Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
Grilled Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from summer cookouts to family dinners. These sliders combine smoky barbecue chicken with creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and fresh veggies, all nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls. Perfect for parties or meal prep, these sliders are easy to make and packed with flavor that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes of total prep and cook time, you can whip up these sliders without a hassle.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and crispy bacon creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a picnic, game day, or a weeknight dinner, these sliders fit right in.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or switch up the ingredients to suit your taste.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time for quick lunches or snacks throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the deliciousness of Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make preparation easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Skillet
- Zip-top bag or bowl
- Paper towels
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: Essential for achieving that perfect smoky flavor on your chicken.
- Skillet: Great for cooking bacon evenly until crispy without burning.
- Zip-top bag or bowl: Ideal for marinating chicken thoroughly and mess-free.
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
- Place the chicken pieces in a zip-top bag or bowl.
- Pour in 1 cup of barbecue sauce and seal the bag or cover the bowl.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or ideally for 4 hours).
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
- In a skillet over low heat, cook the bacon until crispy.
- Once done, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade and place it on the grill.
- Cook for about 3 minutes per side while basting with 1/2 cup of new barbecue sauce until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally to create sandwich bottoms.
- Spread mayonnaise on each bottom bun before adding grilled chicken pieces.
- Drizzle a little extra barbecue sauce over the chicken.
Step 5: Add Toppings
- Layer on Colby jack cheese followed by crispy bacon slices.
- Add sliced red onions and shredded lettuce on top.
- Drizzle ranch dressing over the lettuce. Note: If prepping ahead of time, add ranch just before serving.
Step 6: Serve Your Sliders
- Place the top buns onto each slider.
- Slice them into individual sliders if desired and serve immediately!
How to Serve Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, these sliders will impress everyone at the table. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
Classic Presentation
- Serve the sliders on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color.
- Pair with toothpicks for easy handling, making them perfect for parties.
Condiment Bar
- Set up a condiment station with extra BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and hot sauce to allow guests to customize their sliders.
- Include sliced jalapeños and pickles for an added kick.
Slider Bites
- Cut the sliders into smaller portions for bite-sized appetizers during gatherings.
- Arrange them on a charcuterie board alongside cheeses and fruits.
Mini Meal Packs
- Package individual sliders in takeout boxes for easy lunch or dinner options.
- Include a small side salad or chips for a complete meal on-the-go.
How to Perfect Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
Creating the ideal Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your sliders turn out perfectly every time.
- Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in BBQ sauce before grilling.
- Crispy Bacon: Cook bacon slowly over low heat to achieve maximum crispiness without burning.
- Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium heat; this helps cook the chicken evenly and prevents it from drying out.
- Layer Wisely: Build your sliders in the right order: mayo, chicken, cheese, bacon, veggies, and ranch dressing on top to keep everything from getting soggy.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh lettuce and toppings for that crunchy texture that complements the sliders beautifully.
- Serve Warm: For best taste, serve sliders immediately after assembling while they’re still warm and gooey.
Best Side Dishes for Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
These sliders pair well with various sides that add flavor and balance to your meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and pairs well with the rich flavors of the sliders.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad provides satisfaction and complements the smokiness of the chicken.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob brings sweetness and is perfect for summer barbecues.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a delicious alternative to regular fries, enhancing your slider experience.
- Baked Beans: Smoky baked beans add depth and richness that pairs nicely with BBQ flavors.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad offers refreshing sweetness that balances out the savory elements of your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Barbecue chicken sliders can be a hit or miss if not prepared correctly. Here are some common mistakes to avoid while making your Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders.
- Ignoring Marination Time: Not marinating the chicken long enough can lead to bland flavors. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is ideal for maximum taste.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken too long can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165 degrees for juicy sliders.
- Skipping the Bacon Preparation: Cooking bacon improperly can result in a soggy texture. Always cook bacon until crispy for the best crunch in your sliders.
- Neglecting Fresh Ingredients: Using wilted lettuce or old toppings can ruin the freshness of your sliders. Always use fresh produce for the best flavor and presentation.
- Poor Assembly: Layering ingredients without order can lead to messy sliders. Follow the assembly instructions closely to keep everything neatly stacked and flavorful.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover sliders in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and wrap sliders in foil; heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place a slider on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for about 30 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil, and cook sliders for about 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders?
Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are delicious mini sandwiches made with grilled barbecue chicken, ranch dressing, crispy bacon, cheese, and fresh veggies.
Can I use other types of bread for my sliders?
Yes! While Hawaiian rolls are sweet and soft, you can use any slider buns you prefer, such as pretzel buns or regular dinner rolls.
How do I customize my Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders?
Feel free to add other toppings like jalapeños, avocado, or different cheeses according to your preference. The recipe is versatile!
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and toppings ahead and assemble them right before serving. Just add ranch dressing just before eating.
Final Thoughts
Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are not only incredibly tasty but also versatile enough for any gathering or weeknight dinner. These sliders allow room for customization based on personal tastes, making them perfect for everyone at your table. Give them a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Grilled Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are the perfect blend of smoky, savory, and creamy flavors that everyone loves. These sliders feature juicy grilled chicken marinated in barbecue sauce, crisp bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and fresh veggies, all nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls. Ideal for summer gatherings, game days, or quick weeknight dinners, this recipe is not only easy to make but also customizable to suit any palate. Prepare a batch ahead for meal prep or serve them fresh for a delightful treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
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 barbecue sauce for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook bacon in a skillet over low heat until crispy; set aside.
- Preheat grill to medium heat and grill marinated chicken for about 6 minutes total until cooked through.
- Assemble sliders by spreading mayonnaise on bottom buns, adding grilled chicken, drizzling with extra BBQ sauce, layering cheese, bacon, lettuce, onions, and ranch dressing.
- Top with the remaining bun halves. Serve warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider (approximately 120g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
