Introduction to Buffalo Chicken Pizza Dip Sliders
Hey there, fellow cooking enthusiasts! If you’re like me, juggling a hectic schedule can sometimes feel like a culinary high-wire act. That’s where these Buffalo Chicken Pizza Dip Sliders come into play. They’re not just a tasty treat; they’re a lifesaver for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Imagine the warm, cheesy goodness enveloped in a soft bun, tantalizing your taste buds in every bite. This recipe is a perfect blend of comfort and speed, making it an ideal choice to impress family and friends alike. Let’s dive into this flavorful adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Pizza Dip Sliders
These Buffalo Chicken Pizza Dip Sliders are an absolute game-changer for busy moms and professionals. They come together so quickly that you’ll wonder how you ever managed without them. The mouthwatering combination of spicy Buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and tender chicken creates a flavor explosion that satisfies cravings like no other. Plus, they’re a hit at gatherings, making you the star of the show without all the fuss!
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Pizza Dip Sliders
Let’s talk about the ingredients that make these Buffalo Chicken Pizza Dip Sliders so delectable! Each component plays a role in crafting the perfect bite.
- Cooked chicken breast: The star of the show! I love using shredded chicken for its tenderness and flavor.
- Buffalo wing sauce: This adds just the right amount of heat and tang. If you prefer less spice, go easy on this!
- Cream cheese: It brings that creamy richness that harmonizes with the spiciness. Softened cream cheese blends perfectly into the mix.
- Ranch dressing: This cool, herby dressing balances the heat. It’s a must in my book, but you can also experiment with blue cheese dressing if you’re a fan!
- Sour cream: Adds a bit of tang and creaminess, helping to bind everything together while keeping it luscious.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey cheese factor! It melts beautifully, creating that blissful stringiness everyone loves.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Extra sharpness that complements the Buffalo flavor. You can use mild cheddar for a more subdued taste.
- Slider buns: I prefer the sweetness of Hawaiian rolls, but any soft dinner rolls will do just fine. They hold everything together, making them easy to grab and enjoy!
- Unsalted butter: A golden brush of melted butter on top creates a delightful crisp while enhancing flavor.
- Garlic powder: A sprinkle of this adds a subtle depth and aroma that elevates the sliders even more.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A pop of color and freshness on top to make these sliders look as good as they taste.
If you’re seeing specific quantities and want to whip these up, don’t worry; the exact measurements are at the bottom of the article and available for printing!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pizza Dip Sliders
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to a cozy 350°F. While it warms up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coat of cooking spray or grease it with a touch of butter. This will keep your sliders from sticking, making for easy serving!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken with the Buffalo wing sauce for a spicy kick. Then, add in the cream cheese, ranch dressing, and sour cream. Use a fork or spatula to blend everything together until it’s a smooth, creamy mixture. I can’t stress enough how satisfying it is to see those ingredients meld into a dreamy dip!
Step 3: Prepare the Buns
Next, take your slider buns and carefully slice them horizontally. Keep the tops and bottoms attached if you can; it makes assembly easier. Once they’re sliced, place the bottom halves snugly in your prepared baking dish. They’re about to become the delicious vehicle for our filling!
Step 4: Assemble Sliders
Now it’s time to spread that luscious Buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns. Don’t skimp—make sure every bun gets a generous layer of the filling. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds! You want those flavors to shine through in every bite.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Top Buns
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture. This cheesy layer is essential for that melty goodness we all crave. Once that’s done, place the top halves of the buns on, completing your sliders. It’s starting to look mouth-watering, isn’t it?
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Here’s the exciting part! Brush the tops of the buns with a mix of melted butter and garlic powder. This will give them a lovely golden color and irresistible flavor. Cover your baking dish with foil and pop it in the oven for 15 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 8-10 minutes until those cheesy tops are golden and bubbly. Get ready to enjoy the enticing aroma filling your kitchen!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your chicken is finely shredded for even distribution.
- Adjust the Buffalo wing sauce to suit your heat preferences.
- If you’re prepping ahead, assemble the sliders and store them covered in the fridge, then bake just before serving.
- Don’t skip the garlic butter—it elevates the flavor!
- Use a toothpick to hold the sliders together before serving for easy handling.
Equipment Needed
- Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch dish works best, but a smaller one can do.
- Mixing Bowl: Any large bowl will suffice for combining ingredients.
- Spatula: Use it for mixing and spreading the chicken mixture.
- Knife: For slicing the slider buns.
- Oven Mitts: To protect your hands while handling the hot dish.
Variations
- Buffalo Turkey Sliders: Swap out chicken for turkey for a different spin on flavor. Perfect for using up leftover turkey!
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with shredded jackfruit or cooked cauliflower for a tasty veggie option.
- Spicy Heat: For those who love a kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
- Cheesy Options: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for added spice or gouda for a smokier flavor.
- Low-Fat Version: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and ranch dressing to cut down on calories while still enjoying all that cheesy goodness!
Serving Suggestions for Buffalo Chicken Pizza Dip Sliders
- Pair with crispy celery and carrot sticks for a fresh, crunchy contrast.
- Serve with cool ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
- Offer a selection of cold beverages, like iced tea or a light beer, to balance the flavors.
- Garnish with extra chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
FAQs about Buffalo Chicken Pizza Dip Sliders
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Pizza Dip Sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders in advance and store them covered in the fridge. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve. It’s a lifesaver for busy days!
Can I use other types of chicken?
Yes! Shredded turkey is a fantastic alternative, especially if you have leftovers. You can also use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker option.
Is there a gluten-free option for the buns?
Definitely! Look for gluten-free slider buns at your local grocery store. It will keep the deliciousness intact without the gluten.
How spicy are these sliders?
The heat level can vary! With Buffalo wing sauce, they have a kick, but you can adjust it according to your family’s taste preferences. Feel free to add less sauce for milder flavors.
What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Pizza Dip Sliders?
These sliders pair wonderfully with crispy veggie sticks like carrots and celery, or you could serve them alongside a fresh salad. They’re also great with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping!
Final Thoughts
Creating these Buffalo Chicken Pizza Dip Sliders feels like a mini celebration in my kitchen! The joy of pulling them from the oven, golden and bubbly, reminds me that putting in a little effort can yield delicious results. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating your family, these sliders bring everyone together around the table. They not only satisfy cravings but also spark little moments of happiness. So, go ahead, embrace the flavors and let these sliders steal the show at your next meal. Happiness is just a bite away!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Pizza Dip Sliders
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Buffalo Chicken Pizza Dip Sliders are a delicious combination of shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and spicy Buffalo sauce baked between soft slider buns.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls or soft dinner rolls)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken with Buffalo wing sauce, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and sour cream until well combined.
- Fold in half of the mozzarella and half of the cheddar cheese into the chicken mixture.
- Slice slider buns horizontally, keeping bottoms and tops connected if possible. Place bottom halves in prepared baking dish.
- Evenly distribute Buffalo chicken dip mixture over the bun bottoms.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese over chicken mixture.
- Place top halves of buns over the cheese layer.
- Mix melted butter with garlic powder and brush generously over the tops of the buns.
- Cover baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for 8-10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and bun tops are golden brown.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Can substitute chicken with shredded turkey for a different flavor.
- For extra heat, add more Buffalo wing sauce to the filling.
- These sliders can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg