When it comes to party snacks, game-day eats, or quick family dinners, Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are a crowd-pleaser. These savory sliders combine tender shredded chicken, smoky bacon, tangy Ranch dressing, and melted cheddar cheese, all nestled in buttery, sweet Hawaiian rolls. Topped with a flavorful garlic butter glaze, these sliders are irresistibly delicious and easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love These Sliders
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, these sliders are perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Crowd Favorite: The combination of chicken, bacon, and Ranch dressing is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Portable: Perfect for potlucks, parties, or lunchboxes, as they’re easy to serve and carry.
Variations to Try
1. BBQ Chicken Sliders: Replace the Ranch dressing with your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky, tangy twist.
2. Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños to the filling or use a spicy Ranch dressing for an extra kick.
3. Turkey Bacon Swap: Substitute turkey bacon for a leaner option.
4. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free rolls to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
5. Veggie Version: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders with:
- Potato Chips: For a crunchy, salty side.
- Green Salad: A fresh, light salad balances the richness of the sliders.
- Vegetable Platter: Serve with carrots, celery, and Ranch dip to complement the flavors.
- Soup: Tomato basil soup or creamy potato soup makes a comforting pairing.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Make-Ahead: Prepare the sliders up to the baking step. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Storage: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat sliders in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as it may make the rolls soggy.
PrintChicken Bacon Ranch Sliders: The Perfect Bite-Sized Delight
Instructions
Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked and shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for convenience and flavor.
- 1 cup Ranch dressing: Adds creamy tanginess to the filling.
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon: For smoky, savory bites in every slider.
- 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese: Enhances the umami flavor of the filling.
- 15 Hawaiian sweet rolls: Soft, slightly sweet rolls that provide the perfect base for the sliders.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey deliciousness, holding the filling together.
For the Garlic Butter Topping
- 1/4 cup melted butter: Adds richness and helps the rolls turn golden-brown.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the butter with bold, aromatic flavor.
Notes
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Rolls
Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact. Place the bottom halves of the rolls in the prepared baking pan.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Ranch dressing, crumbled bacon, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly coated and combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls in the baking pan. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture, ensuring every bite will have cheesy goodness. Place the top halves of the rolls on top to complete the sandwiches.
Step 5: Add the Garlic Butter Topping
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the garlic powder. Brush this garlic butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
Step 6: Bake the Sliders
Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt and the filling to heat through.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the foil and serve the sliders warm. These bite-sized sandwiches are best enjoyed straight from the oven while the cheese is perfectly gooey.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Use Canned Chicken?
Yes, canned chicken works in a pinch, but freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken provides better texture and flavor.
2. Can I Freeze These Sliders?
Yes! Assemble the sliders but don’t bake them. Wrap the unbaked sliders tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
3. Can I Make These Without Bacon?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon for a chicken-only version. You can also substitute turkey bacon or plant-based bacon.
4. How Do I Prevent the Rolls from Getting Soggy?
Ensure the chicken is not overly wet and drain any excess liquid before mixing it with the Ranch dressing.