Bacon 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
Scale
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
