These baked chicken bacon ranch sliders are made with soft slider buns, shredded chicken tossed in a savory ranch sauce with sharp cheese and crispy bacon, then topped with a garlic butter sauce!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These sliders are the perfect appetizer for game day or any party, and will feed a crowd!
Ingredients
- Slider buns
- Shredded chicken
- Bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Cheese (cheddar or Colby Jack)
- Ranch dressing
- Butter
- Garlic powder
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
You’ll find the full list of ingredients with measurements below.
Directions
Preparing the Chicken Mixture
In a bowl, combine shredded chicken with ranch dressing, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
Assembling the Sliders
Place the bottom halves of the slider buns in a baking dish. Spread the chicken and ranch mixture evenly over the buns. Sprinkle crumbled bacon and cheese over the chicken. Place the top halves of the buns on top.
Preparing the Garlic Butter
Melt butter and mix in garlic powder. Brush this mixture over the tops of the sliders.
Baking the Sliders
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
Serving
Remove from oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Shredded Chicken: Use a rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor.
- Crispy Bacon: Ensure bacon is cooked until crispy for the best texture contrast.
- Even Layering: Distribute the chicken, bacon, and cheese evenly for consistent flavor in each bite.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Different Cheeses: Try using mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for some heat.
- Whole Wheat Buns: Substitute with whole wheat slider buns for a healthier option.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These sliders pair well with:
- Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Potato Wedges: Oven-baked potato wedges or sweet potato fries.
- Dipping Sauces: Extra ranch dressing or a spicy aioli on the side.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
Q: Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble the sliders without baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Bake just before serving.
Q: Can I freeze the assembled sliders?
A: It’s best to freeze the components separately and assemble fresh for optimal texture.
Q: What can I use instead of ranch dressing?
A: A mixture of mayonnaise and a packet of ranch seasoning can be used as a substitute.
Q: How can I make these sliders gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free slider buns and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
These Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are a crowd-pleaser, combining savory flavors in a convenient handheld size. Perfect for gatherings or a fun family meal, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the delightful combination of chicken, bacon, and ranch in every bite!
Print
Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders (Baked)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
These baked Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are a crowd-pleaser, featuring shredded chicken mixed with creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, all layered between soft slider buns and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
-
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 6 slices cheddar cheese
-
For the Topping:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
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Assemble the Sliders:
- Without separating the individual slider buns, slice them horizontally to create a top and bottom slab.
- Place the bottom slab in the prepared baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken and ranch dressing, mixing until the chicken is well coated.
- Evenly spread the chicken mixture over the bottom buns.
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the chicken mixture.
- Layer the cheddar cheese slices on top of the bacon.
- Place the top slab of buns over the cheese to complete the assembly.
-
Add the Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and ranch seasoning mix.
- Brush this mixture evenly over the tops of the sliders.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for garnish, if desired.
-
Bake the Sliders:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
-
Serve:
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let the sliders cool for a few minutes.
- Using a sharp knife, cut between the buns to separate the sliders.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For convenience, rotisserie chicken works well for the shredded chicken in this recipe.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with your preferred cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, to suit your taste.
- These sliders can be prepared in advance. Assemble them without the butter topping, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the butter topping and bake as directed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg