Craving something delicious and easy to serve? Look no further than these chicken bacon ranch sliders! Perfect for game day, parties, or a quick family dinner, these sliders offer a delightful combo of flavors and textures. Juicy chicken meets crispy bacon, all smothered in a creamy ranch sauce, making them irresistible. Let’s dive into this simple yet scrumptious recipe that’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings!
Ingredients
– 1 pound of cooked chicken, shredded
– 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– ½ cup ranch dressing
– 12 slider buns
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: pickles for serving
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 12 sliders. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each slider (1 serving) contains approximately:
– Calories: 220
– Protein: 14g
– Fat: 12g
– Carbohydrates: 20g
– Fiber: 1g
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, combine shredded chicken and ranch dressing, mixing well.
3. Add crumbled bacon to the chicken mixture and stir to combine.
4. Slice the slider buns in half, keeping the top and bottom attached.
5. Place the bottom half of the buns in a baking dish.
6. Spoon the chicken and bacon mixture evenly over the bun bottoms.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture.
8. Place the top half of the buns over the cheese.
9. Brush melted butter on top of the buns for extra flavor.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and cheese is bubbly.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for homemade chicken to save time. Additionally, turkey bacon can replace traditional bacon for a healthier option, and Greek yogurt can stand in for ranch dressing for a lighter twist.
Serving and Pairings
These sliders pair excellently with crispy potato chips, a fresh garden salad, or some crunchy veggies with ranch dip. They also make a fantastic appetizer when served with a variety of dipping sauces.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. These sliders can be frozen before baking; simply wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the bacon can make it too crispy; aim for a nice balance.
- Using too much ranch dressing can make the mixture soggy.
- Not preheating the oven may lead to uneven cooking.
- Skipping the butter on top can result in dry buns.
- Not covering the sliders while baking can lead to them drying out.
Helpful Tips
- Use a sharp knife for slicing buns to avoid squishing them.
- Feel free to add jalapeños for an extra kick!
- Assemble sliders ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy twist.
FAQs
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and bacon mixture and assemble the sliders. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake them.
What type of chicken works best?
Shredded rotisserie chicken is highly recommended for its flavor and convenience, but you can also use grilled or baked chicken.
Can I use different sauces instead of ranch?
Absolutely! BBQ sauce or buffalo sauce can be tasty alternatives if you want to switch up the flavor profile.
How do I keep sliders warm for a party?
Consider using a slow cooker on low heat to keep the sliders warm and gooey while serving.
What sides go well with sliders?
Potato wedges, coleslaw, or a fresh fruit salad make great sides to complement the sliders.
Conclusion
These chicken bacon ranch sliders are not just easy to make but also packed with flavors that everyone will love. Perfect for any occasion, they’re bound to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy the delightful combination of chicken, bacon, and ranch in every bite!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
Ingredients
- 1 pound of cooked chicken shredded
- 8 slices of bacon cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 12 slider buns
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pickles for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine shredded chicken and ranch dressing, mixing well.
- Add crumbled bacon to the chicken mixture and stir to combine.
- Slice the slider buns in half, keeping the top and bottom attached.
- Place the bottom half of the buns in a baking dish.
- Spoon the chicken and bacon mixture evenly over the bun bottoms.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture.
- Place the top half of the buns over the cheese.
- Brush melted butter on top of the buns for extra flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and cheese is bubbly.