Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders A Must-Try Recipe

Intro: The Slider Phenomenon

Are you searching for that perfect handheld bite that explodes with savory, creamy, and a hint of smoky deliciousness, making it the star of any gathering? Looking for a recipe that strikes the ideal balance between comforting indulgence and effortless preparation? If so, you’ve landed in the right place! Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are more than just a popular appetizer; they’re a culinary phenomenon that consistently wins hearts (and stomachs) at parties, tailgates, game days, packed lunches, and even quick weeknight dinners. The magic lies in their compact size, easy-to-eat format, and the irresistible combination of classic flavors. This recipe offers a delightful twist on familiar favorites, transforming simple ingredients into bite-sized marvels that are sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

The Ultimate Flavor Fusion: Ingredients

Crafting these sliders is a symphony of delicious components. We’re talking about tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch, and soft slider buns, all coming together in perfect harmony. Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavor explosion:

For the Sliders

• 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast or Thighs: Cut into bite-sized pieces. Thighs will offer a richer, moister result, while breasts are a leaner option.
• 1 pack (12 ct) Slider Buns or Dinner Rolls: Hawaiian rolls are a fan favorite for their subtle sweetness that balances the savory fillings. Brioche buns also work wonderfully for a slightly richer dough.
• 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened: The creamy, tangy binder that holds our chicken mixture together. Full-fat provides the best texture.
• 1/2 cup Ranch Dressing: Store-bought or homemade. Use your favorite kind for that signature zesty flavor.
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (or a blend like Monterey Jack/Cheddar): Melts beautifully and adds a sharp, delicious kick.
• 4-6 strips Bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled: The smoky, salty crunch that elevates these sliders to another level.
• 1/4 cup Finely Diced Onion (optional): For a subtle aromatic depth. Red or yellow onions work well.
• 1 clove Garlic, minced (optional): Because garlic makes everything better.
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste: To season the chicken and the filling.
• 1/4 cup Butter, melted: For brushing the tops of the buns to achieve that golden, toasted finish.
• Sesame seeds or Everything Bagel Seasoning (optional): For topping the buns before baking.

For the Ranch Drizzle (Optional, but highly recommended!)

• 1/4 cup Ranch Dressing: More of that delightful ranch goodness.
• 1-2 tbsp Milk or Buttermilk: To thin the dressing to a drizzling consistency.
• Pinch of Dried Parsley or Chives: For a pop of color and fresh herb aroma.

For the Crispy Bacon

• 6-8 strips Thick-cut Bacon: The star of the show for that irresistible crunch.

Timing is Everything: Prep & Cook Times

Compared to many slider recipes which can take upwards of an hour, these Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders offer a speedy route to deliciousness. The quick prep and cook times make them ideal for spontaneous entertaining or when a craving strikes without much notice.

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by cutting your chicken breasts or thighs into small, roughly 1-inch cubes. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly. If you’re adding diced onion and garlic, finely mince them now.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Once hot, add the chicken pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. If using, add the diced onion during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, and the minced garlic in the final minute, stirring until fragrant. Remove the chicken, onion, and garlic from the skillet and set aside. You can either leave the chicken in cubes or shred it with two forks for a different texture.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

Carefully slice your slider buns in half horizontally. If you’re using Hawaiian rolls, slice the entire slab in one go. In a medium bowl, combine the cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, shredded cheese, crumbled crispy bacon, and optional onion/garlic mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy. Spoon this delicious filling evenly over the bottom halves of your slider buns. Place the top halves of the buns over the filling.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the filled sliders on a baking sheet. Brush the tops of the buns generously with melted butter. If desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds or Everything Bagel seasoning for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and toasted, and the cheese inside is wonderfully melted and gooey.

Step 5: Whisk Up the Ranch Drizzle

While the sliders are baking, prepare the ranch drizzle. In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, milk (or buttermilk), and dried herbs until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Add more milk if it’s too thick, or more dressing if it’s too thin.

Step 6: Serve and Savour

Once baked to golden perfection, remove the sliders from the oven. Let them cool slightly for a few minutes – they’ll be hot! Drizzle generously with the prepared ranch sauce, or serve it on the side for dipping. Slice the sliders apart if you baked them as a slab, and serve immediately. Enjoy the explosion of flavors!

