If you’re on the hunt for the perfect game-day snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, look no further than this Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe. Packed with tender shredded chicken drenched in tangy buffalo sauce, all nestled inside irresistibly soft and slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls, these sliders deliver the perfect balance of heat and comfort. The melty cheddar cheese and buttery, garlicky topping seal the deal, making every bite a flavor-packed celebration. Once you try this recipe, these sliders might just become your new favorite go-to for any casual gathering or family treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the flavors and textures that make this dish so irresistible. From soft Hawaiian rolls to spicy buffalo sauce and creamy ranch dressing, every element comes together like a dream.
- 12 Hawaiian rolls: The foundation of these sliders, offering a sweet and pillowy base that balances the spicy filling perfectly.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Tender protein that soaks up all the delicious buffalo flavors.
- ½ cup buffalo sauce: Brings that classic spicy kick—feel free to adjust depending on your heat tolerance.
- ¼ cup ranch dressing (optional): Adds a cool, creamy contrast that mellows out the spice beautifully.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts over the chicken for that gooey, savory goodness.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Creates a rich, buttery glaze that crisps up the top of the rolls.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the butter mixture with a depth of savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the aroma and adds a subtle sweetness to the topping.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional): A pop of color and a hint of freshness to finish the sliders off nicely.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the perfect baking environment to melt the cheese and toast the buttery garlic topping just right.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large bowl, toss the shredded cooked chicken with the buffalo sauce until each shred is generously coated. If you love creaminess, stir in the ranch dressing now to add a deliciously cool element that tones down the heat just enough.
Step 3: Slice the Hawaiian Rolls
Take your pack of Hawaiian rolls and slice it horizontally through the middle, keeping the slider buns connected in one piece so it’s easy to assemble and bake.
Step 4: Layer the Bottom Half
Place the bottom half of the rolls in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Then, spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly across the entire surface, ensuring every bite will have that spicy, tender filling.
Step 5: Add the Cheese Layer
Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the buffalo chicken, creating a luscious cheesy blanket that perfectly complements the heat and tang of the sauce.
Step 6: Top with the Remaining Rolls
Carefully place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls over the cheese, pressing down gently to keep everything together.
Step 7: Prepare and Brush the Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder. Brush this aromatic mixture generously over the tops of the rolls to create a golden, flavorful crust as they bake.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld and the cheese melt. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the tops turn a beautiful golden brown.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the sliders cool for a few minutes before garnishing with chopped fresh parsley if you like to add a fresh, vibrant touch. Then get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or even thinly sliced green onions can bring a lovely burst of color and freshness to these savory sliders, brightening each bite while adding a subtle herbal note that complements the spicy buffalo sauce.
Side Dishes
Pair these sliders with classic sides like crispy sweet potato fries, crunchy celery sticks with ranch dip, or a simple side salad to balance the heat with crisp, refreshing textures. They also go wonderfully with creamy coleslaw or baked beans for a hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve these sliders on a large wooden board or platter with toothpicks anchored on top for easy grabbing. You could also set up a slider bar with extra buffalo sauce, ranch, and cheese, allowing guests to customize their own creations!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. This makes them perfect for lunches or quick meals later in the week without sacrificing any of the bold flavors.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead and freeze, assemble the sliders but skip baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the sliders with foil to prevent drying out and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. For a crispier top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe since it’s already cooked and tender, which makes shredding easy and speeds up your prep time.
Is ranch dressing necessary in the recipe?
No, ranch dressing is optional. It adds a creamy contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce, but you can leave it out if you prefer a stronger buffalo flavor or want to keep it dairy-free.
How spicy are these sliders?
The level of spice depends on the buffalo sauce you use and the amount you add. You can always adjust the heat by adding more or less sauce or choosing a milder buffalo sauce variety.
Can these sliders be made vegetarian?
While the classic recipe features chicken, you can swap it with shredded jackfruit or a plant-based chicken substitute to create a vegetarian version that delivers similar texture and flavor.
What type of cheese works best if I don’t have cheddar?
Sharp cheddar is ideal for its flavor and melting quality, but you can also use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a little extra kick.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend making the Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe enough—they’re fun to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether it’s game day, a casual party, or a simple weeknight dinner, these sliders bring joy to the table. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear!
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 crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal featuring tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, layered on soft sweet Hawaiian rolls, topped with cheddar cheese and a buttery garlic spread, then baked to golden perfection. These sliders are perfect for game day, parties, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Main 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 (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the sliders.
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce, mixing well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your preferred spice level.
- Add Ranch Dressing: If you choose, stir in ranch dressing for a creamier, tangier flavor that complements the buffalo sauce.
- Slice Rolls: Carefully slice the entire pack of Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half, keeping the rolls connected so they form a single slab on top and bottom.
- Assemble Sliders: Place the bottom half of the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the rolls, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Top Rolls: Place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls back on top of the cheese layer to form the slider sandwich.
- Make Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine melted unsalted butter with garlic powder and onion powder, mixing thoroughly.
- Brush Butter Topping: Generously brush the butter mixture over the top of the rolls, ensuring even coverage for a flavorful crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and melt the cheese.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Slice into individual sliders and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra heat, add more buffalo sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
- To make ahead, assemble the sliders and refrigerate overnight, then bake before serving.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and convenient cooked chicken option.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, omit the buffalo sauce or reduce the quantity.
- These sliders freeze well—freeze assembled but unbaked, then thaw overnight before baking.
