Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Garlic Butter Hawaiian Rolls

Easy Slow Cooker Buffalo Sliders

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Preparation time:10 Mins

Cooking time:03 Hrs 15 Mins

Servings:12 sliders

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs (or Breasts), trimmed
• 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (for filling)
• 1 cup Buffalo Style Hot Sauce (e.g., Frank's RedHot)
• 1/2 cup Chicken Stock (low sodium)
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 Tbsp Dried Ranch Seasoning Mix (optional)
• Salt and Black Pepper To Taste
• 1 pack (12 count) Sweet Brioche or Hawaiian Rolls
• 8 oz Monterey Jack, Provolone, or Mozzarella Cheese, sliced or shredded
• 1/4 cup Blue Cheese Crumbles (optional mix-in)
• 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted (for topping)
• 1 large clove Garlic, minced finely
• 1 tsp Dried Parsley

Instructions:

• Lightly grease the slow cooker insert. Place the chicken pieces inside. Add the 4 Tbsp of butter, hot sauce, chicken stock, onion powder, garlic powder, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 4 hours (or LOW for 6 8 hours) until the chicken is easily shreddable.
• Remove the cooked chicken and place it in a separate large bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken finely. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well to coat completely in the remaining Buffalo sauce mixture. Stir in blue cheese crumbles now, if desired. Set the slow cooker to the 'Keep Warm' setting.
• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the entire sheet of rolls horizontally, separating the tops from the bottoms while keeping them connected. Place the bottom half of the connected rolls into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
• Layer half of the sliced or shredded cheese evenly over the bottom layer of rolls. Next, evenly spread the Buffalo chicken mixture across the cheese layer, using tongs to avoid scooping excess liquid. Top the chicken mixture with the remaining half of the cheese, then place the roll tops back onto the filling.
• Prepare the glaze: Melt the remaining 4 Tbsp of butter. Stir in the minced garlic and dried parsley. Brush this garlic butter glaze generously over the top of the rolls. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
• Bake the covered sliders for 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt fully. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 3 5 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy. Allow the sliders to rest in the pan for 5 minutes before slicing and serving immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Calories	593 kcal
Protein	10.7 g
Fat	21.1 g
Carbs	32.5 g
Fiber	9.7 g
Sodium	278 mg

Recipe Info

Category	Appetizer
Cuisine	American

Ditch the Deep Fryer: Why Slow Cooked Buffalo Chicken Sliders Win Game Day

When planning for a major event be it a backyard cookout or the frenzy of Super Bowl food appetizers need to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. While traditional Buffalo wings are delicious, they require messy deep frying or constant tending in the oven.

This Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe eliminates that headache entirely by utilizing the magnificent power of the slow cooker. These Chicken Sliders offer the spicy, tangy punch of the original, but are nestled in sweet rolls and blanketed in cheese, making them the ultimate portable, handheld party snack.

It’s flavor immersion therapy for your chicken, resulting in a dish that consistently steals the show.

The Secret Weapon: Achieving Fall Apart Tenderness

The key to a truly magnificent slider filling is texture. Dry, chewy chicken simply won't do. Our approach focuses on the Buffalo Chicken Sliders Slow Cooker method, which bathes 2 pounds of chicken (preferably thighs for extra moisture) in a buttery, acidic bath for hours.

This low and slow process completely breaks down the fibers, ensuring that when the time comes to shred, the chicken practically falls apart with the touch of a fork. The resulting filling is saturated, moist, and perfectly primed to absorb the sharp notes of the hot sauce and the savory depth of the seasonings, providing a luxurious base for the slider assembly.

Effortless Entertaining: Maximizing Flavor, Minimizing Prep

For anyone seeking true Slow Cooker Appetizers , these Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the holy grail. The active preparation time is incredibly short just 10 minutes to load the crockpot with the chicken, 4 tablespoons of butter, 1 cup of hot sauce, and the specified seasonings.

Once set, the appliance does the heavy lifting, cooking either on LOW for 6– 8 hours or HIGH for 3– 4 hours. This frees you up entirely for other tasks, meaning you can focus on guests and drinks rather than monitoring a frying basket.

The sheer ease of the Buffalo Chicken Sliders Crock Pot method is unparalleled for large gatherings.

Sliders vs. Wings: The Perfect Portable Appetizer

Let’s face it: wings are inherently messy. The bone, the sauce, the pile of wet wipes it’s a commitment. Chicken Sliders , however, are contained, neat, and highly efficient finger food.

