Crack Chicken Sliders – The Best Cheesy Bacon Ranch Sandwich Ever Recipe
Introduction
Crack Chicken Sliders are a deliciously cheesy, bacon-packed treat perfect for game day or a tasty snack. These sliders combine tender shredded chicken with cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and melted cheddar on soft Hawaiian rolls. They’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
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, hassle-free option.
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
- Brush tops with garlic butter for extra flavor if you skip the ranch powder.
- Add sliced jalapeños on top for a bit of heat.
Storage
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until warmed through to keep the rolls soft and melty cheese intact.
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 covered for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Can I freeze Crack Chicken Sliders?
These sliders freeze well before baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
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Crack Chicken Sliders – The Best Cheesy Bacon Ranch Sandwich Ever Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Description
These Crack Chicken Sliders are a deliciously cheesy, savory, and easy-to-make snack or meal featuring shredded chicken mixed with cream cheese, ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheddar cheese, all baked on soft Hawaiian rolls. Perfect for game day, parties, or a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 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
Slider Assembly
- 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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Mix Chicken Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, chopped cooked bacon, and shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well blended and evenly distributed.
- Prepare Rolls: Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms connected so they remain as a whole sheet for easier assembly.
- Assemble Sliders: Place the bottom halves of the rolls in the prepared baking dish. Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom halves, making sure to cover the surface thoroughly.
- Add Cheese and Top: If desired, sprinkle extra shredded cheese over the chicken mixture for added cheesiness. Then place the top halves of the rolls back on to cover the filling.
- Butter Topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder or ranch powder as preferred. Brush this seasoned butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls to create a flavorful crust when baked.
- Bake Sliders: Bake the assembled sliders in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the tops of the rolls turn golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the slider block rest for about 5 minutes to set. After resting, slice into individual sliders meaningfully using a sharp knife.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the sliders with chopped green onions if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the rich, cheesy, and savory flavors.
Notes
- You can use any cooked chicken, including rotisserie or leftover chicken breasts.
- Feel free to customize the cheese to your taste—Colby Jack, cheddar, or a blend works great.
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
- If you don’t have Hawaiian rolls, any slider buns or small sandwich rolls can be used.
- Brush the tops with seasoned butter to enhance flavor and browning, but plain melted butter works if you prefer.
- These sliders are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven covered with foil to retain moisture.
- For a lower-fat version, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crack Chicken Sliders, cheesy chicken sliders, bacon ranch sliders, Hawaiian rolls, party sandwiches, easy game day recipe
