Buffalo Chicken Bacon Sliders

Buffalo Chicken Bacon Sliders Recipe

If you’re looking for a scrumptious, crowd-pleasing dish packed with bold flavors, juicy textures, and an irresistible aroma, look no further than these Buffalo Chicken Bacon Sliders. Perfect for game day, family gatherings, or a tasty weeknight treat, this recipe combines tender shredded chicken with spicy Buffalo sauce, crispy bacon, and melty cheese, all nestled between soft slider buns. Your taste buds are in for an exhilarating ride, and everyone at the table will be begging for seconds!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 sliders

Ingredients

• For the Chicken Filling:

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (preferably rotisserie for convenience)
  • 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce (adjust for spice preference)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing (optional)

• For the Bacon:

  • 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped

• For the Sliders:

  • 12 slider buns (or mini brioche buns for a gourmet touch)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and Buffalo sauce. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated in sauce. Stir in the mozzarella cheese and, if desired, the crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing.

2. Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Place the bacon on paper towels to drain excess grease, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Add this to the chicken mixture and gently mix to incorporate the flavors.

3. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your sliders come out perfectly cooked and warm.

4. Prepare the Buns: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder. Brush the inside of each slider bun with the butter mixture for added flavor and richness.

5. Assemble the Sliders: Place the bottom halves of the slider buns in a greased baking dish. Spoon generous amounts of the chicken and bacon mixture onto each bun half, then place the top halves of the buns on top.

6. Bake: Brush the tops of the buns with any remaining garlic butter mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.

7. Serve: Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven, let them cool for a minute, and garnish with chopped parsley. Slice and serve warm.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Rotisserie Chicken: Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken simplifies this recipe and keeps the chicken tender and flavorful. Just shred and mix it with the Buffalo sauce.

2. Bacon Cooking: For extra crispiness, bake your bacon on a lined baking sheet at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Remove it from the oven and let it cool before chopping.

3. Sauce Adjustments: If you’re concerned about the spice level, start with half the amount of Buffalo sauce and adjust to taste.

4. Storing Sliders: These sliders are great for meal prep! Assemble and bake, then freeze. Just reheat when needed for a quick meal.

5. Garnish Options: Experiment with garnishes! Fresh chives or green onions make a great addition to bring out the flavors further.

Variations and Substitutions

• Healthier Swaps: For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt in place of the ranch dressing or blue cheese. You can also substitute the bacon for turkey bacon.
• Spicy Alternatives: For an extra kick, add jalapeños or use a spicier Buffalo sauce variant.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for shredded jackfruit mixed with Buffalo sauce for a plant-based version that still delivers on flavor.
• Cheese Variation: Feel free to use pepper jack cheese or even cheddar for a different taste experience.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover Buffalo Chicken Bacon Sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the sliders with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out, and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, these sliders can be frozen before baking. To cook from frozen, bake at the same temperature for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders a day in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

2. What type of bread is best for sliders?
Mini brioche or potato buns are fantastic due to their soft texture, but any small, soft bread can work.

3. Is Buffalo sauce vegetarian-friendly?
Not all Buffalo sauces are vegetarian, as some contain ingredients like chicken broth. Check the label before purchasing or opt for a vegetarian version.

4. Can I use other proteins besides chicken?
Yes! These sliders work well with shredded turkey or even pork. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.

5. What’s the best way to serve these sliders?
These sliders are best served warm right out of the oven. Pair them with celery sticks and a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.

Nutrition Estimate

Each Buffalo Chicken Bacon Slider contains approximately 250 calories, 15 grams of protein, 20 grams of carbohydrates, and 13 grams of fat. Keep in mind that these values may vary based on ingredient variations and serving sizes, so be sure to adjust according to your specific recipe modifications.

Enjoy these delectable Buffalo Chicken Bacon Sliders at your next gathering, and watch them disappear in no time! This flavor-packed recipe is sure to be a hit for all ages. Happy cooking!

Buffalo Chicken Bacon Sliders

Scrumptious sliders packed with spicy buffalo chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, perfect for game day or family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12 sliders

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken Filling

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (preferably rotisserie for convenience)
• 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce (adjust for spice preference)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing (optional) optional component for added flavor

For the Bacon

• 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped

For the Sliders

• 12 pieces slider buns (or mini brioche buns for a gourmet touch)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and Buffalo sauce. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated in sauce. Stir in the mozzarella cheese and, if desired, the crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing.
• Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Place the bacon on paper towels to drain excess grease, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Add this to the chicken mixture and gently mix to incorporate the flavors.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder. Brush the inside of each slider bun with the butter mixture.
• Place the bottom halves of the slider buns in a greased baking dish. Spoon generous amounts of the chicken and bacon mixture onto each bun half, then place the top halves of the buns on top.
• Brush the tops of the buns with any remaining garlic butter mixture.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
• Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven, let them cool for a minute, and garnish with chopped parsley. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

Using rotisserie chicken simplifies the recipe. For crisper bacon, consider baking it. You can store prepared sliders in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze before baking.

Keyword Buffalo Chicken Sliders, Comfort Food, Game Day Food, Party Appetizer, Sliders