Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

Grilled barbecue chicken is a summertime classic, and we’re enjoying these smoky sweet flavors in the form of Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders. Perfect for cookouts, game days, or a fun family dinner, these sliders are packed with flavor and topped with ranch, crispy bacon, colby jack cheese, fresh crunchy lettuce, and red onions. They’re not just delicious; they also make for an easy handheld meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: The sliders come together in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and crispy bacon creates a delightful flavor profile that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With 12 sliders in one batch, this recipe is ideal for parties or family dinners where you want to impress without too much effort.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or adjust the BBQ sauce to match your taste preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: These sliders can be made ahead of time and served later, making them great for meal prep or picnics.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment helps ensure everything goes smoothly while cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: A good grill allows for even cooking of the chicken while adding that irresistible smoky flavor.
• Skillet: Using a skillet helps achieve perfectly crispy bacon without much hassle.
• Zip-top bag or bowl: This is essential for marinating the chicken thoroughly, ensuring maximum flavor absorption.

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 of barbecue sauce. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—or ideally 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.
Place cooked bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Prepare your grill to medium heat:
1. Cook the marinated chicken about 3 minutes per side.
2. Baste with an additional 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce as they cook until fully done (165 degrees internally).

Step 4: Assemble the Sliders

Slice the Hawaiian buns horizontally:
1. Spread mayonnaise on the bottom buns.
2. Layer on grilled chicken followed by extra barbecue sauce.

Step 5: Add Toppings

Top each slider with:
Colby jack cheese,
Crispy bacon,
Sliced red onions,
Shredded lettuce,
Drizzle ranch dressing over the lettuce.

Note: If prepping these sliders to eat later, add ranch dressing just before serving.

Step 6: Serve

Place top buns on each slider:
1. Slice into individual sliders.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy these amazing Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders!

How to Serve Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are perfect for gatherings, game days, or casual dinners. They are easy to assemble and can be enjoyed in various ways to suit your event.

Casual Gatherings

• Family Style: Arrange the sliders on a platter for a casual family meal. Encourage everyone to build their own with extra toppings.
• Buffet Setting: Serve the sliders alongside a variety of sauces and toppings. This allows guests to customize their flavors.

Game Day Treats

• Finger Food: Perfect for watching the big game, these sliders are easy to grab and eat while cheering on your team.
• Mini Slider Bar: Set up a slider bar with different toppings like jalapeños, pickles, or extra barbecue sauce for a fun twist.

Picnic Option

• Packable Meal: These sliders travel well. Wrap them individually for an easy picnic option that everyone will love.
• Chill Before Serving: If you’re preparing them ahead of time, let them chill in the cooler until you’re ready to eat.

Kid-Friendly Fun

• Mini Sized: Cut each slider into smaller portions for kids. They can enjoy their own bite-sized versions without much mess!
• Interactive Meal: Let kids add their own toppings. This keeps them engaged and excited about mealtime.

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How to Perfect Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

To ensure your Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders reach perfection, consider these helpful tips.

• Marination: Allow the chicken to marinate longer than 30 minutes for deeper flavor absorption.
• Crisp Bacon: Cook bacon until it’s crispy; this adds great texture and flavor contrast to the sliders.
• Layering Matters: Stack ingredients strategically—lettuce first helps keep the bottom bun from getting soggy.
• Grill Technique: Use medium heat on the grill; too hot can dry out the chicken before it cooks through.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Cover the grill with a lid briefly after adding cheese to help it melt perfectly over the chicken.
• Fresh Toppings: Use fresh ingredients like crunchy lettuce and ripe tomatoes for added flavor and color.

Best Side Dishes for Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

Pairing sides with your sliders enhances the overall dining experience. Here are some fantastic options.

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and complements the rich flavors of the sliders.
2. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make an irresistible side that everyone loves.
3. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter is a classic summer side that pairs beautifully with barbecue flavors.
4. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances out the savory sliders with its natural sweetness.
5. Chips and Salsa: Provide tortilla chips with fresh salsa for a zesty crunch that guests will enjoy snacking on.
6. Pickle Platter: A variety of pickles adds a tangy bite that cuts through the richness of the bacon ranch chicken.
7. Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad is always a crowd-pleaser and complements any barbecue spread well.
8. Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans are a hearty side that pairs excellently with barbecue dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure your sliders are perfect every time.

• Skipping the Marination: Not marinating the chicken can lead to dry sliders. Make sure to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight, for juicy flavor.
• Using Low-Quality BBQ Sauce: A poor-quality sauce can ruin the taste. Choose a barbecue sauce that you love and complements the dish well.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken too long makes it tough. Monitor internal temperature and remove once it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Not Preparing Ingredients Ahead: Failing to prep ingredients can lead to chaos. Chop vegetables and cook bacon before grilling for a smooth assembly process.
• Adding Ranch Dressing Too Early: Putting ranch on before serving can make buns soggy. Add ranch just before serving for fresh, crunchy texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store sliders in an airtight container.
• They will remain fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

• Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place sliders on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Check after each interval to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, covered, until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders, here are some frequently asked questions to guide you.

Can I use different types of bread for sliders?

Yes! You can use any bread type, such as dinner rolls or mini baguettes, depending on your preference.

How do I make Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders healthier?

To lighten them up, use whole-grain rolls and opt for leaner cuts of chicken or turkey bacon instead of traditional bacon.

What sides pair well with Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders?

Consider serving them with coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob for a complete meal.

Can I prepare these sliders in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble them ahead of time without adding ranch dressing until just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with your favorite toppings or sauces. Perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners, they offer comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Try these sliders today and enjoy their incredible flavors!