Easy Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
If you are craving a fun, flavorful, and fuss-free dish, these Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders are your new go-to recipe. Combining tender, spicy buffalo chicken with soft slider buns and simple toppings, this recipe delivers bold taste without the hassle. Ready in minutes and cooked all on one sheet pan, it’s perfect for game day snacks, quick dinners, or casual gatherings everyone will enjoy. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare while still packing that iconic buffalo chicken punch into every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless one-pan cooking: Everything cooks simultaneously on a single sheet pan, cutting down on cleanup and prep time.
- Bold buffalo flavor: The chicken is perfectly coated in a tangy, spicy sauce that’s irresistible to buffalo lovers.
- Perfect slider size: Bite-sized and portable, these sliders make entertaining a breeze and mealtime fun.
- Customizable toppings: Easily add ranch, blue cheese, or fresh veggies to suit your taste and preferences.
- Quick and satisfying: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an ideal recipe for busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, familiar ingredients that work together to create a delicious balance of spice, creaminess, and crunch. Each item adds to the flavor and texture without complicating your grocery list.
- Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: Tender, juicy chicken that bakes evenly on the sheet pan.
- Buffalo wing sauce: The key to that signature spicy and tangy buffalo taste.
- Slider buns: Soft, small buns that hold the chicken perfectly for easy eating.
- Butter: Melted and brushed on buns for that golden, slightly crisp finish.
- Celery sticks: Adds a fresh, crunchy contrast to the spicy chicken.
- Blue cheese crumbles or ranch dressing: Optional toppings to cool down the heat and add creaminess.
- Garlic powder and paprika: Simple seasonings to enhance the chicken’s flavor before baking.
Variations for Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Feel free to get creative! This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to swap ingredients or add your favorite flavors to fit dietary needs or personal taste preferences.
- Spicy to mild: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce or mix with honey for a sweet-spicy combo.
- Cheese lovers: Add melted cheddar or mozzarella on the sliders before serving.
- Vegetarian twist: Substitute chicken with crispy cauliflower florets tossed in buffalo sauce.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free slider buns or lettuce wraps instead of regular buns.
- Extra heat lovers: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
How to Make Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by patting your boneless chicken dry and lightly seasoning with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This gives the chicken a flavorful base before baking.
Step 2: Toss Chicken in Buffalo Sauce
In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with enough buffalo wing sauce to coat them evenly, ensuring every bite is filled with that vibrant, spicy flavor.
Step 3: Arrange on Sheet Pan
Spread the buffalo-coated chicken out on a lined sheet pan in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pieces to allow even cooking.
Step 4: Bake Until Cooked Through
Bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the edges start to crisp up.
Step 5: Prepare and Toast Slider Buns
While the chicken bakes, split the slider buns and brush the cut sides with melted butter. Place them under the broiler or in a hot skillet for a minute or two until golden and slightly toasted.
Step 6: Assemble the Sliders
Layer the buffalo chicken on the bottom bun, add optional blue cheese crumbles or ranch, fresh celery slices, then top with the other half of the bun.
Pro Tips for Making Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders
- Even-sized chicken pieces: Cut chicken into uniform pieces for consistent cooking throughout.
- Use parchment paper: Line your sheet pan to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Don’t skip toasting buns: Toasted buns add texture and prevent sogginess from the sauce.
- Double the sauce: Keep extra buffalo sauce handy for drizzling on before serving for added flavor.
- Rest after baking: Let the chicken rest a few minutes after baking to keep it juicy and tender.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Garnishes
Fresh celery sticks, chopped green onions, or crumbled blue cheese not only add crunch and creaminess but also brighten the flavors, balancing out the heat.
Side Dishes
Pair these sliders with classic game day sides like crispy sweet potato fries, a creamy coleslaw, or even simple mixed greens to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve the sliders on a large platter lined with lettuce leaves and arrange celery sticks on the side for a colorful, inviting display that’s easy to grab and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the buns separate if possible to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked buffalo chicken pieces in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight and reheat before assembling the sliders fresh.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken in a hot skillet or oven to keep it crispy and tender, and toast the buns again for the best texture before assembling.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It is best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken for even cooking and the best texture, as frozen chicken can release excess moisture and cook unevenly.
Is this recipe spicy?
The level of spice depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. You can adjust it by mixing in some mild sauce or honey to tame the heat if desired.
Can I make Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute the slider buns with gluten-free buns or use large lettuce leaves as a low-carb, gluten-free alternative.
What is the best way to serve these sliders at a party?
Arrange them on a large platter, provide extra buffalo sauce and ranch dressing dips, and offer celery sticks on the side for an easy shareable appetizer.
Can I prepare the buffalo sauce from scratch?
Absolutely! A simple mix of hot sauce, melted butter, and a touch of vinegar makes a classic homemade buffalo sauce that tastes fresh and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders: they combine bold flavors, convenience, and crowd-pleasing appeal all in one dish. Whether you’re feeding family on a busy weeknight or entertaining friends, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and comforting bites that everyone will be talking about!
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Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a quick and easy one-pan dish combining tender, spicy buffalo chicken with soft slider buns and customizable toppings. Perfect for game day snacks, casual gatherings, or busy weeknights, this recipe delivers bold buffalo flavor in bite-sized, portable sliders ready in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps)
Ingredients
Chicken & Sauce
- 1.5 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into uniform pieces
- 3/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Buns & Toppings
- 10–12 slider buns
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Celery sticks, sliced, for serving
- Blue cheese crumbles or ranch dressing (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the boneless chicken dry and lightly season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful base before baking.
- Toss Chicken in Buffalo Sauce: In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with buffalo wing sauce until each piece is evenly coated with the spicy, tangy flavor.
- Arrange on Sheet Pan: Spread the buffalo-coated chicken in a single layer on a parchment-lined sheet pan, ensuring pieces are not overcrowded for even cooking.
- Bake Until Cooked Through: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges begin to crisp.
- Prepare and Toast Slider Buns: While the chicken bakes, split the slider buns and brush the cut sides with melted butter. Toast them under the broiler or in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.
- Assemble the Sliders: Layer the buffalo chicken on the bottom bun, add optional blue cheese or ranch, fresh celery slices, then top with the other half of the bun.
Notes
- Cut chicken into even-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
- Line the sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Toasted buns help add texture and prevent sogginess from the sauce.
- Keep extra buffalo sauce on hand for drizzling before serving.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after baking to maintain juiciness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: buffalo chicken sliders, sheet pan chicken, game day snacks, easy appetizers, spicy chicken sliders, buffalo sauce recipes