If you are craving a delightful combination of spicy, cheesy, and sweet flavors all in one bite, the Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe is your new best friend. These sliders take tender shredded chicken soaked in tangy buffalo sauce and layer it onto soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls, then top everything with melted cheddar cheese and a buttery garlic glaze. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing snack, this recipe offers the perfect balance of bold heat and mellow sweetness in a handheld form that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders starts with a handful of simple, accessible ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish irresistible.
- 12 Hawaiian rolls: Their soft, pillowy texture and slight sweetness perfectly complement the spicy buffalo chicken.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: The main protein, providing a hearty and juicy base for the spicy sauce.
- ½ cup buffalo sauce: Adds a tangy kick that can be adjusted to your preferred heat level.
- ¼ cup ranch dressing (optional): Brings a creamy, cooling contrast to balance the buffalo spice.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy goodness we all crave.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Infuses the tops of the rolls with rich flavor and helps achieve a golden crust.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a subtle hint of savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning with a mild sweetness.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional): Adds a burst of color and freshness when serving.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s perfectly heated for baking the sliders evenly and achieving that golden brown top.
Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with ½ cup buffalo sauce. Stir well until every bit of chicken is coated in that spicy, tangy goodness. Feel free to adjust the sauce quantity depending on how mild or fiery you want your sliders. For an extra creamy touch, mix in the ranch dressing here if you’re using it—it mellows the heat and adds richness.
Step 3: Slice the Hawaiian Rolls
Carefully slice the entire pack of 12 Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, but keep them connected as a full slab. This makes layering and baking easier without the mess of individual buns.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Place the bottom half of the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly across them, making sure each slider gets a generous amount. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top—the key to that irresistible melty finish. Then, place the top half of the rolls back over the cheese layer, closing your sliders.
Step 5: Add the Butter Mixture and Bake
In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder and onion powder. Brush this mixture over the top of the rolls generously for a flavorful, golden crust once baked. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the tops turn a beautiful golden brown.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow the sliders to cool just slightly. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for an inviting pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness. Your Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders are now ready to wow your taste buds and impress your guests!
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley not only lifts the visual appeal but also brings a subtle freshness that cuts through the richness of the buffalo sauce and cheese. You could also add thinly sliced green onions or a drizzle of extra ranch for those who love an added cooling touch after the spice.
Side Dishes
These sliders are fantastic paired with crunchy celery sticks and carrot sticks, classic accompaniments to any buffalo-flavored dish. Crisp potato chips or a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also balance out the richness and make for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of a baking dish, serve the sliders individually on a platter with little paper flags for a fun finger-food vibe at gatherings. You might also experiment by adding pickles or sliced jalapeños inside each slider before baking for an extra zing. Turning these into mini sandwiches for lunchboxes is another delightful way to enjoy this recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld even more, making reheating just as tasty as when freshly baked.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled but unbaked sliders. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, place the sliders in an oven-safe dish and cover loosely with foil. Warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the rolls from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly because it’s already cooked, tender, and flavorful, making preparation even quicker and easier.
What if I don’t like spicy food? Can I adjust the buffalo sauce?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or substitute it with a milder wing sauce. Mixing the buffalo sauce with extra ranch can also tame the heat while maintaining flavor.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe?
You can try substituting shredded chicken with cooked jackfruit or a plant-based chicken alternative and coat it with buffalo sauce. The result won’t disappoint!
Can these sliders be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders and refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight before baking, making them great for meal prep or party planning.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar cheese adds a sharp, creamy texture, but you can also experiment with pepper jack for more spice or mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun, flavorful dish that’s guaranteed to be a hit, the Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe is an absolute must-make. Its perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and savory elements wrapped up in soft rolls makes it a standout choice for any occasion. Grab your ingredients and dive into this easy kitchen adventure — your taste buds will thank you!
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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
These Hawaiian Roll Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer or snack featuring shredded buffalo chicken, melted cheddar cheese, and buttery garlic rolls baked to golden perfection. Perfect for game day, parties, or a comforting meal, these sliders combine spicy buffalo sauce with the sweet softness of Hawaiian rolls for a delicious fusion of flavors.
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 (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the sliders.
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce until evenly coated. Adjust the buffalo sauce amount according to your preferred spice level.
- Add Ranch Dressing (Optional): Mix in ranch dressing with the buffalo chicken for a creamy flavor boost, if desired.
- Slice the Rolls: Carefully slice the entire pack of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the roll tops connected as a single piece.
- Assemble the Bottom Layer: Place the bottom half of the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring a snug fit.
- Layer the Chicken: Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom rolls.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously on top of the buffalo chicken layer to create a melty, savory topping.
- Top with Rolls: Place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls back over the cheese layer.
- Prepare and Apply Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder and onion powder. Brush this flavorful butter mixture evenly over the top of the rolls to enhance flavor and browning.
- Bake the Sliders: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil afterwards and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Once removed from the oven, let the sliders cool slightly, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of buffalo sauce.
- Ranch dressing is optional but adds a creamy texture and flavor.
- To make cleanup easier, grease the baking dish well before assembling.
- For extra crispiness, broil the sliders for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
