Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe

Imagine all your favorite smoky, tangy, creamy, and crunchy flavors packed neatly into one adorable little sandwich: that’s exactly what you get with these Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders. Bursting with bold barbecue chicken, crispy bacon, melty Colby jack cheese, and fresh toppings, these sliders are the life of the party—whether you’re hosting game day or simply need a weeknight dinner that delights everyone at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders is how every ingredient, no matter how simple, plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor and texture. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters for these seriously satisfying sliders!

• Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless for easy marinating and quick grilling; they soak up all that tangy barbecue goodness.
• Hawaiian rolls: Soft, sweet, and perfectly sized for sliders—plus, their pillowiness holds up under all the juicy layers!
• Bacon: Adds a smoky, salty crunch that balances the tang of the barbecue sauce beautifully.
• Barbecue sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade; you’ll want a sauce that’s thick, rich, and full of character.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy mayo brings a luscious base that ties everything together and keeps the buns from getting soggy.
• Ranch dressing: Drizzled on top for a cool, herby finish no slider should ever be without.
• Shredded lettuce: Brings freshness and crunch, brightening every bite.
• Red onion: A few crisp slices add a subtle zing and just the right hint of bite.
• Colby jack cheese squares: Melts beautifully and offers just the right touch of richness and color.

How to Make Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by adding the chicken breast pieces to a zip-top bag or bowl with one cup of your favorite barbecue sauce. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—but if you can swing 4 hours or even overnight, the chicken will be unbelievably flavorful. This step is where the magic begins, infusing every bite of the sliders with smoky, sweet, and tangy notes.

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon

While your chicken soaks up those flavors, go ahead and cook your bacon. Use a skillet set to low heat so it becomes perfectly crispy without burning. Lay the bacon on a paper-towel-lined plate when finished to absorb any extra grease. Crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch and saltiness that makes these Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders irresistible!

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill the pieces for about 3 minutes on each side. As you grill, baste with an extra 1/2 cup of fresh barbecue sauce for added moisture and flavor. Make sure the chicken reaches 165 degrees internally—a quick check with a meat thermometer guarantees juicy, safe-to-eat chicken. Slight charring adds that irresistible backyard barbecue flavor.

Step 4: Prep the Buns and Build the Base

Slice your Hawaiian rolls horizontally to create top and bottom layers. Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on each bottom bun—this extra step prevents sogginess and creates a creamy foundation. Add slices of your hot, barbecue-glazed chicken, followed by another little spread of barbecue sauce for an extra boost of flavor.

Step 5: Layer on the Good Stuff

Immediately top the chicken with squares of Colby jack cheese, so the cheese starts to soften from the warmth. Then, crumble or lay whole slices of crispy bacon on top. Sprinkle over red onion slices and a handful of shredded lettuce. Finish with a gentle drizzle of ranch dressing across the lettuce for that classic, cool contrast. If you’re prepping the sliders ahead of time, hold off on the ranch until just before serving to keep things fresh and vibrant.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Finish up by placing the top buns over your layered masterpieces. Use a sharp knife to slice along the natural break lines, creating individual sliders. Serve them up on a platter, stand back, and watch them disappear in record time. Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are a guaranteed hit wherever you take them!

How to Serve Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

Garnishes

Bring out the colors and flavors with a flourish of fresh garnishes! Sprinkle a bit of chopped fresh parsley or chives over the assembled sliders for a pop of green. If you love a little zing, thinly sliced jalapeños or extra crispy onions also work beautifully as toppers.

Side Dishes

These Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders pair perfectly with a simple coleslaw, crisp potato chips, or a platter of fresh veggie sticks for balance. Classic potato salad or grilled corn on the cob also round out the meal, creating that backyard BBQ vibe everyone loves.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd, I like to arrange the sliders in a big circle on a platter with tiny flags or toothpicks for easy grabbing. If you’re feeling fancy, pile the sliders high and serve with dipping bowls of extra bbq and ranch sauce on the side. For kids, try serving them “deconstructed” with toppings in little bowls, so everyone gets to build their own!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders, wrap them tightly in foil or place in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to three days while staying moist and flavorful.

Freezing

For longer storage, the chicken and bacon freeze beautifully. Simply wrap cooled portions in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to two months. It’s best to add fresh lettuce and ranch dressing when ready to serve rather than freezing them with the assembled sliders.

Reheating

To reheat, unwrap your sliders and warm them in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This keeps the bread soft and the cheese melty. If you’ve left off the lettuce and ranch, add those after reheating for the freshest flavor.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders?

Absolutely! Shred a rotisserie chicken, toss it with barbecue sauce, and you’ll cut down on prep time while still delivering all the tangy, smoky flavors. This shortcut is perfect for busy weeknights.

What’s the best way to keep sliders warm for a party?

Once assembled, keep the sliders covered with foil in a low oven (about 200 degrees) until ready to serve. This keeps everything warm and melty without drying out the buns.

Can I make Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders in the oven instead of grilling?

Yes—simply bake the marinated chicken pieces at 400 degrees on a baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes until they’re cooked through and juicy, basting with extra barbecue sauce halfway through.

Can I make Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders gluten free?

Definitely! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free rolls or mini buns, and double-check that your barbecue sauce and ranch are gluten free as well. All the other toppings are naturally gluten free.

How can I make these sliders a bit spicier?

For a kick, use a spicy barbecue sauce or add slices of pickled jalapeño with the toppings. A dash of hot sauce mixed into the ranch dressing is also a fantastic way to heat things up!

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders, you’ll want to make them for every gathering. The combination of flavors and that unbeatable slider format just makes people happy. Grab the ingredients and give this mouthwatering recipe a go—you’ll be hooked at first bite!

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