Buffalo Chicken Hawaiian Buns

Buffalo chicken sliders on Hawaiian rolls are my go-to when the kitchen needs to smell amazing and everyone is hungry for something warm and cheesy. This recipe transforms leftover or rotisserie chicken into a tangy spicy filling, melts it with plenty of cheese, and tucks it into the pillowy sweetness of those famous slider rolls. With a garlicky butter topping and a quick bake, you have the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack or dinner that disappears minutes after it hits the table.

I started making these when my kids wanted something fun for movie night but I wanted to keep cleanup easy too. Everyone calls dibs on the cheesiest corners and there are never leftovers after a family get-together.

Ingredients

• Butter: real unsalted butter keeps the tops rich and glossy and makes everything smell bakery fresh
• Black pepper: freshly cracked is best for that little bite of heat
• Parmesan cheese: grated right off the wedge for more depth and nuttiness than pre-grated ever gives you
• Mozzarella cheese: buy a block and shred it yourself if possible for the best melt and stretch
• Shredded chicken: cooked rotisserie or leftover is fastest and always turns out juicy
• Buffalo sauce: pick your favorite flavor and heat level try for one with real butter in the ingredients
• Honey: two tablespoons rounds out the spicy sauce and balances the tang
• Italian seasoning: a sprinkle makes the tops more fragrant and savory
• King's Hawaiian rolls: a twelve-pack stays soft and gets those perfect sweet edges
• Ranch dressing: go for a creamy tangy kind any fat level works
• Garlic salt: skip the plain salt and use garlic salt for more aroma in every bite
• Garlic: fresh cloves really wake up the chicken mixture so mince them fine

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Your Oven Ready:

Preheat your oven to 350 F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper making sure it reaches the corners for easy cleanup

Mix Your Chicken Filling:

In a medium bowl combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce ranch honey black pepper and minced garlic stir until chicken is completely coated and the sauce clings to every piece

Slice Your Rolls:

Using a serrated knife cut the entire sheet of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally keep both halves together and place the bottom layer on your prepared baking sheet with the cut side facing up

Layer Everything:

Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture over the bottom half of the rolls spreading to the edges for even coverage sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the chicken so every bite gets maximum meltiness then place the top half of rolls over and press gently

Brush with Butter Mix:

Combine the melted butter with garlic salt and Italian seasoning in a small bowl brush most of this mixture over the tops of the sliders to flavor and help them brown

Bake to Melt:

Loosely cover the sliders with foil bake for fifteen to twenty minutes until cheese is fully melted and the chicken is piping hot throughout

Crisp Up the Tops:

Uncover and return the sliders to the oven for about five minutes until the tops are deep golden with a hint of crunch

Finish and Dig In:

Brush the tops with the remaining butter mixture let everything rest five minutes then slice along the roll seams to serve while hot and gooey

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The cheese gets that delicious caramelized crust at the edges I always sneak a corner piece when everyone is distracted because those are my favorite To me the smell of these baking means there are happy people hanging around the kitchen.

Keep Leftovers Fresh

Store leftover sliders in a lidded container in the fridge up to three days. For longer storage, wrap them in foil and freeze. I always reheat them in the oven at 350 F so they crisp up and the cheese melts again. Single sliders even go straight from freezer to oven for emergency after-school snacks.

Swap and Adapt

You can replace ranch dressing with blue cheese or even a simple Greek yogurt seasoned with pepper and herbs. Any good melty cheese will work if mozzarella is not on hand—Monterey jack is extra delicious and gooey. For the bread, any soft roll will do, but Hawaiian rolls give that signature pop of sweetness. Switching up the hot sauce can make these mild or blazing hot depending on your crowd.

Fun to Serve

These are perfect as game day food or for a quick dinner with a tray of carrot and celery sticks alongside. I sometimes bring out extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. If making for a party, just sprinkle some parsley or diced green onions over the top so they look extra inviting.

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A Brief Buffalo History

Buffalo chicken’s origins go back to the Anchor Bar in Buffalo New York where spicy tangy wing sauce was born. These sliders take that same big flavor and wrap it in the soft sweet bun with creamy ranch and loads of cheese for a new twist that even picky eaters finish with smiles.

Recipe FAQs

→ How spicy are these sliders?

The heat depends on your buffalo sauce choice. Mild sauces offer a gentle kick, while hotter varieties provide more spice.

→ Can I prepare the sliders ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the sliders a day before, refrigerate, and bake fresh just before serving for best results.

→ What can I use if I don’t like ranch?

Blue cheese dressing makes a flavorful alternative, or try mixing herbs into Greek yogurt for a lighter zest.

→ What’s an easy way to shred chicken quickly?

Using two forks or a hand mixer allows fast shredding of rotisserie chicken for an effortless filling.

→ How should I reheat leftovers?

Warm them in a 300°F oven for about ten minutes to melt the cheese again and keep the buns soft.

→ Can these be adapted for gluten-free diets?

Yes, substitute with gluten-free slider buns and ensure all sauces and seasonings are gluten-free.