If you are craving a crowd-pleasing, irresistible snack that combines creamy, smoky, and savory flavors with melty gooey cheese, the Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Slider Recipe is a must-try! This dish brings together tender smoked chicken, crispy bacon, a luscious ranch-infused cream mixture, and a perfect blend of cheeses all tucked inside soft, sweet Kings Hawaiian rolls. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or looking for a delicious family meal, these sliders offer an explosion of flavor wrapped in a convenient, handheld bite. Trust me, once you make these sliders, they will quickly become one of your go-to comfort foods.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Slider Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls to the creamy richness of the sour cream and mayo mixture, every item is hand-picked to bring out the best in this dish.
- 24 count Kings Hawaiian Rolls: These soft, sweet rolls provide the perfect base and contrast beautifully with the savory fillings.
- 1 whole smoked chicken – pulled: Adds smoky, tender protein that’s the star of the sliders.
- 8-10 strips bacon – cooked crispy: Crispy bacon strips contribute a satisfying crunch and savory depth.
- 1/2 cup Blue Plate Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy, tangy element that binds the chicken mixture together.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds smoothness and a slight tang to balance the flavors.
- 1 package ranch dip mix: Infuses the dish with the classic zesty ranch flavor that everyone loves.
- 4oz shredded mozzarella: Melts wonderfully on top, giving the sliders a stretchy, gooey texture.
- 9 slices pepper jack cheese: Placed under the chicken mixture for a mild, spicy kick.
- 1 stick butter – melted: Used to brush the top rolls before baking for a golden, flavorful crust.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Slider Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Rolls
Carefully slice the entire pack of Kings Hawaiian rolls horizontally so that you create a neat top half and bottom half. This helps keep your sliders perfectly layered and easy to assemble.
Step 2: Add the Pepper Jack Cheese
Layer the pepper jack cheese slices evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. This slice of cheese warms and melts during baking, adding a nice creamy and slightly spicy foundation beneath the chicken mixture.
Step 3: Mix Ranch Chicken Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, Blue Plate Mayonnaise, and three-quarters of the ranch dip packet. Stir these together until smooth, then fold in the pulled smoked chicken, making sure every piece is coated in that tangy creamy mixture.
Step 4: Spread the Chicken Mixture
Gently spread the ranch chicken mixture over the pepper jack cheese layer, ensuring full coverage so each slider has that rich, flavorful bite.
Step 5: Add Bacon and Mozzarella
Arrange crispy bacon strips evenly on top of the chicken mixture. Next, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the bacon for that irresistible gooey cheesiness.
Step 6: Top and Butter the Rolls
Place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls gently over all the layers. Mix the remaining ranch dip packet with the melted butter and brush this mixture generously over the top of the rolls for a golden, herby crust.
Step 7: Grill and Rest
Loosely cover the slider assembly with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. Then place it on a 350-degree pellet grill for slow, smoky cooking that melds all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 8: Finish Baking and Serve
After 30 minutes on the grill, remove the foil and cook the sliders for an additional 10-15 minutes to brown the top perfectly. Finally, cut into individual sliders and serve while warm and melty.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Slider Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and flavor, garnish your sliders with freshly chopped chives or parsley. A few slices of pickles on the side add a perfect tangy crunch that complements the creamy ranch and smoky bacon beautifully.
Side Dishes
These sliders are excellent when paired with classic sides like crispy sweet potato fries, a fresh garden salad, or even a creamy coleslaw. The side dishes should be light yet flavorful to balance the rich, cheesy slider filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the sliders on a large wooden board with small bowls of extra ranch dressing and hot sauce for dipping. You can also add a skewer through each slider to keep all those layers intact and make them easier to enjoy at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover sliders tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for 3-4 days while maintaining their flavor and moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze these sliders after assembly but before grilling. Wrap them in heavy-duty foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftover sliders in the oven at 350 degrees for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. To keep the tops from burning, cover loosely with foil during reheating and remove it towards the end to regain that toasted crust.
FAQs
Can I use shredded chicken instead of smoked chicken?
Absolutely! While smoked chicken lends a deeper flavor, shredded cooked chicken will work just fine. You can add a bit more ranch seasoning to compensate for the milder taste.
What if I don’t have a pellet grill?
No problem! You can bake the sliders in a conventional oven at 350 degrees. Cover with foil and follow the same timing instructions for equally delicious results.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes! Swap the pepper jack cheese for a spicier variety or add diced jalapeños into the chicken mixture to turn up the heat to your liking.
Is it possible to make these sliders vegetarian?
You can substitute the smoked chicken and bacon with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based chicken alternative, while keeping the ranch and cheese for that familiar flavor profile.
How can I make the sliders less rich?
Try using reduced-fat sour cream and mayonnaise, and opt for turkey bacon to cut down on calories without losing too much flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
The Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Slider Recipe is truly a gem for anyone who loves easy-to-make dishes bursting with bold and comforting flavors. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a tasty treat, these sliders are guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfied appetites. I encourage you to gather your ingredients and dive into making these delightful sliders — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Slider Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal featuring tender smoked chicken mixed with creamy ranch mayo and sour cream, layered with crispy bacon and melted cheeses on soft Kings Hawaiian rolls. Grilled to perfection, these sliders offer a delicious combination of smoky, cheesy, and tangy flavors with a buttery, toasted top.
Ingredients
Slider Base
- 24 count Kings Hawaiian Rolls
Chicken Mixture
- 1 whole smoked chicken – pulled
- 1/2 cup Blue Plate Mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 package ranch dip mix, divided
Cheese
- 4 oz shredded mozzarella
- 9 slices pepper jack cheese
Bacon & Butter
- 8–10 strips bacon, cooked crispy
- 1 stick butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Rolls: Slice the entire pack of Kings Hawaiian rolls horizontally, creating separate top and bottom halves for layering.
- Add Pepper Jack Cheese: Place the pepper jack cheese slices evenly over the bottom half of the rolls to create a melty cheese base.
- Mix Chicken Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, Blue Plate Mayonnaise, and three-quarters of the ranch dip mix. Fold in the pulled smoked chicken, ensuring it is well-coated with the creamy mixture.
- Layer Chicken Mixture: Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly over the pepper jack cheese on the bottom half of the rolls.
- Add Bacon and Mozzarella: Arrange the crispy bacon strips over the chicken mixture, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese uniformly on top.
- Assemble Sliders: Cover with the top half of the Hawaiian rolls to enclose the filling layers.
- Brush with Butter and Ranch: Mix the remaining ranch dip packet into the melted butter and brush this flavorful butter mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls.
- Grill the Sliders: Loosely cover the assembled sliders with aluminum foil and rest for at least 30 minutes. Preheat a pellet grill to 350°F, then place the sliders inside and cook for 30 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered to Brown: Remove the foil and continue cooking on the pellet grill for an additional 10-15 minutes to brown and crisp the tops of the sliders.
- Serve: Remove from the grill, cut into individual sliders, and serve warm for a delicious cheesy, smoky treat.
Notes
- Make sure the bacon is cooked crispy to add texture and flavor.
- If you don’t have a pellet grill, you can bake the sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F for similar results.
- Allowing the sliders to rest covered before grilling helps the flavors meld together.
- Use pulled smoked chicken for the best smoky flavor; rotisserie chicken can be used as an alternative.
- Adjust ranch seasoning to taste if you prefer a stronger or milder ranch flavor.
