Pin it My sister brought these to a Super Bowl party three years ago, and I watched a tray of twelve vanish in under ten minutes. People kept asking what was inside, poking at the golden tops with curious fingers before finally biting in. The creamy Buffalo chicken filling oozed out, cheese stretching between bun and mouth, and suddenly everyone wanted the recipe. I made them the next weekend and haven't stopped since.
I brought a pan to my nephew's birthday last spring, thinking the kids would ignore them. Instead, his friends formed a line, and one boy asked if I could teach his mom how to make them. His mother later texted me, half laughing, half annoyed, because now he asks for pizza dip sliders every week. I felt oddly proud.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here and saves you twenty minutes of poaching and shredding.
- Buffalo wing sauce: Use your favorite brand, but make sure it's actual wing sauce, not just hot sauce, for that tangy butter richness.
- Cream cheese, softened: Let it sit on the counter for thirty minutes so it blends smoothly without lumps.
- Ranch dressing: The cool creamy contrast to the heat, and it binds everything together like edible glue.
- Sour cream: Adds a slight tang that keeps the dip from feeling too heavy.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts into those gorgeous cheese pulls everyone photographs.
- Cheddar cheese: Brings a sharper flavor and that orange-gold color people associate with comfort food.
- Slider buns: Hawaiian rolls are my favorite because their sweetness plays off the spice perfectly.
- Unsalted butter, melted: The base for that glossy, garlicky top coat.
- Garlic powder: A little goes a long way, turning plain butter into something that smells like a pizzeria.
- Fresh parsley: Optional, but it makes the finished sliders look like you tried, even if you didn't.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Set your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier later.
- Mix the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, Buffalo sauce, cream cheese, ranch, and sour cream, stirring until everything is creamy and evenly coated. It should look like a thick, spicy chicken salad.
- Add Half the Cheese:
- Fold in half the mozzarella and half the cheddar so the dip has melty pockets of cheese throughout. Save the rest for the top layer.
- Prep the Buns:
- Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping them connected if you can, like opening a book. Place the bottom halves in your prepared dish.
- Spread the Dip:
- Spoon the Buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns, spreading it all the way to the edges. Don't be shy, pile it on.
- Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar over the chicken layer. This will melt into a golden, bubbly blanket.
- Close the Sliders:
- Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese, pressing down gently so everything nestles together.
- Brush with Garlic Butter:
- Whisk melted butter and garlic powder together, then brush it generously over the tops of the buns. This is what makes them crispy and irresistible.
- Bake Covered:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes to let the cheese melt and flavors meld. The foil traps steam and keeps the tops soft at first.
- Finish Uncovered:
- Remove the foil and bake another 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese bubbles and the tops turn golden brown. Let them cool for a minute, garnish with parsley if you like, slice, and serve warm.
Pin it One evening, my husband ate four of these in a row, looked at me with genuine surprise, and said he didn't realize he was hungry until he started eating. That's the power of a good slider. They don't wait for you to be hungry, they create the craving on contact.
Make Ahead Magic
You can assemble these completely, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to eight hours before baking. Just add five extra minutes to the covered baking time since they'll be cold from the fridge. I've done this for tailgates and brunches, and it's a lifesaver when you need to actually enjoy your own party instead of standing in the kitchen.
Flavor Twists
Swap ranch for blue cheese dressing if you want that classic wing shop vibe. Add crumbled cooked bacon or thinly sliced green onions to the filling for extra flavor and texture. If you like it spicier, stir in a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the cheese before closing the buns. One friend of mine adds diced jalapeños and swears it's the only way to make them now.
Serving Suggestions
These sliders are rich, so I like to serve them with something cool and crunchy on the side. Celery sticks, carrot coins, or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balance the heat and creaminess. You can also put out extra Buffalo sauce and ranch for dipping, though honestly, most people don't need it.
- Pair with cold beer, lemonade, or iced tea for a casual party spread.
- Serve alongside potato chips, pretzels, or roasted vegetables.
- Keep them warm in a low oven if you're serving a crowd over a long period.
Pin it These sliders show up at every gathering I host now, and people have stopped asking what I'm bringing. They just assume it's these, and honestly, I'm fine with that.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then bake as directed, adding 3-5 extra minutes if needed.
- → What type of chicken works best for this dish?
Rotisserie chicken is the easiest option and adds great flavor. You can also use leftover grilled chicken, poached chicken breasts, or even canned chicken in a pinch. Just ensure it's fully cooked and shredded into bite-sized pieces.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely! For milder sliders, use less Buffalo sauce or choose a mild variety. For extra heat, add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or use a spicier Buffalo wing sauce. You can also add jalapeños to the filling.
- → How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual sliders in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or reheat multiple sliders covered with foil in a 300°F oven for 10-12 minutes until warmed through.
- → Can I freeze these sliders?
Yes, you can freeze baked sliders for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty.
- → What are the best side dishes to serve with these sliders?
These sliders pair wonderfully with celery and carrot sticks, ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, tortilla chips with guacamole, a fresh garden salad, or crispy french fries. For game day, add buffalo wings and nachos.