When you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s irresistibly good, look no further than these Easy Crack Chicken Sliders. Picture this: tender, shredded chicken coated in a creamy, cheesy ranch sauce, all topped with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese, then sandwiched between soft slider buns. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite! Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a family gathering, or just a casual dinner, these sliders are guaranteed to disappear in minutes. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
Recipe Summary in Todd Wilbur’s Style: These Easy Crack Chicken Sliders are the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. The combination of ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheese with tender chicken creates a sandwich that’s nothing short of addictive. Perfect for parties or a quick weeknight dinner, these sliders are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
Personal Story: The first time I made these Easy Crack Chicken Sliders, my husband and kids were hooked. They couldn’t believe how something so simple could taste so amazing! Now, it’s become one of our go-to recipes for any gathering, especially on game days. I love how easy they are to prepare, and they never fail to impress. Plus, it’s a fun and tasty way to use up leftover chicken. Every time I make these, I’m reminded of how much joy good food can bring to our family.
Why These Easy Crack Chicken Sliders?
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, these sliders are perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of ranch, bacon, and cheddar cheese creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s truly addictive.
- Versatile: These sliders are great as appetizers, main dishes, or even as part of a buffet spread.
How to Make Easy Crack Chicken Sliders:
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, and ranch seasoning mix. Mix until well combined and the chicken is evenly coated.
- Assemble the Sliders:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact.
- Place the bottom halves of the slider buns in a baking dish.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture, followed by the crumbled bacon.
- Place the top halves of the slider buns over the filling.
- Bake the Sliders:
- Brush the tops of the buns with melted butter and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove from the oven and let the sliders cool slightly before cutting and serving. These are best enjoyed warm, but they’re delicious at any temperature!
Tips For Easy Crack Chicken Sliders
- Rotisserie Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and adds extra flavor to the sliders.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken mixture and assemble the sliders a few hours ahead of time. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.
- Extra Crispy: For extra crispy buns, place the assembled sliders under the broiler for a minute or two after baking.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or some sliced jalapeños to the chicken mixture for a spicy version.
- Different Cheeses: Try using a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss for a different flavor profile.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the crack chicken mixture in lettuce wraps instead of buns for a low-carb version.
Make a Healthier Version:
- Lower Fat: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and turkey bacon to lighten up the recipe without sacrificing flavor.
- Whole Wheat Buns: Opt for whole wheat slider buns to add some fiber and nutrients.
Closing in Todd Wilbur Style: And there you have it! These Easy Crack Chicken Sliders are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Don’t forget to share them with your friends and family, and be sure to check out our other recipes for more delicious and easy-to-make dishes!
Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Crack Chicken Sliders
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken works perfectly in this recipe, making it even quicker and easier.
Can I make these sliders in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders a few hours ahead and bake them just before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze these sliders?
While the chicken mixture can be frozen, it’s best to assemble and bake the sliders fresh for the best texture.
What can I serve with these sliders?
These sliders are great on their own, but they pair well with a side salad, fries, or even a bowl of soup.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make the chicken mixture in a slow cooker and then assemble the sliders when ready to serve.
What’s the best way to reheat these sliders?
Reheat the sliders in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, turkey or ham could also work well in this recipe for a different twist.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free slider buns and check the labels on your ranch seasoning to make sure it’s gluten-free.
How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?
Avoid overloading the buns with filling and don’t skip the step of baking uncovered to keep them crisp.
Easy Crack Chicken Sliders
Course: All Recipes4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
12 slider buns
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, and ranch seasoning mix. Mix until well combined and the chicken is evenly coated.
- Assemble the Sliders:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact.
- Place the bottom halves of the slider buns in a baking dish.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture, followed by the crumbled bacon.
- Place the top halves of the slider buns over the filling.
- Bake the Sliders:
- Brush the tops of the buns with melted butter and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove from the oven and let the sliders cool slightly before cutting and serving. These are best enjoyed warm, but they’re delicious at any temperature!