Nutritional Snapshot

Nutritional information can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes, but a typical serving (one slider) of these Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders contains approximately:

• Calories: 250-350 kcal
• Protein: 15-20g
• Fat: 15-25g (varies with bacon and cheese)
• Carbohydrates: 15-20g
• Fiber: 1-2g

This is an estimate and can be adjusted based on your specific ingredient choices (e.g., lean chicken vs. thigh, type of cheese, amount of bacon).

Healthier Choices, Uncompromised Flavor

Want to lighten up these delicious sliders without sacrificing taste? Try these swaps:

• Leaner Protein: Use finely diced or shredded lean chicken breast and consider reducing the amount of cream cheese, using a reduced-fat cream cheese, or swapping some of it for Greek yogurt for extra tang and protein.
• Whole Wheat Buns: Opt for whole wheat slider buns or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
• Lighter Ranch: Use a “light” or “fat-free” ranch dressing, or mix Greek yogurt with herbs and spices for a homemade, healthier ranch.
• Reduced Bacon: Use turkey bacon or simply use fewer strips of regular bacon, focusing on the flavor it provides rather than quantity.
• Veggie Boost: Add finely chopped celery or bell peppers to the filling for added nutrients and crunch.

Serving Suggestions: Beyond the Party Platter

These sliders are incredibly versatile! Serve them:

• As a crowd-pleasing appetizer at game days, parties, or potlucks.
• As a main course paired with a fresh salad or a side of coleslaw.
• In lunchboxes for a satisfying and flavorful midday meal.
• As a fun weekend brunch item.

Dodging the Pitfalls: Common Slider Mistakes

• Overcrowding the Pan: When cooking the chicken, ensure you cook it in batches if necessary. Overcrowding steams the chicken instead of searing it, preventing that delicious golden-brown crust.
• Soggy Buns: Don’t let the filling sit on the buns for too long before baking. Baking them promptly ensures the bottoms crisp up rather than absorb moisture. Brushing with butter also helps create a barrier.
• Bland Filling: Ensure you season your chicken well during the cooking process. Taste the filling mixture before assembling and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
• Underbaked or Overbaked Sliders: Keep an eye on them during the final baking. You’re looking for a golden-brown, toasted bun and melted, bubbly cheese – not burnt edges!

Storing Your Masterpieces

Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them gently in a toaster oven or a conventional oven at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) to revive their crispiness. The filling can be made ahead and stored separately from the buns, and assembled just before baking.

The Final Bite

These Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are a testament to how simple ingredients and a well-executed recipe can create something truly extraordinary. They are the perfect balance of comfort and flavor, making them an ideal choice for almost any occasion. Quick to assemble and even quicker to disappear, this recipe is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite. So gather your ingredients, get ready to assemble these delightful bites, and prepare for a taste sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders

Print Recipe

TheseChicken Bacon Ranch Slidersare the perfect blend of savory and cheesy goodness. Made with shredded chicken, creamy Ranch dressing, turkey bacon, and melted cheddar, they’re a crowd-pleasing appetizer or quick dinner option.

• Author: Chef Samantha

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cupscooked chicken, shredded1 cupRanch dressing1/2 cupturkey bacon, cooked and crumbled3 tbspParmesan cheese15Hawaiian sweet rolls, sliced in half2 cupsshredded cheddar cheese1/4 cupbutter, melted1 tspgarlic powder
• 1 cupRanch dressing1/2 cupturkey bacon, cooked and crumbled3 tbspParmesan cheese15Hawaiian sweet rolls, sliced in half2 cupsshredded cheddar cheese1/4 cupbutter, melted1 tspgarlic powder
• 1/2 cupturkey bacon, cooked and crumbled3 tbspParmesan cheese15Hawaiian sweet rolls, sliced in half2 cupsshredded cheddar cheese1/4 cupbutter, melted1 tspgarlic powder
• 3 tbspParmesan cheese15Hawaiian sweet rolls, sliced in half2 cupsshredded cheddar cheese1/4 cupbutter, melted1 tspgarlic powder
• 15Hawaiian sweet rolls, sliced in half2 cupsshredded cheddar cheese1/4 cupbutter, melted1 tspgarlic powder
• 2 cupsshredded cheddar cheese1/4 cupbutter, melted1 tspgarlic powder
• 1/4 cupbutter, melted1 tspgarlic powder
• 1 tspgarlic powder

