Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders: A Flavor-Packed Delight for Any Occasion
If you’re on the hunt for a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing meal, look no further than these Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and gooey cheddar cheese, all nestled between soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls. Whether you’re hosting a party, serving dinner to your family, or craving a hearty snack, these sliders are sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave everyone asking for more. These sliders are the perfect balance of flavors. The savory ranch dressing brings richness to each bite, while the crispy bacon adds a satisfying crunch. The chicken provides a lean, tender protein, and the melted cheddar cheese ties everything together with a gooey, irresistible texture. The best part? They come together in just 20 minutes, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. They’re easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends alike.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course, Sandwiches
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the butter topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – This is used to brush the tops of the rolls, giving them a golden, glossy finish. The butter also adds a rich, savory note to balance the sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – This herb lends a fragrant touch to the buttery topping, brightening the overall flavor and complementing the richness of the ranch dressing and bacon.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a savory, umami-rich depth of flavor that ties the flavors of the ranch seasoning and chicken together beautifully.
- 2 teaspoons dry ranch seasoning – This is the key to the “ranch” flavor that makes these sliders so irresistible. It infuses the chicken and dressing with tangy, herby goodness that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – A pinch of garlic powder provides subtle warmth, enhancing the flavor of the ranch seasoning and adding complexity to the overall taste of the sliders.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill – Dried dill is used in the butter mixture, adding a fresh, aromatic flavor to the sliders.
For the sliders:
- 12 Hawaiian rolls, sliced horizontally – These soft, sweet rolls provide the perfect base for the sliders. Their light, airy texture contrasts beautifully with the savory fillings, and their slight sweetness balances the richness of the other ingredients.
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing – Creamy ranch dressing is a must for these sliders, adding moisture, richness, and that signature tangy flavor. The ranch dressing helps to tie together the chicken, bacon, and cheese, ensuring each bite is full of flavor.
- 1 lb deli-sliced chicken – Provides a tender and lean protein that serves as the main filling of the sliders. You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken, which makes this recipe even more convenient.
- 4–5 slices cooked bacon, crumbled – Bacon’s crispy, salty bite adds a delightful crunch and a smoky flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy ranch dressing and the soft, sweet rolls.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – The shredded cheddar cheese melts perfectly, creating a gooey, cheesy texture that holds the ingredients together and adds richness to every bite.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). The oven will be ready for the sliders in just a few moments, and that’s exactly what you need to ensure they bake evenly and turn out golden and cheesy.
- Prepare the butter mixture: In a small bowl, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter, and then whisk in the 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, 2 teaspoons dry ranch seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon dried dill. Stir until the mixture is fully combined, and set it aside. This herb-infused butter will serve as the topping for the sliders, providing a rich, flavorful finish.
- Prepare the Hawaiian rolls: Slice the 12 Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, creating the bottom and top halves for your sliders. Place the bottom halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using parchment paper makes cleanup easier and prevents the sliders from sticking to the pan.
- Brush with ranch dressing: Use a pastry brush to generously coat the cut sides of the rolls with 1/2 cup ranch dressing. This will add moisture and flavor to the bread, ensuring that each bite is as flavorful as the fillings themselves.
- Assemble the sliders: Start layering the ingredients on the bottom halves of the rolls. First, add the 1 lb deli-sliced chicken, then sprinkle the 4-5 slices crumbled bacon on top. Finish by layering the 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese over the bacon. This creates a nice, even distribution of the savory, creamy fillings.
- Top with the rolls: Place the top halves of the rolls on the assembled sliders, gently pressing them down to help everything stick together.
- Brush with butter mixture: Using your pastry brush, spread the prepared herb-infused butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls. This will give the sliders a beautiful, golden finish as they bake, while also enhancing the flavor.
- Bake: Cover the sliders with aluminum foil and place them in the oven to bake for 15-20 minutes. The foil will help keep the sliders moist, allowing the cheese to melt without over-browning the rolls.
- Optional: Crisp the top: If you like your sliders with a bit of a crispy finish, remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking. This will allow the tops to become golden and slightly crispy, adding a delightful texture to the sliders.
- Serve: Once the sliders are baked and the cheese has melted, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before slicing them into individual portions. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Bread alternatives: If Hawaiian rolls aren’t your favorite, you can use any soft roll, such as slider buns or brioche. Whole wheat rolls can be a great alternative for those seeking a healthier option.
- Cheese swaps: While cheddar is the go-to cheese for these sliders, you can experiment with other varieties such as mozzarella, gouda, or provolone for different flavor profiles.
- Chicken options: If deli chicken isn’t available, rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken are perfect alternatives. You can also use grilled chicken breast for a more robust flavor.
- Vegetarian versions: To make a vegetarian version of these sliders, simply omit the chicken and bacon. Substitute the protein with sautéed mushrooms, a veggie burger patty, or even a plant-based chicken alternative. Adding more vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or spinach will also add flavor and texture.
- Bacon alternatives: If you prefer a lighter option, turkey bacon or prosciutto could be used instead of traditional bacon. For a different flavor, you could even try crispy pancetta or add a touch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.