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 preferred); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (provolone or Havarti can be used); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

There's something downright irresistible about these Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe. The sweet soft rolls perfectly balance the spicy, tangy chicken, making every bite a delight you won’t want to stop at just one.

A close-up of two small sandwich sliders stacked on each other showcasing three layers: the top layer is a soft, golden-brown bun sprinkled with herbs and salt, the middle layer is filled generously with creamy, shredded chicken mixed with a bright orange sauce that looks moist and flavorful, and the bottom layer is another soft bun matching the top in texture and color. Around the stacked sliders, similar sandwiches can be seen scattered on a sheet of parchment paper on a white marbled surface, with some chicken filling spilling slightly out of the buns, enhancing the rich and textured look of the dish. 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’m genuinely excited to share this Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe because it hits all the right flavor notes and comes together faster than you’d expect — perfect for busy weeknights or game day excitement.

Sweet and Spicy Harmony: The soft Hawaiian rolls mellow the heat from the buffalo sauce, creating the perfect flavor balance.
Super Quick to Make: You can prep, assemble, and bake this entire recipe in just about 20 minutes.
Melty Cheese Comfort: Gooey mozzarella (or feel free to swap in provolone or Havarti) takes these sliders to another level of deliciousness.
Game Day Showstopper: These sliders are always the first to disappear whether you’re entertaining friends or just treating your family.

Nine small sandwiches arranged close together on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface, each sandwich with a soft, golden-brown top bun sprinkled with coarse salt and black pepper. Each sandwich has one layer of creamy, shredded orange filling mixed with melted cheese that oozes slightly out from the sides. One sandwich at the front is pulled away from the group, showing the thick, textured filling inside. There is a black knife to the left side on the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe is chosen to create a harmonious blend of spicy, creamy, and sweet. Picking the right rolls and cheese makes a noticeable difference, so here’s what to keep in mind.

Flat lay of fresh Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls arranged beside a mound of shredded white chicken breast, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red hot Buffalo hot sauce, another small white bowl holding creamy white Greek yogurt–based ranch dressing, a small heap of fine white garlic powder, a neat pile of shredded mozzarella cheese, a small white bowl containing melted golden butter, and a pinch of dried Italian seasoning scattered nearby, all 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 soft, slightly sweet flavor perfectly counters the spicy buffalo chicken, while their size makes for perfect sliders.
Shredded chicken breast: Using pre-cooked shredded chicken makes assembly quick; rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut here.
Hot sauce: Frank’s RedHot is my go-to for an authentic buffalo flavor – tangy with just the right kick.
Ranch dressing: I love a Greek yogurt-based ranch for creaminess and a touch of tang without overpowering the buffalo sauce.
Garlic powder: Adds subtle savory depth that blends seamlessly with the other bold flavors.
Shredded mozzarella (or provolone/Havarti): Melts beautifully and adds a mild, creamy texture that holds everything together.
Unsalted butter: Brushed on top with Italian seasoning, it crisps the buns to golden perfection while infusing an herby aroma.
Italian seasoning: Brings subtle herbal notes that complement the spicy chicken and cheese wonderfully.

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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 my favorite things about this Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe is how easy it is to customize depending on your spice tolerance and what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to tweak it to suit your tastes!

Variation: For a milder version, swap half the hot sauce for BBQ sauce — I tried this at a party once, and it was a crowd-pleaser for folks less into heat.
Cheese Swap: Provolone or Havarti make delicious alternatives if you want a smoother melt or slightly different flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Try shredded jackfruit instead of chicken and toss with buffalo sauce — it’s surprisingly satisfying and works great on these sweet rolls.
Extra Crunch: Add thin slices of celery or pickles inside the sliders for a fresh crunch contrast.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Buns

Start by placing a rack in the center of your oven and preheating to 375°F. This ensures even baking for those perfectly toasted buns. Then, carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally but keep them connected on the sides—this makes assembly in one go a breeze. Lay the bottom half on a parchment-lined baking sheet right in the center.

