Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Description

Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Ingredients:
1 lb chicken breast, shredded
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup buffalo sauce
1/4 cup ranch dressing
8 slider buns
Shredded cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Season the shredded chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, cook the seasoned chicken until it is browned and cooked through.

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken with the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Mix well to ensure everything is well combined.

Toast the slider buns in a toaster or on a grill until they are golden brown and crispy. Place a generous amount of the buffalo chicken mixture on each bottom bun. Top with shredded cheese and the top bun.

Serve the Buffalo Chicken Sliders hot, accompanied by a small bowl of ranch dressing for dipping. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added color and flavor.

Enjoy your delicious Buffalo Chicken Sliders! They’re perfect for a satisfying meal that combines the spicy flavors of buffalo sauce with the richness of creamy ranch dressing.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed instructions for perfect sliders every time.

1. Prep & Cook Chicken: If starting with raw chicken, poach or bake 1 lb of chicken breast until cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Let it cool slightly, then shred using two forks.
2. Season & Sear: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shredded chicken with salt and pepper. Add to the hot skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes to get some crispy, browned edges.
3. Combine Sauces: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup buffalo sauce and 1/4 cup ranch dressing. Add the hot, seared chicken to the bowl and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
4. Toast Buns & Assemble: Lightly toast your slider buns (cut-side up) in a toaster, under the broiler, or on a grill pan. Place a generous scoop of the saucy chicken on the bottom bun. Immediately add a pinch of shredded cheese so it melts slightly from the heat of the chicken.
5. Finish & Serve: Add the top bun, garnish the platter with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately with extra ranch on the side.

Serving Suggestions

These sliders are a crowd-pleaser. Serve them as a game-day appetizer, a quick weeknight dinner, or party food. For a complete spread, pair them with crisp vegetable sticks (celery and carrots are classic), a cool blue cheese or ranch dip, and simple sides like potato wedges or a tangy coleslaw to balance the heat.

How-to Summary

Shred cooked chicken, sear it in a pan with oil, salt, and pepper. Toss the hot chicken in a mix of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Toast slider buns, top with the saucy chicken and shredded cheese, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of chicken?
Yes. Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Shred about 2-3 cups. You can skip the searing step, though warming the chicken in the skillet with a little oil before saucing adds better flavor.

2. How can I make this spicier or milder?
Control the heat by choosing your buffalo sauce brand (Frank’s RedHot is medium, others are hotter). For milder sliders, mix more ranch into the sauce. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken or use a hotter sauce.

3. Can I prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the sauced chicken up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling the sliders.

4. What are good cheese alternatives?
Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack are classic. Crumbled blue cheese offers an authentic buffalo wing flavor. Pepper Jack cheese adds an extra kick.

5. How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?
Toasting the buns creates a moisture barrier. Assemble the slitters just before serving. For parties, consider setting up a “build-your-own” slider station with components separate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Dry Chicken: Avoid overcooking the chicken breast initially, as it will become dry. Poaching helps retain moisture.
• Skipping the Sear: Don’t just mix boiled chicken with sauce. Searing adds crucial texture and depth of flavor.
• Over-saucing: Add the sauce mixture gradually. You want the chicken coated, not swimming, to prevent soggy buns.
• Assembling Too Early: Assembling sliders long before serving leads to soggy, falling-apart buns. Assemble at the last minute.

Conclusion

These Buffalo Chicken Sliders masterfully combine spicy, tangy, and creamy flavors in a perfectly handheld package. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a consistently delicious dish that is deceptively simple to make. Whether for a casual family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy the perfect bite of flavor and texture!