Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
Grilled barbecue chicken is a summertime classic, and there’s nothing quite like enjoying these smoky sweet flavors in the form of Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders. Perfect for cookouts, family gatherings, or a casual weeknight dinner, these sliders combine the rich taste of barbecue with crispy bacon and fresh toppings. They are easy to make and wonderfully satisfying, ensuring everyone will love them.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes total time, these sliders are perfect for a last-minute meal.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of smoky BBQ sauce, creamy ranch, and crispy bacon creates a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.
- Versatile Serving Options: Great for parties, picnics, or even meal prep—these sliders can be enjoyed anytime!
- Kid-Friendly: These sliders are fun to eat and appeal to kids and adults alike. It’s a dish that makes mealtime exciting!
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust toppings or sauces based on your preferences or what you have at home.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start whipping up these delicious sliders, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Skillet
- Zip-top bag or bowl
- Paper towels
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: Essential for achieving that perfect char on the chicken while infusing it with smoky flavor.
- Skillet: Ideal for cooking the bacon evenly until crispy without much fuss.
- Zip-top bag or bowl: Best for marinating chicken as it allows flavors to penetrate well.
- Knife and Cutting board: Crucial for slicing ingredients safely and efficiently.
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 chicken in a zip-top bag or bowl with 1 cup barbecue sauce. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; ideally, let it sit for about 4 hours or overnight before cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
While the chicken is marinating, cook the bacon in a skillet over low heat until crispy. Remove from heat and rest on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Prepare your grill to medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken about 3 minutes per side, basting with an additional ½ cup barbecue sauce as they cook. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
Slice the Hawaiian buns horizontally to create sandwich tops and bottoms. Spread mayonnaise on the bottom buns before adding grilled chicken followed by a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Top each piece of chicken with Colby jack cheese. Then add crispy bacon, red onions, shredded lettuce, and drizzle ranch dressing over the top layer of lettuce. If preparing ahead, wait to add ranch dressing until just before serving.
Step 6: Serve
Place the top buns on each slider, slice them into individual servings if desired, and enjoy your delicious Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders!
Servings: 12 sliders
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
These Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are perfect for any gathering. They are easy to assemble and are sure to please a crowd. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your slider experience.
Casual Picnic Style
- Serve on a large platter for a relaxed outdoor picnic.
- Pair with refreshing lemonade or iced tea for a classic summer vibe.
Game Day Feast
- Arrange sliders on a tiered serving stand for an impressive display.
- Accompany with chips and salsa for that perfect game day crunch.
Family Dinner Night
- Place sliders in individual baskets lined with parchment paper.
- Add carrot and celery sticks with ranch dip as a healthy side option.
Potluck Presentation
- Wrap each slider in foil for easy transport and serving.
- Bring along extra barbecue sauce for dipping, enhancing the flavor.
How to Perfect Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
To make the most out of your Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders, consider these helpful tips.
- Marinate longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight intensifies the flavor.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lettuce and crispy bacon make all the difference in texture and taste.
- Control heat: Cooking chicken at medium heat prevents it from drying out while achieving those lovely grill marks.
- Customize toppings: Feel free to add jalapeños or avocado slices for an extra kick or creaminess.
- Serve warm: These sliders taste best when served warm right off the grill.
- Make ahead: You can prepare most of the components in advance for stress-free assembly later.
Best Side Dishes for Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
Complement your Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders with these delicious side dishes. They add variety and enhance your meal experience.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds freshness and balances the richness of the sliders. Prepare a simple vinegar-based dressing for a lighter option.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad is a classic barbecue side that pairs well with grilled flavors. Consider adding herbs like dill or chives for extra zest.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter is sweet and smoky, making it a delightful addition to your slider spread.
- Baked Beans: Hearty and flavorful baked beans offer a comforting side that complements barbecue perfectly.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a sweet contrast to savory sliders. Use seasonal fruits for added freshness.
- Chips and Guacamole: Crispy tortilla chips with guacamole bring a fun element to your meal while adding creaminess that pairs nicely with the sliders.
- Caprese Salad Skewers: Simple skewers of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for an elegant touch.
- Grilled Veggies: Colorful grilled vegetables add both nutrition and visual appeal; season them lightly with olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.
- Skipping the Marinade: Neglecting to marinate the chicken can result in bland sliders. Always allow at least 30 minutes for the chicken to soak up flavors.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can dry it out. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165 degrees without overcooking.
- Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Not choosing fresh ingredients can ruin your sliders. Opt for high-quality barbecue sauce, cheese, and fresh veggies for the best taste.
- Forgetting to Prep the Buns: Skipping mayo or extra barbecue sauce on the buns can lead to dry sliders. Always spread these condiments generously before assembling.
- Adding Ranch Too Early: Putting ranch dressing on too soon can make the lettuce soggy. Add ranch just before serving for a fresh crunch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep sliders assembled with toppings separate to maintain freshness.
Freezing Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Wrap each slider tightly in plastic wrap and foil; they will last up to 2 months in the freezer.
- Label with date and contents for easy identification later.
Reheating Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and place sliders on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place sliders on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders.
How do I customize Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders?
You can customize these sliders by adding different toppings like jalapeños, pickles, or avocado. Experimenting with various barbecue sauces can also provide unique flavors!
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with pulled pork or turkey. Both options work well with ranch and barbecue flavors.
Are Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! These sliders make fantastic meal prep options as they are easy to assemble and reheat well. Just keep toppings separate until ready to eat.
What side dishes go well with these sliders?
Pair your sliders with coleslaw, potato salad, or sweet potato fries for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. Feel free to get creative with ingredients and make them your own!
Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Description
Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are a delightful twist on a classic summertime favorite, combining smoky barbecue flavors with crispy bacon and creamy ranch dressing. Perfect for cookouts, family gatherings, or even a casual weeknight dinner, these sliders are easy to prepare and sure to satisfy everyone at the table. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a dish that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a game day feast or looking for a quick and tasty meal, these sliders will elevate your dining experience.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts
- 1 pack Hawaiian rolls (12 count)
- 8 slices bacon
- 2 cups barbecue sauce
- 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 30 minutes (ideally overnight).
- Cook bacon in a skillet over low heat until crispy; drain on paper towels.
- Grill marinated chicken over medium heat for about 6 minutes, basting with additional barbecue sauce until fully cooked.
- Slice Hawaiian rolls and spread mayonnaise on the bottom halves.
- Assemble sliders by adding grilled chicken, cheese, bacon, red onions, lettuce, and ranch dressing.
- Place the tops of the rolls on each slider and serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider (90g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
