Buffalo chicken sliders are a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for game days, parties, or casual dinners. They pack a punch with their spicy flavor, which makes pairing them with the right side dishes essential.
Choosing the perfect sides can elevate the meal, balancing the heat from the buffalo sauce with cooling, crunchy, or savory accompaniments. In this article, we’ll explore both classic and creative sides that complement these buffalo chicken sliders beautifully.
Classic Side Dishes for Buffalo Chicken Sliders
When it comes to side dishes, you can’t go wrong with some classic pairings. These options are familiar to many and offer a satisfying balance to the spicy sliders.
1. French Fries
Nothing beats the classic combination of French fries with buffalo chicken sliders. The crispy, salty texture of fries contrasts perfectly with the tender, spicy chicken. You can opt for different styles, including:
- Crinkle-cut fries: Thick and crunchy.
- Sweet potato fries: A sweeter, slightly healthier alternative.
- Shoestring fries: Thin and extra crispy.
Fries provide a great textural contrast, making them an easy, crowd-pleasing side dish.
2. Potato Wedges
If you want something heartier than regular fries, potato wedges are an excellent option. These thick-cut potatoes provide a crispy outside and fluffy inside, making them a substantial side. You can add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or spices like paprika to amp up the flavor.
- Tip: Serve with ranch dressing or ketchup for extra dipping goodness.
3. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a must-have side dish when serving buffalo chicken sliders. The cool, creamy texture of slaw balances the heat from the sliders, giving your taste buds a break from the spice. Whether you prefer a traditional mayonnaise-based slaw or a lighter, vinegar-based version, coleslaw is a refreshing and complementary side dish.
- Variations: Try adding red cabbage, shredded carrots, or even apples for a sweeter twist.
4. Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a rich, indulgent side dish that pairs well with the spiciness of buffalo chicken. The creamy, cheesy sauce coats the pasta, creating a satisfying contrast to the heat of the sliders. Whether you prefer baked mac and cheese or the stovetop variety, it’s a perfect companion for your meal.
For inspiration, check out these Best Mac and Cheese Recipes for ideas on how to prepare the dish.
Fresh and Lighter Side Dishes
If you’re looking for something lighter to balance out the bold flavors of buffalo chicken sliders, these fresh sides are perfect.
1. Celery and Carrot Sticks
Crisp celery and carrot sticks are a classic pairing with anything buffalo-flavored. They offer a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich sliders. Plus, they’re often served alongside ranch or blue cheese dressing, which further complements the spicy heat.
- Why it works: The cooling crunch of these veggies helps tame the spice of the chicken.
2. Garden Salad
A simple garden salad is an excellent way to keep things fresh and light. The crispness of the lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and other fresh vegetables provides a refreshing balance to the heat of buffalo chicken.
- Pro tip: Add croutons for extra crunch and consider a light vinaigrette dressing to keep things bright.
3. Cucumber Salad
A cucumber salad is an often-overlooked side, but its cooling properties make it a natural pairing with buffalo chicken sliders. The crisp texture of cucumber, combined with a light vinegar or yogurt-based dressing, soothes the palate after a bite of spicy chicken.
- Ingredients: Cucumbers, red onion, vinegar, dill, and a pinch of sugar for balance.
4. Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a summertime staple that pairs well with the savory flavors of buffalo chicken. Whether grilled or boiled, corn’s sweet flavor complements the spicy sliders. You can elevate this simple side by adding butter, Parmesan cheese, or a sprinkle of chili powder for an extra kick.
Creative and Unique Side Dishes
Looking to shake things up? Here are some creative sides that will make your buffalo chicken slider meal even more exciting.
1. Loaded Nachos
Loaded nachos are a fun, shareable side that can take your meal to the next level. Pile on the cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, and guacamole to create a nacho plate that’s perfect for parties. The crunchy chips offer a different texture, while the cheesy toppings mirror the richness of the sliders.
- Toppings: Cheese, salsa, olives, jalapeños, sour cream, and guacamole.
2. Onion Rings
Onion rings are a fantastic side dish if you’re craving something crispy. The sweetness of the onions pairs nicely with the spicy buffalo chicken, while the crunchy coating adds a satisfying bite.
