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Easy Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Best Tailgate Recipe

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These Easy Buffalo Chicken Tailgate Sliders are the perfect game-day snack, featuring tender shredded chicken in a spicy, buttery buffalo sauce, topped with melty cheese and a cool, crunchy coleslaw. Ready in about 30 minutes, they’re a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and perfect for parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (about one medium store-bought chicken)
  • 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (preferably Frank’s RedHot)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 12 slider buns (Hawaiian sweet rolls recommended)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or pepper jack for extra heat)
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for the butter brush)
  • 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds (optional)
  • 2 cups pre-shredded coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots)
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for drizzling
  • Celery sticks and carrot sticks for serving
  • Extra hot sauce on the side

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces (about 3 cups).
  2. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce, 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon honey (if using), 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika. Whisk until the butter is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Do not let it boil.
  3. Place the shredded chicken in a medium bowl. Pour about half the warm buffalo sauce over it and toss to coat. Let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb the flavor.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream), 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the coleslaw mix and stir until coated. Cover and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
  5. Without separating the individual rolls, slice the entire pack of 12 slider buns in half horizontally through the middle. Place the bottom half in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the buffalo chicken evenly over the bottom buns. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the chicken. Place the top half of the buns over the cheese.
  6. In a small bowl, mix 4 tablespoons melted salted butter with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the slider buns. Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds if desired.
  7. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
  8. Let the sliders rest for 5 minutes after baking. Use a sharp knife to separate the sliders along the bun seams. Top each slider with a spoonful of the creamy coleslaw and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Serve warm.

Notes

Don’t oversauce the chicken to avoid soggy sliders. Let the chicken rest after tossing in sauce for 5 minutes to absorb flavor. For crispiest tops, use the full 4 tablespoons of butter for brushing. Use a serrated knife to cut sliders after baking. Coleslaw should be made fresh to keep it crunchy.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken sliders, tailgate recipe, game day food, easy sliders, buffalo chicken, party appetizer

Find it online: https://lindabake.com/easy-buffalo-chicken-sliders-best-tailgate-recipe/