There's something irresistibly comforting about biting into a warm, cheesy Crack Chicken Slider. The savory combination of creamy ranch-seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheese nestled in soft, buttery rolls is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. These sliders are perfect for game nights, potlucks, or a simple family dinner.
The first time I made these, I was hosting a casual party and needed something quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress. Needless to say, they disappeared in minutes, leaving everyone asking for the recipe! Let’s dive into why these sliders deserve a spot in your regular rotation.
Why You'll Love These Crack Chicken Sliders
Get ready to fall head over heels for these flavor-packed sliders. They tick all the boxes for a go-to recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
First and foremost, they're incredibly easy to make. Using rotisserie chicken and a few pantry staples means you can have these ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for last-minute gatherings or busy weeknights.
Secondly, they’re the ultimate comfort food. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bacon, these sliders hit all the right notes. The buttery toasted rolls with their golden tops are the perfect finishing touch.
What’s more, they're crowd-friendly. With just one pan, you can whip up 12 sliders at once, making them a fantastic option for feeding a hungry group.
Finally, they're endlessly customizable. Whether you want to add a spicy kick, swap the protein, or sneak in some veggies, this recipe is flexible enough to suit your taste buds.
Ready to make these delicious sliders? Let’s talk ingredients.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of Crack Chicken Sliders lies in their simple ingredients that combine to create a powerhouse of flavor. Here's what you'll need:
- Shredded Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken is a major time-saver. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or poach a few chicken breasts for this recipe.
- Cream Cheese: The creamy base of the filling. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: This packet of herby goodness infuses the sliders with that signature crack chicken flavor.
- Bacon: Crispy, salty bacon pieces take these sliders to the next level. Cook and crumble your bacon beforehand for easy assembly.
- Cheddar Cheese: A generous layer of shredded cheddar melts beautifully, adding richness to every bite.
- Hawaiian Rolls: These soft, slightly sweet rolls are perfect for sliders. Their fluffy texture balances the savory filling.
- Butter: Brushed over the top of the sliders for a golden finish.
- Optional Toppings: Add sliced green onions for a pop of freshness or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat.
You’ll also need a 9x13 baking dish to assemble and bake the sliders.
How To Make Crack Chicken Sliders
Making these sliders is a breeze! Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure your sliders turn out perfectly every time.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded chicken, ranch seasoning, and crumbled bacon. Mix until well combined. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese for extra indulgence.
- Assemble the Sliders: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact. Place the bottom half in a greased 9x13 baking dish. Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom layer, then place the top half of the rolls back on.
- Butter and Bake: Melt butter and brush it generously over the tops of the rolls. For added flavor, sprinkle a little ranch seasoning or garlic powder on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the sliders cool slightly before cutting them apart. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a tray of irresistible sliders ready to wow your family and friends.
Storage Options
If you somehow manage to have leftovers (unlikely!), these sliders store well for later enjoyment.
- Refrigeration: Store the sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them wrapped in foil to maintain their softness.
- Freezing: Wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm refrigerated sliders in the oven at 325°F for 10 minutes or until heated through. Frozen sliders can be thawed in the fridge overnight and reheated the same way.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about Crack Chicken Sliders is how adaptable they are. Here are some ideas to customize the recipe to your liking:
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a fiery twist.
- Different Cheese: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or a combination of cheeses to change up the flavor profile.
- Protein Swap: Try shredded turkey, pulled pork, or even cooked ground beef as an alternative to chicken.
- Healthier Option: Use low-fat cream cheese and turkey bacon to lighten things up without sacrificing flavor.
- Veggie Boost: Add sautéed spinach, diced bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms to sneak in some extra nutrients.
Don’t be afraid to experiment—the possibilities are endless!
Crack Chicken Sliders are the ultimate combination of comfort food and convenience. Whether you’re hosting a party, feeding your family, or simply craving something indulgent, these sliders deliver on every front. Try them today—you’ll be hooked after the first bite!
PrintCrack Chicken Sliders Recipe
Crack Chicken Sliders are the ultimate comfort food featuring shredded chicken, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and ranch seasoning on soft slider buns. Ideal for parties, game days, or quick family meals, these sliders are irresistibly delicious and easy to make!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 12 slider buns
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon until combined.
- Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping them intact. Place the bottom halves on a greased baking dish.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the buns, then place the top halves back on.
- Brush the tops with melted butter mixed with garlic powder.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the buns are golden and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Sliders can be prepped ahead and baked just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
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