Experience the irresistible combination of spicy buffalo chicken and a cool, creamy blue cheese slaw, all nestled in soft slider buns. These Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches are a guaranteed hit for any occasion!

If you’re a devoted fan of buffalo chicken, you’ll also adore these other flavorful creations: try this Buffalo Chicken Dip, these delicious Buffalo Chicken Tacos, or perhaps these crispy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls.

Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches with Zesty Blue Cheese Slaw

The Irresistible Appeal: Perfect for Game Day, Weeknights, and Every Occasion!

When the aroma of buffalo chicken fills the air, you know it’s going to be a good time! Few flavors evoke the excitement of a gathering quite like the classic combination of spicy, tangy buffalo sauce. These Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches are more than just a meal; they’re an experience, delivering that iconic taste in a convenient, handheld form that’s perfect for everything from an energetic game day celebration to a relaxed family dinner.

There’s an undeniable connection between buffalo chicken and sporting events. The bold flavors, the slight kick, and the satisfying richness make it the quintessential game day snack. But let’s be honest – you don’t need a special event to enjoy something this delicious! These sandwiches are incredibly versatile and fit seamlessly into your weekly meal rotation. They shine as an easy and efficient way to transform pre-cooked shredded chicken into a sensational meal, minimizing your time in the kitchen.

This recipe yields approximately 8 slider-sized sandwiches, making it ideal for a small gathering or a family meal where two sliders per person constitute a satisfying serving. What’s more, its adaptability is unmatched. Need to feed a larger crowd for a party or a potluck? Simply double, triple, or even quadruple the recipe. These sandwiches scale beautifully, ensuring everyone gets to savor a taste of this buffalo chicken delight. So, whether you’re hosting a super bowl party, planning a casual get-together, or simply seeking a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, these Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches are an absolute winner.

Why These Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Will Become Your New Favorite

These aren’t just any chicken sandwiches; they’re a flavor explosion waiting to happen. Here’s why you’ll quickly fall in love with this recipe and want to make it again and again:

• Unforgettable Flavor Fusion: Experience the perfect harmony of fiery buffalo chicken, a cooling and tangy blue cheese slaw, and the subtle sweetness of a soft slider bun. Each bite is a symphony of textures and tastes, balancing heat with a refreshing creaminess.
• Effortless Preparation: Utilizing pre-cooked shredded chicken (whether homemade or store-bought rotisserie chicken) dramatically cuts down on preparation time. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: From being the star of your game day spread to a quick and satisfying family dinner, these sandwiches adapt effortlessly. They’re also fantastic for potlucks, picnics, school lunches, or anytime you need a delicious and easy-to-serve meal that feels special.
• Customizable to Your Liking: Not a fan of blue cheese? No problem! Our substitution guide offers alternatives to ensure everyone can enjoy this dish. You can also easily adjust the spice level of your buffalo chicken to perfectly suit your palate, making it milder or extra hot.
• A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: The bold and familiar flavors of buffalo chicken, combined with the refreshing slaw, appeal to a wide range of tastes. These sliders are consistently a hit, leaving everyone asking for the recipe and coming back for more!
• Economical and Satisfying: Made with readily available ingredients, this recipe is budget-friendly and creates a hearty meal that truly satisfies. It’s a smart way to stretch leftover chicken into something exciting and new.

The Heart of the Dish: Crafting Perfect Buffalo Chicken

At the core of these amazing sandwiches is, of course, the buffalo chicken itself. The magic happens when tender, juicy shredded chicken meets that iconic buffalo sauce. While there are many brands of buffalo sauce available, Frank’s Red Hot is often considered the gold standard for its balanced heat and distinctive tang. Its classic flavor profile is what gives these sandwiches their authentic kick. However, feel free to experiment with your favorite brand to tailor the flavor profile to your preference – perhaps a smokier buffalo sauce or one with an extra garlic punch.

The addition of butter to the buffalo sauce is crucial, transforming it from a simple condiment into a rich, velvety coating. It doesn’t just add a luxurious texture; it also mellows the heat slightly and helps the sauce adhere beautifully to the chicken, ensuring every shred is coated in a burst of flavor. We recommend using unsalted butter so you can control the overall seasoning of the dish, preventing it from becoming too salty, especially if your buffalo sauce already has a high sodium content.

Preparing Your Shredded Chicken for Success

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility when it comes to the chicken. You’ll need about 12 ounces of cooked, shredded chicken. Here are a few easy ways to prepare it, making this recipe incredibly convenient:

• Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken: This is the ultimate time-saver. Simply remove the skin and bones, then shred the meat with two forks. It’s already perfectly seasoned and moist, making it an ideal choice for a quick meal.
• Homemade Boiled or Baked Chicken Breasts/Thighs: Cook chicken until tender, then shred. For boiling, simply simmer chicken breasts or thighs in lightly salted water or broth until cooked through, typically 15-20 minutes. For baking, season and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Slow Cooker Chicken: For a hands-off approach, place chicken breasts or thighs in a slow cooker with about a cup of broth or water, season lightly, and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1.5-2.5 hours until easily shredded. This method yields incredibly tender and flavorful chicken.
• Instant Pot Chicken: Place chicken breasts in an Instant Pot with 1 cup of broth. Cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes, then quick release. Shred easily!

