Buffalo Chicken Pizza Dip Sliders

My sister brought these to our neighbor's Super Bowl party last February, and I watched them vanish in under ten minutes. Everyone crowded around the pan, pulling apart gooey, cheesy sliders while she casually mentioned she'd thrown them together that morning. I begged for the recipe on the drive home, and by the following weekend, I'd already made them twice. They're messy, indulgent, and exactly what you want when you're feeding a hungry crowd.

I made these for my book club in March, and three people asked if I'd cater their next party. One friend admitted she ate four sliders standing in my kitchen before we even sat down to discuss the book. The smell of garlic butter and melted cheddar is impossible to resist, and the Buffalo kick keeps people coming back for just one more. I love that they feel fancy but require almost no skill to pull off.

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken breast, shredded: Rotisserie chicken is your best friend here, it saves time and adds extra flavor from the seasoning.
• Buffalo wing sauce: This is the soul of the dish, use a brand you genuinely enjoy eating with wings.
• Cream cheese, softened: Let it sit on the counter for at least thirty minutes so it blends smoothly without lumps.
• Ranch dressing: The cooling contrast to the Buffalo heat, and it makes the filling luxuriously creamy.
• Sour cream: Adds tanginess and helps bind everything together into a cohesive dip.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and gives you those perfect cheese pulls.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharp, bold flavor that stands up to the spicy sauce.
• Slider buns: Hawaiian rolls are my go to because their slight sweetness balances the heat.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Brushed on top, it turns the buns golden and crispy.
• Garlic powder: A little sprinkle transforms plain butter into something irresistible.
• Chopped fresh parsley: Optional, but it adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished sliders.

Instructions

Preheat and Prep:

Set your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This ensures the sliders won't stick and makes cleanup much easier.

Mix the Filling:

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with Buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and sour cream until everything is evenly coated and creamy. It should look like a thick, spoonable dip.

Add Half the Cheese:

Fold in half of the mozzarella and half of the cheddar cheese into the chicken mixture. This keeps the filling extra gooey and flavorful.

Prepare the Buns:

Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the bottoms and tops connected if you can for easier handling. Place the bottom halves in your prepared baking dish.

Spread the Dip:

Evenly spread the Buffalo chicken dip mixture over the bottom layer of buns, making sure to cover them completely. Use a spatula to smooth it out so every slider gets a generous amount.

Top with Cheese:

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture. Don't be shy, this layer creates the bubbly, golden top everyone loves.

Add the Tops:

Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese layer, pressing down gently. This sandwich structure holds everything together beautifully.

Butter the Tops:

Mix the melted butter with garlic powder and brush it generously over the tops of the buns. This step makes them crispy and adds so much flavor.

Bake Covered:

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. The foil traps steam and helps the cheese melt without the tops browning too quickly.

Finish Uncovered:

Remove the foil and bake another 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the tops are golden brown. Watch them closely at the end to avoid burning.

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like, then slice into individual sliders and serve warm. They're best enjoyed fresh from the oven while the cheese is still molten.

Save to Pinterest

The first time I served these at a potluck, I set the pan down and turned to grab plates. When I looked back, half the sliders were already gone and people were laughing with sauce on their fingers. Someone called them dangerously good, and I've never forgotten that. These sliders have a way of turning any gathering into a relaxed, happy moment where everyone just digs in.

Make Ahead Magic

You can assemble these sliders completely, cover them tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you're ready, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if they're still cold. This trick has saved me so many times when hosting, because I can prep everything in the morning and just pop them in the oven when guests arrive.

Flavor Twists

If you love blue cheese, swap the ranch for blue cheese dressing and crumble some blue cheese into the dip. For a smokier flavor, add crumbled cooked bacon or a sprinkle of smoked paprika. I've also stirred in chopped green onions and diced celery for extra crunch, and it reminded me even more of classic Buffalo wings. Play around with the heat level by adjusting the Buffalo sauce or adding a dash of cayenne.

Serving Suggestions

These sliders are rich and tangy, so I like to serve them with cool, crisp celery sticks and carrot sticks on the side. A small bowl of extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping is always a hit. If you're feeding a crowd, pair them with a simple green salad or some baked potato wedges to round out the meal.

• Set out extra napkins and small plates, because these sliders drip deliciously.
• Arrange them on a platter right after slicing so people can grab one easily.
• Keep a bottle of hot sauce nearby for anyone who wants an extra kick.

Save to Pinterest

These sliders have become my go to for any event where I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. They're warm, cheesy, and always disappear fast, leaving everyone asking when I'll make them again.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken for this dish?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saving option. Simply shred about 2 cups of meat from a rotisserie chicken and mix it with the Buffalo sauce and creamy ingredients.

→ What type of buns work best for these sliders?

Hawaiian sweet rolls are ideal because their soft, slightly sweet texture complements the spicy Buffalo filling perfectly. You can also use regular soft dinner rolls or slider buns.

→ How can I make these sliders less spicy?

Reduce the amount of Buffalo wing sauce or use a milder hot sauce. You can also increase the cream cheese and sour cream to balance the heat while maintaining the creamy texture.

→ Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to serve, brush with garlic butter and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.

→ What sides pair well with these sliders?

Classic accompaniments include celery and carrot sticks with ranch or blue cheese dressing, tortilla chips with guacamole, coleslaw, or potato wedges. These sides help balance the richness of the sliders.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 325°F oven covered with foil for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual sliders for 30-45 seconds until warmed through.