There’s nothing quite like the irresistible combination of creamy cheese, savory chicken, and crispy bacon in these Crack Chicken Sliders. Perfect for game day, a casual family dinner, or any gathering, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.
I first stumbled upon this recipe when looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck. These sliders became the star of the table, with everyone begging for the recipe. Now, they’re a staple in my kitchen whenever I need a quick and satisfying bite. Ready to make your new favorite snack?
Why You’ll Love This Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for these sliders. They’re everything you want in a dish—easy to make, unbelievably tasty, and perfect for any occasion.
First, they’re quick and straightforward to assemble. Whether you’re hosting a party or making a weeknight dinner, you can have these sliders ready to go in under 30 minutes.
The flavors are next-level. Creamy ranch-infused chicken, melty cheese, and crispy bacon come together in a toasted bun for an addictive bite every time.
They’re also super versatile. Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or even a main course. Plus, they’re easy to transport, making them an excellent option for potlucks and picnics.
Best of all, these sliders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re perfect for picky eaters and seasoned foodies alike—everyone loves the classic ranch, bacon, and cheese combination.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of Crack Chicken Sliders lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to deliver that perfect bite.
Shredded Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or even slow-cooked shredded chicken for convenience. It’s juicy, tender, and perfect for soaking up all that creamy ranch flavor.
Cream Cheese: This is what makes the filling rich and creamy. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Ranch Seasoning: The star ingredient that ties the whole dish together. Use a packet of store-bought ranch seasoning or make your own if you prefer.
Bacon: Cooked until crispy, it adds a smoky crunch to every bite. Feel free to use pre-cooked bacon to save time.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar works best, giving the sliders a rich, cheesy finish. For an extra punch, try a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
Slider Buns: Soft Hawaiian rolls are ideal for this recipe. Their slight sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory filling.
For this recipe, you’ll also need a baking dish and some aluminum foil to ensure even heating and easy cleanup.
How to Make This Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe
Making Crack Chicken Sliders is as easy as 1-2-3. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a tray of golden, cheesy sliders in no time.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While the oven heats, prepare your filling by combining softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and a splash of milk in a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth, then fold in your shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and half of the shredded cheese.
Slice your slider buns horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves intact. Place the bottom half of the buns in a greased baking dish, then spread the chicken mixture evenly over them. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for an extra layer of gooey goodness.
Add the top half of the buns, then brush them generously with melted butter. For a finishing touch, sprinkle with a little garlic powder and dried parsley to enhance the flavor.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
Let the sliders cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. The total time? Just under 30 minutes for a dish that tastes like you spent hours on it!
Storage Options
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, these sliders store beautifully. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the sliders in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. For a quicker option, you can microwave them in 30-second intervals, though the buns won’t stay as crisp.
Want to make them ahead of time? Assemble the sliders up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, pop them in the oven and bake as directed.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:
Swap out the cheddar cheese for pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Add a little heat by mixing in some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free buns or wrap the filling in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
Looking for a vegetarian twist? Skip the chicken and bacon, and substitute with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a creamy, earthy filling.
Experiment with toppings! A drizzle of barbecue sauce or ranch dressing on top can take these sliders to the next level.
These Crack Chicken Sliders are so versatile that you’ll want to try them in every way possible. Don’t be afraid to make them your own!
PrintCrack Chicken Sliders Recipe
Crack chicken sliders are a mouthwatering combination of shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and melty cheddar, served on soft rolls and topped with crispy bacon. Perfect as appetizers, game-day snacks, or a comforting main dish!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8-10 slider rolls
- 6-8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and shredded cheddar. Mix until well combined.
- Slice slider rolls in half and place the bottom halves in a greased baking dish.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the rolls and sprinkle crumbled bacon on top.
- Place the top halves of the rolls back on and brush with melted butter.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
- Garnish with parsley (if desired) and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra spice!
- Perfect for meal prep and reheats well in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
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