Step 2: Mix That Buffalo Chicken

In a medium bowl, toss shredded chicken with hot sauce, ranch dressing, and garlic powder. Stir until every bit of chicken is coated in that flavorful, spicy, creamy goodness. I like to taste a little here and adjust—sometimes I add a splash more ranch if I want it creamier or a few extra dashes of hot sauce if I’m feeling bold.

Step 3: Assemble and Layer the Goodness

Sprinkle a thin layer of cheese on the bottom buns—you want enough to get that melty pull without overwhelming the sandwich. Then evenly spread the buffalo chicken mixture over the cheese. Top everything with the remaining cheese to get that golden melty finish.

Step 4: Butter Up and Bake

Place the top buns over the chicken, then mix melted butter with Italian seasoning and brush generously over the buns. This step gives you those dreamy golden tops packed with flavor. Bake in the oven for about 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and the tops look beautifully toasted.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Let the sliders rest for a few minutes after baking—this helps everything settle in and makes slicing cleaner. Use a serrated knife to carefully cut through the sliders without squishing them, and get ready to dig in!

Top Tip

I’ve found these tips make a big difference to ensure your Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe turns out just right every single time!

Don’t Separate the Rolls Fully: Keeping the buns connected while slicing horizontally helps keep the sliders intact during assembly and baking.
Balance the Sauce: Taste your buffalo chicken mix before assembling—it’s easier to add more hot sauce or ranch before baking rather than after.
Brush Butter Liberally: The butter and Italian seasoning combo on top is what gives the sliders their irresistible golden glow and flavor.
Use a Serrated Knife: This will help you slice the sliders cleanly without squashing the soft buns.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Sliders - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually add thinly sliced celery sticks or a small handful of shredded lettuce alongside these sliders—they add a refreshing crunch that pairs perfectly with the spicy chicken and melty cheese. A drizzle of extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side is always a win in my book.

Side Dishes

These sliders go wonderfully with classic sides like crispy sweet potato fries, a simple cucumber salad, or even crunchy carrot sticks. My family also loves pairing them with homemade coleslaw or a light pasta salad to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I like arranging the sliders on a wooden paddle board, garnished with fresh parsley and tiny bowls of ranch and extra hot sauce for dipping. If you want to impress guests, try stacking them in tiers for an eye-catching buffet display—they almost look too good to eat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I wrap leftover sliders tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay tasty for up to 3 days, making for easy lunch or snack options.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these sliders successfully by assembling and wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Just thaw them overnight and reheat gently for a quick meal that tastes almost as fresh as homemade.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer using the oven at 350°F wrapped loosely in foil, for about 10 minutes. This keeps the buns soft and the cheese melty. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the rolls a bit soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular hamburger buns instead of Hawaiian rolls?

Regular buns work in a pinch, but you’ll lose that signature sweet contrast that makes these Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe so special. The Hawaiian rolls add softness and sweetness that balance the spicy chicken perfectly.

What’s the best way to shred chicken quickly?

If you’re starting with cooked chicken breasts, the easiest way I’ve found is to use two forks to pull the meat apart while still warm. Alternatively, you can toss cooked chicken into a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and mix on low for a few seconds for fast shredding.

How spicy are these sliders?

The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce you choose and how much you add. Using Frank’s RedHot gives a moderate heat that’s spicy without overwhelming; adding more ranch dressing will cool things down if you prefer less heat.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! You can prepare the buffalo chicken mixture a few hours or even a day ahead, then assemble and bake shortly before serving. This timing keeps the rolls fresh and melty while taking some pressure off on party day.

Final Thoughts

I hope you fall in love with this Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe as much as I have. It’s become my go-to when I want something that feels special but doesn't require a ton of time or fuss. The balance of sweet, spicy, creamy, and cheesy delivers every single time — it’s the kind of recipe I’m always excited to share with friends around the kitchen counter. Give it a try, and I bet these sliders will find their way into your regular rotation too!