to adjust the amount of ranch dressing to balance the heat!
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Yes, if you’re serving these to guests with dietary restrictions, check for allergies to dairy, gluten, or nuts. You can easily modify the recipe by using gluten-free rolls or dairy-free cheese alternatives to accommodate different diets.
What if I can’t find King’s Hawaiian Rolls?
No problem at all! While King’s Hawaiian Rolls provide a lovely sweetness, any slider buns will work just fine. Consider using soft potato rolls or even whole wheat buns for a healthier twist. The more the merrier!
Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders for Epic Snack Nights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, honey, minced garlic, and a pinch of black pepper until everything is nicely blended.
- Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses so that the filling is creamy and cheesy.
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat.
- Slice the King's Hawaiian Rolls in half horizontally and lay the bottoms in a baking dish.
- Evenly distribute the chicken mixture over the bottom halves of the rolls.
- Place the top halves of the rolls over the filling, gently pressing down.
- Mix melted butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. Brush generously over the top of the rolls.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden brown.
