Crack Chicken Sliders
These Crack Chicken Sliders are creamy, cheesy, and savory, combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a tangy ranch-inspired sauce inside soft slider buns. Perfect for game day or casual dinners, they are easy to prepare in under an hour.
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast shredded, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled turkey bacon or any -certified bacon alternative
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing choose a -certified or homemade version
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions optional, for garnish
- 12 slider buns slider buns or small sandwich rolls preferably soft and fresh
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- to taste salt and pepper
- as needed butter for brushing buns
Instructions
- Start by cooking your chicken breasts if they aren’t cooked already. You can poach, bake, or grill them according to your preference. For a quick method, poach the chicken in simmering water for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Once done, shred the chicken finely using two forks or your hands.
- Cook the turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain the excess fat on paper towels and crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined. Add the shredded chicken, crumbled turkey bacon, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly so the chicken is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in an oven-safe dish or baking sheet. Evenly distribute the chicken mixture across the bottom buns. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top of the chicken mixture. Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese.
- Brush the tops of the slider buns lightly with melted butter. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes until the filling is hot and the cheese is melted. For an extra crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately while warm and gooey.
Equipment
- Skillet
- Oven
- Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowl
Notes
Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling. Use good-quality ranch dressing or make your own. Brush buns with butter for a golden finish. For extra flavor, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Prepare filling the night before to save time. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze assembled sliders before baking for up to 1 month.