Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Pepper Jack

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pepper Jack Sliders Recipe

If you’re looking for a mouthwatering appetizer or game day treat, look no further than these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pepper Jack Sliders. Bursting with bold flavors, the zesty buffalo chicken is perfectly paired with creamy pepper jack cheese, all nestled within soft and fluffy slider buns. The combination of heat, cheese, and crunch creates an irresistible experience for your taste buds. Your friends and family won’t be able to resist coming back for seconds—or even thirds!

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 12 sliders

Ingredients

• For the buffalo chicken:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (use mild or hot depending on your preference)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• For the sliders:

  • 12 slider buns (dinner rolls or mini burger buns)
  • 12 slices pepper jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving)
  • Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, pickles, lettuce

Instructions

1. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken:
   In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.

2. Preheat Your Oven:
   Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your sliders are golden and bubbly when they finish baking.

3. Assemble the Sliders:
   Lay the slider buns on a baking sheet and slice them in half, keeping the tops and bottoms intact. Place the bottom halves on the baking sheet. Evenly distribute the spicy buffalo chicken mixture on each slider bun bottom.

4. Add the Cheese:
   Place a slice of pepper jack cheese on top of each slider. The cheese will melt beautifully and create a gooey, delicious layer that complements the spicy chicken.

5. Top the Sliders:
   Crown each slider with the top half of the bun. If you like, you can brush a little melted butter on top for added flavor and golden color.

6. Bake the Sliders:
   Cover the sliders with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tops are slightly toasted.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Take the sliders out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing and any additional toppings you desire, such as jalapeños or lettuce.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is ideal for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken breasts you may have.
2. Adjust the Heat: If you prefer milder sliders, choose a milder buffalo sauce or mix the sauce with a bit of honey to reduce the heat.
3. Oven Space: Consider baking multiple trays of sliders if you’re serving a crowd. Just make sure to rotate the trays halfway through for even baking.
4. Stay Warm: If you’re serving these at a party, keep them warm in a slow cooker set on low until you’re ready to serve.
5. Extra Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your slider toppings! Crispy bacon, avocado, or fresh herbs can add delightful variations to the flavor profile.

Variations and Substitutions

• Healthier Swaps: Use whole wheat slider buns or lettuce wraps for a low-carb version. You can also substitute shredded turkey for chicken or use a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option.
• Cheese Options: If you’re not a fan of pepper jack, feel free to use mozzarella, cheddar, or even feta for a different flavor.
• Sauce Variations: Try using a barbecue sauce mixed with hot sauce instead of buffalo sauce for a smoky twist.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftover sliders, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual sliders for about 30 seconds, but be mindful that the texture may not be as crispy.

FAQ

1. Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders ahead of time, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight. Bake them just before serving.

2. Is there a way to make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free slider buns and make sure that the buffalo sauce you choose is also gluten-free.

3. Can I freeze these sliders?
While it’s best to enjoy them fresh, you can freeze unbaked assembled sliders. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

4. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes! You can cook the buffalo chicken in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours. Once cooked, shred the chicken, mix it with buffalo sauce, and assemble the sliders according to the recipe.

5. What should I serve with spicy buffalo chicken sliders?
These sliders pair well with a variety of sides such as veggie sticks with dip, sweet potato fries, or a fresh green salad.

Nutrition Estimate

Each Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pepper Jack Slider contains approximately 300 calories, 18 grams of protein, 30 grams of carbohydrates, and 12 grams of fat. This makes them a hearty yet satisfying snack or meal option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Prepare to delight your taste buds with these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pepper Jack Sliders—they’re sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy the process of making and sharing this delicious dish, and don’t forget to experiment with different toppings and variations!

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pepper Jack Sliders

These sliders are packed with zesty buffalo chicken and creamy pepper jack cheese, making them a perfect appetizer or game day treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main Course, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12 sliders

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the buffalo chicken

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken Use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce Choose mild or hot depending on your heat preference.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the sliders

• 12 pieces slider buns You can use dinner rolls or mini burger buns.
• 12 slices pepper jack cheese
• 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing For serving.
• Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, pickles, lettuce

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.

Preheat Your Oven

• Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C).

Assemble the Sliders

• Lay the slider buns on a baking sheet and slice them in half, keeping the tops and bottoms intact. Place the bottom halves on the baking sheet. Evenly distribute the spicy buffalo chicken mixture on each slider bun bottom.

Add the Cheese

• Place a slice of pepper jack cheese on top of each slider.

Top the Sliders

• Crown each slider with the top half of the bun. If you like, you can brush a little melted butter on top for added flavor.

Bake the Sliders

• Cover the sliders with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tops are slightly toasted.

Serve and Enjoy

• Take the sliders out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing and any additional toppings you desire.

Notes

Use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience. Consider baking multiple trays for a crowd. Keep sliders warm in a slow cooker if serving at a party. Get creative with toppings like crispy bacon or fresh herbs.

Keyword Appetizer, Buffalo Chicken, Game Day, Pepper Jack Cheese, Sliders