If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s bursting with flavor and downright addictive, then this Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Mozzarella Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how these sliders combine spicy buffalo heat with the gooey surprise of melted mozzarella inside each bite. When I first tried this, I was hooked—the blend of juicy chicken, creamy cheese, and that tangy buffalo kick makes these sliders an instant favorite, whether you’re serving game day guests or family dinner. So stick around—I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know to nail this recipe and wow everyone at your table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Melty Mozzarella Inside: Each slider hides a gooey mozzarella cube that gives a delicious cheesy surprise with every bite.
- Perfectly Balanced Heat: The buffalo sauce adds a tangy, spicy kick that’s not overwhelming but totally crave-worthy.
- Easy to Make in Batches: These sliders bake up quickly on a sheet pan, making them ideal for parties or busy weeknights.
- A Crowd-Pleasing Combo: My family goes crazy for these, and I bet yours will too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Mozzarella Recipe really comes together in how simple ingredients work so well together. Each one adds a layer of flavor or texture, creating that perfect bite you can’t stop eating. When shopping, pick fresh chicken breast for the best texture, and don’t skimp on the Frank’s Red Hot Sauce—it’s classic for a reason!
- Ground chicken breast: Fresh and lean, it’s the perfect base for tender sliders—you can even grind your own for extra freshness.
- Carrot: Adds a subtle sweetness and moisture without overpowering the buffalo flavor.
- Red onion: Brings a mild sharpness that complements the spice.
- Green onion: Use some in the mix and sprinkle extra on top for fresh color and flavor.
- Garlic: Because a touch of garlic makes everything better, especially in buffalo dishes.
- Salt: Enhances all those flavors perfectly.
- Mozzarella cheese: A combination of cubed and shredded cheese gives that stringy, melted goodness inside and topping the sliders.
- Frank’s Red Hot Sauce: The classic buffalo sauce with a vinegary tang and heat you’ll love.
- Dinner rolls: Soft, slightly sweet rolls that hold everything together beautifully.
- Blue cheese: Crumbled on top for tangy contrast—you can tweak to your own taste preference.
Variations
I love customizing this Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Mozzarella Recipe depending on the occasion and who’s eating. Don’t be afraid to play around with the heat level and cheese to make it truly your own—after all, sliders are all about fun and flavor.
- Make it milder: I’ve toned down the buffalo sauce a bit when serving kids, and swapping blue cheese for ranch dressing makes it more approachable without losing that buffalo charm.
- Spicy upgrade: For those who LOVE heat, I mix in a dash of cayenne or serve with extra hot sauce on the side—my spice-loving friends swear by this.
- Different cheese: Sometimes I swap mozzarella with pepper jack or fontina for a twist, and it’s always delightful.
- Gluten-free option: Just grab some gluten-free dinner rolls or mini buns, and you’re good to go without sacrificing flavor.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with a silpat or parchment paper—it helps keep things from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. In a bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped carrot, red onion, green onion, minced garlic, salt, and 2 tablespoons of Frank’s Red Hot Sauce. I like to mix gently, just until everything comes together. Overmixing can make the sliders dense, and you want them to stay tender and juicy.
Step 2: Form and Stuff the Meatballs
This step is where the magic happens. Take about a small spoonful of the mixture and flatten it a bit in your palm. Place a small mozzarella cube in the center, then wrap the chicken around the cheese, rolling it carefully into a meatball shape. Don’t worry if it’s a little uneven—you’ll get better with practice. Place each stuffed meatball on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them so they cook evenly.
Step 3: Bake the Meatballs
Bake the meatballs for about 12-15 minutes, until they’re cooked through and no longer pink inside. I like to check by cutting open one and making sure the juices run clear. This step is crucial because you want that melty mozzarella inside without overcooking the chicken and drying it out.
Step 4: Hollow Out the Rolls
While the meatballs bake, grab your dinner rolls. Using a tablespoon, trace a gentle circle on the top of each roll, then carefully remove the tops with a sharp knife. Hollow out the insides, leaving enough bread around the edges so the rolls stay sturdy. Don’t toss the removed bread—the crumbs or chunks work beautifully for homemade croutons or breadcrumbs later!
Step 5: Toss Meatballs in Buffalo Sauce and Assemble
Once the meatballs are out of the oven, toss them gently in the remaining buffalo sauce in a medium bowl. This gives every bite that spicy, tangy coating. Nestle one meatball into each hollowed roll, then pour a little extra buffalo sauce over the top. Finally, top with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese—this step creates the melty, cheesy finish you’ll love.
Step 6: Final Bake and Garnish
Pop the assembled sliders back into the oven just until the cheese melts and gets that perfect bubbly, golden look—usually about 5 minutes. After baking, sprinkle with more crumbled blue cheese and chopped green onions for freshness and color. Serve warm and prepare for requests to make these again soon!
Pro Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Mozzarella Recipe
- Grinding Your Own Chicken: I discovered that grinding chicken breast myself leads to a fresher texture and better flavor—freeze the chicken for 15 minutes first for clean cuts.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mixing your meatball ingredients too much can make the sliders tough, so combine just until blended.
- Hollow Rolls Carefully: Leaving enough bread around the edges prevents the sliders from falling apart, which means less mess for you!
