Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups (325 g) rotisserie chicken, shredded – Pre-cooked chicken makes this recipe quick and easy. You can also use boiled or baked chicken breast, shredded with two forks.
- 1 package (12-count) King’s Hawaiian Rolls – These soft, slightly sweet rolls complement the spicy buffalo sauce. Any small slider buns will work.
- ½ cup (123 g) ranch dressing – Adds creaminess and balances the spice. Blue cheese dressing is a great alternative.
- ½ cup buffalo sauce – Use store-bought or make your own for a more personalized flavor.
- 2 cups (226 g) cheddar cheese, shredded – Sharp cheddar provides a great contrast to the heat. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a mix of cheeses can also work.
For the Butter Topping:
- ¼ cup (57 g) butter, melted – Enhances the flavor and gives the rolls a golden finish.
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt – Adds depth and a slight savory kick.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning – A mix of dried herbs for extra flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Butter Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well coated and evenly combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half, keeping the bottom and top halves intact.
- Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish.
- Evenly spread the buffalo chicken mixture over the bottom layer of rolls.
- Carefully place the top half of the rolls over the filling.
Step 5: Add the Butter Topping and Bake
- Brush the tops of the rolls with the prepared butter mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the sliders soft while baking.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the sliders rest for a couple of minutes. Slice them apart and serve while warm.
Notes
How to Tell If the Chicken Is Cooked Properly
Since this recipe uses pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, you don’t need to worry about undercooking. However, if you’re using raw chicken breast:
- Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Look for opaque, white meat with no pink areas.
Preventing Soggy Sliders
To keep your sliders from getting too soggy:
- Use less sauce if you prefer a drier texture.
- Toast the bottom rolls in the oven for a few minutes before adding the filling.
How to Make the Recipe in Advance
- Prep Ahead: Assemble the sliders, cover, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
- Freeze: Wrap the assembled (unbaked) sliders in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight before baking.
Troubleshooting Common Mistakes
- Sliders are too spicy? Add extra ranch or a mild cheese like mozzarella to balance the heat.
- Buns browning too quickly? Keep the foil on longer and remove it for just the last few minutes.
- Filling is falling out? Press down gently on the top layer before baking to help everything stick together.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes