Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are the ultimate comfort food that packs a punch of flavor in every bite! These mini sandwiches combine tender shredded chicken, zesty ranch dressing, smoky bacon, and melted cheddar cheese, all nestled between soft Hawaiian rolls. Perfect for dinner, as an appetizer, or snack!
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With a busy family, quick options are always on rotation, and that can always include one of my easy slider recipes! This recipe is one of my favorites because they are stuffed with crack chicken!
Jump to:
- What Is Crack Chicken?
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders Ingredients
- How To Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
- Best Way to Shred Chicken
- Helpful Recipe Tips
- What To Serve with Bacon Chicken Ranch Sliders
- Flavor Variations and Substitutions
- Storage Instructions
- FAQ’s
- More Slider Recipes
- Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
What Is Crack Chicken?
Crack chicken is a popular chicken recipe known for its addictive flavor, combining tender shredded chicken with a blend of creamy ranch dressing and cheeses. It gets the “crack” nickname from its taste and need to keep people coming back for more!
With school out for the summer, my daughter joined me in the kitchen to make dinner. We used pre-cooked shredded chicken, and she took charge, adding ranch and bacon crumbles before assembling the sandwiches on Hawaiian sweet rolls and brushing them with melted butter.
As they baked, we ended up with a flavorful meal complete with melted cheese and bacon! Served with tater tots and my southern comeback sauce, this dish was a hit with the whole family! Everyone absolutely loved this twist on my Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole!
These chicken sliders can be served at parties, BBQs, or family meals. They’re easy to make and go well with sides like French fries, salad, or onion rings!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders Ingredients
See printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for exact recipe ingredient amounts and step by step directions.
- Cooked Shredded Chicken – Provides as the main protein base, providing a tender and juicy texture that absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Ranch Dressing – Adds a creamy, tangy element that binds the chicken and bacon together.
- Cooked Crumbled Bacon – Introduces a smoky, salty crunch that contrasts with the creamy ingredients.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds a nutty, salty kick that complements the creamy ranch and enhances the savory flavor.
- Hawaiian Sweet Rolls – Adds a slightly sweet, soft base that balances the savory fillings.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melts into the chicken and bacon, adding a gooey, sharp taste.
- Butter – Used to brush the rolls, giving them a golden, crispy outside while adding richness.
- Garlic Powder – Infuses an aromatic flavor to the butter that pairs well with the rest of the ingredients.
How To Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
- Prepare for baking: Turn the oven to 350F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking pan. Use a serrated knife to cut the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally without breaking. Place the bottom half inside the prepared baking dish.
- Mix the chicken: Add the shredded chicken breast to a large mixing bowl along with the ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and parmesan cheese. Mix until fully coated.
- Layer the ingredients: Place the shredded chicken mixture evenly on top of the bread, followed by the shredded cheese. Place the top half of the bread on top of the cheese to create one large sandwich.
- Make the garlic butter: In a small mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter with garlic powder. Use a pastry brush to brush the mixture on top of the slider rolls, evenly distributing it.
- Bake and serve: Cover the pan with foil, then bake for 15 minutes or until the sandwiches are warmed through and the cheese is melted. Remove foil, slice into small sandwiches and serve.
Best Way to Shred Chicken
Here are 3 ways you can easily shred cooked chicken!
- With two forks: Hold the chicken with one fork and use the other to scrape and pull the meat apart.
- With a stand mixer: Place the cooked chicken in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Run the mixer on a low to medium speed until the chicken is evenly shredded.
- With your hands: Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, you can use your fingers to tear the meat into shreds. This hands-on approach allows for more control over the size of the shreds.
Helpful Recipe Tips
- Cook the chicken in advance to save time on the day you plan to assemble the sliders. You can even use leftover slow-cooker crack chicken!
- Use a rotisserie chicken as a convenient shortcut; it’s pre-cooked, flavorful, and perfect for shredding.
