Smoked Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders Recipe

Name: Smoked Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: For the smoked chicken:; 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp onion powder; 1 tbsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 cup chicken broth (for smoking); For the sliders:; 12 slider buns; 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or more to taste); 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tbsp melted butter; 1 tbsp dried parsley (for garnish)

By funsmagcom@gmail.com

January 28, 2025

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Smoked Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders Recipe

Smoked Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are a delicious, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for a casual get-together or a weekend BBQ. The combination of smoky chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and melty cheese all packed into soft slider buns is irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or serving them at a party, these sliders are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Smoked Chicken

Preheat the smoker: Set your smoker to 225°F (107°C) and allow it to preheat for about 15-20 minutes. Use your favorite wood chips for smoking; applewood or hickory would work wonderfully with chicken.
Season the chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then generously coat them with the seasoning mix. Let the chicken rest at room temperature while you prepare the smoker.
Smoke the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts directly on the smoker rack. Add the chicken broth to the drip tray to keep the chicken moist. Smoke for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). During the smoking process, you may need to check the temperature every 45 minutes or so.
Rest the chicken: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 10 minutes. This ensures the juices stay locked in.
Shred the chicken: After resting, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Step 2: Preparing the Bacon

Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s crispy and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Flip the bacon halfway through for even crispiness. If you like a touch of sweetness, you can sprinkle the bacon with brown sugar during the last minute of cooking for a caramelized finish.
Drain the bacon: Place the cooked bacon on paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

Step 3: Making the Ranch Dressing

Mix the ranch dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you want a more intense flavor, feel free to add more garlic or dill. For an extra fresh kick, sprinkle in some fresh chives as well.
Chill the dressing: For best flavor, let the ranch dressing sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Assembling the Sliders

Prepare the buns: Slice the slider buns in half. Brush the tops of the buns with melted butter and place them on a baking sheet. Toast the buns in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown. This will create a slight crisp on the outside while keeping the inside soft.
Assemble the sliders: Spread a generous layer of ranch dressing on the bottom half of each bun. Then, top with a scoop of shredded smoked chicken, a sprinkle of crumbled bacon, and a handful of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Melt the cheese: Once the sliders are assembled, place the baking sheet back in the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes to melt the cheese. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.
Finish the sliders: Once the cheese is melted, remove the sliders from the oven. Top with the other half of the toasted buns and optionally garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a fresh pop of color.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your smoked chicken bacon ranch sliders warm, and enjoy them with your favorite side dishes, such as crispy fries, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.

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Tips for Perfect Smoked Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders:

Use quality wood chips: The flavor of the wood chips will deeply influence the taste of the smoked chicken. Applewood provides a milder, slightly sweet smoke, while hickory adds a stronger, more savory flavor.
Don’t skip resting the chicken: Letting the chicken rest after smoking helps keep the juices locked inside, ensuring the meat is tender and juicy when shredded.
Adjust seasoning to taste: If you love a spicy kick, feel free to increase the cayenne pepper in the chicken rub. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit it altogether.
Homemade ranch dressing: While store-bought ranch works in a pinch, homemade ranch dressing adds that extra layer of flavor. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier, lighter option.
Keep the sliders warm: If you’re preparing sliders for a crowd, consider covering the assembled sliders with foil and keeping them in the oven on a low setting (around 200°F or 93°C) to keep them warm until serving.

Variations:

BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders: Add a drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce to the shredded chicken before assembling the sliders. The smoky sweetness of the BBQ sauce complements the ranch and bacon perfectly.
Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders: Mix in some buffalo sauce with the shredded chicken for a spicy, tangy twist on the classic smoked chicken. Pair with some extra ranch on the side for dipping.
Veggie Sliders: For a vegetarian version, swap out the chicken for grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted cauliflower. The smoky flavors will still come through, and the ranch dressing will tie everything together.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Pepper jack cheese adds a bit of heat, while gouda offers a creamy, smoky flavor. A combination of cheddar and mozzarella ensures meltiness but adding a bit of provolone can give a nice stretch.

Pairing Ideas:

Beer: An ice-cold lager or pale ale pairs wonderfully with these sliders, as the light and crisp notes complement the rich, smoky flavors of the chicken and bacon.
Wine: A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, or a light red like Pinot Noir, would be excellent choices to balance the richness of the dish.
Sides: Try serving these sliders with a side of crispy onion rings, sweet potato fries, or a tangy pickled cucumber salad to cut through the richness and add some texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

When making smoked chicken bacon ranch sliders, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls that could affect the final result. Here’s a breakdown of mistakes to avoid to ensure your sliders are top-notch:

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1. Under- or Over-smoking the Chicken:

Mistake: If you don’t monitor the smoker’s temperature closely, you risk undercooking or overcooking the chicken. Too little time in the smoker and your chicken will lack that deep smoky flavor, while too much time can result in dry, overcooked meat.
Solution: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, ensuring that it reaches 165°F (74°C). Keep the smoker at a steady 225°F (107°C) to allow the chicken to absorb the smoky flavors without drying out.

