Upgrade your party or weeknight dinner with Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders, the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food with just enough kick! Each pull-apart sandwich is packed with creamy, cheesy, tangy buffalo chicken and finished with a buttery seasoned topping, all baked to melty, golden perfection in one pan. Honestly, you won’t believe how easy (and addicting) these sliders are!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big Buffalo Flavor, Zero Fuss: You get all the classic spicy, tangy, cheesy magic of buffalo chicken—without the frying or piles of dirty dishes.
- Ultimate Party Pleaser: These Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders are always the first to disappear at potlucks, game nights, and family gatherings!
- Quick and Make-Ahead Friendly: With rotisserie chicken and convenient rolls, this entire tray goes from fridge to oven to table in well under 40 minutes.
- Addictively Gooey, Buttery Topping: Each bite is finished with melty cheese and a garlicky, herby butter that crisps up in the oven for slider perfection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple, staple ingredients transform into something this delicious! Each item brings its own must-have flavor and texture, while ensuring your Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders bake up oozy, savory, and just the right amount of spicy.
- Shredded chicken (3 1/2 cups): Rotisserie chicken makes prep a breeze and keeps the filling juicy and tender—perfect for soaking up all those buffalo flavors.
- Buffalo sauce (1/2 cup): Franks RedHot is classic, but use your favorite! This is the backbone of that signature tangy heat.
- Ranch dressing (1/2 cup): Creamy ranch cools everything down and adds irresistible herby richness.
- Honey (2 Tbsp.): Just a touch balances out the heat and makes each slider beautifully glossy and craveable.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Fresh garlic gives each bite a savory pop—no shortcuts here!
- Black pepper (a pinch): Heightens the savory factor while keeping flavors bright.
- Mozzarella cheese, freshly grated (2 cups): Melty and mild, it stretches into gooey ribbons to hold everything together—freshly grated is key for best melt.
- Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded (1/2 cup): Adds salty, rich depth for a “can’t stop eating this” finish.
- King’s Hawaiian Rolls (12 count): Soft and just sweet enough, these pull-apart rolls are non-negotiable—they’re perfect for the gooey filling.
- Butter, melted (4 Tbsp.): Brushed on top for golden color and buttery flavor infusion.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp.): Adds herby flair and balances the heat—plus, it looks so pretty after baking!
- Garlic salt (1 tsp.): Boosts the savory, garlicky notes in that irresistible crust.
Variations
The magic of Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders is just how personal you can make them! Whether you’re using up what’s in your fridge, catering to dietary needs, or just craving something new, try these tweaks to make them your own.
- BBQ Chicken Sliders: Replace buffalo sauce with your favorite barbecue sauce and swap ranch for creamy coleslaw for a sweet and smoky twist.
- Blue Cheese Lovers: Swap in blue cheese dressing for the ranch and sprinkle blue cheese crumbles between the cheeses for that classic flavor combo.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free rolls or slider buns—just check baking times, as these may crisp up a bit quicker.
- Veggie Boost: Mix in finely chopped celery or scallions with the chicken filling for crunch and fresh flavor.
- Spicy Supreme: Add thinly sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne to the filling for serious spice-heads!
How to Make Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a sheet pan with parchment paper—this makes clean-up a breeze! In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken with buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, honey, minced garlic, and a pinch of black pepper. Give everything a good mix until every strand of chicken is coated and glossy—don’t be shy, the more evenly it’s mixed, the more flavorful your sliders will be.
Step 2: Layer the Sliders
Grab your pack of King’s Hawaiian rolls and, using a long serrated knife, carefully slice them all in half horizontally—keeping them connected if possible for easy assembly. Set the bottom halves on your prepared baking sheet. Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture on in a thick, even layer, making sure every inch is covered for maximum sauciness.
Step 3: Add the Cheese & Top
Time for the cheesy goodness! Sprinkle freshly grated mozzarella first, covering all the chicken, and follow with a generous shower of Parmesan. Layer the top half of the rolls back on. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with Italian seasoning and garlic salt, then brush this herby, savory mixture over the tops of the rolls—save a little for after baking to really make them glisten!
