Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
Grilled barbecue chicken is a summertime classic, and we’re enjoying these smoky sweet flavors in the form of a handheld Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders. These sliders are perfect for cookouts, picnics, or any gathering where delicious food is a must. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing creates a flavor explosion that everyone will love. Plus, they are easy to prepare, making them ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
- Flavor Packed: The smoky barbecue chicken paired with ranch and crispy bacon delivers an irresistible taste experience.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With 12 sliders in one recipe, these are great for parties or family meals—everyone will want seconds!
- Versatile: Customize your sliders with your favorite toppings like jalapeños or avocado for an extra kick.
- Kid-Friendly: The sliders are small and manageable for little hands, making them a hit with kids.
Tools and Preparation
Before starting your Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Skillet
- Zip-top bag or bowl
- Paper towels
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: Essential for cooking the chicken evenly while infusing it with that delicious smoky flavor.
- Skillet: Perfect for frying bacon to crispy perfection without making a mess.
- Zip-top bag: Great for marinating the chicken thoroughly before grilling, ensuring maximum flavor.
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 of barbecue sauce. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or ideally 4 hours or overnight) to enhance 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 ½ cup of barbecue sauce as they cook. Ensure that the chicken 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, then drizzle some extra barbecue sauce on top.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Top each slider with cheese followed by bacon, red onions, shredded lettuce, and drizzle ranch dressing over the lettuce. If you’re prepping these sliders to eat later, wait to add ranch dressing until just before serving.
Step 6: Serve
Place the top buns on each slider, slice them into individual servings, and enjoy your delicious Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders!
How to Serve Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
These Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to summer cookouts. Here are some creative ways to serve them that will impress your guests.
Casual Family Dinner
- Serve these sliders with a side of fresh fruit for a light and healthy meal.
- Pair them with homemade potato chips for a fun twist on classic sides.
Game Day Snack
- Set up a slider bar with various toppings, allowing guests to customize their own sliders.
- Offer different types of barbecue sauces for a flavor adventure!
Picnic Treat
- Wrap the sliders in parchment paper and pack them in a cooler for easy transport.
- Include some crunchy veggies and dip to enjoy alongside the sliders.
Backyard Barbecue
- Serve the sliders on a platter garnished with fresh herbs for an appealing presentation.
- Offer refreshing drinks like lemonade or iced tea to complement the flavors.
Potluck Contribution
- Prepare mini versions of the sliders for easy sharing at potlucks.
- Include toothpicks for easy handling and serving.
How to Perfect Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
To make your Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders truly exceptional, consider these tips.
- Choose quality chicken: Using fresh chicken breasts will enhance the flavor and texture of your sliders.
- Don’t skip marinating: Allowing the chicken to marinate in barbecue sauce infuses it with rich flavors that make a huge difference.
- Crisp the bacon well: Perfectly crispy bacon adds great texture and flavor; cook it slowly over low heat.
- Layer thoughtfully: Arrange ingredients strategically to ensure every bite is balanced with flavors and textures.
- Use fresh toppings: Fresh produce like lettuce and onions not only adds crunch but also freshness to each bite.
- Serve immediately: For the best experience, serve sliders right after assembling while they are warm and juicy.
Best Side Dishes for Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
These sliders pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider these options to complete your meal.
- Coleslaw: A classic crunchy side that complements the smoky flavors of the sliders perfectly.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled, this sweet summer vegetable adds a delightful contrast.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad provides richness that balances out the savory sliders.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans make an excellent accompaniment for BBQ dishes.
- Chips & Salsa: A light snack option that adds crunch and zest to your meal.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can cleanse the palate between bites.
- Pickles: Tangy pickles offer a nice crunch and acidity, which enhances each bite of slider.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies grilled with olive oil bring color and healthiness to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
- Boldly skip marinating: Not marinating the chicken long enough can lead to dry sliders. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but longer is better.
- Boldly overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken too long can make it tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165 degrees.
- Boldly neglecting toppings: Skipping fresh toppings like lettuce and onion can result in bland flavors. Add these for crunch and freshness.
- Boldly ignoring slider assembly: Layering ingredients haphazardly can make sliders messy. Follow the recommended order for a balanced bite.
- Boldly adding ranch too early: Adding ranch dressing too soon can make buns soggy. Wait until just before serving if prepping ahead.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep sliders assembled or disassemble them to maintain freshness.
Freezing Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap sliders in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place a slider on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30-60 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders that might help you:
Can I use other meats for Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with pulled pork or turkey for different flavor profiles.
How do I customize my Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders?
Add your favorite toppings like jalapeños or avocado to enhance flavor and texture.
What sides pair well with Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders?
Serve with coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans for a complete meal.
Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and prep toppings ahead of time, assembling just before serving.
Final Thoughts
Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite toppings or sauces. Perfect for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners, these sliders promise satisfaction every time. Try them out and share your unique variations!
Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 sliders 1x
Description
Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders offer a delightful twist on a classic summer dish, combining tender grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing all nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls. These sliders are perfect for any gathering, whether it’s a casual family dinner, game day, or a sunny picnic. Not only are they quick to make—taking just 30 minutes from start to finish—but they are also customizable with your favorite toppings. With 12 sliders per batch, they are sure to please a crowd and keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- 8 slices of 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
Instructions
- 1. Marinate chicken in 1 cup barbecue sauce for at least 30 minutes.
- 2. Cook bacon in a skillet over low heat until crispy; set aside.
- 3. Grill marinated chicken over medium heat for about 3 minutes per side, basting with remaining barbecue sauce.
- 4. Slice Hawaiian rolls horizontally and spread mayonnaise on the bottom buns.
- 5. Assemble sliders by layering grilled chicken, cheese, bacon, red onions, lettuce, and ranch dressing.
- 6. Place top buns on sliders and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
