Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
Introduction
Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are a perfect blend of smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors packed into soft Hawaiian rolls. These sliders make a great appetizer or meal for gatherings and are easy to prepare ahead of time. Enjoy the juicy barbecue chicken topped with crispy bacon, cheese, and fresh veggies.
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- Step 1: Marinate the chicken pieces in a zip-top bag or bowl with 1 cup of barbecue sauce. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Step 2: While the chicken marinates, cook the bacon in a skillet over low heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels to absorb excess grease.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill to medium heat. Grill the chicken for about 3 minutes per side, basting with 1/2 cup of fresh barbecue sauce during cooking. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Step 4: Slice the Hawaiian buns horizontally. Spread mayonnaise on the bottom halves, then add the grilled chicken pieces. Brush a little additional barbecue sauce over the chicken.
- Step 5: Top the chicken with Colby jack cheese squares, crispy bacon, sliced red onions, and shredded lettuce. Drizzle ranch dressing over the lettuce. If preparing ahead, add ranch dressing just before serving to keep the rolls from getting soggy.
- Step 6: Place the top buns on the sliders, slice them apart, and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try mixing some smoked paprika or garlic powder into the barbecue sauce before marinating the chicken.
- Swap Colby jack cheese with cheddar or pepper jack for a different taste.
- Add pickles or sliced jalapeños for an extra tangy or spicy kick.
- Use turkey bacon as a lighter alternative to regular bacon.
Storage
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the buns from becoming soggy, store the components separately and assemble fresh before serving. Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or oven, then assemble with fresh toppings and dressing.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and cook it in advance. Assemble the sliders just before serving to keep the buns fresh and prevent sogginess, especially when adding ranch dressing.
What can I use if I don’t have Hawaiian rolls?
Soft slider buns, dinner rolls, or small sandwich rolls work well as substitutes for Hawaiian rolls.
PrintBacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
These Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders combine tender grilled chicken marinated in smoky barbecue sauce with crispy bacon, melty Colby jack cheese, crunchy lettuce, and tangy ranch dressing, all nestled inside soft Hawaiian rolls. Perfect for casual gatherings, game days, or a delicious weeknight meal, these sliders offer a perfect blend of smoky, savory, and creamy flavors in every bite.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes (includes marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 4-inch pieces
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (for marinating)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (for basting)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (for serving/spreading on buns)
Sliders
- 1 pack Hawaiian rolls, 12 count
- 8 slices bacon
- 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)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breast pieces into a zip-top bag or a bowl. Pour in 1 cup of barbecue sauce and seal or cover. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Cook the Bacon: While the chicken marinates, heat a skillet over low heat and cook the bacon slices until they are crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease and keep them crisp.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill to medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill each piece for about 3 minutes per side. While cooking, baste the chicken with 1/2 cup of fresh barbecue sauce to enhance flavor and keep it moist. Grill until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Prepare the Sliders: Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally to create top and bottom buns. Spread mayonnaise evenly over the bottom buns. Place a grilled chicken piece on each bun and add an extra spoonful of barbecue sauce on top of the chicken for added moisture and smoky flavor.
- Assemble the Toppings: Top the chicken with a piece of Colby jack cheese, followed by crispy bacon slices, sliced red onions, and shredded lettuce. Drizzle ranch dressing over the lettuce for a tangy finish. If preparing sliders ahead of time, wait to add ranch dressing until just before serving to keep the buns from getting soggy.
- Finish and Serve: Place the top buns on each slider, slice the assembled sandwiches into individual sliders if needed, and serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F.
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce or ranch dressing.
- These sliders can be assembled ahead, but add lettuce and ranch dressing just before serving to avoid sogginess.
- Can be made on a stovetop grill pan if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
Keywords: bacon ranch BBQ chicken sliders, grilled chicken sliders, barbecue chicken sandwiches, Hawaiian roll sliders, bacon cheeseburger sliders
