Golden Hawaiian rolls brushed with garlic butter, layered with saucy shredded chicken and melty cheese, then baked until perfectly pull-apart ready. These buffalo chicken sliders are built for effortless entertaining. In this post, you’ll find everything you need to make them ahead, serve them warm to a crowd, and host with confidence.

When I’m hosting – whether it’s game day, a casual Friday night, or a backyard gathering – I want food that feels generous but doesn’t chain me to the kitchen.

These baked buffalo chicken sliders deliver bold flavor, a little heat, and that nostalgic comfort everyone loves, all while being incredibly simple to assemble.

They’re the kind of recipe that looks impressive on a platter but requires very little effort behind the scenes.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS POST

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients Overview
• Equipment You’ll Need
• Step-By-Step Instructions
• Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Hosting Tips
• Other Recipes You’ll Love
• Recipe Card

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• Designed for easy game day hosting
• Made with Hawaiian rolls for soft, slightly sweet contrast
• Baked all at once – no individual assembly
• Perfect make-ahead party sandwich
• Crowd-approved heat level (adjustable)

The balance of sweet rolls, spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and buttery tops is what makes these stand out.

INGREDIENTS OVERVIEW

Full measurements in recipe card below.

• Shredded Chicken : boiled and shredded or rotisserie chicken both work beautifully here
• Buffalo Sauce : use my homemade version or a clean ingredient store-bought option
• Hawaiian Rolls : soft, slightly sweet rolls are key for contrast. I used Canyon Bakehouse gluten-free
• Mozzarella or Monterey Jack : melts smoothly and balances heat
• Blue Cheese Crumbles (optional) : adds classic buffalo flavor depth. I think this is a must!
• Butter + Garlic Powder + Smoked Paprika : creates a golden, flavorful finish on top

EQUIPMENT YOU’LL NEED

• 8 x 8 or 9 x 13 baking dish
• Serrated knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Pastry Brush
• Unbleached parchment paper
• Foil or a lid (I prefer to avoid aluminum foil as much as possible)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the Oven : Preheat the oven to 350℉.
2. Prepare the Chicken Filling : In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce. Toss until evenly coated. The chicken should be moist but not overly saturated.
3. Slice the Rolls : Using a serrated knife, slice the entire sheet of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally without separating them. Place the bottom half in your greased / lined baking dish.
4. Layer the Sliders : Spread buffalo chicken evenly over the bottom layer. Top with mozzarella / Monterey Jack and blue cheese if using. Place the top layer of rolls over the filling.
5. Make the Garlic Butter : Mix melted butter with garlic powder and smoked paprika. Brush generously over the tops of the rolls.
6. Bake : Cover loosely with foil (or a lid if your bakeware has one). Bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil / lid and bake an additional 8 – 10 minutes, or until cheese is fully melted and the tops are golden brown. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing to allow cheese to set slightly.

MAKE-AHEAD & STORAGE TIPS

• Prep Ahead : Assemble sliders fully (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
• Storing Leftovers : Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 300℉ oven until warmed through to maintain texture.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOSTING TIPS

For gatherings, slice these sliders slightly smaller than you think you need. Smaller portions encourage guests to try more dishes and make your spread feel abundant. You could easily half them and stick a toothpick in each!

Serve with crisp celery, carrot sticks, and a chilled ranch or blue cheese dip to balance heat.

OTHER RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE

• Buffalo Chicken Salad with Homemade Ranch
• Caitlin’s Famous Chicken Salad
• Chicken Caprese Muffin Cups
• Pizza Burger Bites with Marinara Dipping Sauce
• Homemade Pimento Cheese
• Blueberry Barbecue Sauce
• Carolina Gold Barbecue Sauce
• Bourbon Barbecue Sauce
• Homemade Buffalo Sauce
• Buffalo Blue Cheese Deviled Eggs
• Hot Honey Chicken Bites
• Homemade Herbed Buttermilk Ranch
• Crispy Gluten-Free Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard
• Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing

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