Try experimenting with different types of onion rings, like beer-battered or panko-crusted. You can find inspiration from these Creative Onion Rings Recipes.
Looking for more ideas with tangy and crispy elements? Check out this bang bang chicken skewers recipe for another delicious option that uses a zesty sauce similar to buffalo.
3. Pickle Chips
If you’re a fan of tangy flavors, fried pickle chips are a great option. The tartness of the pickles contrasts the richness of the sliders, and the crispy coating adds a delightful crunch. Serve them with a side of ranch or spicy aioli for dipping.
- Pro tip: Opt for dill pickles for the best flavor pairing.
4. Tater Tots
Who doesn’t love tater tots? These little bites of potato goodness are a nostalgic favorite that pairs perfectly with buffalo chicken sliders. You can serve them plain or take them up a notch by adding toppings like cheese, bacon bits, and scallions to create loaded tater tots.
Dips and Sauces
No meal with buffalo chicken is complete without a selection of dips and sauces to enhance the flavor experience.
1. Ranch and Blue Cheese Dressing
Ranch and blue cheese dressing are two classic dips that are practically made for buffalo chicken. They provide a cooling effect and enhance the flavors of the sliders. Whether you make them from scratch or buy them from the store, these dips are a must-have.
If you want to make your own, here’s a great recipe for How to Make Ranch Dressing.
2. Honey Mustard
For something a little different, honey mustard offers a sweet and tangy option that pairs surprisingly well with buffalo chicken sliders. The sweetness of the honey balances the heat from the buffalo sauce, creating a delicious contrast.
3. Spicy Aioli
Spicy aioli is another great dip option for those who like to keep the heat going. The creamy texture of the aioli adds richness to the sliders, while the added spice complements the buffalo sauce.
- Make it at home: Blend mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and your choice of hot sauce for a quick, easy aioli.
Dessert Pairings
After all that spice, you might be craving something sweet. Here are a few dessert ideas to round out your buffalo chicken slider meal.
1. Chocolate Chip Cookies
You can’t go wrong with chocolate chip cookies as a dessert option. The soft, chewy texture of the cookies contrasts beautifully with the savory and spicy elements of the meal.
- Why it works: The sweetness of the chocolate chips is a perfect ending to the bold flavors of buffalo chicken sliders.
2. Brownies
Rich, fudgy brownies are another indulgent dessert that pairs well with buffalo chicken. Serve them warm, and consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a true treat.
3. Fruit Salad
If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, a fruit salad can be a refreshing way to end the meal. The natural sweetness of fruits like berries, melons, and citrus helps cleanse the palate after the spice of the buffalo chicken sliders.
If you’re interested in exploring more refreshing recipes, you might enjoy trying out the watermelon pizza recipe. This dish offers a fresh and fruity take that could complement spicy foods like buffalo chicken sliders.
FAQs
1. What vegetables go well with buffalo chicken sliders?
Popular vegetables to serve with buffalo chicken sliders include celery, carrots, cucumbers, and corn. These veggies provide a crunchy, refreshing counterbalance to the heat of the chicken.
2. Can I serve buffalo chicken sliders with bread sides?
Absolutely! Bread sides like garlic bread or dinner rolls can help soak up the extra buffalo sauce and provide a soft, comforting contrast to the sliders.
3. What are some low-carb sides for buffalo chicken sliders?
If you’re looking for low-carb options, consider sides like cauliflower rice, zucchini fries, or a simple green salad.
4. Are buffalo chicken sliders good for large gatherings?
Yes! Buffalo chicken sliders are perfect for large gatherings, whether it’s a party or a game-day event. They’re easy to make in large batches and are always a crowd-pleaser.
Conclusion
Buffalo chicken sliders are a spicy, flavorful dish that pairs well with a wide variety of side dishes. From classic options like French fries and coleslaw to more creative choices like loaded nachos and fried pickle chips, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t forget to include some cooling dips like ranch or blue cheese to balance the heat. For dessert, consider rich brownies or a fresh fruit salad to round out the meal.
What’s your favorite side dish to serve with buffalo chicken sliders? Let us know in the comments below!