Once your chicken is cooked, shredding it is a breeze. You can use two forks to pull the meat apart into bite-sized pieces, or for an even faster method, place the cooked chicken in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and mix on low speed for about 30 seconds until perfectly shredded. Having a batch of shredded chicken on hand (it freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months!) makes this recipe incredibly quick to assemble, moving from fridge to plate in minutes.

The Cooling Counterpart: Zesty Blue Cheese Slaw

While the buffalo chicken brings the heat, the blue cheese slaw provides the essential creamy, tangy, and refreshing contrast that elevates these sandwiches from good to extraordinary. This slaw isn’t just a side; it’s an integral component, offering a cool counterpoint to the spicy chicken and adding a delightful crunch that makes each bite incredibly satisfying and balanced. Without it, the sandwich would lack that crucial textural and flavor complexity.

Let’s dive into the components of this vital topping and understand how each ingredient plays its part:

• Sour Cream (or Greek Yogurt): This forms the creamy base of our slaw dressing. Sour cream offers a rich tanginess that perfectly complements the robust flavors of the buffalo chicken. For a lighter, tangier profile with added protein, plain full-fat Greek yogurt is an excellent alternative. Both contribute to the luxurious texture of the slaw, ensuring it’s smooth and coats the vegetables beautifully.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is absolutely key here. It provides a bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the sour cream and butter-laden chicken, enhancing all the other flavors and preventing the slaw from tasting heavy. The fresh citrus note adds a vibrant lift that makes the slaw incredibly refreshing.
• Sugar: A small amount of sugar is added, not to make the slaw overtly sweet, but to perfectly balance the tartness of the lemon juice and sour cream, and to harmonize with the savory elements of the blue cheese and chicken. It’s a subtle touch that brings all the flavors into perfect alignment.
• Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are crucial for bringing out the best in all the ingredients. They enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables and cheese, creating a well-rounded dressing. Always remember to taste and adjust to your personal preference – a properly seasoned slaw makes all the difference!
• Iceberg Lettuce (or Green Cabbage): For that classic, irresistible crunch, finely shredded iceberg lettuce is ideal. Its crisp texture stands up well to the dressing and the warm chicken, adding a satisfying textural counterpoint. Alternatively, finely shredded green cabbage offers a similar crunch and slightly earthier flavor, or you could even use a mix of both for added depth.
• Green Onions: Finely chopped green onions add a mild oniony bite and a fresh, vibrant color to the slaw. They contribute to the overall complexity without overpowering the dish, offering a gentle pungency and another layer of crunch. If you’re not an onion fan, you can certainly omit them, or substitute with a tiny bit of fresh chives for a milder herbaceous note.
• Blue Cheese: The undisputed star of the slaw! Crumbled blue cheese is the traditional accompaniment to buffalo chicken for a reason. It offers a pungent, salty, and creamy element that perfectly complements the spicy heat of the chicken. We love how its sharp, distinctive flavor enhances the entire sandwich, creating that classic buffalo wings experience.

Blue Cheese Alternatives for Every Palate

We understand that blue cheese isn’t everyone’s cup of tea due to its strong flavor profile. If you or your guests prefer a milder or different cheesy flavor, you can easily substitute the blue cheese in the slaw with other options. Shredded mozzarella cheese, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of mild cheddar and mozzarella are excellent alternatives. These cheeses will still provide a creamy texture and a delicious cheesy note without the distinctive tang of blue cheese, allowing everyone to enjoy these fantastic sandwiches. For those who prefer a ranch flavor, you could even substitute the sour cream and blue cheese with your favorite creamy ranch dressing.

Ingredients & Essential Substitutions for Your Perfect Sandwich

Crafting these delectable Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches requires a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need, including versatile substitution options to ensure you can always make this recipe, regardless of what you have on hand.