By transforming the classic wing flavor into a compact, cheesy sandwich format, we offer guests all the satisfaction without the sticky cleanup. This perfect portability is why these slow cooked Buffalo Chicken Sliders surpass traditional wings as the ideal Super Bowl Food .

Essential Arsenal: Ingredients for Punchy Buffalo Perfection

Achieving that signature vibrant, fiery taste requires a balanced foundation. For the filling, you'll need 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken, 1 cup of quality Buffalo style hot sauce (like Frank's RedHot), 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and 1/2 cup of low-sodium chicken stock to ensure moisture retention.

We boost the savory depth with 1 teaspoon each of garlic and onion powder, and a generous tablespoon of dried ranch seasoning mix. For the assembly, the choice of bread is critical: a 12-count pack of sweet brioche or Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls provides the necessary sweetness to balance the heat.

Finally, 8 ounces of sliced or shredded cheese Monterey Jack, Provolone, or Mozzarella ensures a gooey melt. While some recipes incorporate Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Cream Cheese for extra richness, we rely on the slow cooked butter and the melting cheese topping for our luxurious texture.

Gear Check: Must Have Tools for the Slow Cooker Method

While the process is wonderfully simple, having the right equipment ensures a smooth transition from cooking to assembly. You will need a standard 4-quart or larger slow cooker for the chicken preparation.

For the final baking stage, a 9x13 inch baking dish is essential, as it perfectly accommodates a standard sheet of 12 connected dinner rolls. Finally, ensure you have two forks ready for shredding the cooked chicken and a pastry brush for applying the crucial garlic butter glaze before baking.

Choosing the Right Cut of Chicken Breast or Thigh

Although boneless, skinless chicken breasts are convenient, they are notoriously lean and can dry out during the prolonged cooking required for the slow cooker method. For the absolute best results, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.

The higher fat content of the thighs guarantees that the 2 pounds of meat remain incredibly moist and tender throughout the entire 6– 8 hours on LOW, creating a richer, more flavorful filling that resists drying out.

Mastering the Sauce Ratio: Heat vs. Butter Balance

The core of any great Buffalo dish is the perfect ratio of tangy heat to creamy fat. We utilize 1 cup of hot sauce balanced by 4 tablespoons of butter placed directly into the slow cooker.

The fat from the butter mellows the acidity of the hot sauce, while the seasonings (onion, garlic, and ranch) permeate the chicken as it cooks, resulting in an exceptionally deep flavor that is more complex than a simple bottled sauce marinade.

Rolls and Toppings: The Ultimate Assembly Kit

The foundation of the slider the roll cannot be overlooked. The subtle sweetness of Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls or a similar sweet brioche roll provides a necessary counterpoint to the spicy, tangy chicken.

The rolls also require an external finish: a rich glaze made from 4 tablespoons of melted butter, a large minced clove of fresh garlic, and a teaspoon of dried parsley, which creates a beautifully savory crust when baked.

Prep Time Efficiency: Quick Chopping and Mixing

The active prep stage is designed to be completed in under 10 minutes. Begin by trimming any excess fat from your chicken pieces before placing them directly into the slow cooker.

Simply measure and pour the liquids (hot sauce and stock) over the chicken, drop the butter in chunks around the meat, and sprinkle in the powders. A brief stir to ensure the chicken is submerged is all that's required before you cover it and let time work its magic.

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The Slow Simmer: Step-by-Step Guide to Flavor Infusion

The secret to our successful Buffalo Chicken Sliders Slow Cooker filling starts here. Once the 2 pounds of trimmed chicken are nestled in the slow cooker with the butter, hot sauce, stock, and seasoning blend, set the cooker to your desired time.

Cooking on LOW for 6– 8 hours is recommended for optimal texture, but if time is short, the HIGH setting will achieve the desired tenderness in 3– 4 hours. The goal is fork shreddable perfection.

Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken pieces to a large bowl, leaving the concentrated liquid gold the residual Buffalo sauce behind in the insert. Shred the chicken using two forks and return it immediately to the slow cooker, stirring thoroughly to ensure every strand is coated and saturated with that rich sauce.

Switch the slow cooker to the "Keep Warm" setting while you prep the rolls.

Assembly Line: Constructing and Baking Your Cheesy Slider Sheet

The final 15 minutes of this recipe involves turning the sauced chicken into a cohesive, cheesy, baked masterpiece.

Shredding Success: Achieving the Ideal Texture

After cooking, the chicken should be tender enough to shred effortlessly. Use two forks to break the meat down into fine, even pieces. Critically, ensure you transfer the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker bowl containing the concentrated sauce.

