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Everything your teen loves about zesty Buffalo chicken in an irresistible cheesy bite-sized sandwich slider! Learn how to keep it fresh and tasty in a lunchbox until it’s time to eat.
Teen-Favorite Lunchbox Sliders
I've been making Buffalo chicken in the slow cooker for years-cook once and lunch practically makes itself! But if I don't plan ahead, rotisserie chicken and Buffalo sauce work just as well for these quick and easy lunchbox sliders.
Stack it on soft rolls with melted cheese and a drizzle of ranch, and you've got a spicy, cheesy school lunch that comes together in minutes. Just like my ham & cheese sliders, my teens love how soft, squishy, and snackable they are!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sliders
The same way I make my baked grilled cheese, the sheet pan method keeps things simple when you need to make more than one lunch at a time. It also means I get to sneak a few from the tray for myself!
- Make the Buffalo chicken mixture
Toss 2 cups of rotisserie chicken with about ¼ cup of Buffalo sauce until fully coated. You can add more or less depending on how spicy you want it. - Assemble
To save time and avoid a mess, don't pull the rolls apart, just slice the whole sheet in half horizontally. Place the bottom half on a foil-lined baking sheet, then pile on the Buffalo chicken, top with cheese, and place the remaining top halves. - Bake
Cover the tray lightly with foil, and bake at 350F for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melty. Let the sliders cool before separating them so the filling doesn’t spill out.
Packing Them for Lunch
Packed correctly, this Buffalo chicken sliders lunchbox holds up perfectly for hours. Follow these tips to keep everything fresh and intact:
Use the right container
These sliders are meant to be soft and squishy, but not pre-squashed in your teen’s backpack. Pack them in a hard, sandwich-sized container (bonus if it has compartments) so they stay intact and veggies stay crisp.
Let them cool
Let the sliders cool completely before packing. Warm sliders trapped in a container create condensation and will make the buns soggy. Don’t worry, though-they’ll still taste amazing!
Keep it cool
Buffalo chicken is fine at room temperature for a few hours, but adding an ice pack to the lunch bag helps keep everything fresh, especially veggies and any dairy-based dips or dressings.
Pack the dip separately
Choose separate, lidded containers for the Ranch dressing and Buffalo sauce. This will avoid messy spills and prevent a soggy lunch.
More Buffalo Chicken Lunch Ideas
Make an extra batch and turn the leftovers into something totally new the next day, like a Buffalo chicken wrap, a cheesy Buffalo chicken quesadilla, or a fresh Buffalo chicken salad. Leftover rice? A Buffalo chicken bowl takes just minutes!
Buffalo Chicken Sliders Lunchbox
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie or cooked chicken
- ¼ cup Buffalo sauce
- 6 slider rolls, Hawaiian rolls, dinner rolls, or any soft bun
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping
Instructions
Make the filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with Buffalo sauce until fully coated.
Assemble the sliders:
- Slice the rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves on a foil-lined baking sheet. Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the rolls and top with shredded cheese. Place the tops of the rolls back on.
Bake:
- Lightly cover with foil and bake at 350F for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sliders are warmed through.
Serve or pack:
- Let them cool before slicing them apart. Enjoy warm or pack in a hard lunch container along with healthy lunch sides and an ice pack, if necessary.
- Pour the dressing into a small leak-proof container and pack separately.
Nicole says
These sliders are incredible! Such a delicious lunch.
Kathy says
My 14 year old loved these chicken sliders!