• 1/2 cup Sour Cream: The creamy, tangy base for our refreshing blue cheese slaw. Its rich texture is essential for binding the slaw ingredients.
  • Substitution: Plain full-fat Greek yogurt works wonderfully as a lighter, tangier alternative, offering a similar creaminess and protein boost.
• 4 teaspoons Lemon Juice: Adds a crucial bright acidity to the slaw, cutting through richness and balancing the flavors.
  • Substitution: Freshly squeezed is always best for optimal flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. A very small dash of apple cider vinegar could also provide a similar acidic lift.
• 1/4 teaspoon Sugar: A small amount is used to round out the flavors in the slaw, tempering the sourness of the lemon and cream and harmonizing with the other ingredients, rather than making it overtly sweet.
  • Substitution: A tiny drizzle of honey or a pinch of a sugar substitute could work, but be mindful not to overdo it to maintain the savory balance.
• Salt and Pepper: Fundamental for seasoning both the slaw and ensuring the chicken mixture is well-balanced and flavorful.
  • Tip: Always season to taste. Start with a small amount and add more as needed until the flavors sing. Freshly ground pepper offers the best aroma.
• 4 cups Shredded Iceberg Lettuce: Provides that satisfying crisp crunch to the slaw, a perfect textural contrast to the soft chicken and bun.
  • Substitution: Finely shredded green cabbage, Napa cabbage, or even crisp romaine lettuce can be used for a similar crunch. A mix of green and red cabbage can also add visual appeal.
• 4 Green Onions, finely chopped: Adds a mild, fresh onion flavor and an extra layer of crunch and vibrant color to the slaw.
  • Substitution: If you don’t prefer onions, you can simply omit them. A tiny bit of finely minced chives could also work for a milder, more delicate oniony flavor.
• 1/4 cup Crumbled Blue Cheese: The classic pairing for buffalo chicken, offering a bold, tangy, and salty kick to the slaw that enhances the overall experience.
  • Substitution: For those who don’t love blue cheese, shredded mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even crumbled feta cheese can provide a delicious cheesy alternative. For a creamy, non-blue cheese option, a good quality ranch dressing can be mixed with the lettuce in place of the sour cream and blue cheese.
• 1/4 cup Buffalo Sauce (like Frank’s Red Hot): The heart and soul of the chicken mixture, providing that unmistakable spicy and tangy flavor.
  • Substitution: Use your favorite brand of buffalo sauce. Adjust the quantity to control the spice level – use slightly more for a hotter kick, or a bit less for a milder sandwich.
• 1/4 cup Butter: Essential for enriching the buffalo sauce, adding a smooth texture, and helping it beautifully coat the chicken. We prefer unsalted butter for better control over seasoning.
  • Substitution: Salted butter can be used, but you might need to adjust the amount of added salt in the chicken mixture accordingly.
• 12 ounces Shredded Cooked Chicken: Pre-cooked and shredded chicken is the time-saving hero of this recipe, making assembly quick and easy.
  • Preparation: Options include store-bought rotisserie chicken, homemade boiled or baked chicken breasts/thighs, or slow-cooked chicken. Ensure it’s fully cooked and shredded finely.
• 8 Dinner Rolls or Slider Buns: Soft, dinner-sized rolls or classic slider buns are the perfect vessels for these flavorful fillings.
  • Recommendation: Hawaiian rolls add a touch of sweetness that beautifully complements the spicy chicken and tangy slaw. Brioche slider buns also work wonderfully for a richer, more indulgent experience. Any small, soft roll will do.

Tips for Crafting the Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

Elevate your Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches from great to unforgettable with these helpful tips and tricks:

• Toast Your Buns for Texture: For an extra layer of texture and warmth, lightly toast your slider buns before assembling. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until golden, under the broiler for 30-60 seconds (watch carefully!), or in a toaster oven. Toasted buns add a delightful crispness that holds up well to the moist fillings.
• Make Ahead Magic: Both the shredded chicken and the blue cheese slaw can be prepared in advance, making meal prep a breeze.
  • The buffalo chicken mixture can be cooked and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Gently reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
  • The blue cheese dressing (sour cream, lemon juice, sugar, salt, pepper, blue cheese, green onions) can be made a day in advance. Add the shredded iceberg lettuce closer to serving time to maintain its crispness.
• Adjust Spice Levels to Your Preference: If you prefer a milder sandwich, use less buffalo sauce or choose a milder brand. For those who crave more intense heat, don’t hesitate to add a dash of cayenne pepper, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a spicier buffalo sauce to your chicken mixture. Taste and adjust until it’s just right for you.
• Thoughtful Serving Suggestions: These sliders are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with classic game day sides. Think crispy French fries, sweet potato fries, crunchy celery and carrot sticks with extra ranch or blue cheese dip, a simple green salad, or even a creamy pasta salad.
• Don’t Skimp on the Slaw: The blue cheese slaw isn’t just a garnish; it’s a vital component that brings freshness, crunch, and a creamy, tangy counter-balance to the spicy chicken. Pile it high for the best flavor experience!
• Evenly Coat Your Chicken: Ensure every strand of shredded chicken is thoroughly coated in the buffalo butter sauce. This guarantees consistent, flavorful buffalo goodness in every single bite.
• Garnish for Visual Appeal: A sprinkle of extra crumbled blue cheese, a few chopped green onion tops, or a dash of fresh parsley can add a professional touch and enhance the visual appeal of your sandwiches.