Instructions

1. 1️⃣Preheat Oven:Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.2️⃣Prepare the Rolls:Place the bottom halves of the sliced Hawaiian rolls in the prepared baking pan.3️⃣Make the Chicken Mixture:In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Ranch dressing, crumbled turkey bacon, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until evenly coated.4️⃣Assemble the Sliders:Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls.Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken mixture.Place the top halves of the rolls on top to form sandwiches.5️⃣Prepare Garlic Butter:In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder.Brush the garlic butter generously over the tops of the rolls.6️⃣Bake the Sliders:Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sliders are heated through.Remove the foil and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes to lightly brown the tops.7️⃣Serve:Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
2. 2️⃣Prepare the Rolls:
3. Place the bottom halves of the sliced Hawaiian rolls in the prepared baking pan.3️⃣Make the Chicken Mixture:In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Ranch dressing, crumbled turkey bacon, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until evenly coated.4️⃣Assemble the Sliders:Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls.Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken mixture.Place the top halves of the rolls on top to form sandwiches.5️⃣Prepare Garlic Butter:In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder.Brush the garlic butter generously over the tops of the rolls.6️⃣Bake the Sliders:Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sliders are heated through.Remove the foil and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes to lightly brown the tops.7️⃣Serve:Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
4. 3️⃣Make the Chicken Mixture:In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Ranch dressing, crumbled turkey bacon, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until evenly coated.4️⃣Assemble the Sliders:Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls.Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken mixture.Place the top halves of the rolls on top to form sandwiches.5️⃣Prepare Garlic Butter:In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder.Brush the garlic butter generously over the tops of the rolls.6️⃣Bake the Sliders:Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sliders are heated through.Remove the foil and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes to lightly brown the tops.7️⃣Serve:Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Ranch dressing, crumbled turkey bacon, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until evenly coated.
6. 4️⃣Assemble the Sliders:Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls.Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken mixture.Place the top halves of the rolls on top to form sandwiches.5️⃣Prepare Garlic Butter:In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder.Brush the garlic butter generously over the tops of the rolls.6️⃣Bake the Sliders:Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sliders are heated through.Remove the foil and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes to lightly brown the tops.7️⃣Serve:Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
7. Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls.Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken mixture.Place the top halves of the rolls on top to form sandwiches.5️⃣Prepare Garlic Butter:In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder.Brush the garlic butter generously over the tops of the rolls.6️⃣Bake the Sliders:Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sliders are heated through.Remove the foil and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes to lightly brown the tops.7️⃣Serve:Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
8. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken mixture.
9. Place the top halves of the rolls on top to form sandwiches.5️⃣Prepare Garlic Butter:In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder.Brush the garlic butter generously over the tops of the rolls.6️⃣Bake the Sliders:Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sliders are heated through.Remove the foil and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes to lightly brown the tops.7️⃣Serve:Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
10. 5️⃣Prepare Garlic Butter:In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder.Brush the garlic butter generously over the tops of the rolls.6️⃣Bake the Sliders:Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sliders are heated through.Remove the foil and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes to lightly brown the tops.7️⃣Serve:Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
11. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder.
12. Brush the garlic butter generously over the tops of the rolls.6️⃣Bake the Sliders:Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sliders are heated through.Remove the foil and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes to lightly brown the tops.7️⃣Serve:Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
13. 6️⃣Bake the Sliders:Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sliders are heated through.Remove the foil and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes to lightly brown the tops.7️⃣Serve:Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
14. Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sliders are heated through.
15. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes to lightly brown the tops.7️⃣Serve:Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
16. 7️⃣Serve:Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
17. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Make-Ahead Option:Assemble the sliders up to step 5, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.Serving Suggestions:Serve with a side of celery sticks, a salad, or chips for a complete meal or party snack.Turkey Bacon Tip:Cook the turkey bacon until crispy for the best texture and flavor in the sliders.Storage:Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions:Serve with a side of celery sticks, a salad, or chips for a complete meal or party snack.Turkey Bacon Tip:Cook the turkey bacon until crispy for the best texture and flavor in the sliders.Storage:Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.
Turkey Bacon Tip:Cook the turkey bacon until crispy for the best texture and flavor in the sliders.Storage:Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.
Storage:Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.