Fiery Buffalo Chicken Sliders

$- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup buffalo sauce - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/4 cup ranch dressing - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese These main ingredients create a tasty and spicy flavor in the sliders. The chicken thighs stay juicy and tender, while the buffalo sauce adds heat. Cream cheese makes the mix creamy, and ranch dressing softens the spice. Cheddar cheese gives a great finish and extra flavor. - 8 slider buns - Lettuce leaves - Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, pickles, extra ranch dressing Slider buns make the perfect vessel for the buffalo chicken mix. Fresh lettuce adds crunch and freshness. You can spice up your sliders with jalapeños or pickles if you like heat. Extra ranch dressing offers a cool dip that balances the flavors. - Slow cooker - Baking sheet - Two forks for shredding A slow cooker helps make the chicken tender and easy to shred. You will use a baking sheet to toast the buns. Two forks are key for shredding the chicken quickly and easily. Having these tools ready ensures a smooth cooking process. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker. - Cover with buffalo sauce and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Cooking the chicken is the first step. I love using chicken thighs for this recipe. They stay juicy and tender. The buffalo sauce adds a nice kick. You can use store-bought or homemade buffalo sauce. Just pour half of it over the chicken. Set your slow cooker to low. Let it work its magic while you relax. - Remove and shred chicken with two forks. - Incorporate cream cheese and remaining buffalo sauce. Once the chicken is done, it’s time to shred it. Take it out of the slow cooker. Use two forks to pull the meat apart. It should come apart easily. Now, add the softened cream cheese. This makes the chicken creamy and rich. Pour in the rest of the buffalo sauce and stir well. You want every piece of chicken coated in that creamy goodness. - Toast the buns in the oven for about 5 minutes. - Assemble with lettuce and buffalo chicken mixture. Next, we prepare the buns. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slider buns on a baking sheet. Toast them lightly in the oven for about 5 minutes. This step adds a nice crunch. Now, let’s assemble the sliders. Start with a toasted bun. Add a crisp lettuce leaf. Then, scoop on that buffalo chicken mixture. Don’t be shy with the chicken! Top with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions. They add color and flavor. For tender chicken, cook the thighs for 4 to 5 hours on low heat. This slow method makes the chicken juicy and easy to shred. If you want more flavor, try homemade buffalo sauce. It lets you control the spice. Store-bought sauce is a quick option. Both will work well, but fresh sauce can add a special touch. When serving sliders, presentation matters. Arrange them on a large platter for a fun look. Add small bowls of extra buffalo sauce and ranch dressing on the side for dipping. It makes the dish more interactive. You can garnish with green onions for color. This makes your sliders pop! To spice up your sliders, think about adding extra seasonings. A dash of garlic powder or cayenne can bring more heat. For buns, choose soft, slightly sweet slider buns. They balance the spicy chicken. You can also try whole wheat or gluten-free options for a twist. Pro Tips Use Thighs for Juiciness: Chicken thighs are more flavorful and juicy than breasts, making them perfect for sliders. They won’t dry out during the cooking process. Make Your Own Sauce: For a personalized touch, consider making your own buffalo sauce. You can adjust the heat level to suit your preference! Keep It Warm: If you’re serving these sliders at a party, keep the buffalo chicken mixture warm in the slow cooker on the lowest setting to ensure they stay hot and ready to serve. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Try adding avocado slices, blue cheese crumbles, or even coleslaw for added texture and flavor. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor by using different sauces. Try BBQ sauce for a sweet twist. Mix buffalo sauce with honey for a sweet and spicy blend. You can also use a garlic sauce for a rich taste. Each sauce brings its own flair to the sliders. Experiment with your favorites to find what you love most. If you want to switch things up, use different cuts of chicken. Chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat. You can also use rotisserie chicken for a quick option. For a vegan twist, replace chicken with jackfruit or tofu. Both options soak up flavors nicely. You’ll enjoy the same great taste without the meat. Toppings can elevate your sliders. Try adding sliced jalapeños for heat or pickles for crunch. You can also swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack for a spicy kick. For a healthier version, use Greek yogurt instead of ranch dressing. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can add a burst of flavor. Feel free to get creative and make these sliders your own! To keep your sliders fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Let the sliders cool to room temperature before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. Store them in the fridge. They will stay good for up to four days. To freeze buffalo chicken sliders, first, let them cool completely. Wrap each slider in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped sliders in a freezer bag. This keeps air out and prevents freezer burn. For best results, eat them within three months. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. For the best taste, eat the sliders within four days if stored in the fridge. Look for signs of spoilage such as off smells or mold. If the chicken looks dry or discolored, it’s best to toss it. Always check for freshness before enjoying your leftovers. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They are leaner than thighs. This makes them a healthier option. However, chicken breasts may dry out faster during cooking. Thighs stay moist and tender, which can enhance flavor. If you prefer breasts, cook them carefully to keep them juicy. To add more heat, consider these ingredients: - Extra buffalo sauce - Sliced jalapeños - Hot sauce - Red pepper flakes - Spicy ranch dressing Mix any of these into the chicken or use them as toppings. They will kick up the spice level. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. Pair these sliders with delicious sides and drinks. Here are some great choices: - Celery sticks and carrot sticks - Potato chips or fries - Coleslaw for crunch - Bean dip or guacamole - Cold beers or soda These options will make a complete game day spread. Enjoy your sliders with refreshing sides! In this post, we explored how to make delicious buffalo chicken sliders. We covered essential ingredients, kitchen tools, and cooking steps. We looked at tips for perfecting your dish and possible variations. Whether you want to customize flavors or ideas for storage, this guide has it all. Enjoy creating your sliders, and don't hesitate to experiment! Each bite is a chance for you to make this dish your own. Happy cooking!$

Fiery Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Spicy and creamy buffalo chicken sliders perfect for any gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup buffalo sauce
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup ranch dressing
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions
8 pieces slider buns
to taste lettuce leaves
to taste sliced jalapeños
to taste pickles
to taste extra ranch dressing

Instructions

In a slow cooker, place the chicken thighs and cover them with half of the buffalo sauce. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it with two forks and return it to the cooker. Add the softened cream cheese and remaining buffalo sauce. Stir until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the chicken is coated in a creamy buffalo sauce.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the slider buns on a baking sheet and toast them lightly in the oven for about 5 minutes.
On the bottom half of each toasted slider bun, add a leaf of lettuce, followed by a generous scoop of the buffalo chicken mixture. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions over the chicken.
Place the top half of the slider bun on each assembled slider. If desired, add optional toppings like sliced jalapeños or pickles before serving.

Notes

Serve with extra buffalo sauce and ranch dressing on the side for dipping.

Keyword appetizer, buffalo chicken, sliders, spicy