Crack Chicken Sliders
These Crack Chicken Sliders are the perfect addition to any gathering. They combine creamy, savory flavors with the satisfying crunch of bacon and melty cheese, all nestled in buttery Hawaiian rolls. Ideal for parties, game days, or family dinners, these sliders are sure to impress your guests. The ease of preparation and bold taste make them a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up these sliders in no time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of cheesy goodness and smoky bacon makes these sliders irresistible for everyone.
- Versatile Serving: Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, these sliders fit any meal or occasion.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the chicken mixture in advance and assemble the sliders when you’re ready to bake.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or spices to personalize each batch.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Crack Chicken Sliders efficiently, having the right tools is essential. These tools will help you prepare and bake this delicious dish effortlessly.
Grab This Chef Knife Now - Almost Gone!
- Stays Razor-Sharp: Ice-hardened blade keeps its edge longer than ordinary knives
- Superior Grip Control: Unique finger hole design gives you perfect balance and safety
- Built to Last a Lifetime: Premium stainless steel blade with elegant beech wood handle
Customer Reviews ★★★★★
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Knife
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: A good baking dish ensures even cooking and helps keep the sliders warm until served.
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to easily combine all ingredients without spills.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect flavor balance in each slider.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 8 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese
Slider Assembly
- 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian rolls or slider buns
- ¼ cup melted butter
Optional Garnish
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
- 1 tsp garlic powder or ranch powder for butter topping
How to Make Crack Chicken Sliders
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large bowl:
1. Combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, chopped bacon, and shredded cheese.
2. Mix everything together until well blended.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally while keeping them connected.
- Place the bottom halves in the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom halves.
Step 4: Top with Cheese
If desired, sprinkle some extra cheese on top of the chicken mixture before placing the top halves back on.
Step 5: Brush with Butter Mixture
In a small bowl:
1. Mix melted butter with garlic powder or ranch powder.
2. Brush this mixture over the tops of the rolls.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for 15–20 minutes or until cheese is melted and tops are golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Remove from oven and let rest for about 5 minutes before slicing into individual sliders.
Step 8: Garnish
Garnish with chopped green onions if desired and serve warm for everyone to enjoy!
How to Serve Crack Chicken Sliders
These Crack Chicken Sliders are versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family meal, or watching the game, these cheesy bacon ranch sandwiches will surely please everyone.
For Game Day
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Offer ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or sriracha for an extra kick.
- Pair with Chips: Crunchy potato chips or tortilla chips are great for snacking alongside the sliders.
As a Party Platter
- Create a Slider Station: Set up toppings like jalapeños, pickles, or extra cheese for guests to customize their sliders.
- Add Finger Foods: Include veggie sticks or meatballs for a fuller spread.
For Family Dinners
- Accompany with Salad: A fresh garden salad adds color and nutrition to your meal.
- Serve with Soup: Pair with a bowl of creamy tomato soup for a comforting combo.
On a Picnic
- Wrap Individually: Package sliders in foil or small containers for easy transport.
- Include Fresh Fruits: Add sliced fruits like watermelon or grapes for a refreshing touch.
How to Perfect Crack Chicken Sliders
To make the best Crack Chicken Sliders, pay attention to these tips. They will help you achieve that perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: It saves time and adds great flavor without the hassle of cooking chicken from scratch.
- Let Cream Cheese Soften: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to mix easily with other ingredients.
- Don’t Skip the Butter: Brushing melted butter on top gives the sliders a delicious golden crust.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to add more ranch seasoning or spices according to your preference.
- Bake Until Golden Brown: Keep an eye on the oven; remove them when tops are perfectly crispy and cheese is bubbly.
Best Side Dishes for Crack Chicken Sliders
Crack Chicken Sliders pair well with many side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some excellent options:
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw balances the richness of the sliders and adds freshness.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad is a classic side that harmonizes well with the savory chicken.
- French Fries: Crispy fries are always a hit; consider sweet potato fries for a twist.
- Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans pairs wonderfully with savory sliders.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and texture to your meal.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad offers refreshing contrast and brightens the plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Crack Chicken Sliders can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Not using enough seasoning: Under-seasoning can lead to bland sliders. Ensure you use the full packet of ranch seasoning for that perfect flavor.
- Skipping the cream cheese: Cream cheese adds creaminess and binds the ingredients. Don’t skip it; it’s key to achieving a great texture.
- Overbaking the sliders: Baking too long can make the buns hard. Keep an eye on them and remove when golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold chicken or cream cheese can make mixing difficult. Let them come to room temperature for easier blending.
- Not letting them rest: Allowing the sliders to rest after baking helps flavors meld and makes them easier to slice without falling apart.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Crack Chicken Sliders in an airtight container in the fridge.
- They can last up to 3 days.
Freezing Crack Chicken Sliders
- Wrap individual sliders in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Crack Chicken Sliders
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds at a time until warm, but this may make the buns soggy.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, covered, until heated through, which keeps the buns soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Crack Chicken Sliders that may help you out!
What are Crack Chicken Sliders?
Crack Chicken Sliders are cheesy bacon ranch sandwiches made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and topped with melted cheese.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! You can swap cheddar or Colby Jack with mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavors in your Crack Chicken Sliders.
How do I make these sliders spicy?
To add heat, mix in diced jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the chicken mixture before baking your sliders.
Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble them a day ahead and store them in the fridge before baking. This makes them perfect for parties.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 12 servings, making it ideal for gatherings or family meals.
Final Thoughts
Crack Chicken Sliders are not only delicious but also versatile and easy to customize. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy family dinner, these sliders will surely please everyone. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or spices to suit your taste!
Crack Chicken Sliders
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 sliders 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Crack Chicken Sliders, a delightful combination of creamy chicken, crispy bacon, and melty cheese all nestled between buttery Hawaiian rolls. These sliders are not just easy to prepare; they are also a guaranteed hit at any gathering, whether it’s a game day party or a cozy family dinner. With their rich flavors and satisfying textures, these sliders will impress your guests and keep them coming back for more. Ideal for make-ahead meals, you can save time by preparing the chicken mixture in advance and assembling just before baking. Customize your sliders with your favorite toppings for an added twist!
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 oz ranch seasoning mix
- 8 slices cooked bacon
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- ¼ cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, chopped bacon, and cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom halves.
- Optional: Sprinkle extra cheese on top before placing the top halves back on.
- Brush melted butter over the tops of the rolls.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
