If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that combines savory chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing all nestled in soft slider buns, you have to try this recipe. Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders: The Ultimate 12-Servings Recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will win over everyone at your next gathering or family dinner. Each slider bursts with rich, cheesy goodness complemented by a buttery garlic topping, making it a hands-down favorite that’s simple to prepare yet impressive to serve.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but truly essential for building the perfect Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the taste, texture, and even that appealing golden color on top.
- 12 slider buns: Soft and small, these buns hold all the delicious fillings perfectly.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Tender chicken forms the hearty base of the filling.
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled: Adds irresistible smoky crunch and flavor.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to tie all the fillings together.
- ½ cup ranch dressing: Creamy tang that brings all the savory flavors to life.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Used for brushing the tops to get that rich, golden finish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses warm, garlicky aroma into the butter topping.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle depth and zest to the buttery glaze.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A fresh pop of color and mild herbal flavor for garnish.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders: The Ultimate 12-Servings Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish that can comfortably fit all 12 slider buns laid out in a single layer. This step ensures your sliders won’t stick and will bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until the mixture is perfectly blended. This filling is the heart of the sliders—creamy, cheesy, and packed with smoky bacon bits.
Step 3: Assemble the Slider Bases
Slice the slider buns horizontally, separating the top and bottom halves. Lay the bottom halves flat in the prepared baking dish, creating a sturdy foundation for your filling.
Step 4: Add the Filling and Cheese
Evenly spread the chicken mixture over the bottom halves of the buns. Once the filling is in place, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. The cheese will melt and hold everything together while adding that irresistible gooey layer.
Step 5: Top and Butter
Cover the cheesy chicken filling with the top halves of the slider buns. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder. Generously brush this aromatic butter mixture over the slider tops. It’s the secret to that beautiful golden crust and flavorful finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the sliders in your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should come out bubbly, with melted cheese and golden buns that make these sliders impossible to resist.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
After baking, let the sliders cool for a few minutes. If you love a touch of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley on top for color and a hint of herbaceous brightness. Then slice the sliders apart and serve warm for a meal everyone will rave about.
How to Serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders: The Ultimate 12-Servings Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your slider platter with some fresh parsley is a classic choice, but you can also add thinly sliced green onions or a drizzle of extra ranch dressing. These small touches brighten the dish and add a fresh contrast to the savory, cheesy sliders.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair beautifully with crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or a fresh garden salad. If you want to keep the comfort food theme going, creamy coleslaw or baked mac and cheese make excellent companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the sliders on a colorful serving platter and garnish with mini skewers or cocktail picks to keep them intact. This makes them perfect for parties or buffets. You can also add a side bowl of ranch dip for dunking or even create a slider bar with extra toppings like pickles, jalapeños, or sliced tomatoes for some customized fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep them whole to maintain moisture or wrap them individually for convenience. They make fantastic next-day lunches or snacks.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the sliders tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your sliders in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is still delightfully melty. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the bun’s slight crispiness and prevent them from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds juicy, flavorful meat without extra work, making Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders: The Ultimate 12-Servings Recipe even easier to whip up.
What if I don’t have ranch dressing on hand?
If you’re out of ranch, you can mix mayonnaise with a little garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs as a quick homemade substitute that still captures the creamy, tangy essence.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
Definitely. Simply replace the chicken and bacon with plant-based proteins or hearty veggies like mushrooms and spinach; you can still enjoy the cheesy ranch flavors.
Are there alternatives for the slider buns?
Yes! You can use Hawaiian rolls, dinner rolls, or even mini ciabatta buns depending on the texture and flavor you’re going for. Just adjust the baking time slightly if needed.
How spicy are these sliders?
They’re mild and family-friendly, focusing on savory, cheesy, and creamy flavors without heat. If you like a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture or include sliced jalapeños.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so irresistibly comforting about these Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders: The Ultimate 12-Servings Recipe. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or craving a satisfying snack, this recipe delivers every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how effortlessly delicious sliders can be!
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders: The Ultimate 12-Servings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for gatherings or a quick meal. Featuring shredded chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and melted cheddar cheese all baked inside soft slider buns brushed with garlic butter, they combine comforting flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Slider Ingredients
- 12 slider buns
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup ranch dressing
Butter Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent the sliders from sticking.
- Combine the Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Prepare the Slider Buns: Slice each slider bun in half horizontally and arrange the bottom halves evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Add the Filling: Spoon the chicken mixture generously over the bottom halves of the buns, spreading it out evenly to cover each one.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture to ensure a cheesy top layer.
- Place the Top Buns: Arrange the top halves of the slider buns over the cheese layer, covering the filling completely.
- Brush with Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with garlic powder and onion powder, then brush this flavorful mixture over the tops of the slider buns.
- Bake the Sliders: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the buns become lightly golden brown.
- Garnish and Cool: Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before optionally garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Slice and Serve: Carefully slice the sliders apart and serve them warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
- Make sure to grease the baking dish well to prevent sticking.
- These sliders can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven for best results.
