Easy Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
If you’re craving a crowd-pleaser that’s packed with flavor yet easy to prepare, this Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender buffalo chicken, gooey melted cheese, and soft slider buns all baked on a single pan, this dish saves you time without sacrificing taste. Perfect for busy weeknights, game day snacks, or casual gatherings, these sliders bring a spicy kick and irresistible comfort-food vibes to your table with minimal cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Preparation: Everything cooks on one sheet pan, making the process fast and hassle-free.
- Bold Flavor: Classic tangy buffalo sauce and tender chicken deliver that perfect spicy, savory punch.
- Perfect for Entertaining: These sliders are bite-sized, shareable, and always a hit with guests.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with toppings or sauces to suit your personal taste or dietary needs.
- Minimal Cleanup: One pan does it all—less mess, more time to enjoy your food!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring something special to your Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders. The balance of protein, spice, and fresh toppings makes each bite satisfying and colorful.
- Chicken Breasts: Provides tender, juicy protein while soaking up the buffalo sauce perfectly.
- Buffalo Sauce: Adds that classic spicy, tangy kick essential to buffalo chicken dishes.
- Slider Buns: Soft and small, these buns hold all the delicious fillings without overwhelming your bite.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a creamy, savory layer atop the chicken.
- Celery Sticks: Adds crunchy freshness and cool contrast to the spicy chicken.
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: A creamy finish that balances heat with cool creaminess.
- Butter: For brushing buns, adding a golden, flavorful crust.
Variations for Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Feel free to make these sliders your own! This recipe is incredibly flexible, so you can tailor it to whatever ingredients you have or what your taste buds crave.
- Spicy Kick Variation: Add extra hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for more heat without losing balance.
- BBQ Buffalo Twist: Mix buffalo sauce with BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy combination that’s next-level delicious.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out chicken for crispy cauliflower bites tossed in buffalo sauce for a meat-free alternative.
- Cheese Swap: Use pepper jack or mozzarella instead of cheddar for a different taste and texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free slider buns or lettuce wraps to keep the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How to Make Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breasts into pieces sized to fit slider buns. Toss them generously with buffalo sauce, ensuring every piece is well-coated for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Arrange on the Sheet Pan
Place the buffalo chicken pieces neatly on a greased sheet pan so they cook evenly. Leave space for the slider buns, which you’ll toast later on the same pan.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
Bake the buffalo-coated chicken at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes until fully cooked and slightly caramelized on the edges, locking in that spicy zest.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Toast Buns
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the cooked chicken and return the sheet pan to the oven just long enough for the cheese to melt. Meanwhile, brush slider buns with melted butter and toast them alongside the chicken.
Step 5: Assemble the Sliders
Once the chicken and buns are ready, build each slider by layering buffalo chicken, melty cheese, celery sticks, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing inside the buns.
Pro Tips for Making Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders
- Marinate in Advance: Toss the chicken in buffalo sauce a few hours before baking to deepen the flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give chicken pieces space for even cooking and better crispiness.
- Use Fresh Buffalo Sauce: Homemade or quality store-bought sauces elevate the taste dramatically.
- Brush Buns with Butter: Adds richness and helps them turn golden and crispy in the oven.
- Add Cooling Elements: Celery and creamy dressings balance the heat for a perfect bite.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Garnishes
Fresh celery sticks and a sprinkle of chopped green onions or parsley add brightness and crunch, enhancing both texture and appearance.
Side Dishes
Pair sliders with classic sides like crispy sweet potato fries, crunchy coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve sliders on a wooden board lined with parchment paper for a rustic look, or arrange them on a tiered tray for a game-day feast that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
Separate chicken and buns before freezing. Wrap chicken pieces tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Slider buns freeze well too, just thaw before serving.
Reheating
Reheat chicken on a sheet pan in the oven to keep it crispy. Warm the buns separately, then assemble fresh to avoid soggy bread.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay juicy and bring a richer flavor, making them a great swap in this recipe.
How spicy are these sliders?
The heat level depends on your buffalo sauce choice; mild or medium sauces keep it approachable, while hot sauce dial it up for spice lovers.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar melts well and pairs perfectly with buffalo sauce, but pepper jack, mozzarella, or even blue cheese crumbles are excellent alternatives.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just replace the slider buns with gluten-free buns or use large lettuce leaves for wraps to keep it light and safe for gluten-free diets.
Is it okay to prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken in buffalo sauce a few hours before cooking, but it’s best to assemble sliders right before serving for freshness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a quick, flavorful, and fuss-free recipe to impress friends or satisfying your own cravings, don’t miss out on making these Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders. Their perfect blend of spice, cheesy goodness, and soft buns baked all on one pan will surely become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try and watch these sliders disappear fast!
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Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a flavorful, easy-to-make dish combining tender buffalo chicken, melted cheddar cheese, and soft slider buns, all baked on a single pan. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or casual gatherings, these sliders offer a spicy, savory kick balanced with creamy dressings and crisp celery, with minimal cleanup required.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps are used)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced to fit slider buns
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 8 slider buns, soft and small
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 celery sticks, cut into small pieces
- Butter for brushing buns (about 2 tbsp)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into slider-sized pieces and toss them generously with buffalo sauce, making sure each piece is well-coated to infuse maximum flavor.
- Arrange on the Sheet Pan: Grease a sheet pan and place the buffalo-coated chicken pieces in a single layer with space between them, saving room for the slider buns to toast later.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly caramelized on the edges to lock in the spicy zest.
- Add Cheese and Toast Buns: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the cooked chicken and return the pan to the oven briefly until the cheese melts. At the same time, brush the slider buns with melted butter and toast them alongside the chicken on the sheet pan.
- Assemble the Sliders: Layer buffalo chicken, melted cheese, celery sticks, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing inside the toasted buns to complete the sliders.
Notes
- Marinate chicken in buffalo sauce a few hours before baking for deeper flavor.
- Avoid overcrowding the sheet pan for even cooking and crispiness.
- Use fresh or high-quality buffalo sauce for the best taste.
- Brushing buns with butter adds a golden, crispy crust.
- Celery and creamy dressings provide a perfect balance to the heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: buffalo chicken sliders, sheet pan recipe, appetizer, game day food, spicy chicken sliders, easy chicken sliders