Buffalo Chicken Sliders Blue Cheese

My friend Sarah brought these to a Super Bowl party years ago and I literally hovered over the platter until she finally wrote down the recipe for me. The way the tangy buffalo sauce soaks into the soft bun while that creamy blue cheese cuts through the heat is just absolute perfection. Now they are the first thing requested at every gathering.

Last summer I made these for my dad who swore he hated blue cheese anything. After one bite he asked if there was more, and I caught him licking sauce off his thumb when he thought nobody was watching. Sometimes the most stubborn eaters become the biggest converts.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast: Shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly here and saves so much time
• 1/2 cup hot sauce: Franks RedHot is the classic choice but whatever brand you love will work beautifully
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter: Melting this into the hot sauce creates that restaurant style coating that clings to every shred
• 1 tbsp honey: This little bit of sweetness balances all that heat and makes people wonder what your secret is
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese: Go ahead and use the good stuff here since it is the star of the show
• 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds tang and helps make the sauce impossibly creamy
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise: The base that holds everything together and adds richness
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: Fresh lemon brightens all that heavy creaminess and cuts through the fat
• 1/8 tsp garlic powder: Just a whisper of garlic flavor without being overwhelming
• Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together
• 8 soft slider buns: Brioche or potato buns are my favorites because they stay tender even with all that sauce
• 1 cup shredded lettuce: Iceberg or romaine adds that necessary crunch and freshness
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery: Raw celery brings the classic buffalo wing element in every bite
• 2 tbsp chopped chives: Optional but pretty and adds a mild onion finish

Instructions

Make the buffalo sauce:

Whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, and honey in a mixing bowl until completely smooth and emulsified. The mixture should look glossy and thickened slightly.

Coat the chicken:

Add the shredded chicken to the bowl and toss thoroughly until every single piece is coated in that vibrant orange sauce. Let it sit for a few minutes to really soak in the flavor.

Whisk up the blue cheese sauce:

Combine the blue cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in another bowl. Mix until mostly smooth but still leave some visible blue cheese crumbles for texture.

Prep the buns:

Slice your slider buns in half and give them a quick toast in a warm pan or the oven. This prevents them from getting soggy too fast.

Build the sliders:

Pile the buffalo chicken onto the bottom buns then drizzle generously with that blue cheese sauce. Top with lettuce, celery, and chives before closing with the top bun.

Assembly tip:

Serve immediately while the buns are still slightly warm and the sauce is at its most luxurious.

Save

These have become my go to when someone asks what to bring to a party because they disappear so fast. There is something about finger food that makes people instantly more relaxed and happy.

Make It Your Own

Swap in ranch dressing for the blue cheese sauce if you have dedicated blue cheese haters in your life. A little bit of crumbled bacon on top never hurt anything either.

Serving Strategy

I like to set up a little slider bar where people can build their own with extra sauce on the side. It keeps the party moving and lets everyone control their own heat level.

Perfect Pairings

Cold beer is the obvious choice but a crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc actually cuts through the richness beautifully. Simple carrot sticks and extra celery on the side round out the whole experience.

• Double the blue cheese sauce because people will want extra for dipping
• Keep some napkins nearby because these are gloriously messy
• Consider making extra chicken because it is fantastic on its own the next day

Save

Hope these become a staple at your gatherings just like they have at mine. There is nothing better than watching everyone reach for seconds.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of chicken works best for these sliders?

Shredded cooked chicken breast provides a tender texture that absorbs the buffalo sauce well, making it ideal for these sliders.

→ Can I adjust the spiciness of the buffalo sauce?

Yes, you can add more hot sauce for extra heat or reduce it for a milder flavor. Adding a dash of cayenne pepper can also increase the spice level.

→ Is there an alternative to blue cheese sauce?

Ranch dressing can be used as a substitute for blue cheese sauce if preferred, offering a milder and creamy complement to the buffalo chicken.

→ How should the slider buns be prepared?

Lightly toasting the slider buns enhances their texture and prevents them from becoming soggy when layered with sauces.

→ What toppings add freshness and crunch to the sliders?

Shredded lettuce, thinly sliced celery, and chopped chives contribute fresh, crisp textures that balance the rich and spicy elements.

→ Can these sliders be prepared in advance?

Yes, keep the chicken and buffalo sauce separate until serving, then assemble the sliders shortly before enjoying to maintain freshness.