Recipe Scaling and Serving Suggestions

This Buffalo Chicken Sandwich recipe is incredibly flexible, designed to accommodate various needs, whether you’re feeding a small family or a large gathering. As written, it makes 8 slider-sized sandwiches, which typically serves 4 people as a main course (assuming 2 sliders per person). However, it’s easily scalable to fit your specific event:

• For a Larger Crowd: Hosting a big game day party, a casual get-together, or a family reunion? Simply double or triple the ingredients to prepare 16 or 24 sliders. The cooking method remains the same, just ensure you use a larger skillet or cook in batches for the chicken to heat evenly and get thoroughly coated in sauce.
• As an Appetizer: If you’re serving these as part of a larger spread of appetizers, plan for 1 slider per person, or slightly more if they are the primary finger food. They are perfectly sized for mingling and grazing.
• Side Dishes to Complete the Meal: To make these sliders a complete and satisfying meal, pair them with a crisp coleslaw (if not using the blue cheese slaw as the primary crunch), a fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette, classic potato chips, sweet potato fries, or even some roasted vegetables like broccoli or corn on the cob. The options are endless!

More Ideas for Your Ultimate Game Day Spread!

Looking to round out your game day feast or simply seeking more crowd-pleasing appetizers? Here are more fantastic recipes that pair perfectly with these Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches, ensuring your spread is a touchdown every time:

• Sausage Stuffed Jalapenos: Spicy, cheesy, and utterly addictive, these are a guaranteed hit for appetizer lovers who enjoy a bit of heat.
• Stuffed Pizza Rolls: All the beloved flavors of pizza packed into convenient, bite-sized rolls – perfect for dipping in marinara sauce.
• Baked Buffalo Chicken Taquitos: Another fantastic way to enjoy buffalo chicken, these crispy taquitos are lighter than fried versions but just as flavorful and great for dipping.
• Chipotle Orange Chicken Wings: A delightful twist on classic wings, offering a smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor profile that stands out.
• Sloppy Joe Dip: A fun and messy-good dip that captures the essence of Sloppy Joes, perfect for scooping with sturdy chips or crackers.
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders: A savory and creamy alternative to buffalo chicken, these sliders are packed with universally loved flavors like chicken, crispy bacon, and cool ranch.
• Avocado Egg Rolls with Chipotle Ranch Dipping Sauce: A fresh and flavorful appetizer with a crispy exterior and a creamy, zesty interior – a perfect complement to spicier dishes.

Recipe Card: Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Yields: 4 servings (8 slider sandwiches)

Course: Main Dish, Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Perfect for game night, these Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches are piled high with tender, spicy buffalo chicken and a refreshing blue cheese slaw.

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Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 4 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
• 4 green onions, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (e.g., Frank’s Red Hot)
• 1/4 cup butter
• 12 ounces shredded cooked chicken (such as rotisserie chicken or homemade)
• 8 dinner rolls or slider buns

Instructions

1. Prepare the Blue Cheese Slaw: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, lemon juice, and sugar. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the shredded iceberg lettuce, finely chopped green onions, and crumbled blue cheese. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and coated in the dressing. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
2. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken: In a large skillet or saucepan, combine the buffalo sauce and butter over medium heat. Heat until the butter is completely melted and fully incorporated into the sauce, creating a smooth mixture. Add the shredded cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring well to ensure every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated in the rich buffalo sauce. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
3. Assemble the Sandwiches: Carefully slice each dinner roll or slider bun in half horizontally. For an enhanced experience, you may lightly toast the cut sides of the buns until golden. Evenly layer a generous portion of the warm buffalo chicken mixture onto the bottom halves of the rolls. Top the chicken with a spoonful of the prepared blue cheese slaw. Place the top halves of the rolls on top to complete your sandwiches.
4. Serve Immediately: Serve your Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches warm and relish the incredible combination of flavors!

Recipe Notes:

• This recipe is slightly adapted from a Women’s Day November 2013 publication.
• Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and can vary based on specific brands and products used. This information should only be used as a general guideline.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

Serving Size: 2 sandwiches

• Calories: 575 kcal (29% Daily Value)
• Carbohydrates: 41g (14% Daily Value)
• Protein: 36g (72% Daily Value)
• Fat: 30g (46% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 14g (88% Daily Value)
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 102mg (34% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 1483mg (64% Daily Value)
• Fiber: 1g (4% Daily Value)
• Sugar: 6g (7% Daily Value)

Keywords: Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches, Game Day Food, Easy Chicken Recipe, Blue Cheese Slaw, Spicy Sliders, Quick Dinner, Party Appetizers, Shredded Chicken

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