Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders: Prepare to meet your new favorite party appetizer (or quick weeknight dinner!). These aren’t just any sliders; they’re a flavor explosion waiting to happen, combining the savory goodness of chicken and bacon with the creamy tang of ranch dressing, all nestled in a soft, pillowy slider bun. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Sliders, in general, have a fascinating history, evolving from humble mini-burgers served in diners to the gourmet creations we see today. But the beauty of these Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders lies in their simplicity and crowd-pleasing appeal. They take the classic flavors that everyone loves – chicken, bacon, and ranch – and present them in a fun, bite-sized package.
What makes these sliders so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch create a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue. Plus, they’re incredibly convenient to make, perfect for potlucks, game day gatherings, or even a quick and satisfying meal for the family. Who can resist a warm, cheesy, and utterly delicious slider? I know I can’t!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 slider buns
- 6 slices cooked bacon, halved
- 6 slices cheddar cheese, halved
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- Optional: shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, red onion
Preparing the Chicken Patties:
Alright, let’s get started with the heart of our sliders – the juicy chicken patties! This is where we build the flavor, so pay attention to the details.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and black pepper. Don’t overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough patties. I like to use my hands for this, but a spatula works just fine too. Just make sure everything is evenly distributed.
- Form the Patties: Now, divide the chicken mixture into 12 equal portions. I find it easiest to use a cookie scoop or a measuring cup to ensure they’re all roughly the same size. Gently form each portion into a small patty, about the size of your slider buns. Make sure they’re not too thick, as they’ll puff up a bit during cooking.
- Rest the Patties (Optional but Recommended): This is a little trick I learned from my grandma. Place the formed patties on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap and let them rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and helps the patties hold their shape during cooking. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but I highly recommend it if you can spare the time.
Cooking the Chicken Patties:
Time to cook these little guys! We want them to be juicy and cooked through, so let’s get the pan nice and hot.
- Heat the Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is nice and hot before adding the patties. You should see the oil shimmering.
- Sear the Patties: Carefully place the chicken patties in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You might need to cook them in batches. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). I use a meat thermometer to be sure.
- Add the Cheese: In the last minute of cooking, place a halved slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt. The steam from the patties will help the cheese melt quickly and evenly.
- Remove from Heat: Once the cheese is melted and the patties are cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat.
Assembling the Sliders:
The final step! This is where we bring it all together and create those delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders.
- Prepare the Buns: Lightly toast the slider buns if desired. This adds a nice texture and prevents them from getting soggy. You can toast them in a toaster oven, under the broiler, or in a dry skillet.
- Spread the Ranch Dressing: Spread a generous amount of ranch dressing on the bottom half of each slider bun. Don’t be shy! The ranch dressing is a key component of the flavor.
- Add the Patties: Place a cheesy chicken patty on top of the ranch dressing on each bun.
- Add the Bacon: Top each patty with a halved slice of cooked bacon. Crispy bacon is the best!
- Add Optional Toppings: If desired, add shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and/or red onion to the sliders. These toppings add a nice freshness and crunch.
- Top with the Bun: Place the top half of the slider bun on top of the toppings.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders immediately while they are still warm and the cheese is melted.
Tips and Variations:
Want to customize your sliders? Here are a few ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
- Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or provolone.
- Avocado: Add sliced avocado for a creamy and healthy addition.
- Caramelized Onions: Top the sliders with caramelized onions for a sweet and savory flavor.
- Different Sauce: Try using a different sauce instead of ranch dressing, such as BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or sriracha mayo.
- Bacon Alternatives: If you don’t have bacon, you can use turkey bacon or even crumbled veggie bacon.
- Make it a Meal: Serve the sliders with a side of fries, coleslaw, or a salad for a complete meal.
Make Ahead Instructions:
Want to get a head start on these sliders? Here’s how:
- Chicken Patties: The chicken patties can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Form the patties, place them on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover them loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, simply follow the cooking instructions.
- Cooked Bacon: The bacon can also be cooked ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the bacon in the microwave or in a skillet before adding it to the sliders.
- Assembling: I don’t recommend assembling the sliders completely ahead of time, as the buns can get soggy. However, you can prepare all of the components ahead of time and assemble them just before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
These Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are perfect for:
- Game Day: They’re a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day parties.
- Potlucks: They’re easy to transport and serve at potlucks.
- Quick Dinners: They’re a quick and easy weeknight dinner option.
- Lunch: They’re a great option for lunch, especially if you have leftovers.
