Buffalo Chicken Pizza Dip Sliders

My neighbor brought these to a backyard cookout last summer, and I watched a tray of twelve vanish in under ten minutes. People kept asking what was inside, hovering near the table, waiting for the next batch. I made them the following weekend and understood why. The creamy Buffalo chicken filling tucked inside soft, buttery buns with melted cheese on top hit every craving at once.

The first time I made these for game day, I set them on the counter and turned around to grab napkins. When I looked back, three were already gone and my brother was reaching for a fourth. He said they tasted like the best parts of pizza night and wing night combined. I doubled the recipe after that.

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken breast, shredded: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here and saves time, just pull the meat and discard the skin.
• Buffalo wing sauce: This is what gives the dip its signature tangy heat, so pick a brand you actually enjoy eating on wings.
• Cream cheese, softened: Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes so it blends smoothly without lumps.
• Ranch dressing: Adds cooling creaminess that balances the spice, and you can swap it for blue cheese dressing if that is more your style.
• Sour cream: Keeps the filling rich and smooth, and helps everything meld together in the oven.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey strands and creates that classic pizza pull.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and a deeper cheese flavor that complements the Buffalo sauce.
• Slider buns: Hawaiian rolls are my go to because their slight sweetness contrasts perfectly with the spicy filling.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Brushed on top, it turns the buns golden and adds a buttery richness you can smell across the kitchen.
• Garlic powder: Mixed into the butter, it gives the tops a savory, toasted garlic flavor.
• Chopped fresh parsley: Optional, but a sprinkle of green makes them look finished and adds a hint of freshness.

Instructions

Preheat and prep:

Set your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish so nothing sticks. This is also a good time to pull out your ingredients and let that cream cheese soften if you forgot earlier.

Mix the filling:

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Buffalo sauce, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and sour cream until smooth and creamy. Fold in half the mozzarella and half the cheddar so every bite has melted cheese throughout.

Prepare the buns:

Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping them connected if possible, and lay the bottom halves in your prepared dish. This makes assembly faster and keeps everything neat.

Layer the dip:

Spread the Buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns, making sure it reaches the edges. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar on top, then place the top halves of the buns over the cheese.

Butter and bake:

Mix melted butter with garlic powder and brush it generously over the tops of the buns. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake another 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese bubbles and the tops turn golden.

Finish and serve:

Sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like, slice into individual sliders, and serve them warm. They are best eaten right away while the cheese is still stretchy.

Pin It

I brought these to a potluck once and someone asked if I had the recipe written down. I scribbled it on a napkin, and she texted me two days later saying her kids asked for them again. That is when I knew this was a keeper.

Making Them Your Own

If you want extra heat, stir a dash of hot sauce into the dip or drizzle more Buffalo sauce over the top before serving. For a different flavor angle, swap ranch for blue cheese dressing or add crumbled blue cheese into the filling. Chopped green onions or crispy bacon bits folded in just before baking add texture and a savory punch that makes these feel even more loaded.

Serving Suggestions

These sliders shine at game day parties, backyard gatherings, or any time you need finger food that feels special. Serve them with celery sticks and carrot sticks on the side for crunch, or set out extra Buffalo sauce and ranch for dipping. They pair well with cold beer, lemonade, or iced tea, and they reheat surprisingly well if you happen to have leftovers.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to bring back that crispy top and melted cheese. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the buns can get a little soft.

• You can assemble these a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge until you are ready to bake.
• Freezing is not recommended because the creamy filling can separate when thawed.
• If making a double batch, use two baking dishes so they bake evenly and the tops brown properly.

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These sliders turn a familiar dip into something you can hold, share, and devour without a spoon. Make them once and they will become your go to whenever you need to feed a crowd something they will actually remember.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken for these sliders?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Simply shred about 2 cups of meat from the rotisserie chicken and mix it with the Buffalo sauce and creamy ingredients.

→ How do I store leftover sliders?

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 10-12 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melted again.

→ Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake when ready to serve. You may need to add 5 extra minutes to the covered baking time if starting from cold.

→ What can I substitute for Hawaiian rolls?

Any soft dinner rolls or slider buns work well. Regular hamburger buns cut in half, King's Hawaiian rolls, or even brioche buns are excellent alternatives that provide a soft, slightly sweet base.

→ How spicy are these sliders?

The heat level is moderate, depending on your Buffalo sauce brand. The cream cheese, ranch dressing, and sour cream help mellow the spice. For milder sliders, reduce the Buffalo sauce to 1/3 cup, or for more heat, add extra hot sauce.

→ Can I freeze these sliders?

Yes, you can freeze assembled but unbaked sliders for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.