Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are a game-changer for any gathering. Whether it’s a casual weekend barbecue, a lively game day get-together, or a quiet family dinner, these sliders will elevate your culinary experience. The delicious combination of smoky bacon, zesty ranch seasoning, and tender chicken, all nestled between soft buns, creates an explosion of flavors in every bite. These sliders are not just filling and satisfying; they’re also incredibly easy to prepare, making them a perfect choice for busy cooks.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, savory slider filled with juicy BBQ chicken, crispy bacon, and cool ranch dressing. Simply irresistible! As you serve them, watch as your guests’ eyes light up with excitement; everyone loves sliders, and these ones hit the spot. In this article, we will explore why you will love this recipe, the necessary preparation and cooking time, a comprehensive ingredient list, detailed step-by-step instructions, and tips on how to serve these delectable treats.
Let’s dive into the mouthwatering world of Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders and explore why they deserve a spot on your menu.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are not just delicious; they offer numerous benefits that make them a favorite among home cooks and guests alike. Here are some reasons why you’ll love this easy recipe:
1. Flavor Explosion – The combination of barbecue sauce, ranch seasoning, and crispy bacon creates an incredible flavor profile that is hard to resist.
2. Quick and Easy – This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
3. Crowd-Pleaser – With flavors that appeal to all age groups, these sliders are guaranteed to be a hit at parties and gatherings.
4. Versatile – You can easily customize the recipe to accommodate anyone’s dietary preferences, such as subbing turkey for chicken or using a gluten-free bun.
5. Under 30 Minutes – Preparing these delicious sliders doesn’t take long, allowing you to spend more time enjoying with friends and family.
6. Meal Prep Friendly – Prepare the chicken and sauce in advance to assemble sliders quickly when it’s time to eat.
With these attributes, it’s no wonder Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders have become a go-to recipe for many food lovers. We’ve set the stage; now let’s look at the preparation and cooking time for these fantastic sliders.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Creating these Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders takes about 30 minutes in total, which makes them perfect for a quick meal. Here’s the breakdown of the time involved:
– Preparation Time: 10 minutes
– Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
– Assembly Time: 5 minutes
This efficient use of time is perfect for those busy days when you want something delicious without a lengthy cooking process.

Ingredients

– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
– 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce)
– 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 8 slider buns
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
– Optional: Lettuce or pickles for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating these scrumptious Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders is straightforward. Follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until they reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
3. Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet. Allow it to cool slightly, then shred it using two forks.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce and ranch seasoning until well coated.
5. Add Bacon: Stir in the crumbled bacon, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6. Prepare the Buns: Slice the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves in a greased baking dish.
7. Assemble Sliders: Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the buns. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Cover with Tops: Place the top halves of the slider buns on the sandwich.
9. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish and Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve with optional lettuce or pickles if desired.
With these easy-to-follow steps, you will have an incredible batch of sliders ready in no time!

How to Serve

Serving your Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders properly can enhance the whole dining experience. Here are some tips for serving them:
1. Plate Presentation: Use a large platter to display the sliders so that they are easily accessible for guests.
2. Sauce Options: Offer extra BBQ sauce and ranch dressing on the side for dipping, allowing guests to customize their sliders further.
3. Garnishing: Sprinkle extra chopped green onions over the sliders as a colorful garnish. Fresh herbs can also add a beautiful touch.
4. Accompaniments: Pair the sliders with classic sides like coleslaw, potato chips, or a light salad to round out the meal.
5. Serving Size: Allow each guest to choose a few sliders, as they are bite-sized and perfect for sharing.
6. Beverage Pairing: Consider offering refreshing drinks like lemonade, iced tea, or craft beer to complement the savory flavors.
By taking these serving tips into account, you can create an enjoyable experience for both you and your guests while feasting on these Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders. Enjoying good food and great company is what it’s all about!

Additional Tips

– Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh chicken, bacon, and high-quality barbecue sauce for the best flavor in your Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders.
– Adjust Spice Level: If you want some heat, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or using a spicy barbecue sauce for an extra kick.
– Serve Warm: These sliders are best enjoyed warm. If they cool down, briefly reheating them will restore their deliciousness.
– Keep it Simple: To save time, consider pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. It will cut down preparation time significantly without sacrificing flavor.
– Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix and match cheeses; pepper jack or gouda can add unique flavors to these sliders.

Recipe Variation

Switch up the traditional recipe to cater to different tastes with these variations:
1. Pulled Pork Version: Swap out the chicken for pulled pork for a savory alternative that pairs well with BBQ sauce.
2. Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with jackfruit or chickpeas mixed with BBQ sauce. This adds texture and flavor while keeping it meat-free.
3. Cheesy Bacon Ranch Sliders: Layer in additional cheese varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack for a cheesy twist that adds gooey goodness.
4. Spicy Chipotle: Mix in some chipotle sauce with the BBQ sauce for a smoky, spicy flavor that will delight heat lovers.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh for up to 3 days.
– Freezing: If you want to make these sliders ahead of time, assemble them without baking and wrap securely. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.

Special Equipment

To create your Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders, having the right tools will make the process easier:
– Skillet: A non-stick skillet is perfect for cooking the chicken evenly.
– Mixing Bowl: A large bowl for mixing the shredded chicken with sauce and spices.
– Baking Dish: Use a greased baking dish to assemble and bake the sliders evenly.
– Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature.
– Serving Platter: A large platter for an attractive presentation when serving these sliders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure to thaw it properly before cooking.
What’s the best way to reheat sliders?
You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Wrapping them in foil will keep them from drying out.
Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and mix it with BBQ sauce and ranch seasoning ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the sliders.
Are these sliders suitable for kids?
Yes, the flavors are kid-friendly, and they can be easily modified to be less spicy.
Do I have to use slider buns?
No, feel free to use any type of bread or roll you prefer. Brioche or hawaiian rolls work beautifully.

Conclusion

Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire. They combine delicious flavors with simple preparation, making them a perfect choice for any occasion. With their savory profile featuring bacon, BBQ, ranch, and melted cheese on soft buns, your guests will love these crowd-pleasers. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy these delightful sliders with friends and family!

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