Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders

Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines three of America’s favorite flavors in one irresistible bite-sized sandwich. These cheesy, buttery sliders feature tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing all tucked into soft Hawaiian rolls with a golden, herb-butter topping.

I first made these sliders for a Sunday football watch party, and they disappeared so fast that I had to whip up a second batch before halftime! Whether you’re hosting game day, feeding hungry kids after soccer practice, or prepping an easy weeknight dinner, these sliders come together in just 30 minutes with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy families
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The unbeatable trio of chicken, bacon, and ranch appeals to kids and adults alike
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble hours ahead and bake when ready to serve
• Budget-Friendly: Uses rotisserie chicken and simple pantry staples
• Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal for game day, potlucks, birthday parties, and holiday gatherings
• Customizable: Easy to adapt with different cheeses, add-ins, or dietary modifications
• Minimal Cleanup: One-dish baking means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying

Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Medium mixing bowl
• Small bowl (for butter topping)
• Sharp serrated knife
• Pastry brush or spoon (for butter application)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil
• Cutting board
• Oven

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Sliders:

• 12 slider rolls (Hawaiian rolls or dinner rolls)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 6–8 strips cooked bacon, chopped
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheddar-mozzarella blend)
• ½ cup ranch dressing, plus extra for serving
• ¼ cup mayonnaise, optional for extra creaminess
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Butter Topping:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix (or 1½ teaspoons each dried dill, dried parsley, and garlic powder)
• 1–2 tablespoons poppy seeds, optional
• 1–2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Ingredient Notes

Slider Rolls: Hawaiian rolls are the gold standard for these sliders due to their slightly sweet flavor and soft texture, but standard dinner rolls work perfectly too. King’s Hawaiian brand is widely available at most US grocery stores. Make sure to buy the connected rolls that come in a slab for easier assembly.

Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is your best friend here—it saves time and adds incredible flavor. One average rotisserie chicken yields about 3 cups of meat, so you’ll have plenty. Alternatively, use leftover grilled chicken, poached chicken breasts, or even canned chicken in a pinch.

Bacon: Cook your bacon until crispy so it adds a nice crunch. Pre-cooked bacon crumbles from the salad aisle work as a quick shortcut, though fresh-cooked bacon has better flavor. You’ll need about ¾ cup chopped bacon.

Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but a cheddar-mozzarella blend adds extra meltiness. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even pepper jack (for a spicy kick) are excellent substitutions.

Ranch Dressing: Use your favorite bottled ranch or make homemade. Hidden Valley is the classic choice. For a lighter version, try Greek yogurt-based ranch.

Ranch Seasoning: Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning packets are perfect and available at any grocery store. If making your own blend, combine dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt.

Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the salt level. If using salted butter, reduce added salt in the filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped bacon, shredded cheese, ranch dressing, and mayonnaise (if using). Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir everything together until evenly mixed and creamy. The mixture should be well-coated with the ranch dressing—this is what keeps the sliders moist and flavorful.

Step 2: Assemble the Sliders

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Keep the slider rolls attached as one connected slab and use a sharp serrated knife to slice the entire batch in half horizontally—imagine you’re making one giant sandwich. Place the bottom half of the rolls in your 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the chicken-bacon ranch mixture evenly over the bottom rolls, making sure to reach the edges. Gently place the top half of the rolls over the filling, creating a complete slider slab.

Step 3: Make the Butter Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter with the ranch seasoning mix (or your combination of dried dill, parsley, and garlic powder). If you’re using poppy seeds and Parmesan cheese, stir those in now. This buttery herb topping is what gives the sliders their golden, flavorful crust.

Step 4: Top & Bake

Using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon, brush the butter mixture evenly over the entire top of the slider rolls, making sure every roll gets coated. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15–18 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5–7 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the cheese inside is completely melted and gooey.

Step 5: Serve

Let the sliders rest for 2–3 minutes after removing from the oven—this helps them hold together better when you cut them. Use a sharp knife to cut between the individual rolls to separate the sliders. Serve warm with extra ranch dressing on the side for dipping.

Pro Tips & Cooking Hacks

• Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Buy a rotisserie chicken from your grocery store deli to save 30+ minutes of cooking time and add deep, savory flavor
• Crispy Bacon Fast: Cook bacon in the oven at 400°F for 15-18 minutes on a foil-lined baking sheet for perfectly crispy, hands-off results
• Even Slicing: Use a long serrated bread knife and a gentle sawing motion to slice the roll slab without squishing it
• Extra Cheesy: Add a layer of cheese on the bottom bun before adding the filling for maximum cheese coverage
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Lightly toast the bottom buns for 2-3 minutes before adding the filling if you’re concerned about sogginess
• Butter Application: Don’t skip brushing butter all the way to the edges—this prevents dry corners and ensures even browning
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble completely, cover with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking (add 5 minutes to baking time if cold)
• Avoid Overbaking: Watch carefully during the uncovered baking phase—you want golden tops, not dried-out sliders
• Mess-Free Bacon: Use kitchen scissors to chop cooked bacon directly over the mixing bowl
• Leftover Turkey: Thanksgiving leftovers? Swap chicken for turkey for an amazing post-holiday meal
• Flavor Boost: Mix 2 tablespoons of cream cheese into the chicken filling for extra richness and creaminess

Tips & Variations

Storage: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual sliders in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through.

