Get ready to spice up your next gathering with these delicious buffalo chicken sliders! Perfectly seasoned chicken, tossed in spicy buffalo sauce and topped with creamy ranch, all nestled in soft slider buns, make for a mouth-watering treat. Whether it’s game day or a casual get-together, these sliders are sure to impress your guests and keep them coming back for more.
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
– 1/4 cup ranch dressing
– 12 slider buns
– 1 cup shredded lettuce
– 1/2 cup celery sticks
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: sliced pickles for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 12 sliders, with a preparation time of 15 minutes and a cooking time of 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Based on a serving size of 1 slider, the nutritional value is approximately:
– Calories: 150
– Protein: 10g
– Fat: 6g
– Carbohydrates: 18g
– Fiber: 1g
This is for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
4. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until browned.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and shred it using two forks.
6. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until well coated.
7. Slice the slider buns in half and place them on a baking sheet.
8. Layer shredded lettuce on the bottom half of each bun.
9. Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture onto the lettuce.
10. Drizzle ranch dressing over the chicken and top with the other half of the bun.
11. Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
12. Serve with celery sticks and additional ranch dressing on the side.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner option. Additionally, use a different type of sauce, like barbecue or honey mustard, for a unique flavor twist.
Serving and Pairings
These buffalo chicken sliders pair beautifully with crispy potato chips, fresh vegetable sticks, or a side of coleslaw. For drinks, try serving with iced tea or a light beer.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. These sliders can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze the chicken mixture separately from the buns.
Cooking Mistakes
– Overcooking the chicken can make it dry; aim for a juicy finish.
– Using too much buffalo sauce can overpower the flavor; start with less and add more if needed.
– Forgetting to toast the buns may result in soggy sliders.
– Skipping the seasoning can lead to bland chicken; always season to taste.
– Not letting the chicken rest before shredding can make it harder to handle.
Helpful Tips
– For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in buffalo sauce for an hour before cooking.
– Use slider-sized buns for a perfect fit.
– Consider adding cheese, like blue cheese or cheddar, for a richer taste.
– Serve with a variety of sauces for dipping.
– Make a larger batch for parties; these sliders are a crowd-pleaser!
FAQs
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Yes, you can cook and shred the chicken a day ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator and mix it with buffalo sauce when ready to serve.
What can I use instead of ranch dressing?
If you prefer, you can use blue cheese dressing or a homemade yogurt-based dressing as a healthier alternative.
Are these sliders spicy?
The heat level can be adjusted by using mild buffalo sauce or mixing in some cream or yogurt to temper the spice.
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Absolutely! Cook the chicken in a slow cooker with buffalo sauce for 4 hours on low, then shred and serve.
What are some good side dishes?
These sliders pair well with fries, onion rings, or even a light salad for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
Buffalo chicken sliders are a delightful and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and customizable, they promise to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy the spicy goodness and the smiles they bring!
Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 12 slider buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup celery sticks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: sliced pickles for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until browned.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and shred it using two forks.
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until well coated.
- Slice the slider buns in half and place them on a baking sheet.
- Layer shredded lettuce on the bottom half of each bun.
- Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture onto the lettuce.
- Drizzle ranch dressing over the chicken and top with the other half of the bun.
- Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- Serve with celery sticks and additional ranch dressing on the side.
