There’s a reason why Crack Chicken Sliders have such a bold name – they’re absolutely addictive! These mini sandwiches combine creamy, cheesy chicken with crispy bacon, all tucked into soft slider rolls and baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re prepping for game day, a potluck, or a family dinner, these sliders will fly off the plate in no time.
I first made these sliders for a casual get-together, and they were gone before I could grab seconds. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is a go-to for busy days and special occasions alike. Let’s dive into this easy, mouthwatering dish!
Why You’ll Love These Crack Chicken Sliders
These Crack Chicken Sliders are a perfect storm of flavor and convenience. Here’s why you’ll adore them:
- Incredibly Easy: With just a few steps, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish ready to go. Perfect for weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Bursting with Flavor: The creamy ranch seasoning, gooey melted cheese, and smoky bacon come together to create an irresistible combination.
- Great for Any Occasion: From game-day snacks to quick dinners, these sliders are versatile enough to suit any need.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the chicken filling ahead of time for an even quicker assembly process when you’re ready to serve.
Ingredients Notes
The secret to these sliders’ irresistible flavor lies in the simple yet powerful ingredients:
- Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a time-saver, but any cooked, shredded chicken will work.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese gives the filling its creamy, decadent texture.
- Ranch Seasoning: A packet of ranch seasoning mix provides the signature flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.
- Bacon: Crispy, crumbled bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch that takes these sliders to the next level.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the filling, but you can also try mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist.
- Slider Rolls: Soft rolls like Hawaiian rolls are the perfect vessel for the creamy filling.
- Butter Topping: A mix of melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley brushed over the buns gives them a golden, savory finish.
How to Make Crack Chicken Sliders
Making these sliders is simple and straightforward. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is evenly distributed. - Assemble the Sliders
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact. Place the bottom halves into a greased baking dish. Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the rolls, then place the tops back on. - Add the Butter Topping
In a small bowl, melt butter and stir in garlic powder, parsley, and a pinch of salt. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the rolls. - Bake and Serve
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and cut into individual sliders. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
Storage Options
These sliders are just as delicious the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm sliders in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
These sliders are super versatile, making it easy to adapt them to your preferences:
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a bit of heat.
- BBQ Twist: Mix in a few tablespoons of BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy flavor.
- Healthier Version: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese, turkey bacon, and whole wheat rolls for a lighter take.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute shredded jackfruit or a plant-based chicken alternative and skip the bacon.
- Extra Cheesy: Add an extra layer of shredded cheese on top of the chicken mixture before placing the slider tops back on.
These Crack Chicken Sliders are sure to be a hit no matter where you serve them. With their creamy, cheesy filling and buttery golden buns, they’re comfort food at its finest. Make a batch for your next gathering and watch how quickly they disappear – they’re that good!
PrintCrack Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
Description
Crack Chicken Sliders are a creamy, cheesy, and bacon-loaded recipe that's perfect for gatherings. These easy-to-make sliders are packed with flavor and sure to be a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 12 slider buns
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook chicken breasts in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, with the cream cheese and ranch seasoning on top. Shred the chicken and mix well with the cream cheese.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon to the chicken mixture. Stir until combined.
- Place the bottom halves of the slider buns on a baking sheet. Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the buns.
- Top with the bun tops and brush with melted butter. Sprinkle with parsley if desired.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until buns are golden brown and the filling is heated through.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Add jalapeños for a spicy twist.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (slow cooker) + 10 minutes (baking)
- Category: Appetizers, Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 470mg
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