Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
Grilled barbecue chicken is always a hit, and these Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders elevate this summer favorite into a delicious handheld treat. Perfect for picnics, game days, or casual family dinners, these sliders combine smoky flavors with the creamy goodness of ranch and crispy bacon. You’ll love how easy they are to make and how quickly they disappear at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes of total time, these sliders are perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, and crispy bacon creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile Serving Options: These sliders can be served at parties, barbecues, or even as a fun weeknight dinner. They’re easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for feeding a group, this recipe yields 12 sliders that are sure to satisfy hungry guests.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with common ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, making shopping a breeze.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delicious Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Skillet
- Zip-top bag or bowl
- Paper towels
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: A grill allows you to achieve that perfect smoky flavor on the chicken while cooking it evenly.
- Skillet: Used for cooking the bacon to crispy perfection without burning it.
- Zip-top bag or bowl: Ideal for marinating the chicken in barbecue sauce, ensuring it’s flavorful throughout.
- Knife: Necessary for slicing the Hawaiian rolls and preparing vegetables like red onion.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Sliders
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 4 inch pieces
- 1 pack Hawaiian rolls, 12 count
- 8 slices bacon
- 2 cups barbecue sauce, divided
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1/4 red onion, sliced
- 12 squares Colby jack cheese (cracker-cut size is perfect)
How to Make Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Marinate chicken in a zip-top bag or bowl with 1 cup barbecue sauce. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; ideally, let it sit for 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
While the chicken marinates, cook the bacon in a skillet over low heat until crispy. Rest on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Prepare your grill to medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken about 3 minutes per side, basting with an additional 1/2 cup barbecue sauce as they cook. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
Slice the Hawaiian buns horizontally for sandwiches. Spread mayonnaise on the bottom buns, add grilled chicken, and drizzle a little extra barbecue sauce on top.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Top the chicken with cheese squares, followed by bacon slices, red onions, shredded lettuce, and drizzle ranch dressing over the lettuce. Note: If prepping these sliders to eat later, add ranch dressing just before serving.
Step 6: Serve Up!
Place the top buns on each slider, slice them into individual portions if desired, and serve immediately for everyone to enjoy!
How to Serve Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are versatile and perfect for any gathering. Whether it’s a summer cookout or a cozy family dinner, these sliders can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience.
With Fresh Sides
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast and complements the richness of the sliders.
- Potato Chips: Serve with crispy potato chips for a delightful crunch that pairs well with the smoky flavors.
- Pickles: Tangy pickles provide a burst of flavor that balances the sweetness of the barbecue sauce.
As Party Appetizers
- Mini Slider Platter: Arrange sliders on a platter for easy serving at parties, allowing guests to grab and go.
- Buffet Style: Set up a buffet where guests can customize their sliders with toppings like extra bacon or cheese.
With Dipping Sauces
- Extra BBQ Sauce: Offer additional barbecue sauce on the side for dipping, enhancing the flavor profile.
- Spicy Ranch Dip: A spicy ranch dip can add an exciting kick that pairs perfectly with the ranch dressing in the sliders.
How to Perfect Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
To ensure your Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are always a hit, follow these simple tips.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality bacon will elevate the flavor and texture of your sliders.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Always check that your chicken reaches 165 degrees internally to keep it juicy and tender.
- Toast Buns Slightly: Toasting the Hawaiian rolls just a bit can add a nice crunch that holds up against the fillings.
- Customize Toppings: Feel free to experiment with toppings like jalapeños or avocado for added flavor and texture.
- Make Ahead: Prepare chicken in advance and simply assemble sliders right before serving for convenience.
Best Side Dishes for Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
Pairing side dishes with your Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter is a classic summer side that complements barbecue flavors beautifully.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans provide heartiness and balance well with the smoky chicken.
- Macaroni Salad: A creamy macaroni salad adds comfort and works as a classic picnic favorite alongside sliders.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings brightness to your plate, offering natural sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory flavors.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add sweetness and crunch while being healthier than traditional fries.
- Caprese Salad Skewers: Easy-to-eat skewers with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil are light yet flavorful additions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders even more enjoyable. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the Marinade Time: Not marinating the chicken long enough can lead to bland flavors. Ensure you marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight, for the best taste.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can result in dryness. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Using Low-Quality BBQ Sauce: The flavor of your sliders depends heavily on the sauce. Choose a high-quality barbecue sauce that you love for a delicious outcome.
- Forget to Toast the Buns: Un-toasted buns can make your sliders soggy. Lightly toast them on the grill or in the oven for added texture and flavor.
- Not Layering Ingredients Properly: If ingredients are not layered correctly, the sliders can fall apart. Add sauces and toppings strategically to keep everything intact.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Enjoy within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and reheat wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individually on medium power for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a skillet, flipping occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making these delicious Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders:
How can I customize my Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders?
You can add different cheeses or toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or even pickles to personalize your sliders.
Can I make Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything ahead of time and assemble them just before serving.
What type of barbecue sauce is best for these sliders?
Choose a sauce that suits your taste! A sweet and smoky sauce complements the bacon well.
Are these sliders suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! They are perfect for meal prep and make great grab-and-go lunches.
How do I ensure my chicken stays juicy?
Marinating and monitoring the cooking temperature will help keep your chicken moist and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are not just a tasty treat; they offer incredible versatility. You can customize them with various toppings and sauces, making them suitable for any occasion. Whether it’s a summer cookout or a cozy dinner at home, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 sliders 1x
Description
Indulge in the mouthwatering flavor of Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders, the ultimate handheld treat for any gathering! This recipe transforms classic barbecue chicken into savory sliders loaded with smoky goodness, creamy ranch, and crispy bacon. Perfect for summer cookouts, game days, or casual family dinners, these sliders are not only easy to prepare but also guaranteed to disappear quickly at your next event. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- 8 slices bacon
- 2 cups barbecue sauce
- 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 chicken in 1 cup of barbecue sauce for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy; set aside.
- Grill marinated chicken for about 3 minutes per side, basting with additional barbecue sauce until cooked through.
- Slice Hawaiian rolls and spread mayonnaise on the bottom halves. Layer with grilled chicken, cheese, bacon, red onion, and lettuce; drizzle ranch dressing.
- Top with the other half of the rolls and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider (110g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
