If you’re craving a party-ready, flavor-packed snack that’s easy to whip up and impossible to resist, this Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe is exactly what you need. Soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls cradle spicy buffalo chicken, creamy ranch, and melty cheddar cheese, creating a perfect harmony of taste and texture in every bite. Whether you’re gearing up for game day, a casual get-together, or just want to satisfy a comfort food craving, these sliders are guaranteed to become a fast favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe plays a meaningful role in delivering that perfect bite. From the tender shredded chicken to the fiery buffalo sauce and fluffy Hawaiian rolls, it’s the combination of simple, vibrant components that makes this dish so special.
- 12 Hawaiian rolls: Their natural sweetness and soft texture make these the perfect slider base.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: The protein-packed star of the dish that soaks up all the spicy goodness.
- ½ cup buffalo sauce: Adds that signature tangy heat; adjust according to your heat preference.
- ¼ cup ranch dressing (optional): For a creamy, cooling contrast that balances the spice beautifully.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey perfection, adding richness and depth.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Mixed with spices to create a flavorful glaze for the tops.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle aromatic punch to the buttery brush-on topping.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a hint of savory sweetness in the butter glaze.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional): Brightens the final presentation with a burst of green and freshness.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s perfectly heated and ready when you assemble the sliders, so everything cooks evenly and the tops get nice and golden.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large bowl, toss the shredded cooked chicken with the buffalo sauce until every shred is coated in spicy, tangy flavor. If you love a milder bite, feel free to use less sauce — or dial it up for some real heat. For an extra luscious layer, stir in the ranch dressing, which adds creaminess and cool balance to the fiery buffalo.
Step 3: Slice and Layer the Rolls
Carefully slice the pack of Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping the rolls connected like a giant bun. Place the bottom half into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to serve as the base for your sliders. This connected approach makes assembly and serving a snap.
Step 4: Add Buffalo Chicken and Cheese
Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. Then, shower the top with shredded cheddar cheese, which will melt beautifully over the spicy chicken for that irresistible gooey goodness.
Step 5: Top and Butter
Place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls back over the cheese layer. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter with garlic powder and onion powder. Brush this flavorful butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls; this step is the key to that golden, savory crust everyone will rave about.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it into the oven. Bake for 20 minutes to let the cheese melt and flavors meld. Then, remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes so the tops turn that perfect golden brown color. Once done, take it out and let your sliders rest just a bit before serving.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness that brightens up each slider. The vibrant green isn’t just pretty; it offers a mild herbal lift that complements those spicy, cheesy flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
These sliders stand out as the main flavor event, but pairing them with crisp celery sticks, crunchy carrot ribbons, or a simple green salad offers a refreshing contrast. For an indulgent touch, creamy coleslaw or cool cucumber salad is a fantastic sidekick.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider placing the sliders on a rustic wooden board for a casual vibe or wrapping each slider individually with parchment paper and twine for a charming party platter. You can also cut the sliders into smaller bite-sized pieces for cocktail parties or potlucks, making them easy to pick up and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day treat that’s just as satisfying.
Freezing
To freeze, prepare the sliders completely but don’t bake them. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed. This way, you can enjoy your Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe anytime you crave a quick, flavorful meal.
Reheating
Reheat the sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil if they start to brown too fast. This method keeps the rolls soft and melts the cheese like fresh. Avoid microwaving if you can; the oven gives the best texture and taste.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rolls?
Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls are ideal for their sweetness and softness, you can experiment with dinner rolls, brioche, or even slider buns depending on your taste and what you have on hand. Just remember that the sweet touch of Hawaiian rolls complements the spicy buffalo flavor beautifully.
Is it necessary to add ranch dressing?
Ranch dressing is optional but highly recommended. It offers a creamy, tangy layer that balances out the heat of the buffalo sauce. If you’re watching calories or prefer a simpler flavor, you can skip it without losing the overall deliciousness.
Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?
Definitely! Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your preferred spice level. For extra heat, add hot sauce or cayenne pepper. To tone it down, reduce the buffalo sauce or incorporate more ranch dressing to mellow the spice.
What’s the best chicken to use?
Leftover rotisserie chicken, shredded poached chicken breast, or even shredded cooked chicken thighs work wonderfully. The key is having tender, shredded chicken that soaks up the buffalo sauce so every bite bursts with flavor.
Can I add more cheese or other toppings?
Yes, you can layer on your favorite cheese such as pepper jack or mozzarella. Some people love adding sliced pickles, diced celery, or even blue cheese crumbles to jazz up the sliders further. The Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe is flexible and welcomes your own tasty twists!
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make these Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders, they’ll become your go-to for gatherings, quick dinners, or whenever you want that perfect mix of spicy, sweet, and cheesy all wrapped in soft rolls. Give this recipe a try and watch how fast they disappear from the plate — you’re in for a seriously delicious treat!
Print
Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack featuring tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, layered on sweet Hawaiian rolls with melted cheddar cheese, and topped with a flavorful garlic butter glaze. Perfect for game days, parties, or casual gatherings, these sliders are baked to golden perfection and can be garnished with fresh parsley for an extra burst of color and flavor.
Ingredients
Slider Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup ranch dressing (optional)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Butter Topping
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready when you assemble the sliders.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce, adjusting the amount of sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- Add Dressing: If desired, stir in the ranch dressing to the buffalo chicken mixture for a creamy, tangy flavor layer.
- Slice Rolls: Carefully slice the entire package of Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping all the rolls connected so they form a top and bottom half.
- Assemble the Base: Place the bottom half of the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, creating the base layer for the sliders.
- Add Buffalo Chicken Layer: Evenly spread the buffalo chicken mixture over the bottom half of the rolls to create a flavorful filling.
- Sprinkle Cheese: Generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese over the buffalo chicken to add a rich, melty texture.
- Top with Rolls: Place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls back over the cheese layer, completing the slider assembly.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine melted unsalted butter with garlic powder and onion powder; stir well to create a savory glaze.
- Brush Topping: Brush the garlic-onion butter mixture evenly over the top of the rolls to ensure a golden, flavorful crust.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before garnishing with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce depending on how spicy you want the sliders.
- Ranch dressing is optional but adds creaminess to the buffalo chicken mixture.
- Make sure to keep the Hawaiian rolls connected when slicing to make assembly and serving easier.
- Use fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor as garnish.
- These sliders can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- For a milder version, reduce the buffalo sauce or substitute with a mild wing sauce.