Stirring the mixture well incorporates the blue cheese crumbles now (if using) and guarantees maximum flavor saturation, ready for layering.

Buttering the Rolls: The Golden Glaze Layer

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Use a serrated knife to slice the entire connected sheet of Hawaiian Rolls horizontally, separating the top half from the bottom half. Place the bottom section into the 9x13 baking dish.

Next, prepare the garlic butter glaze by melting the 4 tablespoons of butter, stirring in the minced garlic and dried parsley. Set this glaze aside for later application.

Layering the Chicken Filling Evenly

Start the layering process by distributing half of your 8 ounces of cheese (Monterey Jack, Provolone, or Mozzarella) over the bottom sheet of rolls. This acts as a moisture barrier and a cheesy adhesive. Next, use tongs or a slotted spoon to evenly spread the Buffalo chicken filling across the cheese layer.

It is vital to use tongs to avoid scooping up excessive liquid from the bottom of the slow cooker, which could make the rolls soggy. Finally, cap the chicken layer with the remaining half of the cheese.

The Final Bake: Melting the Cheese and Toasting the Tops

Place the top half of the rolls back on the filling and generously brush the prepared garlic butter glaze over the entire surface. This glaze is essential for flavor and color. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes.

The foil traps the steam, ensuring the cheese melts completely. After 10 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 3– 5 minutes until the tops are beautifully golden brown and lightly crisp.

Allow the Buffalo Chicken Sliders to rest for five minutes before slicing and serving immediately.

Troubleshooting and Tweaks: Achieving Your Ideal Heat Level

The heat of these sliders can be easily customized to suit your crowd. If you find the recipe too mild, consider adding 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the slow cooker at the beginning, or using pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack during assembly.

If you need to dial the heat back, increase the initial butter quantity slightly (up to 6 tablespoons) or stir in an additional dollop of ranch dressing to the shredded chicken filling before assembly.

For a creamier, milder texture, some chefs incorporate softened cream cheese directly into the shredded chicken mix to bind it and temper the spice.

Pairing Perfection: What to Serve Alongside These Amazing Buffalo Chicken Sliders

These intense and rich Chicken Sliders require cool, crisp sides to provide balance. The classic choice is a large platter of crunchy celery and carrot sticks served with a generous bowl of homemade Blue Cheese or Ranch dipping sauce perfect for cooling the palate between bites.

For a beverage pairing, a crisp, hoppy IPA or a clean Lager is ideal, as the beer's carbonation and slight bitterness cut through the richness of the butter and cheese. For non-alcoholic drinkers, a sparkling lemon or limeade works wonders to refresh the mouth.

Storage Secrets: Keeping Leftovers Fresh

If you somehow end up with leftover assembled Buffalo Chicken Sliders , wrap them tightly in foil and refrigerate them. They will keep well for up to three days.

To reheat, wrap them again in foil and warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven until the cheese is melted and the filling is hot throughout. Alternatively, the Buffalo chicken filling itself can be stored separately in an airtight container for future use.

Quick Swaps: Ingredient Substitutions for Dietary Needs

If you need to adjust the recipe, there are simple swaps that maintain the flavor integrity. The Hawaiian Rolls can be exchanged for savory potato rolls or small sourdough buns if you prefer less sweetness.

If you are avoiding dairy, swap the cheese for a plant based provolone and use vegan butter in both the filling and the glaze. For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with 2 large heads of chopped cauliflower florets and proceed with the slow cooker method, reducing the cook time to 3 hours on low until the florets are fork tender.

Freezer Prep: Making the Buffalo Chicken Filling Ahead

The shredded Buffalo chicken filling freezes exceptionally well, making this a fantastic option for bulk meal prepping. Cook and shred the chicken according to the instructions. Instead of stirring the chicken back into the full volume of sauce in the slow cooker, mix it lightly with just enough sauce to moisten, and then freeze the mixture in a sealable bag or container.

When ready to use, thaw it overnight and stir in a small amount of fresh hot sauce and butter before assembling the sliders.

Nutritional Notes: Calorie Count and Serving Suggestions

This recipe yields 12 highly satisfying Buffalo Chicken Sliders . Due to the inclusion of butter, cheese, and sweet rolls, these are rich Slow Cooker Appetizers .

Each slider, depending on the exact amount of cheese and glaze used, is estimated to contain approximately 350 to 400 calories. Note that the sodium content is higher (around 650 mg per serving) due to the generous use of hot sauce and seasoning mixes, so balance these flavorful bites with fresh vegetables on the side.