If you’re craving a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a flavorful snack, your search ends here with this Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe. These sliders combine soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls with spicy, saucy buffalo chicken and melty cheese, creating the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Every bite bursts with bold flavor and comforting textures that will quickly make these sliders your go-to for game days, parties, or even a fun family dinner. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe is such a beloved classic that brings excitement to any table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keep it simple but delicious with these handful of ingredients that work together to bring out the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each component plays an essential role, from the sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls to the kick in the buffalo sauce, making this recipe both approachable and irresistible.
- 12 Hawaiian rolls: Soft, slightly sweet, and perfectly sized for sliders.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: The hearty protein base that absorbs the bold buffalo flavors.
- ½ cup buffalo sauce: Adds that signature spicy tanginess; adjust the heat to your liking.
- ¼ cup ranch dressing (optional): Creamy and cooling, it mellows the spice with a delicious contrast.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top, adding richness and texture.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Brushed on top for a golden, garlicky finish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the butter with savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): For a fresh, vibrant garnish to brighten the dish.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is key because it ensures your sliders bake evenly and get that perfect golden finish.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce. Stir well until every shred of chicken is coated in spicy goodness. This step allows the flavors to meld, giving you that signature buffalo taste. If you’re a ranch fan, mix in the ranch dressing for added creaminess and to balance the heat.
Step 3: Slice the Rolls
Carefully slice the entire pack of Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms connected in one sheet each. This makes layering easier and keeps the sliders intact after baking.
Step 4: Layer Your Sliders
Place the bottom half of the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish for easy cleanup. Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom layer. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the chicken, then carefully place the top half of the rolls back on.
Step 5: Add Butter Mixture and Bake
In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder and onion powder. Brush this flavorful buttery blend all over the top of the rolls. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to let everything heat through and meld. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes so the tops turn a glorious golden brown and slightly crispy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
When you pull these sliders out of the oven, let them rest for a few moments. If you like, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and a touch of brightness to balance the rich flavors. Your Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe is now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish like fresh parsley not only adds visual appeal but also a subtle herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. If you want to get creative, try adding thin slices of pickles or a drizzle of extra ranch or blue cheese dressing to elevate the flavor experience.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair wonderfully with classic sides like crunchy celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a creamy coleslaw. For a heartier meal, consider serving with a crisp salad or even some crispy oven-baked fries to keep the casual, fun vibe going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or game day, line the sliders on a wooden platter and sprinkle with extra cheese and herbs. You can also separate the sliders and serve them individually wrapped in parchment paper tied with twine for a charming, easy-to-handle presentation. These little touches turn a simple slider into an instant crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your sliders have cooled, wrap the entire slider block or individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe freezes quite well. Wrap them securely in foil and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, remove any plastic wrap and cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and the cheese melts again. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread soft and the cheese perfectly melted.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this slider recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and adds great flavor. Just shred it finely to help it soak up the buffalo sauce evenly.
How spicy are these sliders?
The spiciness depends mostly on the buffalo sauce you use. You can always adjust the amount of sauce or mix in ranch dressing to tone down the heat for milder tastes.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
Yes! Try substituting shredded jackfruit or a plant-based protein for the chicken and toss them in buffalo sauce for that classic flavor.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar cheese is ideal because it melts well and complements buffalo sauce perfectly, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella or a pepper jack for an extra kick.
Are these sliders freezer-friendly?
They definitely are! These sliders freeze well and reheat nicely, making them convenient to prepare ahead for meals or entertaining.
Final Thoughts
Making the Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe is like capturing the best flavors of your favorite sports bar snack right in your own kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these sliders deliver big flavor and fun every time you bake them. Trust me, once you taste that perfect balance of spicy buffalo chicken, creamy ranch, melty cheddar, and sweet Hawaiian rolls, you’ll want to keep this recipe on hand for all your gatherings and cozy nights in.
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 cheddar cheese, and baked to golden perfection with a buttery garlic topping. These flavorful sliders are perfect for game days, parties, or casual gatherings.
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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sliders.
- Prepare Chicken: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken thoroughly with buffalo sauce until well coated, adjusting the sauce amount to your preferred spice level.
- Add Dressing: If using, stir ranch dressing into the buffalo chicken mixture for added creaminess and flavor.
- Slice Rolls: Carefully slice the entire pack of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping all rolls connected for easy assembly.
- Assemble Sliders: Place the bottom half of the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, then evenly spread the buffalo chicken mixture over them.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the buffalo chicken layer to add a rich and cheesy texture.
- Top with Rolls: Place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls back on top of the cheese-covered chicken mixture.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder. Brush this savory mixture generously over the top of the rolls to create a flavorful crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to heat through and melt the cheese.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the tops of the rolls turn golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving to add a touch of freshness and color.
Notes
- Adjust the buffalo sauce quantity based on your desired spice level.
- Ranch dressing is optional but adds a nice creamy balance to the spicy buffalo chicken.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to add brightness but it can be omitted if unavailable.
- For extra cheesiness, you can add more shredded cheddar or a mix of cheeses.
- These sliders can be reheated in the oven wrapped in foil to retain moisture.
