Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our mouthwatering Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders recipe! These savory sliders feature tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy Ranch dressing sandwiched between sweet Hawaiian rolls, creating a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more. Perfect for parties, game days, or a quick and satisfying meal, these sliders are sure to be a hit with family and friends alike.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups cooked and shredded chicken
  • 1 cup Ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
  • 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
  • 15 Hawaiian sweet rolls
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions:

  1. Preheat and Prepare:
    • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking pan and place the bottom half of the sliced Hawaiian rolls inside.
  2. Mix Chicken Filling:
    • In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Ranch dressing, crumbled bacon, and Parmesan cheese until well mixed.
  3. Layer Chicken Mixture:
    • Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom half of the rolls in the baking pan.
  4. Add Cheese and Top Rolls:
    • Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture. Place the top half of the rolls on top to form sandwiches.
  5. Brush with Garlic Butter:
    • In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder. Brush the garlic butter over the top of the rolls.
  6. Bake to Perfection:
    • Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sliders are heated through.
  7. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Remove foil and serve the Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders warm, ready to be enjoyed by all!

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 361 kcal
  • Total Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 82mg
  • Sodium: 597mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 21g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 6g
  • Protein: 21g

Serving and Storage Tips:

  1. Serve with Sides: Accompany your Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders with a variety of sides such as potato salad, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal that satisfies all tastes.
  2. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the sliders before serving for a pop of color and added freshness that enhances their visual appeal.
  3. Customize Toppings: Personalize your sliders by adding extra toppings such as sliced tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, or pickles for additional flavor and texture.
  4. Make Ahead for Parties: Prepare the sliders ahead of time, cover them tightly with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. This allows for easy assembly and quick baking when guests arrive.
  5. Reheat for Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
  6. Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  7. Serve as Appetizers: Cut the sliders into smaller portions and serve them as bite-sized appetizers for parties or gatherings. They’re sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
  8. Pack for Picnics or Lunches: Pack leftover sliders in lunchboxes or picnic baskets for a convenient and delicious meal on the go. Pair them with fresh fruit, chips, or veggies for a complete and satisfying lunch option.
  9. Toast for Extra Crunch: For an extra crispy texture, toast the assembled sliders in a preheated oven for a few minutes before serving. This adds a delightful crunch to the Hawaiian rolls.
  10. Experiment with Sauces: Get creative with dipping sauces such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce for added flavor variety. Serve the sauces on the side for dipping or drizzle them over the sliders before baking for a flavor boost.

These serving and storage tips ensure that your Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders remain fresh, flavorful, and convenient to enjoy whether you’re serving them for a party, packing them for lunch, or indulging in leftovers at home.

Variations:

  1. Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Toss the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce before layering it onto the rolls. Top with crumbled blue cheese and sliced celery for a spicy twist on the classic buffalo chicken flavor.
  2. Barbecue Bacon Chicken Sliders: Mix barbecue sauce with the shredded chicken and top with crispy bacon pieces before adding the cheese. Garnish with sliced red onions and fresh cilantro for a tangy and savory flavor profile.
  3. Italian Chicken Parmesan Sliders: Replace the Ranch dressing with marinara sauce and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken mixture. Add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese before baking for a delicious Italian-inspired twist.
  4. Mexican Chicken Fiesta Sliders: Mix taco seasoning with the shredded chicken and layer onto the rolls. Top with shredded Mexican cheese blend, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream for a flavorful south-of-the-border variation.
  5. Mushroom Swiss Chicken Sliders: Sauté sliced mushrooms until golden brown and layer them over the shredded chicken. Top with Swiss cheese slices and a sprinkle of thyme before baking for a rich and savory flavor combination.
  6. Caprese Chicken Sliders: Spread pesto sauce on the bottom half of the rolls and layer with sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and shredded chicken. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with chopped basil before serving for a refreshing and light option.
  7. Greek Chicken Gyro Sliders: Mix shredded chicken with tzatziki sauce and layer onto the rolls. Top with crumbled feta cheese, sliced cucumbers, diced red onions, and chopped Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
  8. Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Sliders: Toss shredded chicken with teriyaki sauce and layer onto the rolls. Top with grilled pineapple slices and shredded Monterey Jack cheese for a sweet and savory Hawaiian flavor profile.
  9. Avocado Chicken BLT Sliders: Spread mashed avocado on the bottom half of the rolls and layer with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, sliced tomatoes, and lettuce. Drizzle with ranch dressing before serving for a creamy and satisfying variation.
  10. Spinach Artichoke Chicken Sliders: Mix shredded chicken with spinach artichoke dip and layer onto the rolls. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese before baking for a creamy and indulgent twist.

Try these delicious variations to customize your Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders and add excitement to your mealtime. Whether you prefer spicy buffalo flavor, tangy barbecue, or Italian-inspired taste, there’s a variation to suit every craving and occasion.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
    • Yes, using rotisserie chicken can save time. Simply shred the cooked chicken meat and follow the recipe as directed.
  2. Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can assemble the sliders ahead of time, cover them tightly with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Then, bake them as directed before serving.
  3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
    • Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses such as pepper jack, Swiss, or provolone to customize the flavor of your sliders.
  4. Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
    • Yes, you can make vegetarian sliders by substituting the chicken with plant-based alternatives like shredded tofu or chickpeas. Adjust the seasonings and toppings to suit your taste.
  5. How do I prevent the Hawaiian rolls from getting soggy?
    • To prevent the rolls from becoming soggy, ensure that the chicken mixture is not too wet and drain excess moisture from any ingredients like tomatoes or sauces before assembling the sliders.
  6. Can I freeze leftover sliders?
    • Yes, you can freeze leftover sliders in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1-2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.

With their irresistible combination of savory chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy Ranch dressing, these Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are a flavor-packed delight that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a tasty game day snack, or a quick and satisfying meal, these sliders are sure to impress with their deliciously comforting flavors. Give our recipe a try and treat yourself to a taste sensation that will leave you coming back for more!