Make-Ahead: Assemble the sliders completely with the butter topping up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake directly from the fridge, adding 5 extra minutes to the covered baking time.

Freezing: Freeze assembled (unbaked) sliders wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free slider rolls or Hawaiian-style gluten-free rolls. Check that your ranch dressing and seasoning are certified gluten-free.

Low-Carb/Keto: Skip the rolls and serve the chicken-bacon-ranch mixture as a warm dip with celery sticks, pork rinds, or low-carb crackers.

Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños to the filling, use pepper jack cheese, or mix hot sauce into the ranch dressing.

BBQ Ranch Fusion: Mix 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce into the chicken filling for a sweet and tangy twist.

Veggie Addition: Fold in ½ cup diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, or finely diced bell peppers for added freshness and crunch.

Buffalo Chicken Style: Replace ranch with buffalo sauce and use blue cheese crumbles instead of cheddar for buffalo chicken sliders.

Serving Suggestions

These Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with classic American sides. For game day or casual gatherings, serve alongside crispy french fries, sweet potato fries, potato chips, or a fresh garden salad with ranch dressing. The sliders also complement creamy coleslaw, macaroni salad, or pasta salad perfectly for summer cookouts and potlucks.

For a complete meal, add fresh veggie sticks (carrots, celery, bell peppers) with extra ranch for dipping, or serve with pickle spears and kettle chips. If you’re feeding a crowd, consider setting up a slider bar with toppings like sliced tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, and different sauces so guests can customize their sliders.

Common Mistakes

• Slicing rolls individually instead of as a slab: Keep the rolls connected for easier, faster assembly and more even baking
• Using cold chicken filling: Let your chicken come to room temperature or warm slightly so it heats through more evenly during baking
• Skimping on the butter topping: The herb butter is essential for flavor and that gorgeous golden top—don’t be shy with it
• Overbaking: Watch carefully during the final uncovered baking; sliders can dry out quickly once the foil is removed
• Not letting them rest: Cutting immediately causes the filling to spill out; 2-3 minutes of rest time helps them hold together
• Using dry chicken: Make sure your chicken is moist or add extra mayo/ranch to the filling to prevent dry sliders
• Forgetting to cover with foil first: The covered baking time steams and melts the cheese; going straight to uncovered baking dries them out
• Uneven filling distribution: Spread the chicken mixture all the way to the edges to ensure every bite has filling

What to Serve With Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders

Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are the perfect finger food that pairs wonderfully with both light and hearty sides. For a classic game day spread, serve them with loaded nachos, buffalo wings, mozzarella sticks, or a seven-layer dip with tortilla chips. These sliders also work beautifully for family dinners when paired with tomato soup, French onion soup, or a crisp Caesar salad.

Don’t forget about beverages—these rich, savory sliders pair perfectly with cold beer, sweet tea, lemonade, or soda. For kids’ parties, set out fruit kabobs, veggie cups with ranch, and juice boxes for a complete, crowd-pleasing menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of roll?

Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls are ideal for their soft, slightly sweet texture, you can use any small dinner rolls, potato rolls, or even mini brioche buns. Just make sure they’re soft rolls (not crusty) and that you keep them connected in a slab for easier assembly. Avoid using large hamburger buns as they’ll throw off the slider-to-filling ratio.

How do I prevent the sliders from getting soggy?

The key is not overdoing the wet ingredients. Stick to the ½ cup ranch measurement and don’t add extra sauces beyond what’s called for. If you’re worried about sogginess, you can lightly toast the bottom buns for 2-3 minutes before adding the filling, or reduce the mayonnaise amount. The covered baking method also helps by steaming the cheese without making the bread soggy.

Can I make these without bacon?

Yes! While the bacon adds incredible smoky flavor and texture, you can omit it or substitute with turkey bacon, Canadian bacon, or even crispy prosciutto. For a vegetarian version, try adding sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or extra cheese to make up for the missing bacon flavor.

How far in advance can I prep these sliders?

You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours ahead of time. Just cover tightly with foil and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When baking from cold, add an extra 5 minutes to the covered baking time. The filling can also be mixed up to 2 days ahead and stored separately in the fridge.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover sliders?

For best results, reheat sliders in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes to maintain the texture of the rolls. You can also microwave individual sliders for 30-45 seconds, though the bread won’t be quite as crispy. Avoid reheating in a toaster oven at high heat, as this can dry them out. If reheating multiple sliders, wrap loosely in foil and warm in the oven.

💬 Tried this recipe? Leave a comment and rating below! Share your favorite variations or let me know what sides you served with these sliders.