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; ¾ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or Frank's Buffalo); ¼ cup ranch dressing (Greek-yogurt based recommended); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone or Havarti), divided; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

There’s just something irresistible about the combo of spicy buffalo chicken nestled inside sweet, soft Hawaiian rolls. This Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe is the kind of game-day snack that wins over every crowd – warm, cheesy, tangy, and downright comforting.

The image shows a close-up of a sandwich made with two soft, golden brown buns sprinkled with coarse salt and herbs. Inside the sandwich is a thick layer of shredded orange chicken mixed with creamy sauce, visible in both the top and bottom halves of the sandwich. The chicken filling looks juicy and slightly textured, with some pieces spilling out around the edges. The background is blurred, placing focus on the sandwich stacked on top of another similar one. The surface beneath the sandwiches has a white marbled texture. 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

I’ve made these sliders more times than I can count, especially when friends drop by unexpectedly. They’re truly foolproof and always disappear fast. I love how the Hawaiian rolls mellow out the heat of the buffalo sauce, making every bite perfectly balanced.

Easy and Quick: It takes just about 20 minutes from start to finish, great for last-minute gatherings.
Perfect Flavor Combo: The sweet rolls contrast beautifully with the spicy, tangy chicken and cool ranch.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most items on hand or can find them easily at any grocery store.
Always a Crowd-Pleaser: These sliders pack flavor and stay juicy, making them a guaranteed hit every time.

A group of nine small sandwiches are placed close together on light brown parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each sandwich has two soft, shiny golden-brown buns sprinkled with coarse salt and black pepper on top. Between the buns, there is a thick layer of shredded, orange-colored filling that looks creamy and slightly moist. Some filling peeks out from the sides, and a few loose shreds lay on the parchment paper. In the background, a black knife is visible on the left side. The image is bright and clear, showing the texture of the buns and filling very well. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe shines because of the blend of textures and flavors — soft sweet buns, spicy-saucy chicken, creamy ranch, and gooey cheese. Each ingredient pulls its weight to bring the ultimate slider experience.

Flat lay of a stack of glossy Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls with golden-brown tops, a small white bowl of bright red hot sauce, a small white bowl of creamy ranch dressing with a pale yellow tint, a pile of shredded white chicken breast, a small white bowl with melted golden butter mixed with green flecks of Italian seasoning, a small pile of shredded mozzarella cheese with soft white strands, and a small white bowl containing fine beige garlic powder, all arranged symmetrically on a simple white ceramic plate and small bowls, placed 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: Their sweetness balances the spicy buffalo sauce and adds that soft, pillowy base every slider needs.
Shredded chicken breast: Using cooked, shredded chicken is super convenient and soaks up the buffalo sauce perfectly.
Hot sauce: I like Frank’s RedHot for its classic tangy heat, but you can adjust the brand or heat level to your taste.
Ranch dressing: Adds a cooling, creamy element that cuts through the heat, and I often use a Greek yogurt-based ranch for a lighter touch.
Garlic powder: Adds subtle savory notes that round out the flavor.
Shredded mozzarella (or provolone/Havarti): This melty cheese pulls everything together and gives that satisfying gooeyness.
Unsalted butter & Italian seasoning: Brushed on top of the buns for a golden, flavorful finish that’s irresistible.

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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

This recipe is a fantastic base that invites your own spin. I sometimes mix in blue cheese crumbles with the mozzarella for an extra tangy punch, or swap the ranch for a creamy bleu cheese dressing if I’m feeling bold.

Variation: I once tried adding caramelized onions inside the sliders to introduce a sweet and savory layer — it was a total hit at a family party.
Make it milder: Dial down the hot sauce if you want less heat, or double it up if you like things fiery.
Dietary tweaks: Substitute shredded turkey or rotisserie chicken for a subtle flavor twist, or use dairy-free cheese for a lactose-friendly option.

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

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Buns

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice your Hawaiian rolls horizontally—but keep them connected at the sides so they’re easier to handle—and place the bottom half on your baking sheet. This preps your “bun base” for easy layering.

Step 2: Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling

In a bowl, toss together the shredded chicken, buffalo hot sauce, ranch dressing, and garlic powder until everything is evenly coated. This step is where all the magic happens—make sure each shred of chicken is drenched in that spicy, creamy goodness.

Step 3: Layer Cheese, Chicken & More Cheese

Scatter about a handful of shredded mozzarella over the bottom buns first, then spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly on top. Follow up with the remaining cheese sprinkled over the chicken—this double layer ensures the cheese melts beautifully over the filling.

Step 4: Finish, Butter, and Bake

Place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls over the sliders. In a small bowl, mix melted butter with Italian seasoning and brush generously over the tops. Pop it into the oven for about 10-12 minutes—watch for golden, bubbly cheese and nicely toasted buns.

Step 5: Let Cool & Serve

Once baked, carefully transfer to a cutting board and let the sliders rest for a few minutes. Then slice them apart with a serrated knife for perfectly portioned, juicy slider bites.

Top Tip

I’ve learned the hard way that brushing the tops of the sliders with seasoned melted butter makes a world of difference. It crisps the buns just enough and adds flavor complexity without overpowering the filling — a subtle but game-changing touch.

Butter Brush: Don’t skimp on this step; it guarantees those perfectly golden tops.
Even Cheese Distribution: Spread the cheese on both the bottom and top for extra gooeyness.
Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye so the cheese melts but doesn’t dry out or brown too much.
Slice Carefully: Use a serrated knife and let the sliders cool slightly to keep them from squishing.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

buffalo chicken sliders - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping these sliders with a little shredded lettuce and some sliced celery on the side for crunch and freshness. A drizzle of extra ranch or blue cheese dressing complements the spicy kick perfectly and adds a cool finish.

Side Dishes

Crispy fries or seasoned potato wedges are my go-to sides here, but celery sticks and carrot sticks with ranch dip also pair beautifully. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad helps balance all the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For game day or a party, I sometimes arrange these sliders on a large platter around a bowl of blue cheese dip, garnished with extra celery sticks. Layering them in a lined basket or a rustic wooden board always impresses guests visually too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover sliders tightly in foil or place in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually find they reheat well without drying out if handled properly.

Freezing

I’ve frozen assembled sliders before baking, wrapped well in plastic and foil. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and bake fresh as usual—though the buns can be a bit softer after freezing, still delicious!

Reheating

To reheat, place the sliders in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving to keep buns from getting soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the sliders a few hours before baking and keep them covered in the fridge, then bake right before serving for fresh, warm sliders.

What other cheeses work well in Buffalo Chicken Sliders?

Mozzarella is classic for meltiness, but provolone, Havarti, or even a bit of blue cheese crumble add extra flavor and texture.

Can I use different bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

You can, but Hawaiian rolls provide the perfect sweet contrast and softness that balance with buffalo’s spice — substituting a different bread might change the flavor and texture profile.

How spicy are these Buffalo Chicken Sliders?

The spice level depends on the amount and brand of hot sauce you use. Frank’s RedHot has a moderate kick, but you can adjust to make it milder or spicier according to your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe has become my go-to crowd pleaser for casual get-togethers, game days, or whenever I want something quick and satisfying. The ease and flavor combination make it feel like a special treat every single time. Give it a whirl—you’ll soon see why I keep coming back to these sliders for an effortless, delicious hit of comfort food!