- Slice the Hawaiian sweet rolls in half as a single block to keep them intact. This is best achieved with a serrated knife.
- Cover the sliders with foil while baking to keep them moist and prevent the tops from burning.
- You can remove the foil towards the end of the baking to allow the tops of the sliders to turn golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Let the sliders rest for a few minutes after baking for the flavors to blend together and the cheese to set, making them easier to cut and serve.
- You can use bacon bits to save on time.
What To Serve with Bacon Chicken Ranch Sliders
- Chopped Caprese Salad
- Potato Salad
- Lemon Garlic Asparagus
- French Onion Rice
- Italian Pasta Salad
- Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Roasted Italian Potatoes
Flavor Variations and Substitutions
- Swap ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing to introduce a tangy and robust taste.
- Replace Hawaiian sweet rolls with pretzel buns for a salty twist and a chewy texture.
- Use sautéed onions and bell peppers into the chicken mixture for added sweetness and a pop of color.
- Substitute shredded sharp cheddar cheese with smoked gouda, Colby Jack, or pepper jack cheese for a smoky taste or a spicy kick.
- Add a layer of avocado slices or guacamole under the chicken mixture for a creamy, rich texture.
- For a barbecue twist, mix some BBQ sauce into the shredded chicken to create a smoky, sweet flavor.
Storage Instructions
- Storing: Place any leftover sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To prevent the rolls from becoming soggy, store them separately from the chicken mixture if possible. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the creamy dressing will change when thawed.
- Reheating: To reheat the leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sliders on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until thoroughly warmed through. You can also reheat them in the air fryer.
FAQ’s
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders up to a day in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil in the baking dish.
How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, make sure the chicken is not overly moist when mixing with the ranch dressing, and avoid overloading the sliders with sauce.
What’s the best way to serve sliders at a party?
Serve sliders warm on a platter, sliced and ready to eat so guests can easily grab them. You can keep them warm in a low-temperature oven or on a warming tray.
More Slider Recipes
- Sloppy Joe Sliders
- Breakfast Sliders
- Jalapeno Chicken Sliders
- Reuben Sliders
- French Onion Beef Sliders
- Mississippi Chicken Sliders
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders Recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With the savory combination of chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing on soft slider buns, they are sure to be a delicious hit with your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a simple weeknight dinner idea, these sliders are a tasty option that will satisfy everyone’s cravings. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the mouthwatering flavors in every bite!
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Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken *cooked/shredded
- 1 cup Ranch dressing *more/less depending on desired taste
- ½ cup bacon *cooked/crumbled
- 3 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
- 15 Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 2 cups cheddar cheese *shredded
- ¼ cup butter *melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken, Ranch dressing, bacon, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until combined.
- Cut the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally.
- Grease a 9x13 baking pan and place the bottom half of the bread into the pan.
- Place chicken mixture evenly on top of the bread.
- Sprinkle the cheese evenly on top of the chicken.
- Place the top half of the bread on top of the cheese to create a sandwich.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the garlic powder.
- Using a pastry brush, brush the butter on the top of the bread, coating it entirely.
- Cover the pan with aluminum foil and place pan into preheated oven, 350 degrees.
- Bake for about 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and pan from oven, serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Jay says
Do you have a suggestion on what brand of ranch pairs best with this?
Kristin says
I am a big Hidden Valley fan, so I typically use that brand, however, for an even creamier flavor, you can look for the Chick Fil A brand at your grocery store! My kids love their blend a bit more! Enjoy!!
Valorie Hayden says
I made these the weekend our grown kids and grandkids were home. My husband is a picky eater and so are some of the grandkids. I omitted the Parmesan cheese as no one really likes that kind of cheese in our family. EVERYONE loved them. They were a huge hit. My husband stated they were so good that he would like to have them again soon. You can’t go wrong in making these. Delicious and easy to make.
Kristin says
Yay!! Love hearing this!! Glad they were such a hit!!!