This easy slider recipe is quick to make and fun to share with friends and family.
INTRODUCTION
Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are small, soft sandwiches filled with cooked shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and smooth ranch dressing. They bake in one dish and come out warm and tasty. These sliders work well for a weeknight meal, a party, or a snack. The rolls are slightly sweet and soft, and the filling is creamy and savory. If you like simple food that tastes big, you will enjoy these sliders. For another easy dish with a similar flavor, try this chicken bacon ranch pasta for a warm bowl version.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- It is fast. You can use cooked chicken and cooked bacon to save time.
- It is easy. You mix the filling, place it on rolls, and bake.
- It is crowd friendly. People love the mix of chicken, bacon, and ranch.
- It is flexible. You can add cheese, green onion, or a touch of maple.
- It feeds many. A tray of sliders is great for a group or family.
HOW TO MAKE Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
This recipe uses simple steps and common tools. You do not need special skills. First, gather your cooked chicken and bacon. Then mix them with ranch dressing. Place the mix on the bottom half of soft rolls. You can add cheese and green onion for more flavor. Cover with the top half of the rolls, drizzle a little maple syrup, and bake until warm and golden. If you like the bacon and ranch flavor in a different form, you might also enjoy the cheesy bacon ranch quesadilla which uses a similar mix in a tortilla.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Baking dish (9×13 inch or similar)
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil
- Oven
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- Kings Hawaiian rolls
- cooked chicken, shredded
- cooked bacon, crumbled
- ranch dressing
- maple syrup
- cheese (optional)
- green onions (optional)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the Kings Hawaiian rolls in half and place the bottom half in a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and ranch dressing together.
- Spread the chicken and bacon mixture over the bottom half of the rolls.
- If using, sprinkle cheese and green onions on top.
- Place the top half of the rolls on and drizzle with maple syrup.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden.
- Slice and serve warm.
HOW TO SERVE Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
Serve these sliders warm and soft. Cut the sliders into single servings by slicing between the rolls. Place the tray on the table for people to grab a slider. You can add small plates and napkins nearby. These sliders go well with cold drinks, a simple salad, or chips. For a party, place a bowl of extra ranch on the side for dipping. If you like a bit of crunch, serve with raw sliced vegetables like carrots or celery.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
- Refrigerator: Place cooled sliders in an airtight container. They keep well for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm.
- Freezer: You can freeze the baked sliders. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot. You can also freeze individual sliders in a freezer bag.
- Note: The texture of the rolls may change slightly after freezing, but the flavor will stay good. It is best to reheat in an oven or toaster oven to keep the top crisp.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve with a small green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
- Add a side of kettle chips or potato wedges for a casual meal.
- Pair with a cup of tomato soup for a warm, cozy plate.
- Offer pickles or pickled vegetables to cut the richness.
- For a brunch feel, serve with fruit and a simple egg dish.
VARIATIONS
- Cheesy: Add a slice of cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella under the top rolls before baking.
- Spicy: Mix a little hot sauce into the ranch or add sliced jalapeños.
- BBQ twist: Swap ranch for a light spread of barbecue sauce for a smoky taste.
- Hawaiian twist: Add a small slice of grilled pineapple to each slider before baking.
- Vegetarian: Use shredded cooked jackfruit or a plant-based chicken substitute and omit bacon.
- Low carb: Use lettuce wraps instead of rolls for a lighter plate.
- Melty version: Top with extra cheese and broil for 1-2 minutes after baking to get a browned top.
- Party tray: Make mini skewers with slider halves for a fun finger-food display.
For a different stuffed chicken idea, this filling can also work in baked snacks like baked cream cheese chicken taquitos if you want a handheld, crisp option.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different kind of roll?
A: Yes. You can use any soft roll or small bun. Split-top sweet rolls like Kings Hawaiian work best for the sweet and salty mix.
Q: Do I need to cook the chicken first?
A: Yes. Use cooked chicken that is shredded. You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, or cook chicken breasts ahead.
Q: Can I make sliders ahead and bake later?
A: Yes. Assemble the sliders, cover, and keep in the fridge for a few hours. Bake when you are ready. See the make-ahead tips below.
Q: Can I skip the maple syrup?
A: Yes. The maple adds a touch of sweet contrast. If you don’t like sweet on bread, skip it or use honey or melted butter.
Q: How do I make the bacon crispy?
A: Cook bacon in a pan or bake in the oven until crisp. Drain on paper towels and then crumble.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the mix?
A: Yes. Chopped bell pepper, diced celery, or green onions work well. Keep the pieces small so the sliders hold together.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
- Mix filling ahead: Make the chicken, bacon, and ranch mix a day before. Keep it covered in the fridge. Stir before spreading on the rolls.
- Assemble and chill: Put the filling on the rolls, add cheese and tops, and wrap the whole tray in plastic. Keep in the fridge for up to 8 hours. Bake when you are ready.
- Freeze pre-baked: Bake the sliders, cool them, and freeze in a tight container. Reheat in the oven from frozen at 350°F (175°C) until hot.
- Pack for travel: Bake the sliders, cool slightly, and pack them warm in a food carrier for a picnic. Reheat in an oven or keep in an insulated bag with a heat pack.
Tip summary: These sliders are simple, quick, and flexible. Use cooked chicken and bacon, mix with ranch, fill soft rolls, bake, and serve warm. You can change the cheese, add a little heat, or try a sweet touch of maple. The dish works for small dinners, big parties, and easy make-ahead meals.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the Kings Hawaiian rolls in half and place the bottom half in a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and ranch dressing together.
- Spread the chicken and bacon mixture over the bottom half of the rolls.
- If using, sprinkle cheese and green onions on top.
- Place the top half of the rolls on and drizzle with maple syrup.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden.
- Slice and serve warm.