There’s something undeniably comforting about sliders, don’t you think? They’re like little bundles of joy that bring everyone together around the table. Now, imagine those delightful hawaiian rolls lovingly cradling a creamy, savory mixture of chicken, bacon, and ranch goodness. This is what I like to call “Crack Chicken Sliders.” It’s a mix between a cozy gathering and a finger-licking feast and trust me—once you make these, they’ll become a go-to recipe in your home. I first stumbled upon these sliders while searching for an easy dish to serve at a family gathering, and they disappeared faster than my cousin’s wild stories.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Let’s talk about why you should whip up these sliders tonight. First off, the flavor combination is out of this world. Picture shredded chicken that’s juicy and tender, wrapped in a luscious cream cheese and ranch mixture. And that bacon? Oh, my heavens! It adds that crispy, salty crunch that makes your taste buds dance. Add in the gooey cheddar cheese and the sweet touch of Hawaiian rolls, and you’ve got a dish that’s practically begging to be devoured.
But beyond the taste, these sliders are ridiculously easy to make! Seriously, if you can mix a few ingredients and bake them in the oven, you’ve got this recipe down. Plus, they’re versatile enough for any occasion—tailgating, game night, or even just a cozy weeknight dinner. And let’s not forget that they can feed a crowd, making you the unsung hero of every gathering.
Gather these ingredients
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Hawaiian rolls: These pillowy rolls are the star of the show. Their slight sweetness is the perfect contrast to the savory filling. If you can’t find Hawaiian rolls, feel free to substitute with any other soft dinner rolls.
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Shredded cooked chicken: The heart of the sliders! You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, or even poach some chicken breasts if you’re feeling ambitious. It’s all about that juicy texture!
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Bacon, cooked and crumbled: Ah, bacon! It’s the crispy fairy dust that takes these sliders to another level. I usually bake mine for extra crispiness, but feel free to use pre-cooked bacon if you’re short on time.
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Cream cheese: This gives the filling a lovely creaminess that binds everything together. Use full-fat for a richer flavor, or go for low-fat if you’re watching your calories.
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Ranch seasoning mix: The magic ingredient that adds a punch of flavor without any fuss. You can use store-bought or make your own if you’re feeling crafty.
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Cheddar cheese, shredded: The gooey factor! I love sharp cheddar for that bold taste, but feel free to mix it up with your cheese of choice—Monterey Jack or pepper jack could add a fun twist.
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Green onions, chopped: They add a fresh crunch and a pop of color to your sliders. You can substitute with chives or even omit them altogether if you’re not a fan.
The cooking process explained
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C)—this is where the magic starts.
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In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, cream cheese, Ranch seasoning, and shredded cheddar. Mix it all up until it’s one delightful, creamy concoction.
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Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves in a greased baking dish, giving them a cozy little home for the filling.
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Spoon the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom halves, spreading it lovingly to make sure every bite is glorious.
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Top it off with the top halves of the rolls. It’s like tucking in your filling for a cozy nap.
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Bake in that preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until it’s all warmed through and the cheese is gloriously melted. Your kitchen will smell divine!
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Sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving. This little finishing touch will make them look as good as they taste!
Best way to enjoy it
Now that your Crack Chicken Sliders are out of the oven, let’s talk about how to serve them. These delightful bites are perfect just as they are! But if you want to pair them with something, a light salad or a bowl of chili could be great companions. Craving something crunchy? Pair them with some crispy veggie sticks and a side of ranch dressing for a true flavor explosion. You could even set up a slider bar—let everyone pile on their own toppings, like jalapeños or extra cheese. What fun!
How to store and freeze
Alright, let’s chat about leftovers. If you somehow have any sliders left (which, honestly, I doubt will happen), snap a lid on that dish or wrap them tightly in foil and store them in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, toss them back in a warm oven until warmed through—skip the microwave unless you enjoy slightly soggy bread.
Want to freeze them? Absolutely! Just wrap each slider in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They should hold up for about a month, although I can’t promise they’ll last that long if the craving strikes!
Helpful cooking tips
Here are a couple of tips to elevate your sliders. First, don’t rush the mixing—take your time to really combine those ingredients. Oh, and if you want an extra kick of flavor, sauté some diced onions and garlic before adding them to the mixture. It’s a flavor game-changer! Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous, add a splash of hot sauce for some heat.
Creative Twists
Feeling a bit creative? Try swapping in pulled pork or shredded beef for an entirely new experience. Want a lighter version? Substitute Greek yogurt in place of cream cheese for that tangy twist. You could also go veggie by using a mix of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers—delicious!
Ingredients
- Hawaiian rolls
- Shredded cooked chicken
- Cooked and crumbled bacon
- Cream cheese
- Ranch seasoning mix
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions
Directions to follow
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and cheddar cheese.
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half and place the bottom halves in a greased baking dish.
- Spoon the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom halves.
- Place the top halves of the rolls on the chicken mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.
Your questions answered
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What can I use instead of ranch seasoning?
You can try Italian seasoning or even a mix of garlic powder and dried herbs for a different flavor. -
Can I use raw chicken in this recipe?
It’s best to use cooked chicken. However, you can poach chicken breasts before shredding them. -
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Substitute shredded chicken with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, broccoli, and bell peppers. -
What can I serve these sliders with?
Pair them with a salad, vegetable sticks, or even chips for a casual meal. -
How long does it take to prepare?
Prep should take about 15-20 minutes, and then you just pop them in the oven!
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this recipe that’s not just food but an experience. I promise you’ll have friends and family asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds! Don’t forget to share your variations and experiences in the comments. Happy cooking!
Crack Chicken Sliders
Description
These Crack Chicken Sliders are a savory delight, featuring a creamy chicken and bacon filling, all tucked into sweet Hawaiian rolls.Ingredients
Slider Components
Instructions
Baking the Sliders
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Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). -
Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and cheddar cheese.Mix until well combined. -
Prepare the Rolls
Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half and place the bottom halves in a greased baking dish. -
Fill the Rolls
Spoon the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom halves. -
Top with Roll Halves
Place the top halves of the rolls over the filling. -
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted. -
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 320kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 60mg20%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 250mg8%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 15g30%
- Vitamin A 10 IU
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Calcium 150 mg
- Iron 1 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
