Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders: The Ultimate Recipe

Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders: Prepare to meet your new favorite party appetizer (or quick weeknight dinner!). These aren’t just any sliders; they’re a flavor explosion waiting to happen. Imagine juicy, shredded chicken, slathered in tangy BBQ sauce, topped with crispy bacon and creamy ranch dressing, all nestled between soft, toasted slider buns. Sounds divine, right?

While the exact origins of the slider are debated, these mini-burgers have become an American staple, perfect for sharing and sampling a variety of flavors. Our Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders take that concept to a whole new level. The combination of smoky bacon, zesty ranch, and sweet BBQ sauce is a classic for a reason – it’s simply irresistible!

People adore this dish because it’s incredibly easy to make, endlessly customizable, and delivers a satisfying blend of textures and tastes. The tender chicken, the crunchy bacon, the creamy ranch, and the soft bun create a symphony in your mouth. Plus, who can resist the convenience of a handheld treat that’s packed with flavor? Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, a backyard barbecue, or just need a quick and delicious meal, these Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience slider perfection!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
• For the Bacon Ranch BBQ Sauce:
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand!)
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6-8 slices)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, for added depth of flavor)
• For the Sliders:
• 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls work great!)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions (for garnish)
• Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, sliced red onion

Preparing the Chicken:

1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts: If your chicken breasts are very thick, I recommend pounding them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This will help them cook more evenly and quickly. You can do this by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pounding them with a meat mallet or rolling pin.
2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to create a flavorful rub.
3. Marinate the Chicken (Optional): Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated. For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. If you’re short on time, you can skip the marinating step, but it really does enhance the flavor!

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Preheat Your Grill or Pan: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Alternatively, you can use a large skillet or grill pan on your stovetop over medium-high heat. Make sure the grill or pan is hot before adding the chicken.
2. Grill or Pan-Fry the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the preheated grill or pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Avoid overcooking, as this will make the chicken dry.
3. Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill or pan and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
4. Shred the Chicken: After the chicken has rested, use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. You can also use your hands if the chicken is cool enough to handle.

Making the Bacon Ranch BBQ Sauce:

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, cooked and crumbled bacon, brown sugar (if using), and Worcestershire sauce (if using).
2. Mix Well: Stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. Adjust to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more BBQ sauce for a tangier flavor, more ranch for a creamier flavor, or more brown sugar for a sweeter flavor.

Assembling the Sliders:

1. Preheat Oven (Optional): If you want to melt the cheese on the sliders, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is optional, but it adds a nice touch.
2. Prepare the Slider Buns: Slice the slider buns in half horizontally. You can lightly toast the buns if you prefer, but it’s not necessary.
3. Mix Chicken with Sauce: Add the shredded chicken to the bowl with the bacon ranch BBQ sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce. Make sure every piece of chicken is covered in that delicious sauce!
4. Assemble the Sliders: Spoon the saucy chicken mixture onto the bottom halves of the slider buns. Don’t be shy – load them up!
5. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese) over the chicken mixture.
6. Bake (Optional): If you preheated your oven, place the assembled sliders on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Add Toppings: Remove the sliders from the oven (if baked) and top with the top halves of the slider buns.
8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the sliders with chopped fresh chives or green onions. You can also add other toppings like coleslaw, pickles, or sliced red onion, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tend to stay more moist during cooking.
• Slow Cooker Chicken: For an even easier option, you can cook the chicken in a slow cooker. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, pour in 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce and 1/4 cup of ranch dressing. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken and then proceed with the recipe.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the bacon ranch BBQ sauce for a spicy kick.
• Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or provolone.
• Coleslaw Topping: Top the sliders with a scoop of coleslaw for added crunch and flavor. A vinegar-based coleslaw works particularly well.
• Pickled Onions: Add pickled red onions for a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the sliders and bake (if desired).
• Serving Suggestions: Serve these sliders with your favorite sides, such as potato salad, macaroni salad, corn on the cob, or french fries. They’re perfect for parties, game days, or a casual weeknight meal.

Enjoy Your Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are truly a flavor explosion in every bite, and I genuinely believe they’re a must-try for your next gathering, weeknight dinner, or even a fun weekend lunch. The combination of smoky bacon, tangy ranch, and sweet BBQ sauce creates a symphony of tastes that will leave everyone wanting more. Trust me, these little sliders pack a serious punch!

But why are these sliders so special? It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The juicy, tender chicken, the crispy bacon, the creamy ranch, and the sticky-sweet BBQ sauce all work together in perfect harmony. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, which is always a win in my book. You can prep the chicken ahead of time, making assembly a breeze when you’re ready to serve. And let’s be honest, who can resist a slider? They’re the perfect portion size and so much fun to eat!

Looking for serving suggestions or variations to make these sliders your own? I’ve got you covered! For a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce or using a spicy ranch dressing. If you’re not a fan of bacon (gasp!), you could substitute it with crispy prosciutto or even leave it out altogether – although I highly recommend keeping it in for that extra layer of flavor.

For a vegetarian option, you could easily swap the chicken for grilled halloumi cheese or marinated portobello mushrooms. Both options would pair beautifully with the bacon, ranch, and BBQ sauce. You could also add some sliced avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.

Serving-wise, these sliders are fantastic on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of sides. Think classic coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, or even a simple green salad. For a more substantial meal, you could serve them with some crispy sweet potato fries or onion rings. And don’t forget the drinks! A cold beer, a refreshing lemonade, or even a sweet tea would be the perfect accompaniment to these delicious sliders.

I also love to serve these Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders at parties and potlucks. They’re always a crowd-pleaser and disappear quickly. They’re also easy to transport, making them a great option for picnics and tailgates. Just pack the sliders in a container and keep the toppings separate until you’re ready to serve.

So, what are you waiting for? I urge you to give this recipe a try. I’m confident that you and your loved ones will absolutely adore these Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders. They’re the perfect combination of flavors, easy to make, and endlessly customizable.

Once you’ve made them, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What sides did you serve them with? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and comments in the comments section below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking! And remember, the best meals are the ones shared with loved ones. Enjoy!

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