Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sliders

For a game day hit, whip up Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Slidersjuicy, flavorful, and topped with the perfect tangy coleslaw.

Buffalo Chicken Slider on a plate.

Serve these easy Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sliders on a homemade bun with a pile of baked sweet potato fries or zucchini fries on the side for a perfect weeknight meal or game-day party!

Why We Love Chicken Sliders

  • The Instant Pot pretty much does all the work for this main dish. Hello, easy weeknight meal!
  • These sliders pack a punch with their irresistible buffalo sauce.
  • No substitutions needed—just wholesome, simple ingredients.

Recipe Ingredients

A bottle of buffalo wing sauce.
  • Buffalo Sauce: Offers a tangy and spicy kick that makes the chicken irresistibly bold and delicious.
  • Celery Salt: Adds a subtle, savory flavor to the buffalo sauce.
  • Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and a rich texture to the coleslaw.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Variations

  • Topping Options: For a delightful twist, consider topping your Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sliders with blue cheese crumbles for a rich, tangy contrast to the spicy chicken. Sliced avocado adds a creamy texture and subtle flavor, while pickled jalapeños offer an extra kick for spice lovers. You can also add crispy bacon for a savory crunch.
  • Dressing Choices: For added flavor, consider dressing your Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sliders with a variety of sauces. Blue cheese dressing provides a rich, tangy contrast to the spicy chicken, while ranch dressing offers a cooling effect. A drizzle of honey mustard can add a sweet and tangy note, and a touch of sriracha mayo will enhance the heat.

How to Make Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Add the chicken to the Instant Pot. Top chicken with ⅓ cup of buffalo sauce, celery salt, and ground black pepper.

Step 2: Place the lid on the Instant Pot and press MANUAL mode with HIGH pressure for 22 minutes.

Step 3: Meanwhile, to make the coleslaw, in a medium mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Toss until evenly coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed.

Freshly prepared coleslaw in a mixing bowl.

Step 4: After the chicken has fully cooked, carefully turn the steam release vent (I always do this with a long oven mitt on) and let the pressure come down manually. Once the valve pops, remove the lid.

Step 5: Drain all but ½ cup of the liquid. Using two forks, shred the chicken (keeping larger chunks intact) and toss it with the remaining buffalo sauce.

Shredded buffalo chicken in a bowl.

Step 6: Pile buffalo shredded chicken on each bun, then top with coleslaw (and blue cheese, if desired). Serve immediately.

A close-up of an Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Slider with coleslaw on a plate.

Expert Tips

  • Thicken Sauce with Cornstarch Slurry: If the buffalo sauce is too thin, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Add it to the sauce and simmer on sauté mode until thickened.
  • Prevent Dry Chicken: Ensure you have enough liquid (buffalo sauce) in the Instant Pot and avoid overcooking. Chicken thighs are less likely to dry out compared to breasts.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for my Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They may cook slightly faster, so check for doneness at 20 minutes of high pressure.

What can I make with leftover buffalo chicken?

Use leftover buffalo chicken in tacos, salads, sandwiches, quesadillas, enchiladas, buffalo chicken stuffed shells, or buffalo chicken dip.

Storage Info

STORE leftover Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can FREEZE the shredded chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 4 months.

REHEAT in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. For best results, store coleslaw separately in the fridge and assemble the sliders just before serving to keep them fresh and the slaw crunchy.

Did you try this recipe? Leave a ⭐️ rating below and share it on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest!

A plate with Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sliders.

Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

For a game day hit, whip up Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sliders—juicy, flavorful, and topped with the perfect tangy coleslaw.
5 from 2 votes
Pin Rate
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: American
Diet: Dairy Free
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Additional Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 -6 servings
Calories: 458kcal
Author: Andrea
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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1 – 1 1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 2/3 c. buffalo sauce - original, medium or hot
  • 1/2 tsp. celery salt
  • 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

For the Coleslaw:

  • 1/2 head of green cabbage
  • 1/4 red onion - thinly sliced
  • 1 large carrot - julienned
  • 1/2 c. mayonnaise - more to taste
  • 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp. granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. celery salt
  • 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
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Instructions

  • Add the chicken to the Instant Pot. Top chicken with ⅓ cup of buffalo sauce, celery salt, and ground black pepper.
  • Place the lid on the Instant Pot and press MANUAL mode with HIGH pressure for 22 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, to make the coleslaw, in a medium mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Toss until evenly coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed.
  • After the chicken has fully cooked, carefully turn the steam release vent (I always do this with a long oven mitt on) and let the pressure come down manually. Once the valve pops, remove the lid.
  • Drain all but ½ cup of the liquid. Using two forks, shred the chicken (keeping larger chunks intact) and toss it with the remaining buffalo sauce.
  • Pile buffalo shredded chicken on each bun, then top with coleslaw (and blue cheese, if desired). Serve immediately.

NOTES

– This recipe can be made in a slow cooker as well: 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low.
– You can make this recipe with rotisserie chicken if you’re in a time crunch. Skip the Instant Pot and warm your chicken on the stovetop in a nonstick skillet with a lid for about 8-10 minutes on medium-low.
STORE leftover Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can FREEZE the shredded chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 4 months.
REHEAT in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. For best results, store coleslaw separately in the fridge and assemble the sliders just before serving to keep them fresh and the slaw crunchy.

Nutrition

Calories: 458kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 15g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 174mg | Sodium: 2.057mg | Potassium: 690mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 2.724IU | Vitamin C: 43mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 2mg

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About the Author

Andrea

Hi I'm Andrea!

Hotelier turned Food Blogger to help make your life simple, one recipe at a time.

5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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