Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders

Introduction

Looking for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for game day, parties, or a simple family dinner? Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing, all nestled in soft slider buns. These sliders are easy to make and sure to be a hit with everyone. Let’s dive into the recipe and see what makes these sliders so irresistible.

Preparation Steps

Prepping the Chicken

1. Cook and Shred the Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken or cook chicken breasts in advance. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Cooking the Bacon

1. Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to drain, then crumble.

Assembling the Sliders

Layering the Ingredients

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Buns: Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
3. Add the Chicken: Evenly spread the shredded chicken over the bottom halves of the buns.
4. Add the Bacon: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the chicken.
5. Add the Cheese: Evenly distribute the mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the bacon and chicken.
6. Top with Ranch Dressing: Drizzle the ranch dressing over the cheese layer.

Adding the Ranch Sauce

1. Place the Top Buns: Place the top halves of the slider buns over the layers.
2. Brush with Butter: Mix the melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley. Brush the tops of the buns with the butter mixture.

Cooking Instructions

Baking the Sliders

1. Bake in the Oven: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.

Alternative Cooking Methods

• Grill: You can also grill the sliders for a smoky flavor. Wrap the sliders in foil and grill over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Best Side Dishes

• French Fries: Classic fries or sweet potato fries.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds a nice crunch.

Presentation Tips

• Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions.
• Serving Platter: Arrange the sliders on a large platter for an appealing presentation.

Nutritional Information

Calories and Macronutrients

• Calories: Approximately 250 calories per slider
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 15g

Health Benefits

• High in Protein: Chicken provides lean protein for muscle repair and growth.
• Rich in Calcium: Cheese adds a good amount of calcium for bone health.
• Moderate in Carbs: Balanced with healthy fats and protein for sustained energy.

Tips for Success

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overloading the Sliders: Avoid overloading with ingredients to prevent sogginess.
• Undercooking the Bacon: Ensure the bacon is crispy for the best texture.

Expert Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lettuce and other toppings enhance the flavor.
• Warm the Buns: Slightly warm the buns before assembling for a better texture.

Variations of the Recipe

Alternative Ingredients

• Turkey Bacon: Use turkey bacon for a lighter option.
• Different Cheeses: Try using pepper jack or gouda for a unique flavor.

Different Cooking Methods

• Air Fryer: Cook the sliders in an air fryer for a crispier result.
• Slow Cooker: Assemble the sliders and cook on low for 2-3 hours in a slow cooker.

Pairing with Beverages

Best Drink Options

• Beer: A light lager or IPA pairs well with the sliders.
• Lemonade: A refreshing homemade lemonade.

Non-Alcoholic Choices

• Iced Tea: Sweet or unsweetened iced tea.
• Sparkling Water: With a slice of lemon or lime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the sliders for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Can You Freeze Them?

• Absolutely! Freeze the assembled sliders before baking. When ready to serve, bake them from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

Conclusion

Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are a fantastic dish that’s perfect for any gathering. With their mouthwatering combination of flavors and easy preparation, they’re sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Serve them with your favorite sides and enjoy the compliments from your family and friends. Happy cooking!

FAQs

What can I use instead of ranch dressing?

You can substitute ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing or a homemade garlic aioli.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free slider buns and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I prepare these sliders in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.

What should I do if my sliders are too dry?

Add a bit more ranch dressing or a slice of cheese to keep them moist.

How can I make the sliders spicier?

Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick.

Yield: 15

Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders

Print

Looking for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for game day, parties, or a simple family dinner? Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing, all nestled in soft slider buns. These sliders are easy to make and sure to be a hit with everyone. Let's dive into the recipe and see what makes these sliders so irresistible.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 baking pan and place the bottom half of the sliced Hawaiian rolls inside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken, Ranch dressing, bacon, and Parmesan cheese until well mixed.
4. Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom half of the rolls in the baking pan.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture.
6. Place the top half of the rolls on top to form sandwiches.
7. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder.
8. Brush the garlic butter over the top of the rolls.
9. 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.
10. Remove foil and serve warm.