Name: Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (12-ounce) package Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls (such as King’s Hawaiian); 3 cups shredded chicken breast; 3/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or Frank's Buffalo); 1/4 cup ranch dressing (Greek yogurt-based recommended); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 cups shredded mozzarella (or provolone, or Havarti cheese, divided); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe is one of those irresistible bites that just hits all the right notes—tangy, cheesy, tender, and slightly sweet from the rolls. It’s a total crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again, whether for game day, casual parties, or even a fun weeknight dinner.

The image shows a close-up of a sandwich with two layers of soft, slightly shiny, brownish golden bread sprinkled with small herbs on top. Between the bread layers is a thick filling of shredded chicken mixed with a creamy orange sauce, making the filling look textured and juicy. The sandwich is stacked on another piece of the same sandwich, creating a two-sandwich pile. The background has a soft blur with more sandwiches visible, all placed on a white marbled surface with some scattered bits of filling around them. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I got hooked on this Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe the first time I made it—it’s a perfect balance of spicy and sweet that’s super easy to pull off. The melty cheese and buttery rolls just bring everything together in the best way.

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute guests.
Flavor Explosion: The combo of buffalo sauce, ranch, and garlic powder creates bold, savory layers of flavor.
Soft and Sweet Rolls: Using Hawaiian rolls adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spice beautifully.
Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for kids or adults, these sliders always disappear fast and please everyone.

This image shows nine soft, golden brown slider buns arranged in a close grid on a sheet of parchment paper with a white marbled surface underneath. Each slider has two layers: the top layer is a shiny, smooth bun sprinkled with coarse salt and black pepper, and the bottom layer is a pile of shredded, orange-colored filling that looks creamy and textured with visible bits, slightly spilling out from the sides. The sliders are touching each other, and one slider in the front left is partially pulled away from the group, showing melted cheese strings stretching between it and the others. In the background, a knife with a black handle rests on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a key role, complementing one another perfectly. Hawaiian rolls give a soft, slightly sweet base that’s easy to handle, while the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing add a creamy, tangy punch that makes these sliders addictive. Here are a few shopping tips to keep in mind.

Flat lay of a small stack of shiny, golden Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls, a mound of shredded white chicken breast, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright orange-red hot sauce, another small white bowl with creamy white Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing, a white ceramic bowl holding fine pale yellow garlic powder, a neat pile of shredded white mozzarella cheese, a small bowl containing melted golden butter, and a few sprigs of dried Italian seasoning scattered beside the bowls, arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls: Look for a sturdy yet soft roll that won’t fall apart when filled.
Shredded chicken breast: Freshly cooked, shredded chicken tastes best, but pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works great too.
Hot sauce: Classic Frank’s RedHot is the go-to, but pick your favorite buffalo-style sauce for your preferred heat level.
Ranch dressing: I love using Greek yogurt–based ranch for a lighter touch with creaminess.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth without overpowering the buffalo flavor.
Shredded mozzarella (or provolone or Havarti): Melts beautifully and balances the spicy sauce.
Unsalted butter: Important for brushing the tops and adding richness.
Italian seasoning: Gives the buttery topping a herby kick that's surprisingly delightful.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your taste buds or dietary preferences. I’ve played around a bit and found some fun twists you might want to try.

Variation: Swap the ranch for blue cheese dressing if you prefer a sharper, tangier flavor—it's a classic buffalo combo that really elevates the sliders.
Spice Level: If you like things mild, use less hot sauce or a milder buffalo sauce; crank it up with extra sauce or a dash of cayenne for heat lovers.
Cheese Choices: Mixing mozzarella with provolone or Havarti gives a creamier, more complex melt.
Protein Swap: Try shredded turkey or even jackfruit for a vegetarian-friendly option.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Buns

First, I preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this makes cleanup much easier. Next, carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally but don’t separate the buns at the sides; keeping them connected helps with layering and slicing later. Place the bottom half of the buns on the baking sheet as your base.

Step 2: Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the shredded chicken, hot sauce, ranch dressing, and garlic powder until everything’s well combined. I like to taste it here—sometimes I add a touch more hot sauce depending on how spicy I want it. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated for that perfect buffalo flavor.

Step 3: Build the Sliders Layer by Layer

Sprinkle a handful of the shredded cheese over the bottom half of the buns—the cheese melts into the chicken and keeps things gooey. Then generously spread the buffalo chicken mixture over the cheese, making sure it’s even all around. Top it with the remaining cheese before placing the top bun back on.

Step 4: Butter It Up and Bake

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with Italian seasoning, then brush this over the tops of the buns. It adds a delicious herby richness and helps the bread brown nicely. Bake the sliders for about 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the tops are golden. Let them rest for a few minutes before slicing carefully with a serrated knife so they don't squish.

Top Tip

I’ve made these sliders dozens of times, and the difference between good and great is in the details. A few simple tricks can take your buffalo chicken sliders to the next level every single time.

Keep the buns connected: It makes spreading, baking, and slicing so much cleaner and easier without all the rolling around.
Use melted butter with Italian seasoning: Brushing this on top is a game changer for flavor and that irresistible golden finish.
Don’t overfill: Too much stuffing can make your sliders soggy or tough to handle—spread the chicken evenly.
Let sliders rest before slicing: This prevents the cheese and filling from spilling everywhere and keeps them neat and tidy.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

buffalo chicken sliders - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I personally love topping these sliders with a few sliced green onions or a sprinkle of chopped fresh celery for a bit of crunch and freshness to balance the richness. A drizzle of extra ranch or blue cheese on the side is always welcome in my book.

Side Dishes

I usually serve these with classic sides like crispy celery sticks, crunchy carrot fries, or a simple green salad to lighten things up. If it’s game day, some crispy potato chips or seasoned sweet potato fries hit the spot perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like arranging the sliders on a large wooden board with colorful bowls of dipping sauces on the side—ranch, blue cheese, and extra buffalo sauce. Adding some pickled jalapeños or sliced olives brings a fun twist and makes the serving spread look inviting and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover sliders store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually keep the buns and topping together—it holds up surprisingly well without getting soggy, but I recommend reheating gently to keep the bun soft.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these sliders before by wrapping them tightly in foil and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They thaw best overnight in the fridge. Reheat them the next day in the oven to bring back that fresh-baked texture and melted cheese goodness.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the sliders with foil so they don’t dry out and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you can—your cheesy, buttery slider deserves better than soggy bread!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these Buffalo Chicken Sliders vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute the shredded chicken with shredded jackfruit or even crispy cauliflower bites, then toss with buffalo sauce for that same spicy, tangy vibe.

What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?

I find the easiest way is to cook chicken breasts in a slow cooker or poach them gently, then shred with two forks or even a stand mixer using the paddle attachment for quick shredding. Freshly shredded chicken soaks up the sauce better!

Can I use regular hot sauce instead of buffalo sauce?

You can, but buffalo sauce typically has a bit more butter and vinegar, giving it that signature tangy richness. If you only have regular hot sauce, try mixing it with a bit of melted butter to mimic buffalo sauce flavor.

How do I prevent the sliders from becoming soggy?

Brushing the tops with melted butter and baking them just until the cheese melts helps keep the rolls from getting soggy. Also, letting them rest a few minutes before cutting prevents the juices from spilling out too much.

Final Thoughts

Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug—it’s comforting, full of flavor, and so easy to make you’ll keep coming back to it. I love how quick it is, perfect for when you want a special treat without the fuss. Seriously, give it a try next time you want a fun meal or to impress guests—it never disappoints, and I promise it’ll become one of your go-to favorites too.