- Parties: They’re a fun and festive appetizer for any party.
Storage Instructions:
If you have any leftover sliders, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or in a toaster oven. The buns may get a little soggy during reheating, but they’ll still taste delicious!
Nutritional Information (Approximate):
Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 per slider
- Fat: 20-25 grams
- Protein: 25-30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
Why This Recipe Works:
This recipe is a winner for several reasons:
- Flavor Combination: The combination of chicken, bacon, ranch, and cheddar cheese is a classic for a reason – it’s incredibly delicious!
- Easy to Make: The recipe is relatively simple and doesn’t require any fancy equipment or techniques.
- Customizable: You can easily customize the recipe to your liking by adding different toppings or sauces.
- Crowd-Pleasing: These sliders are always a hit with both kids and adults.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: They’re perfect for game day, potlucks, quick dinners, or any other occasion.
Troubleshooting:
Here are a few common problems and solutions:
- Patties are too dry: Make sure you’re not overcooking the patties. Also, adding a little extra milk to the chicken mixture can help keep them moist.
- Patties are falling apart: Make sure you’re not overmixing the chicken mixture. Also, resting the patties in the refrigerator before cooking can help them hold their shape.
- Buns are getting soggy: Lightly toasting the buns before assembling the sliders can help prevent them from getting soggy. Also, don’t assemble the sliders too far in advance
Conclusion:
These Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe you need to experience them for yourself! They’re the perfect blend of savory, smoky, and creamy, all nestled within a soft, pillowy bun. From the juicy, seasoned chicken to the crispy bacon and tangy ranch dressing, every bite is an explosion of flavor that will leave you wanting more. Seriously, these aren’t just sliders; they’re a mini-meal masterpiece!
But what makes these sliders a must-try? It’s the sheer versatility and ease of preparation. Whether you’re hosting a casual game night, planning a backyard barbecue, or simply looking for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, these sliders fit the bill perfectly. They’re incredibly customizable, allowing you to tailor them to your specific tastes and preferences.
Looking for serving suggestions? These sliders are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with crispy sweet potato fries, a refreshing coleslaw, or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, add a side of creamy mac and cheese or some grilled corn on the cob. The possibilities are endless!
And speaking of customization, let’s talk about variations! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Pepper jack would add a spicy kick, while provolone would offer a milder, meltier option. You could also swap out the traditional ranch dressing for a spicy sriracha mayo or a creamy avocado ranch for a unique twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for extra depth of flavor. For those who prefer a lighter option, consider using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. You can even use mini brioche buns for an extra touch of sweetness and richness. The key is to have fun and make these sliders your own!
I’ve made these Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders countless times, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser. They’re so easy to assemble, even on a busy weeknight, and the flavor combination is simply irresistible. I often find myself making a double batch because they disappear so quickly!
Don’t just take my word for it, though.
I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try. I’m confident that you’ll love them as much as I do. Once you’ve made them, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What sides did you serve them with? What did your family and friends think? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable and helps inspire other home cooks to try new and exciting recipes.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some seriously delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders. I promise, you won’t be disappointed! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear all about your slider adventures! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help. Enjoy!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders: The Ultimate Party Appetizer
Juicy chicken sliders topped with crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and creamy ranch dressing. Perfect for game day, parties, or a quick weeknight dinner!
By: ShareyCategory: AppetizerDifficulty: EasyCuisine: AmericanYield: 12 slidersDietary: VegetarianIngredients
Instructions
Recipe Notes
- Don’t overmix the chicken mixture: Overmixing can lead to tough patties.
- Resting the patties: Resting the patties in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and helps the patties hold their shape during cooking.
- Internal Temperature: Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken patties reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are cooked through.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toasting the buns adds a nice texture and prevents them from getting soggy.
- Customization: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick. Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or provolone. Add sliced avocado for a creamy and healthy addition. Top the sliders with caramelized onions for a sweet and savory flavor. Try using a different sauce instead of ranch dressing, such as BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or sriracha mayo. If you don’t have bacon, you can use turkey bacon or even crumbled veggie bacon. Serve the sliders with a side of fries, coleslaw, or a salad for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ How do I ensure the bread stays moist?Use fresh, ripe ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter. Store in an airtight container.→ Can I substitute ingredients?Yes, you can substitute similar ingredients while maintaining the basic ratios for best results.→ How long does this bread keep?Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.→ What if I don't have all the spices?You can adjust spices to taste or substitute with similar warming spices.→ Can I freeze this bread?Yes, wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
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