Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, flavorful dish that’s quick and easy to make, these Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are the perfect option. Combining tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, rich ranch dressing, and melted cheddar cheese, all sandwiched between soft slider buns, these sliders are a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family meal, or craving a tasty snack, these sliders are sure to satisfy everyone’s hunger.

These sliders are packed with savory flavors that pair perfectly with the ranch dressing and the deliciously crispy bacon. The warm, gooey cheese adds the perfect finishing touch, while the garlic and onion powder give the buns a tasty, aromatic crust. With just a few ingredients and a short baking time, this recipe is ideal for those busy days when you want a meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Make

With just 30 minutes from start to finish, these sliders are a fast and simple meal or snack for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

2. Perfect for Parties

These sliders are the perfect finger food for any event. Their bite-sized portions make them great for serving at parties, game days, or potlucks.

3. Flavor Explosion

The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, ranch dressing, and melted cheddar cheese creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that everyone will love.

4. Customizable

Feel free to add extra toppings like pickles, onions, or even jalapeños to give these sliders your own twist.

5. Kid-Friendly

These sliders are a big hit with kids due to their familiar and comforting flavors, making them a great option for family dinners.

Ingredients

• Slider buns
• Cooked chicken, shredded
• Cooked bacon, crumbled
• Ranch dressing
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Butter, melted
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried parsley

Variations

• Spicy Ranch: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or use spicy ranch dressing for an extra kick.
• BBQ Chicken Bacon Sliders: Swap out the ranch dressing for BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor profile.
• Turkey Bacon: Use turkey bacon for a leaner alternative to regular bacon.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with a vegetarian protein like chickpeas or tempeh, and keep the rest of the ingredients as is.
• Cheese Variety: Try using pepper jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare it for baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Slider Buns

Place the bottom half of the slider buns in a baking dish. Make sure the buns are evenly distributed and cover the bottom of the dish completely.

Step 3: Layer the Chicken

Layer the shredded cooked chicken on top of the buns, spreading it out evenly.

Step 4: Add the Bacon

Sprinkle the crumbled cooked bacon over the shredded chicken. The bacon will add a savory crunch and flavor to the sliders.

Step 5: Drizzle Ranch Dressing

Pour ranch dressing over the bacon and chicken, making sure it’s evenly distributed for a creamy texture and tangy flavor.

Step 6: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the ranch dressing. The cheese will melt beautifully during baking.

Step 7: Add the Top Buns

Place the top half of the slider buns on top of the cheese layer to complete the sandwich.

Step 8: Brush with Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley. Brush this mixture over the tops of the slider buns for extra flavor and a golden, crispy finish.

Step 9: Cover and Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. This helps the sliders heat through and the cheese melt evenly.

Step 10: Uncover and Finish Baking

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the tops of the buns are golden brown and slightly crispy.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Once the sliders are golden and the cheese is melted, remove them from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving hot. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use freshly cooked chicken and quality bacon.
• Prevent Soggy Sliders: Make sure the ranch dressing is spread evenly to avoid sogginess. You can also lightly toast the bottom buns for a firmer texture.
• Use a Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish is perfect for holding the sliders and ensuring even cooking.
• Don’t Overfill: Avoid overstuffing the sliders with too much filling. A thin layer of chicken and bacon is enough to create great flavor without making them too heavy.

How to Serve

These Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are perfect served on their own as a snack or meal. Pair them with a side salad, crispy fries, or potato wedges for a full meal. They’re also a great addition to a buffet spread or picnic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual sliders for 1-2 minutes.

Freezing

To freeze, assemble the sliders (without baking them), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes.

Reheating

Reheat leftover sliders in the oven to restore their crispy texture. Bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the buns may lose some of their crispness.

FAQs

1. Can I use grilled chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, grilled chicken works great in this recipe. Just shred it before layering.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to use mozzarella, pepper jack, or any cheese you prefer.

3. Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sliders up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate them until ready to bake.

4. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon can be used as a leaner alternative.

5. How do I prevent the sliders from becoming soggy?

Ensure the ranch dressing is not too runny, and avoid overfilling the sliders. You can also toast the bottom buns lightly before assembling.

6. Can I use a different dressing instead of ranch?

Yes, you can substitute with other creamy dressings like blue cheese or Caesar, or use BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.

7. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saver and adds great flavor.

8. How long do leftovers last in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

9. Can I freeze these sliders?

Yes, these sliders freeze well and can be stored for up to 2 months. Just bake from frozen when you’re ready to eat.

10. Can I add vegetables to these sliders?

Yes, you can add veggies like lettuce, tomato, or onions for extra flavor and crunch.

Conclusion

These Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are a deliciously easy meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends. With their perfect combination of chicken, bacon, ranch dressing, and cheese, all packed into soft buns, they make for the ideal comfort food. Whether for a quick dinner, party snack, or meal prep, these sliders are a tasty, satisfying option that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

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