Step 4: Bake Until Gooey
Cover the sheet pan loosely with foil and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is molten and everything is heated through. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes—this makes the tops golden and lets the buttery mix seep into every crevice. Let the sliders cool just a few minutes, then brush with the remaining butter for that bakery-fresh shine. Slice, serve, and marvel at that cheesy pull!
Pro Tips for Making Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders
- Freshly Shred for Maximum Melt: Take an extra minute to grate your mozzarella and Parmesan—pre-shredded cheese just can’t compare to that gooey, creamy texture!
- Keep Rolls Intact for Easy Slicing: Slice the rolls horizontally as a unit, not individually—this keeps your sliders perfectly even and prevents filling from oozing out during assembly or baking.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allow the sliders to sit for a few minutes before cutting; this gives the cheese a chance to set slightly, ensuring clean, restaurant-worthy slices.
- Foil is Your Friend: Covering with foil traps the steam and encourages melty cheese—remove the foil at the end for that bakery-style, golden top!
How to Serve Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Garnishes
Dust your Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders with chopped fresh chives, parsley, or a few extra cracks of black pepper for a pop of color and flavor. For a fun “buffalo wing” flair, serve extra buffalo sauce or ranch in little cups for dipping on the side!
Side Dishes
Classic sides like crunchy celery and carrot sticks or a crisp green salad are perfect for balancing the rich, saucy sliders. If you’re going all-in, try homemade potato wedges, kettle chips, or even a tangy slaw to round out your spread!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders into a show-stopping centerpiece by arranging them in a spiral on a platter, topping each with a mini pickle or pepper, or serving them on a wooden board with colorful veggie sticks tucked all around. For parties, place pre-cut sliders in parchment burger pockets for grab-and-go fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any sliders left, simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 2 days—perfect for a quick lunch or a midnight snack!
Freezing
While freshly baked is always best, you can freeze Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders! Cool completely, wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating so the rolls don’t get soggy.
Reheating
For best results, reheat sliders in a 325°F oven (or toaster oven) for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. If using the microwave, heat in 30-second bursts—this keeps the bread soft without drying out the filling.
FAQs
-
Can I make Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the sliders up to the baking stage, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. When ready to serve, let the pan sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then bake as directed—so handy for parties!
-
What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?
Rotisserie chicken is the easiest and most flavorful shortcut—simply remove the skin and pull the meat apart with two forks or your hands. You can also quickly shred poached or baked chicken breasts using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment for super speed!
-
Can I use other types of cheese in these sliders?
Definitely! While mozzarella melts beautifully, you can mix in sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a little blue cheese for extra punch. Always grate cheese fresh for the very best melt and flavor.
-
Are Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders spicy?
They have a pleasant kick, thanks to the buffalo sauce, but the ranch and honey help mellow the heat. For spicier sliders, add more buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne; for milder, mix in a bit of extra ranch or use a mild buffalo sauce!
Final Thoughts
If you want the spirit of buffalo wings wrapped up in a cozy, oozy, oven-baked package, you absolutely have to try Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders. They’re easy enough for busy nights, delicious enough for a party, and guaranteed to steal the show wherever they go. Give them a whirl—you’ll be hooked after the very first gooey, buttery, spicy bite!
Print
Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a delicious twist on classic sliders, featuring shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce and ranch dressing, topped with gooey cheeses, and baked to perfection on King’s Hawaiian Rolls.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 3 1/2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (such as Franks)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 Tbsp. honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- Pinch of black pepper
For the Sliders:
- 2 cups low moisture mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
- 12 King’s Hawaiian Rolls
- 4 Tbsp. butter, melted
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp. garlic salt
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, honey, garlic, and pepper.
- Prepare Sliders: Slice rolls in half, place bottom halves on the baking sheet, add chicken, sprinkle cheeses, top with remaining rolls.
- Season: Mix Italian seasoning and garlic salt with melted butter, brush over rolls.
- Bake: Cover with foil, bake for 15-20 minutes, then uncover and bake for 5 more minutes.
- Serve: Let cool, cut into sliders, brush with remaining butter, and enjoy!
Notes
- Best served fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven, toaster oven, or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
