The crispy bacon adds a perfect crunch to every bite, balancing the smoky sweetness of the BBQ sauce and the creamy richness of the ranch dressing. As you take a bite, the tender chicken pulls apart effortlessly, letting the layers of flavor shine through. The BBQ sauce clings to the chicken, adding just the right amount of tang and sweetness, while the ranch dressing smooths everything out with its cool, herby flavor. Every slider is a mini flavor explosion, where savory and sweet come together in the most irresistible way. These sliders are perfect for casual dinners, game day, or any time you want to treat yourself to something deliciously comforting yet exciting.
Key Ingredients in Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
Each ingredient in these sliders plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavors. Here’s a closer look at what makes this dish so special:
* Boneless skinless chicken breasts
The chicken provides a juicy and tender base for the sliders, soaking up all the delicious flavors from the BBQ sauce and ranch dressing.
* Olive oil
A touch of olive oil helps to sauté the chicken to golden perfection while adding a subtle richness that complements the other ingredients.
* Salt
Essential for seasoning, salt enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce and ranch dressing.
* Black pepper
Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor, creating a savory contrast to the richness of the ranch dressing and the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
* Garlic powder
The garlic powder gives a warm, aromatic depth to the chicken, bringing a savory base note that pairs wonderfully with the tangy BBQ sauce.
* Onion powder
With its sweet and earthy flavor, onion powder rounds out the seasoning profile, enhancing the savory elements of the chicken without overpowering it.
* Barbecue sauce
This is the star of the show, infusing the chicken with a smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the ranch dressing.
* Ranch dressing
Cool and creamy, ranch dressing smooths everything out, adding a fresh, herby touch that balances the bold BBQ sauce.
* Bacon, cooked and crumbled
Crispy bacon adds a salty crunch and smokiness, creating texture contrast and bringing a savory element that plays off the chicken and ranch dressing.
* Chopped fresh parsley
A sprinkle of parsley adds a burst of color and a fresh, slightly peppery flavor, enhancing the overall freshness of the sliders.
* Slider buns
Soft, pillowy slider buns are the perfect vessel for all those flavorful fillings, holding everything together while offering a slight sweetness to complement the savory toppings.
* Shredded cheddar cheese
Melty cheddar cheese brings a creamy, sharp flavor to the sliders, tying together the smoky bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, and smooth ranch dressing.
* Butter, melted
Brushing the buns with melted butter before toasting them adds a rich, golden finish and an irresistible aroma to the sliders.
How to Make Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure the sliders bake evenly and the buns get that perfect golden finish.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. The oil will help sauté the chicken, giving it a beautiful sear and preventing it from sticking to the skillet.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides. The seasoning will add layers of flavor to the chicken, making it even more delicious when combined with the BBQ sauce and ranch dressing.
4. Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat while keeping it juicy and tender.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Resting the chicken will help retain its juices, making it even more tender and flavorful when shredded.
6. Shred the cooked chicken using two forks. Simply pull the chicken apart into bite-sized pieces, which will easily soak up all the delicious flavors of the BBQ sauce and ranch dressing.
7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce and ranch dressing. Stir well to make sure the chicken is evenly coated in the flavorful sauces, creating the perfect creamy and tangy base.
8. Add the crumbled bacon and chopped parsley to the chicken mixture and stir well. The bacon adds that crispy, smoky crunch, while the parsley brings a fresh, herbaceous touch to balance everything out.
9. Place the slider buns on a baking sheet and cut them in half horizontally without fully separating the tops and bottoms. This will allow you to easily assemble the sliders once the filling is ready.
10. Spoon the chicken mixture evenly onto the bottom half of each slider bun. Be generous with the filling—each slider should be packed with that flavorful chicken mixture!
11. Top the chicken with shredded cheddar cheese, spreading it out evenly. The cheese will melt beautifully, creating a gooey, creamy layer that brings everything together.
12. Place the top half of the slider buns onto the chicken and cheese layer. Press them down gently to help the sliders hold their shape.
13. Brush the melted butter evenly over the top of the buns. This will give them a rich, golden color and a buttery aroma once they’re baked.
14. Place the assembled sliders in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the buns are golden. This step ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully, while the buns get that crispy, toasted texture.
15. Remove from the oven and allow the sliders to cool slightly before serving. This brief resting time will help the sliders set, making them easier to serve without spilling their tasty fillings.
Serving Suggestions for Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
– Serve with crispy fries for the ultimate comfort meal! The golden, salty fries pair perfectly with the smoky BBQ chicken, and you can even dip them in extra ranch dressing for that extra flavor boost. It’s like a mini feast!
– Pair with a refreshing salad to balance the richness of the sliders. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will provide a crisp, tangy contrast to the creamy ranch and savory chicken, adding a pop of freshness to every bite.
– Add a side of pickles for a zesty crunch! The tanginess of dill pickles cuts through the richness of the sliders, offering that perfect burst of flavor that complements the smoky BBQ sauce and creamy ranch dressing. Plus, it adds that satisfying crunch!
How to Store Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
If you happen to have any leftovers (lucky you!), here are some easy ways to store your sliders while keeping them fresh and delicious:
– In the refrigerator: Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just pop them in the microwave or heat them in the oven to bring back that golden, melty goodness.
– For individual portions: If you’re not planning to finish them all at once, consider wrapping each slider separately in foil. This makes reheating super easy and helps retain that perfect, crispy texture on the buns.
– Freezing for later: You can freeze the sliders if you want to save them for a future meal. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake in the oven until warmed through.
No matter how you store them, these sliders are sure to taste just as good the second time around!
Conclusion
And there you have it – the ultimate Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders! These little bites of heaven are a perfect balance of savory, smoky, creamy, and a touch of sweetness, making them the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re enjoying them on a cozy evening at home or serving them up for a game day snack, these sliders are sure to be a hit every time.
I hope you find this recipe as fun to make as it is to eat! If you try it out, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Got any tweaks or ideas to make it your own? Drop a comment below, or feel free to ask me any questions. I’m always here to help in the kitchen!
Don’t forget to save this recipe for later, and I can’t wait to hear how your sliders turn out!
Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
Description
Tender, juicy BBQ chicken topped with crispy bacon, drizzled in creamy ranch, and served on soft slider buns. These Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders pack bold, smoky, and savory flavors in every bite—perfect for satisfying any craving!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
-
Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides.
-
Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
-
Remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest for 5 minutes.
-
Shred the cooked chicken using two forks.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce and ranch dressing.
-
Add the crumbled bacon and chopped parsley to the chicken mixture and stir well.
-
Place the slider buns on a baking sheet and cut them in half horizontally without fully separating the tops and bottoms.
-
Spoon the chicken mixture evenly onto the bottom half of each slider bun.
-
Top the chicken with shredded cheddar cheese, spreading it out evenly.
-
Place the top half of the slider buns onto the chicken and cheese layer.
-
Brush the melted butter evenly over the top of the buns.
-
Place the assembled sliders in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the buns are golden.
-
Remove from the oven and allow the sliders to cool slightly before serving.
Note
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safety and juiciness.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the barbecue sauce and ranch dressing for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Swap out the ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing for a different flavor twist.
- If you prefer crispy bacon, cook it in the oven or stovetop and crumble it just before adding it to the chicken mixture.
- For a spicy kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture.