- Check Meatball Doneness: Testing one meatball by cutting it open is a great way to avoid under- or overcooked sliders.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these sliders with extra blue cheese crumbles and finely sliced green onions—they add both tang and a fresh crunch that contrasts beautifully with the spicy, melty meatballs. Sometimes I even add a little chopped celery for that authentic buffalo vibe. It’s all about layering flavors and textures to keep each bite exciting.
Side Dishes
For sides, I usually go with classic buffalo accompaniments like crunchy celery sticks and cool ranch or blue cheese dip. Crispy sweet potato fries or a simple green salad also balance the richness of the sliders and round out the meal nicely. You could even serve with a refreshing coleslaw, which adds a nice contrast of flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re making these for a party, try arranging the sliders on a large wooden board lined with parchment and scatter some chopped green onions and blue cheese around. For a fun twist, serve mini slider “buffalo chicken sandwiches” with little toothpicks and a small bowl of buffalo sauce for dipping. It’s a guaranteed conversation starter and always gets devoured fast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your sliders, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen a bit overnight. I find the sliders reheat beautifully, just make sure to cover with foil to keep the cheese from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these buffalo chicken meatballs freeze wonderfully before assembling the sliders. Freeze the cooked meatballs separately on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, thaw overnight before tossing in sauce and warming up with your rolls. This trick lets you prep in advance with minimal hassle.
Reheating
To reheat, I like popping the sliders in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, covered loosely with foil to prevent cheese from burning while warming everything through. A quick broil at the end can give the cheese a lovely bubbly finish. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make the rolls soggy and cheese rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I make these Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Mozzarella Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed meatballs a few hours in advance, keep them covered in the fridge, and bake just before serving. Or, make the meatballs in advance and reheat them before tossing in buffalo sauce and assembling into sliders. This makes party prep so much easier.
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What type of mozzarella works best for this recipe?
I recommend using fresh mozzarella cubes for stuffing inside the sliders because they melt beautifully without releasing too much liquid. For the topping, shredded mozzarella adds great texture. Avoid pre-packaged low-moisture mozzarella sticks—they can be a bit dry.
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Can I substitute ground chicken with another meat?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute and works similarly in texture and flavor. Ground beef isn’t traditional for buffalo sliders but could work if you want a different twist. Just be mindful of fat content as it might change cooking times.
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How spicy are these sliders?
The heat level is moderate, thanks to Frank’s Red Hot Sauce. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount or add ranch dressing. For heat lovers, feel free to add extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper for that fiery kick!
Final Thoughts
I can’t tell you how many times this Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Mozzarella Recipe has been my go-to for everything from casual family meals to festive gatherings. The combination of juicy chicken, melty cheese, and that tangy-hot buffalo flavor just hits the spot every time. I hope you have as much fun making these as I do eating them—trust me, your friends and family will be asking for seconds (and then the recipe) before you know it. Go ahead and give this one a try—it’s a guaranteed winner!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Mozzarella Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 15 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Mozzarella-Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Sliders combine tender ground chicken meatballs infused with spicy Frank’s Red Hot Sauce and melted mozzarella cheese inside soft dinner rolls. Topped with crumbled blue cheese and green onions, these sliders offer a flavorful bite-sized twist on classic buffalo chicken, perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken breast
- ¼ cup finely chopped shredded carrot
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- ¼ cup sliced green onion, plus more for garnish
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 oz mozzarella, cut into 15 small cubes (about 1 cube per meatball)
- 2 tbsp Frank’s Red Hot Sauce (for meatball mix)
Sauce & Assembly
- ½ cup + 2 tbsp Frank’s Red Hot Sauce (½ cup for tossing cooked meatballs, 2 tbsp for mixing into meatballs)
- 15 dinner rolls
- 5 oz shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- ¾ cup crumbled blue cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with a silpat or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix and form meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, shredded carrot, red onion, ¼ cup sliced green onion, minced garlic, salt, and 2 tablespoons of Frank’s Red Hot Sauce. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Form the mixture into 15 small meatballs. Press one cube of mozzarella cheese into the center of each meatball and carefully enclose the cheese by reshaping the meatball around it.
- Bake meatballs: Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare rolls: While the meatballs bake, take each dinner roll and use a tablespoon to trace a circle on the top. Using a sharp knife, cut along the outline and hollow out the inside of each roll, removing some of the bread to make space for the meatball. Save the removed bread for homemade croutons or breadcrumbs.
- Toss meatballs in sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the remaining hot sauce (½ cup) with the baked meatballs. Toss gently until the meatballs are well coated with the sauce.
- Assemble sliders: Place one sauced meatball into the hollowed-out cavity of each roll. Evenly drizzle any remaining hot sauce over the top of each slider and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs and the roll tops.
- Melt cheese and finish: Return the assembled sliders to the oven and bake until the cheese melts, about 3-5 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Remove sliders from the oven, sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese and additional sliced green onions for a fresh, tangy finish. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- I like to grind my own chicken breast for the freshest texture; buy 1 lb of chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces, and place on a baking sheet. Freeze for 15 minutes or until very cold and firm but not frozen, then pulse in a food processor until finely ground.
- Save the hollowed bread from the rolls to make homemade croutons or breadcrumbs for other recipes.
- You can adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your preference for spice level.
- Ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg