Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
Grilled to perfection, these Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders combine smoky sweet flavors with crispy bacon, creamy ranch, and fresh veggies. Perfect for summer cookouts or family gatherings, these sliders are a hit for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe delivers on flavor and convenience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip these sliders up in no time.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, and crispy bacon creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that everyone will love.
- Versatile Serving Options: These sliders can be served as appetizers at parties or as a main dish for dinner, making them perfect for any event.
- Family-Friendly Meal: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the fun of handheld sliders filled with delicious ingredients.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prep the ingredients in advance, making it easier to serve when guests arrive.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare these delightful sliders.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grilling surface (grill or grill pan)
- Skillet
- Zip-top bags or bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Grilling surface: Ensures even cooking and adds that essential grilled flavor to your chicken.
- Skillet: Perfect for cooking bacon until crispy without burning.
- Zip-top bags or bowls: Ideal for marinating the chicken, allowing flavors to infuse properly.
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
Marinate the chicken in a zip-top bag or bowl with 1 cup of barbecue sauce. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; however, if you have the time, letting it sit for 4 hours or overnight will enhance the flavor even more.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
While the chicken is marinating:
Cook the bacon in a skillet over low heat until crispy.
Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Prepare your grill by preheating it to medium heat:
Grill the marinated chicken pieces for about 3 minutes per side.
Baste with an additional 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce while grilling.
Ensure that each piece reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally:
Spread mayonnaise on the bottom buns.
Place grilled chicken on top of mayo-covered buns and drizzle with extra barbecue sauce.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Layer on your toppings:
Place Colby jack cheese over the chicken.
Add crispy bacon pieces, followed by sliced red onions and shredded lettuce.
Drizzle ranch dressing on top of the lettuce. If you’re prepping these sliders ahead of time, wait to add ranch dressing until just before serving.
Step 6: Serve
Top off with the other half of each bun:
Slice into individual sliders if desired and serve immediately!
With this recipe for Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders, you’re sure to impress your guests with minimal effort! Enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are perfect for any gathering, whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner. Here are some creative serving ideas to elevate your slider experience.
Slider Platter
- Arrange sliders on a large platter with toothpicks for easy serving and grab-and-go enjoyment.
Dipping Sauces
- Offer a variety of dipping sauces like extra barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or spicy ketchup to cater to different tastes.
Mini Salad Cups
- Serve small cups of garden salad alongside the sliders for a fresh, crunchy complement.
Pickle Bar
- Set up a selection of pickles, including dill, bread and butter, and spicy varieties for guests to customize their sliders.
Chips and Dip
- Pair with tortilla chips and salsa or guacamole for an added crunch and flavor contrast.
Fresh Fruit Skewers
- Add colorful fruit skewers as a refreshing side that balances the richness of the sliders.
How to Perfect Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
Making the perfect Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your sliders are a hit every time.
- Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight instead of just 30 minutes.
- Crispy Bacon: Ensure bacon is cooked until crispy; this adds texture and prevents sogginess in your sliders.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lettuce and onions enhance flavor and crunch, making each bite more enjoyable.
- Grill Carefully: Keep an eye on the grill temperature; too hot can dry out the chicken while too low might not cook it thoroughly.
- Cheese Melting: Place cheese on chicken for the last minute of grilling so it melts perfectly.
- Assemble Just Before Serving: To keep buns soft and ingredients fresh, assemble sliders right before serving if possible.
Best Side Dishes for Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
When serving Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders, pairing them with delicious sides can make the meal even more enjoyable. Consider these tasty options:
- Coleslaw: A classic crunchy side that adds creaminess and tanginess to balance the flavors of the sliders.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter makes a sweet addition that complements barbecue dishes well.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad provides a hearty side that’s always popular at cookouts.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans are a traditional barbecue favorite that pairs perfectly with BBQ chicken.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add a unique twist with their sweetness contrasting nicely with savory flavors.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing option alongside sliders.
- Vegetable Platter: A colorful assortment of raw veggies served with dip offers a healthy crunch option for guests.
- Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad is another beloved side dish that complements many summer meals beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To create the perfect Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the chicken can lead to bland sliders. Always marinate your chicken in barbecue sauce for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken too long can dry it out. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165 degrees internally.
- Not Prepping Ingredients Ahead: Failing to prepare toppings before grilling can disrupt your workflow. Chop vegetables and cook bacon ahead of time for a smooth assembly process.
- Using Stale Rolls: Old Hawaiian rolls can ruin the slider experience. Always use fresh rolls for a soft, fluffy bite.
- Forgetting Sauce Layers: Skipping extra sauce on the sliders can make them dry. Layer barbecue sauce generously between ingredients for richer flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store sliders in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Wrap sliders tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store them in a freezer-safe bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place sliders on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place a slider on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 30 seconds, or until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add sliders and cover until heated through, about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders:
How do I make Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders healthier?
You can use grilled chicken breast instead of fried and opt for low-fat mayonnaise and ranch dressing.
Can I prepare Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders in advance?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken and prepare toppings ahead of time, but add ranch dressing right before serving.
What type of barbecue sauce is best for these sliders?
A smoky barbecue sauce pairs well with chicken, but feel free to choose your favorite flavor!
Are Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! They are great for meal prep since they store well in both the fridge and freezer.
Final Thoughts
Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize them with different sauces or toppings to suit your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try for your next gathering; it’s sure to impress!
Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 sliders 1x
Description
Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining tender grilled chicken marinated in rich barbecue sauce with crispy bacon and creamy ranch dressing. Nestled within soft Hawaiian rolls, these sliders are not only flavorful but also easy to prepare, making them a perfect choice for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or quick weeknight meals. With their delightful smoky-sweet taste and satisfying crunch from fresh veggies, these sliders will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, they can be prepped in advance for added convenience!
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
- 12 squares Colby jack cheese
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in 1 cup of barbecue sauce for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
- Cook bacon in a skillet over low heat until crispy; set aside on paper towels.
- Preheat grill to medium heat and grill marinated chicken for about 3 minutes per side, basting with an additional 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce until cooked through.
- Slice Hawaiian rolls horizontally and spread mayonnaise on the bottom buns.
- Assemble by placing grilled chicken on buns, adding cheese, bacon, lettuce, onions, and drizzling with ranch dressing.
- Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
