Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate party snack, weekday dinner, or crowd-pleasing game day treat, Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders deliver all the savory, smoky, tangy goodness you crave—packed into a perfect handheld bite. From juicy marinated chicken to crispy bacon, creamy ranch, and tangy barbecue sauce, this irresistibly satisfying slider is layers of flavor you’ll want to recreate again and again. Once you try these Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders, you’ll be adding them to your regular rotation for every get-together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts of Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders is how the ingredient list balances simplicity and major flavor impact. Every element builds the full, craveable taste: juicy chicken, sweet Hawaiian rolls, melty cheese, and all the necessary creamy, smoky, and zesty extras.
- Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless pieces for quick marinating and easy grilling—cutting them into 4-inch pieces helps them cook faster and fit perfectly on sliders.
- Hawaiian rolls: These slightly sweet, fluffy rolls create the perfect pillowy base that soaks up all those sauces.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a savory crunch and tons of smoky depth to each bite.
- Barbecue sauce: The real flavor hero here—pick your favorite brand or blend for marinading, basting, and for spreading on buns.
- Mayonnaise: A swipe of creamy mayo helps keep the chicken moist and adds a smooth richness to each slider.
- Ranch dressing: For that signature tangy, herby finish that always pairs well with barbecue and bacon.
- Shredded lettuce: Adds fresh crunch and a pop of color to balance out the richness.
- Red onion: Thin slices bring just the right amount of bite and a touch of sweetness.
- Colby jack cheese: Use pre-sliced squares for ultra-convenient, perfectly melted cheese on every slider.
How to Make Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken in barbecue sauce to infuse it with all those big, smoky flavors. Toss the chicken pieces with 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce in a zip-top bag or a bowl, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you’ve got the time, let it soak for four hours or even overnight—the longer, the better! This step makes a huge difference and lays the foundation for truly flavorful Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
While your chicken is marinating, grab a skillet and cook the bacon over low heat. This method lets it get super crisp without burning, releasing all that amazing aroma. Once it’s perfectly crispy, let it hang out on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease—you want maximum crunch here!
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Fire up the grill to medium heat and get ready for some serious BBQ magic. Place the marinated chicken pieces onto the grill and cook for about three minutes per side, basting with a fresh 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce as you go. The goal is golden, juicy chicken with a sticky, caramelized coating! Double-check that each piece hits 165 degrees inside—safety first and always the most delicious.
Step 4: Prep the Hawaiian Rolls
While the chicken is grilling, slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping the buns connected underneath for that classic slider shape. Smear a little mayonnaise on the bottom buns—this extra creamy layer helps anchor the chicken and prevents the bread from getting soggy.
Step 5: Layer the Fillings
Once the chicken is ready, build your sliders: Start with the BBQ chicken on each roll, then drizzle a little more barbecue sauce on top for that saucy punch. Add a square of Colby jack cheese to each piece, letting the residual heat help it melt. Next pile on the crispy bacon, a few slices of red onion, a generous handful of shredded lettuce, and a drizzle of ranch dressing. If you’re making these ahead, wait to add the ranch until the last minute to keep everything bright and crisp.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Round out your Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders by placing the top buns on, then using a sharp knife to slice them into individual sliders. They’re now officially ready to eat—gather everyone around because these will disappear fast!
How to Serve Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives over the finished sliders can brighten things up with a hit of color and a little herbal zing. If you love a bit more zest, offer extra ranch or barbecue sauce for dipping on the side. And for an extra pop, a few sliced pickles tucked between the layers work wonders!
Side Dishes
These Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are deliciously hearty on their own, but pair beautifully with simple sides like kettle chips, fresh veggie sticks, or classic potato salad. Want something a bit different? Try serving them with a corn and black bean salad, creamy coleslaw, or even a pile of hot crispy fries for maximum comfort food vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the sliders on a wooden board or platter, separating each with mini skewers or cocktail picks for easy grabbing. For a fun build-your-own slider bar, set out all the toppings in little bowls so guests can customize to their hearts’ content. These also make a clever lunchbox or picnic addition, just wrap in parchment and go!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders, pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. For best results, store the lettuce and ranch separately to avoid any sogginess—just assemble when you’re ready to eat.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze the cooked chicken and bacon portions for later. Let them cool completely, then transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers. They’ll keep well for about 2 months. When you’re ready for fresh sliders, defrost the components and build your sandwiches with fresh toppings and buns.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken and bacon gently in the oven at 325°F until heated through and the cheese remelts. Add the fresh lettuce, onions, and ranch dressing just before serving so the sliders stay crisp and vibrant. Avoid microwaving assembled sliders if you can, as the bread tends to get soft and lose texture.
FAQs
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Definitely! If you don’t have access to a grill, simply arrange the marinated chicken pieces on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Broil for the last couple minutes for a little extra caramelization!
What’s the best way to keep sliders warm for a party?
If you’re making Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders ahead and want to keep them warm, arrange them in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and keep in a low oven (around 200°F). Add the lettuce and ranch just before serving so they stay fresh.
Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works great in a pinch. Toss the meat with barbecue sauce, then proceed with the sliders as usual.
Are there other cheese options that work well?
Colby jack is classic, but you could also use pepper jack for some heat, sharp cheddar for tang, or even provolone for melty, mild goodness. Mix and match to your heart’s content!
Can I make Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders gluten free?
Sure thing—just swap regular Hawaiian rolls for your favorite gluten-free buns or rolls, and double-check that your barbecue sauce and ranch dressing are certified gluten free.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try these Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders—they truly deliver on every front: juicy, cheesy, tangy, smoky, and spectacularly satisfying. Whether for a party, a family dinner, or your next casual get-together, they’re bound to become a new favorite. Dig in, enjoy every bite, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!
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Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Diet: Non-vegetarian
Description
These Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are the perfect combination of savory, smoky, and tangy flavors all in one delicious bite. Juicy chicken breasts marinated in barbecue sauce, topped with crispy bacon, gooey cheese, fresh veggies, and creamy ranch dressing, sandwiched between soft Hawaiian rolls.
Ingredients
Marinated Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 4 inch pieces
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 pack Hawaiian rolls, 12 count
- 8 slices bacon
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1/4 red onion, sliced
- 12 squares Colby jack cheese
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken in a zip-top bag or bowl with 1 cup barbecue sauce. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 4 hours or overnight.
- Cook the Bacon: Cook bacon in a skillet over low heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Grill the Chicken: Grill chicken over medium heat for about 3 minutes per side, basting with 1/2 cup barbecue sauce. Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Assemble the Sliders: Slice Hawaiian buns, spread mayo on bottom buns, add chicken, extra barbecue sauce, cheese, bacon, onions, lettuce, and ranch dressing. Top with remaining buns.
- Serve: Slice sliders and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, grill the Hawaiian buns lightly before assembling the sliders.
- You can customize these sliders with your favorite toppings like avocado, pickles, or jalapenos.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders, Chicken Sliders Recipe, BBQ Sliders, Party Food, Easy Sliders