2. Overcrowding the Baking Sheet with Sliders:

Mistake: If you crowd too many sliders on the baking sheet when melting the cheese, they may cook unevenly or get soggy.
Solution: Spread the sliders out on the baking sheet with enough room to allow the heat to circulate, ensuring that the buns toast evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.

3. Skipping the Resting Period for the Chicken:

Mistake: Many people skip letting the chicken rest after it’s smoked, thinking they can go straight to shredding it.
Solution: Allow the chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes after removing it from the smoker. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken moist and tender.

4. Not Toasting the Buns Properly:

Mistake: Sliders with soft buns that haven’t been toasted tend to get soggy quickly, especially with the rich ranch dressing and melted cheese.
Solution: Toasting the buns lightly in the oven or on a grill will help them hold up against the toppings and add a pleasant crunch. A light brush of butter adds flavor and a golden finish.

5. Not Properly Seasoning the Chicken:

Mistake: Rushing through the seasoning step can result in bland chicken, which will affect the flavor of the entire slider.
Solution: Be generous with the seasoning rub, ensuring every inch of the chicken is covered. Let the seasoned chicken sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors before smoking.

How to Make Ahead and Store:

If you’re prepping for a large crowd or simply want to save time, you can make parts of this recipe ahead of time:

1. Make the Ranch Dressing Ahead:

Storage: The ranch dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will intensify as it sits, making it even more delicious.

2. Prep the Chicken in Advance:

Storage: You can season the chicken and even smoke it up to 2 days in advance. Once the chicken is cooked, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, shred the chicken and assemble your sliders. If you’ve already smoked the chicken, reheating it in the oven or microwave will work fine.

3. Bacon Crumbles:

Storage: Cooked bacon can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Once cooked and crumbled, store it in a sealed container. Reheat it in the microwave or a skillet when you’re ready to use it.

4. Freezing the Sliders:

Storage: If you have leftovers or want to make sliders in bulk, you can freeze the assembled sliders (without the ranch dressing). Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake them at 350°F (177°C) for about 20 minutes to warm them up and melt the cheese.

How to Serve Smoked Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders:

These sliders are versatile and can be served in a variety of settings. Here are some ideas:

1. As a Party Appetizer:

These sliders make fantastic appetizers for gatherings or game day. You can arrange them on a platter with some dipping sauces on the side (extra ranch, BBQ sauce, or buffalo sauce).

2. For a Casual Dinner:

Serve these sliders with side dishes like a fresh garden salad, crispy fries, or even a creamy mac and cheese. The balance of smoky, savory, and creamy flavors makes these sliders perfect for a casual dinner at home.

3. For Tailgating or BBQs:

Whether you’re tailgating or hosting a BBQ, these sliders can be served hot off the smoker or made ahead and reheated. You can also consider offering a variety of sliders by changing up the proteins or toppings (BBQ pork, pulled beef, or even a veggie version).

4. As a Kid-Friendly Meal:

These sliders are perfect for kids due to their bite-sized portions and familiar flavors. To make them even more kid-friendly, you can skip the spicy cayenne in the seasoning and stick to milder spices.

Pairing Wine, Beer, and Cocktails:

Choosing the right beverage to pair with your sliders can elevate the entire meal. Here are some pairing options that complement the smoky, rich, and creamy flavors of the sliders:

Beer Pairings:

Pale Ale: A hoppy pale ale cuts through the richness of the sliders while complementing the smokiness of the chicken and bacon.
Lager: A crisp, cold lager is a refreshing choice that won’t overpower the flavors of the sliders.
Amber Ale: The maltiness of an amber ale pairs well with the smoky bacon and savory chicken, balancing the flavors beautifully.

Wine Pairings:

Sauvignon Blanc: A dry, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc will provide a zesty contrast to the richness of the chicken and ranch dressing.
Pinot Noir: For red wine lovers, a light-bodied Pinot Noir works well with the smokiness of the chicken and the creaminess of the ranch, offering a smooth, fruit-forward contrast.
Chardonnay: A fuller-bodied white like Chardonnay, with its buttery notes, complements the richness of the sliders, particularly the cheese and ranch dressing.

Cocktail Pairings:

Margarita: The tangy lime and refreshing flavors of a classic margarita offer a bright contrast to the heaviness of the sliders.
Whiskey Sour: If you prefer whiskey, a whiskey sour with its balance of sweetness and acidity works wonderfully with the smoky chicken and bacon.
Iced Tea or Lemonade: For non-alcoholic options, a refreshing iced tea with lemon or a sweetened lemonade pairs well with the rich, savory sliders.

Conclusion:

Smoked Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are a flavor-packed, customizable dish that’s perfect for any occasion. From casual weeknight dinners to party spreads, these sliders are a guaranteed hit. The combination of smoky chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and melty cheese creates a symphony of flavors that everyone will love. The best part is that they’re easy to customize and can be made ahead of time for convenience.

With these detailed instructions, tips, and pairing suggestions, you now have everything you need to make these sliders a showstopper. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving a delicious bite-sized snack, these sliders will quickly become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy every mouthwatering bite!

Yield: 12 Sliders