Buffalo Chicken Sliders

By Lily | Last modified on Feb 9, 2026

Featured in: Appetizers

These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the ultimate game day treat, combining spicy, savory, and tangy flavors in a perfectly handheld bite. Imagine crispy chicken tenders smothered in a buttery Buffalo sauce, layered with creamy ranch, melty provolone, fresh slaw, and tangy pickles, all nestled inside soft Hawaiian slider buns. They’re irresistible and sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any party or casual gathering.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or looking for an appetizer that packs a punch, these sliders balance heat and coolness with every bite. They come together quickly and bake to golden perfection, making them an effortless yet impressive dish to share.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The perfect blend of spicy Buffalo sauce and cooling ranch for balanced flavor.
Quick and easy to prepare using frozen chicken tenders for convenience.
Layered with fresh slaw and pickles adding crunchy texture and tang.
Great for parties, game day, or casual get-togethers, serving 12 sliders.

Ingredients

Breaded chicken strips (8-10 frozen): Crispy and convenient chicken tenders that provide the perfect base with a crunchy texture.
Mild Buffalo sauce (¾ cup): Smooth and flavorful sauce that gives a classic spicy Buffalo taste without overwhelming heat.
Texas Pete hot sauce (¼ cup): Adds an extra kick and depth of spicy flavor to your Buffalo sauce mixture.
Unsalted butter (4 tbsp): Melted butter enriches the sauce, creating a luscious coating for the chicken tenders.
Mini rolls or slider buns (12, Hawaiian or soft): Soft, slightly sweet buns that hold all the ingredients perfectly while adding a tender bite.
Tri-color slaw mix (1 ½ cups): Fresh shredded cabbage blend providing a crunchy and colorful contrast to the spicy chicken.
Pickles, sliced (¼ cup): Tangy, crisp pickles add acidity and brightness that cut through the richness.
Ranch dressing (¼ cup): Creamy dressing that cools down the spice and ties all the flavors together.
Provolone cheese slices (6 slices): Mild and melty cheese that complements the spicy Buffalo chicken beautifully.
Garlic powder (½ tsp): Adds subtle aromatic depth and enhances the buttery topping.
Italian seasoning (¼ tsp): A mix of dried herbs that boost flavor complexity in the butter brush.
Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal notes when sprinkled on top before serving.

Instructions

Cook the chicken tenders: Preheat your oven as directed on the chicken tender package and bake the frozen breaded chicken strips until they are golden brown and crispy. Baking allows the chicken to cook evenly and maintain its crunch, crucial for the signature texture of these sliders.
Prepare the Buffalo sauce: In a large bowl, melt the butter and whisk it together with mild Buffalo sauce and a splash of Texas Pete hot sauce. Combining these gives you a perfect balance of buttery richness and spicy heat to coat the chicken perfectly.
Toss chicken in sauce: Once the tenders are cooked, cut each one in half so they fit on the slider buns nicely. Toss the pieces in the prepared Buffalo sauce mixture to ensure every piece is fully coated with that flavorful, spicy glaze.
Assemble the sliders in a baking dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Slice your slider buns horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves connected, and place the bottom layer of buns in the dish to create a sturdy base for layering.
Layer the ingredients: Start by spreading a layer of tri-color slaw on the buns for crunch, then pile on the saucy Buffalo chicken pieces. Drizzle ranch dressing over the chicken for a cooling contrast, layer with provolone cheese slices, and top with sliced pickles for a tangy bite.
Add the bun tops and brush with seasoned butter: Place the top layer of buns back over the sliders. Melt the remaining butter and whisk it with garlic powder and Italian seasoning before generously brushing this flavorful mixture over the tops to help them brown beautifully and add aroma.
Bake and finish: Bake the assembled sliders uncovered for 10–12 minutes until the bread tops are golden brown and the cheese has fully melted. Let the sliders cool slightly, garnish with chopped parsley, slice carefully, and serve warm for maximum enjoyment.

You Must Know

Use frozen chicken tenders for quick cooking and consistent crispiness without frying.
Adjust the spice level by balancing Buffalo sauce with more or less Texas Pete hot sauce.
Layering the slaw adds fresh texture and temperature contrast that elevates flavor complexity.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover Buffalo Chicken Sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep the buns soft and the cheese melty without drying out the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sliders alongside classic game day sides like celery sticks, carrot sticks, or crispy fries. Pair with a cold beer or your favorite soft drink for a perfect casual meal or appetizer spread.

Professional Tips

Cutting the chicken tenders in half helps maintain perfect slider size and ensures even sauce coverage.
Brushing the buns with seasoned butter before baking creates a golden, flavorful crust you’ll love.
Using Hawaiian buns adds a subtle sweetness which beautifully balances the spicy Buffalo sauce.

FAQs

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?: You can assemble the sliders a few hours ahead and refrigerate before baking, but bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What can I use if I don’t have Texas Pete hot sauce?: Any cayenne-based hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot will work well as a substitute, maintaining the classic Buffalo flavor profile.
Can I make these sliders less spicy?: Yes, reduce or omit the additional Texas Pete hot sauce and use a milder Buffalo sauce to control the heat level.
What if I don’t have provolone cheese?: Other mild melting cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack can be used interchangeably without overpowering the other flavors.
Are the sliders gluten-free?: To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free breaded chicken tenders and slider buns labeled gluten-free.
Can I add extra toppings?: Absolutely! Consider adding sliced jalapeños, extra cheese, or even a drizzle of blue cheese dressing for more zing.
What type of slaw works best?: A pre-shredded tri-color slaw mix offers the ideal crunch and color, but you can also make your own with shredded cabbage and carrots.