Buffalo Chicken Pizza Dip Sliders

The first time I brought these sliders to a Super Bowl party, my friend Mike literally stopped mid conversation, took a bite, and said wait, you put buffalo chicken dip INSIDE the slider? That was the moment I knew this recipe was a keeper. Something magical happens when that creamy, spicy filling gets sandwiched between buttery Hawaiian rolls and baked until the cheese is bubbling.

Last winter during playoffs, I made three batches because they disappeared so fast. My brother in law who claims he hates blue cheese accidentally ate three before realizing what was in them. Now he requests them for every gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here, but poaching your own breasts gives you more control over the seasoning
• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce: Franks RedHot is my go to for that authentic tangy heat without being overwhelmingly spicy
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Room temperature cream cheese blends seamlessly into the filling for that signature dip texture
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing: This cuts through the heat and adds a familiar herby creaminess everyone loves
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides that gorgeous cheese pull when you bite into a warm slider
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds extra sharpness and depth to the cheese layer
• 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls: Hawaiian rolls are my secret weapon, their natural sweetness plays beautifully with spicy buffalo
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Creates those golden, glossy tops that make these irresistible
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses the butter topping with savory aroma that bakes into the bun crust
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives: Adds a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor that brightens the rich filling

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F:

This moderate heat melts everything together while giving the bun tops time to get golden and crisp

Mix the buffalo chicken filling:

Combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and ranch until completely blended and creamy

Prepare your baking setup:

Line a baking sheet or 9x13 inch dish with parchment paper and arrange bottom bun halves tightly together

Layer on the flavor:

Spread buffalo chicken mixture evenly over buns, then sprinkle with both cheeses

Add your optional toppings:

Crumble blue cheese or scatter pickled jalapeños now if you want extra tang and heat

Top and brush with butter:

Place bun tops over filling, then brush generously with garlic butter mixture

Bake covered first:

Cover loosely with foil and bake 15 minutes to ensure filling gets hot throughout

Finish uncovered:

Remove foil and bake another 8 to 10 minutes until cheese is bubbling and tops are golden brown

Garnish and rest briefly:

Sprinkle with fresh chives, let cool 5 minutes, then pull apart and serve warm

Pin it

These sliders have become my go to potluck contribution because they travel well and reheat beautifully. Watching friends pull them apart and take that first bite, seeing their eyes light up at the combination of flavors and textures, that is what cooking for people is all about.

Make Ahead Magic

You can assemble the entire slider recipe up to four hours before baking. Wrap the assembled tray tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate, then bake just before serving. The garlic butter might need to be brushed on again if the buns have absorbed it.

Customization Station

Swap ranch for blue cheese dressing if you want a more intense flavor profile. For a milder version that kids will love, reduce buffalo sauce to quarter cup and increase ranch to three quarters cup. You can also add crumbled cooked bacon for an extra smoky, savory element.

Serving Strategy

Set out small bowls of extra ranch and blue cheese dressing for dipping. A platter of celery and carrot sticks alongside the sliders gives people that classic buffalo wing experience. These disappear quickly, so consider making double batches for larger crowds.

• Cut leftovers in half and warm briefly in the air fryer
• Freeze unbaked sliders for up to 2 months, thaw before baking
• Individual slider wrappers make serving extra tidy

Pin it

There is something profoundly satisfying about watching a platter of these sliders vanish while conversations buzz and games play in the background. Food this good brings people together.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the sliders completely a few hours before baking. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to baking time if baking cold from the refrigerator.

→ What's the best way to shred the chicken?

Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for convenience and flavor. If poaching chicken breasts, let them cool slightly before shredding with two forks or pulsing in a food processor for finer, dip-like texture.

→ How can I adjust the spice level?

Reduce buffalo sauce to 1/4 cup for milder heat, or increase to 3/4 cup for extra spice. Adding more ranch or blue cheese dressing also helps tame the heat while maintaining creaminess.

→ Can I freeze these buffalo chicken sliders?

Assemble unbaked sliders, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking according to instructions.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these sliders?

Extra ranch or blue cheese dressing are classic choices. For added variety, try honey mustard, garlic aioli, or additional warmed buffalo sauce on the side for dipping.

→ Can I use different types of cheese?

Pepper jack adds extra heat, while provolone creates an excellent melt. You can also mix in some parmesan for umami depth, though mozzarella and cheddar provide the best classic pizza flavor.