Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

Grilled barbecue chicken shines in these Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders. Perfect for summer gatherings, game days, or family dinners, these sliders pack a punch of flavor with smoky barbecue, creamy ranch, and crispy bacon. They’re easy to prepare and serve, making them an excellent choice for any occasion. Enjoy the combination of tender chicken, melty cheese, and fresh toppings that will leave everyone wanting more!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken
• For the Sliders
• How to Make Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
• Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
• Step 2: Cook the Bacon
• Step 3: Grill the Chicken
• Step 4: Prepare the Buns
• Step 5: Assemble the Sliders
• Step 6: Final Touches
• How to Serve Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
• For a Backyard BBQ
• At Game Day Parties
• As a Picnic Treat
• Family Dinner Night
• Late-Night Snack
• How to Perfect Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
• Best Side Dishes for Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
• Reheating Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I make Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders ahead of time?
• What type of barbecue sauce works best?
• Can I use other types of cheese?
• How do I customize my Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking, you can have these sliders ready in 30 minutes!
• Crowd-Pleaser: These sliders are perfect for parties or cookouts. Everyone loves BBQ chicken combined with ranch and bacon!
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as appetizers or main courses—these sliders fit any meal plan.
• Flavor Explosion: The mix of sweet barbecue sauce and zesty ranch dressing creates a delicious flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
• Easy Cleanup: Using simple ingredients and straightforward cooking methods means less time cleaning up after the meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to make the cooking process smooth. The right tools help ensure that your Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders turn out perfectly!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Skillet
• Zip-top bag or bowl
• Paper towels
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Provides the ideal heat for cooking chicken quickly while adding that classic grilled flavor.
• Skillet: Perfect for crisping bacon to perfection before layering it on your sliders.

Ingredients

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

1. In a zip-top bag or bowl, combine chicken pieces with 1 cup of barbecue sauce.
2. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (ideally for 4 hours or overnight).

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

1. Heat a skillet over low heat.
2. Add bacon slices and cook until crispy.
3. Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Place marinated chicken on the grill; cook for about 3 minutes per side.
3. Baste with an additional 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce while grilling.
4. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

Step 4: Prepare the Buns

1. Slice Hawaiian rolls horizontally to create sandwich bottoms.
2. Spread mayonnaise on each bottom bun.

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

1. Place grilled chicken on top of the mayo-covered buns.
2. Add a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce over the chicken.
3. Layer on cheese squares, followed by crispy bacon, sliced red onions, and shredded lettuce.
4. Drizzle ranch dressing over the lettuce.

Step 6: Final Touches

1. Place top buns on each slider.
2. Slice into individual sliders and serve immediately!

With these steps complete, your delicious Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are ready to be enjoyed! Perfect for any gathering or a cozy family dinner!

How to Serve Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to summer cookouts. Here are some tasty ways to serve these delicious sliders.

For a Backyard BBQ

• Serve the sliders on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs for a festive look.
• Pair with cold drinks like lemonade or iced tea to keep guests refreshed.

At Game Day Parties

• Create a slider station where guests can customize their toppings.
• Offer extra sides of barbecue sauce and ranch dressing for dipping.

As a Picnic Treat

• Pack the sliders in an insulated container to keep them warm.
• Include crunchy veggies and chips as light accompaniments.

Family Dinner Night

• Set up a build-your-own slider night where everyone can add their favorite ingredients.
• Add fresh fruit skewers for a sweet touch that balances the savory flavors.

Late-Night Snack

• Serve these sliders with toothpicks for easy handling during movie marathons.
• Consider pairing with popcorn for an extra snack option.

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How to Perfect Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

To ensure your Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are always a hit, follow these simple tips.

• Marinate Longer: Allow the chicken to marinate overnight for deeper flavor absorption.
• Pre-Cook Bacon: Cook bacon until crispy before adding it to the sliders for a satisfying crunch.
• Toast Buns: Lightly toast the Hawaiian rolls before assembling to add texture and prevent sogginess.
• Layer Wisely: Start with mayo, then chicken, cheese, and toppings for even distribution of flavors.
• Serve Fresh: Assemble sliders just before serving to maintain freshness and crispness.
• Adjust Heat: If you like it spicy, consider adding jalapeños or spicy barbecue sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

Pair your Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders with these delightful side dishes that complement their rich flavors.

1. Coleslaw – A tangy slaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the sliders.
2. Potato Salad – Creamy potato salad is a classic side that pairs well with barbecue flavors.
3. Corn on the Cob – Grilled corn brushed with butter enhances the summer vibe of your meal.
4. Chips and Salsa – Crispy chips served with fresh salsa provide a zesty contrast.
5. Baked Beans – Sweet and smoky baked beans are hearty companions to any BBQ dish.
6. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits brings sweetness and hydration to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• marinading time – Marinating chicken for less than 30 minutes may not allow the flavors to penetrate deeply. Aim for at least 4 hours for best results.
• bacon cooking – Cooking bacon on high heat can lead to burnt pieces. Use low heat and cook slowly until crispy for perfect texture.
• Bold bun slicing – Not slicing Hawaiian rolls evenly can result in uneven sliders. Take your time to ensure each slider is uniform for better presentation.
• Bold ranch application – Adding ranch too early can make the buns soggy. Apply ranch just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
• Bold chicken temperature – Undercooking chicken can pose health risks. Always ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep any extra ingredients separate if possible, especially lettuce and ranch, to maintain freshness.

Freezing Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

• Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm sliders for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat each slider on a microwave-safe plate for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently.
• Stovetop – Place sliders in a skillet over medium-low heat, cover with a lid, and heat until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I make Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and toppings in advance. Assemble them just before serving for optimal freshness.

What type of barbecue sauce works best?

A sweet and smoky barbecue sauce enhances the flavor of the sliders. Choose your favorite brand or make your own!

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.

How do I customize my Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders?

You can add jalapeños for spice, swap out bacon for turkey bacon, or include avocado slices for creaminess.

Final Thoughts

These Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are not only delicious but also versatile! Perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners, they offer an easy way to please a crowd. Customize with your favorite toppings or sauces to make this recipe truly your own!