If you are on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing, mouthwatering dish that brings together smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors in every bite, you cannot miss this incredible Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe. These little flavor bombs combine juicy, barbecue-marinated chicken with crispy bacon, melty Colby Jack cheese, and a cool ranch drizzle, all nestled inside soft Hawaiian rolls. It’s a perfect balance of textures and tastes that will have everyone grabbing seconds and thirds at your next gathering or weekend meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making these sliders truly sing. Each component adds something special—from the smoky richness of bacon to the sweetness of Hawaiian rolls, and the tangy, creamy sauces that tie it all together. Here’s what you’ll need to make these crowd-pleasing sliders at home:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts: The star of the show, providing tender, juicy protein to soak up all those flavors.
- 1 pack Hawaiian rolls (12 count): Sweet, soft buns that complement the savory ingredients perfectly.
- 8 slices bacon: Crispy, smoky bacon adds a crave-worthy crunch and richness.
- 2 cups barbecue sauce: The quintessential smoky and tangy element that coats the chicken beautifully.
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise: Adds creamy moisture and a subtle tang to the buns.
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing: A cool, herby drizzle that pairs wonderfully with barbecue flavors.
- 2 cups shredded lettuce: Brings a fresh, crisp texture to cut through the richness.
- 1/4 red onion, sliced: Offers a sharp bite and a pop of color for contrast.
- 12 squares Colby Jack cheese: Melts perfectly over the chicken, adding a mild, buttery flavor.
How to Make Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by soaking your chicken breasts in 1 cup of barbecue sauce for at least 30 minutes. This step is all about infusing juicy, smoky flavor deeply into the meat, making every bite tender and packed with that signature BBQ taste. Don’t rush this part—it’s well worth the wait.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
While your chicken marinates, cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until they reach that perfect crispiness. Drain the bacon on paper towels and set it aside. Bacon adds an indispensable crunchy texture and smoky depth that elevates these sliders from simple to spectacular.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Heat your grill to medium and cook the marinated chicken for about 6 minutes total, turning carefully. As it cooks, baste with the remaining barbecue sauce to keep the chicken moist, sticky, and loaded with vibrant BBQ flavor. Cooking time will depend on thickness, but the goal is juicy, fully cooked chicken with a slight char.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
Now the fun part: building your sliders. Spread mayonnaise on the bottom halves of the Hawaiian rolls to add creamy moisture. Layer each with grilled chicken, bacon slices, and a square of Colby Jack cheese—watch that cheese melt deliciously from the warmth. Add shredded lettuce and red onion slices for freshness and crunch, then drizzle with ranch dressing before topping with the bun halves.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
These sliders are best enjoyed fresh off the grill when the cheese is still gooey and the flavors are vibrant. Serve them up at your next party, game day, or family dinner for a guaranteed hit that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.
How to Serve Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a few dill pickle slices on the side can add an extra punch of flavor and a pop of color. The brightness of pickles contrasts nicely with the rich bacon and barbecue sauce, balancing out the flavors.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair beautifully with classic sides like crispy sweet potato fries, crunchy coleslaw, or a simple garden salad. Consider serving with a tangy, vinegar-based slaw to cut through the richness and add a refreshing crunch that complements the sliders perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a party, arrange the sliders on a wooden board or rustic platter surrounded by small bowls of extra barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, and chopped green onions for guests to customize their bites. You can also serve each slider with a cute toothpick topped with a small pickled jalapeño for a spicy kick and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, place the sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep any extra sauce and fresh garnishes separate to maintain texture and freshness when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Freezing
While these sliders are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked grilled chicken and bacon separately in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Wrap the buns tightly and freeze them as well. When ready, thaw overnight and assemble with fresh lettuce and sauce for optimal taste.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken and bacon gently in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, then assemble the sliders just before serving to keep buns from getting soggy. You can also use a microwave on low power but watch carefully to avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken before marinating and grilling to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
What if I don’t have Hawaiian rolls?
Soft slider buns or dinner rolls work wonderfully as a substitute. The slightly sweet flavor of Hawaiian rolls is ideal but not mandatory for a delightful slider.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
You can swap the chicken for grilled portobello mushrooms or a hearty veggie patty and omit bacon. Use vegetarian ranch and barbecue sauce to keep things flavorful.
How spicy does this Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe get?
This particular recipe leans on the mild and smoky side and uses ranch and barbecue sauce that aren’t spicy. You can always add a dash of hot sauce or pepper jack cheese to add heat.
Is it okay to prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Marinate the chicken and cook the bacon a few hours ahead or the day before to save time. Assemble the sliders just before serving for the freshest experience.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the combination of smoky bacon, tangy barbecue chicken, creamy ranch, and fresh veggies all tucked into a soft bun. This Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe delivers a perfect blend of flavors and textures that’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for any party. Give it a try and watch these sliders disappear in no time—you might just discover your new go-to dish for any occasion!
Print
Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Lunch/Snack
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders combine tender, barbecue-marinated grilled chicken breasts with crispy bacon, melty Colby Jack cheese, fresh lettuce, and tangy ranch dressing, all sandwiched between soft Hawaiian rolls. Perfect for casual gatherings or game day snacks, these sliders are packed with flavor and easy to assemble.
Ingredients
Chicken & Marinade
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts
- 2 cups barbecue sauce (divided: 1 cup for marinade, 1 cup for basting)
Bacon & Cheese
- 8 slices bacon
- 12 squares Colby Jack cheese
Slider Assembly
- 1 pack Hawaiian rolls (12 count)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1/4 red onion, sliced
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and cover them with 1 cup of barbecue sauce. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the smoky, tangy flavors.
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat and set aside.
- Grill the Chicken: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium heat. Grill the marinated chicken breasts for about 6 minutes total, flipping halfway through. While grilling, baste the chicken with the remaining 1 cup barbecue sauce to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Assemble the Sliders: Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally. Spread mayonnaise evenly on the bottom halves of the buns. Layer each bun with a grilled chicken breast (or slice the chicken to fit), top with crispy bacon, a square of Colby Jack cheese, shredded lettuce, sliced red onion, and a drizzle of ranch dressing. Cap with the top buns.
- Serve: Serve the sliders immediately while the chicken is warm and the cheese starts to melt. These sliders make a great party appetizer or casual meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer, up to 2 hours, enhances flavor.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken in a grill pan or on the stovetop using a skillet.
- For a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños or a spicy BBQ sauce variant.
- These sliders are best served fresh but can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 1 day.
