Crack Chicken Sliders – The Best Cheesy Bacon Ranch Sandwich Ever Recipe
Introduction
Crack Chicken Sliders are a deliciously cheesy and savory treat perfect for gatherings or a hearty snack. These sliders combine tender shredded chicken with bacon, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning for an irresistible flavor. Soft Hawaiian rolls hold it all together, making each bite a satisfying experience.
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 8 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese
- 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian rolls or slider buns
- ¼ cup melted butter
- Optional: 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
- Optional: 1 tsp garlic powder or ranch powder for butter topping
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with foil or parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, chopped bacon, and shredded cheese. Mix until well blended.
- Step 3: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms connected.
- Step 4: Place the bottom halves in the prepared baking dish and spread the chicken mixture evenly over them.
- Step 5: Sprinkle with extra cheese if desired, then place the top halves of the rolls back on.
- Step 6: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder or ranch powder and brush over the tops of the rolls.
- Step 7: Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
- Step 8: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into individual sliders.
- Step 9: Garnish with chopped green onions if desired and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut or cook your own shredded chicken for fresher flavor.
- Add extra cheese on top before baking for an extra cheesy crust.
- Try using ranch powder in the butter topping for a stronger ranch flavor.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture.
Storage
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the tops crisp and the filling warm. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the buns soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Simply cover tightly with foil and bake as directed when ready.
Can I freeze Crack Chicken Sliders?
While it’s best to enjoy these fresh, you can freeze the assembled sliders before baking. Wrap them well in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed.
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Crack Chicken Sliders – The Best Cheesy Bacon Ranch Sandwich Ever Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Description
Crack Chicken Sliders are a delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal featuring shredded chicken mixed with cream cheese, ranch seasoning, crispy bacon, and cheddar cheese, all layered on soft Hawaiian rolls and baked to golden perfection. These sliders combine creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors with a hint of ranch seasoning for an irresistible bite-sized treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 8 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese
- 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian rolls or slider buns
- ¼ cup melted butter
Optional Ingredients
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
- 1 tsp garlic powder or ranch powder for butter topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, chopped bacon, and shredded cheese. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure an even blend of flavors and textures.
- Prepare Rolls: Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half, keeping the top and bottom halves connected.
- Assemble Sliders: Place the bottom halves of the rolls in the prepared baking dish and spread the chicken mixture evenly over them. If desired, sprinkle extra cheese on top for added cheesiness.
- Top the Sliders: Carefully place the top halves of the rolls back over the chicken mixture.
- Brush with Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder or ranch powder (if using). Brush this mixture over the tops of the rolls to add flavor and help them brown nicely during baking.
- Bake: Bake the sliders in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the sliders from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to set. Then slice into individual sliders carefully.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions if desired and serve the sliders warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or homemade shredded chicken.
- Feel free to substitute Colby Jack cheese with your preferred shredded cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- For extra crispiness, you can cook the bacon yourself instead of using pre-cooked bacon.
- If you prefer less ranch flavor, adjust the seasoning mix amount according to taste.
- Brush the tops of the rolls evenly with the butter mixture to ensure an attractive golden finish.
- Allow the sliders to rest after baking so the filling firms up and is easier to slice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crack Chicken Sliders, cheesy bacon ranch sliders, chicken sliders, Hawaiian rolls, easy appetizer, party sliders
