Grilled barbecue chicken sliders are a hit at any gathering, and Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders take this classic to the next level. These delightful handheld treats combine smoky barbecue flavors with crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and crunchy veggies. Perfect for summer cookouts, game days, or family dinners, these sliders are sure to please a crowd and satisfy every palate.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The combination of BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and crispy bacon creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that everyone will love.
Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these sliders can be whipped up in no time.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these sliders fit right in.
Kid-Friendly: The fun slider format makes them a hit with kids while packing in delicious flavors that adults will appreciate too.
Make Ahead Option: Prep the chicken and toppings ahead of time for quick assembly when you’re ready to serve.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking more efficient and enjoyable. Here are some essentials that will help you prepare your Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grill
Skillet
Zip-top bag or bowl
Paper towels
Serving platter

Importance of Each Tool

Grill: A grill gives the chicken that signature smoky flavor while allowing you to cook multiple pieces at once.
Skillet: Cooking bacon in a skillet helps achieve ideal crispiness without burning.
Zip-top bag or bowl: Ideal for marinating chicken evenly without mess.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 4-inch pieces

For the Sliders

1 pack Hawaiian rolls, 12 count
8 slices bacon
2 cups barbecue sauce, divided

For the Toppings

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

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

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Heat a skillet over low heat.
Add the bacon slices and cook until crispy.
Once cooked, place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium heat.
Remove the chicken from marinade and place on the grill.
Cook for about 3 minutes on each side, basting with an additional 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 4: Assemble the Sliders

Slice the Hawaiian buns horizontally to create sandwich bases.
Spread mayonnaise on each bottom bun.
Layer on grilled chicken pieces followed by extra barbecue sauce if desired.

Step 5: Add Toppings

Place Colby jack cheese slices on top of the chicken.
Add crispy bacon slices, followed by sliced red onion and shredded lettuce.
Drizzle ranch dressing over the lettuce just before serving.

Step 6: Serve Your Sliders

Cap each slider with its top bun.
Slice them into individual portions and serve immediately, or store until later if prepping in advance.

Enjoy your delicious Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders! Perfect for sharing at your next event or enjoying as a family meal!

How to Serve Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

These Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders make for a delightful meal, perfect for gatherings or casual dinners. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your slider experience.

For the Classic Touch

Potato Chips: Crunchy and salty, they pair perfectly with the smoky flavors of the sliders.
Coleslaw: A refreshing side that adds crunch and complements the richness of the sliders.

For a Fresh Twist

Pickles: Add tangy pickles on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Fresh Veggie Platter: Serve sliced cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers for a healthy crunch.

For Something Sweet

Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a sweet contrast to the savory sliders.
Brownies: Indulge your guests with fudgy brownies for a satisfying dessert after sliders.

For a Casual Gathering

Buffalo Wings: Spice things up with some classic wings alongside your sliders.
Tater Tots: These bite-sized treats are always a hit at parties and pair well with ranch dressing.

How to Perfect Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

To get the most out of your Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders, follow these tips for perfection.

Choose Quality Chicken: Use fresh chicken breasts for juicier and more flavorful sliders.
Let it Marinate: Allowing chicken to marinate for longer enhances flavor. Aim for at least 4 hours if possible.
Grill at Medium Heat: Cooking at medium heat prevents burning while ensuring the chicken is cooked through.
Add Extra Sauce: Don’t skip basting your chicken with barbecue sauce while grilling for that smoky flavor boost.
Layer Ingredients Thoughtfully: Stack ingredients in this order—mayo, chicken, cheese, bacon, veggies—to prevent sogginess.
Serve Immediately or Store Wisely: If preparing ahead, keep ranch dressing separate until ready to serve.

Best Side Dishes for Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

Complement your sliders with these delicious side dishes that bring balance to your meal.

Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled, it’s a summertime favorite that adds sweetness and color.
Baked Beans: Rich and hearty beans provide a comforting side full of flavor.
Macaroni Salad: Creamy pasta salad is a classic option that pairs well with BBQ flavors.
Sweet Potato Fries: Baked or fried, these add a sweet crunch that contrasts nicely with savory sliders.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and creamy dressing offer freshness alongside hearty sandwiches.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned veggies roasted to perfection are both healthy and tasty as a side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people make common errors when preparing Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your sliders are a hit!

Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the chicken can result in bland flavors. Marinate for at least 30 minutes—or better yet, overnight—to enhance taste.
Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken too long makes it dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees for juicy results.
Using Stale Rolls: Old Hawaiian rolls can ruin the slider experience. Always use fresh rolls for a soft and delightful bite.
Forgetting Toppings: Neglecting toppings like lettuce and ranch can lead to missing flavor dimensions. Don’t skip these; they add crunch and creaminess.
Not Preparing Ahead: Waiting until the last minute can create chaos. Prep as much as you can in advance for a smoother cooking process.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store sliders in an airtight container.
They will keep well for up to 3 days.

Freezing Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

Place sliders in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Reheat sliders for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat individual sliders on medium power for 20-30 seconds each.
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders that might help you while preparing this delicious dish.

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or even pulled pork for different flavors.

How can I customize my Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders?

Feel free to add toppings like jalapeños, avocado, or different cheeses to suit your taste.

Are Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The combination of flavors is appealing to kids and adults alike.

Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them without the ranch dressing and refrigerate. Add the dressing just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are perfect for any occasion, from summer cookouts to cozy family dinners. Their versatility allows you to customize them according to your preference, making them a delightful treat everyone will love. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the amazing fusion of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors!

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Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

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Author: Cara
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 sliders 1x

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Description

Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion from summer cookouts to cozy family dinners. These delicious sliders combine tender grilled chicken marinated in zesty barbecue sauce, crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and fresh veggies—all nestled between soft Hawaiian rolls. Each bite delivers a symphony of flavors that will leave your guests asking for more. Easy to prepare and customizable, these sliders are not only kid-friendly but also a hit with adults. Enhance your gatherings with this irresistible recipe that promises satisfaction!

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs chicken breasts
1 pack Hawaiian rolls (12 count)
8 slices bacon
2 cups barbecue sauce
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup ranch dressing
2 cups shredded lettuce
1/4 red onion, sliced
12 squares Colby jack cheese

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Instructions

Marinate chicken in barbecue sauce for at least 30 minutes.
Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy; set aside on paper towels.
Grill marinated chicken for about 6 minutes total, basting with extra barbecue sauce until fully cooked.
Assemble sliders: Spread mayo on each roll, layer grilled chicken, bacon, cheese, lettuce, onions, and drizzle ranch dressing.
Serve immediately or store for later.

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American