Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
Grilled barbecue chicken is a summertime classic, and if you’re looking for a fun and flavorful way to enjoy it, these Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are perfect. Ideal for cookouts, family gatherings, or a casual weeknight dinner, these sliders are packed with smoky sweetness from the barbecue sauce and the crunch of crispy bacon. With layers of ranch dressing, colby jack cheese, fresh lettuce, and red onions, they offer a delightful blend of flavors that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 30 minutes to prepare and cook, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, and crispy bacon creates an irresistible taste in every bite.
- Versatile Option: These sliders can be served at any occasion—from summer barbecues to cozy family dinners—making them a go-to dish.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or switch up the sauces for a unique twist each time you make them.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With 12 sliders in one batch, it’s the ideal recipe for feeding a hungry crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience seamless, gather all necessary tools before starting. Having everything on hand will ensure you can focus on creating delicious sliders without any interruptions.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Skillet
- Zip-top bag or mixing bowl
- Paper towels
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: Provides that authentic smoky flavor while ensuring even cooking for the chicken.
- Skillet: Ideal for achieving perfectly crispy bacon without mess; easy to control temperature.
- Zip-top bag or mixing bowl: Great for marinating chicken evenly in barbecue sauce; makes cleanup easier.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to create these mouthwatering Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders:
For the Chicken
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 4-inch pieces
- 2 cups barbecue sauce, divided
For the 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 is perfect)
How to Make Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a zip-top bag or bowl, combine chicken pieces with 1 cup of barbecue sauce.
- Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate. It’s best if you can marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
- In a skillet over low heat, cook the bacon until crispy.
- Once cooked, remove from skillet and place on paper towels to absorb excess grease.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade and grill each piece for about 3 minutes per side. Baste with an additional 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce while grilling. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 4: Prepare the Buns
- Slice Hawaiian rolls horizontally to create sandwich halves.
- Spread mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun.
Step 5: Assemble Your Sliders
- Layer grilled chicken on top of mayo-covered buns. Add extra barbecue sauce if desired.
- Place colby jack cheese on top of each piece of chicken followed by crispy bacon, sliced red onions, and shredded lettuce. Drizzle ranch dressing over the top.
Step 6: Serve
- Place top buns over assembled sliders. Slice into individual sliders if desired.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container (add ranch just before serving if preparing ahead).
Enjoy your delicious Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders!
How to Serve Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
These Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are perfect for any gathering. They are easy to serve and can be customized to please everyone at your table.
Casual Gatherings
- Add a Fun Twist: Serve these sliders with a side of sweet potato fries for a tasty contrast.
- Build-Your-Own Slider Bar: Set up toppings like pickles, jalapeños, and extra BBQ sauce for guests to customize their sliders.
Game Day Snacks
- Mini Skewers: Thread mini versions of the sliders on skewers for easy handheld eating during the big game.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
Picnic Perfection
- Wrap ‘Em Up: Wrap sliders individually in parchment paper to keep them fresh and portable.
- Cool Drinks: Pair with lemonade or iced tea to balance the rich flavors of the sliders.
Family Dinner
- Simple Salad: A light side salad can complement the richness of the sliders nicely.
- Fruit Platter: Fresh fruit adds a refreshing touch that’s especially nice in summer months.
How to Perfect Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
To make your Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders truly unforgettable, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh lettuce and ripe tomatoes to enhance flavor and crunch.
- Grill for Flavor: Grilling the chicken will add a smoky taste that pairs beautifully with barbecue sauce.
- Let Them Rest: Allow cooked chicken to rest before slicing. This helps retain juices, making each bite tender.
- Choose Quality Buns: Soft, fresh Hawaiian rolls bring an ideal sweetness that complements the savory ingredients.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try adding avocado or pepper jack cheese for additional flavor profiles.
Best Side Dishes for Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
Pair your delicious Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders with these tasty sides for a complete meal.
- Coleslaw: This crunchy, tangy salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich sliders.
- Potato Salad: A classic dish that is creamy and satisfying; perfect for summer gatherings.
- Corn on the Cob: Grill corn brushed with butter as a sweet and smoky side that complements BBQ flavors.
- Chips and Salsa: A simple yet flavorful option that adds crunch and spice to your meal.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans are traditional BBQ fare that works wonderfully with sliders.
- Macaroni Salad: Creamy pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser and offers great texture alongside sliders.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits can lighten up your meal while adding a sweet finish.
- Pickles or Pickled Veggies: The tanginess of pickles cuts through the richness of the sliders, making them a perfect accompaniment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders, it’s easy to overlook a few details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes that you should avoid.
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Skipping the Marinade Time: Not marinating the chicken long enough can lead to bland sliders. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is best for maximum flavor.
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Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer and remove it from the grill once it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Neglecting to Prepare Ingredients Ahead: Trying to assemble everything at once can lead to chaos. Prep your ingredients beforehand for a smoother cooking process.
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Forgetting Bacon Crispiness: Undercooked bacon will not provide the desired crunch. Cook it until crispy for the best texture in your sliders.
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Not Using Enough Sauce: A lack of barbecue sauce can result in dry sliders. Be generous with your sauce when assembling to keep everything juicy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and wrap sliders in foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, until warm.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium heat, cooking each side for about 3-4 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders.
Can I use different types of cheese for Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders?
You can definitely experiment with different cheeses! Cheddar or pepper jack are great alternatives that add unique flavors.
How do I customize my Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders?
Feel free to add toppings like jalapeños or avocado for extra flavor. You can also switch up sauces if you prefer something spicier!
What should I serve with Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders?
These sliders pair well with coleslaw, potato salad, or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them ahead of time without adding ranch dressing, which keeps them fresh until serving.
Final Thoughts
Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them based on your preferences and what you have on hand. They are perfect for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners, so give this recipe a try!
Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are the ultimate summer treat, combining the smoky sweetness of barbecue sauce with crispy bacon and zesty ranch dressing. Perfect for cookouts, family gatherings, or casual weeknight dinners, these sliders deliver a burst of flavor in every bite. With tender grilled chicken topped with melted Colby jack cheese, fresh lettuce, and red onions, these delightful handheld bites are sure to please a crowd. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, they make an ideal choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts
- 2 cups barbecue sauce
- 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
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in 1 cup of barbecue sauce for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Cook bacon in a skillet over low heat until crispy; drain on paper towels.
- Preheat grill to medium heat and grill marinated chicken for about 3 minutes per side, basting with remaining barbecue sauce until cooked through.
- Slice Hawaiian rolls horizontally and spread mayonnaise on the bottom halves.
- Assemble sliders with grilled chicken, Colby jack cheese, crispy bacon, sliced red onions, shredded lettuce, and ranch dressing.
- Place top buns over assembled sliders and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
