Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are the perfect bite-sized indulgence that brings together savory chicken, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy ranch dressing, all wrapped in soft, fluffy slider buns. These sliders are not only incredibly easy to make, but they are packed with flavor, making them the ultimate comfort food for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner, a game day snack, or a potluck treat. The best part? You can easily customize them to suit your taste!

What’s in Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders?

Slider Buns: The foundation of the sliders! I prefer soft, fluffy buns that hold the filling just right. You can buy your favorite slider buns or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!

Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken provides lean protein and moisture. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, or cook up some chicken breasts yourself for a quick and easy addition.

Cooked Bacon: Crispy, smoky bacon crumbled into the mix brings an irresistible crunch and rich flavor. I always go for thick-cut bacon to really enhance the texture and taste.

Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully, adding gooey goodness to each bite. If you prefer a milder taste, feel free to swap it out for a different cheese variety.

Ranch Dressing: The key to the tangy, creamy base of the sliders! You can use a store-bought version or make your own ranch dressing for extra flair.

Green Onions: Freshly chopped green onions add a mild crunch and a pop of color that balances out the richness of the other ingredients.

Unsalted Butter, Garlic Powder, Dried Parsley: This trio adds the finishing touch, creating a golden, crispy top for your sliders, while the garlic and parsley infuse extra flavor.

Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that tie everything together.

Ingredients List:

  • 12 slider buns
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Is Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders Good for You?

These sliders are definitely a treat to enjoy occasionally! Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional benefits and considerations:

  • Chicken: A great source of lean protein, perfect for muscle repair and keeping you full longer.
  • Bacon: While bacon adds some extra fat, its crispy texture and flavor are well worth the indulgence. You can always use turkey bacon for a lighter option.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Rich in calcium, cheese supports bone health. Just be mindful of the portion size, as cheese is calorie-dense.
  • Ranch Dressing: Opt for a lighter version if you want to cut back on calories and fat, but the creamy texture it adds to the sliders is hard to beat!

Though these sliders are rich and decadent, they can still fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.

How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, and chopped green onions. Stir until well combined.
  3. Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in the baking dish.
  4. Evenly distribute the chicken mixture over the bottom buns.
  5. Place the top halves of the buns on top, covering the filling.
  6. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Brush this mixture generously over the top of the buns.
  7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the tops are golden brown and crispy.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow the sliders to cool for a few minutes before slicing into individual portions.

Serving Suggestions: Feel free to get creative by adding toppings such as jalapeños for some spice, extra cheese for indulgence, or even avocado slices for added creaminess. Serve with extra ranch dressing on the side for dipping – a perfect pairing for this savory treat!

These Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are bound to become a crowd favorite. They’re incredibly versatile, and whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them for a cozy dinner, they’re guaranteed to satisfy. Give them a try today and let me know how they turn out! Happy cooking!