There’s something irresistible about Crack Chicken Sliders—a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness packed into soft slider buns. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or simply looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner, these sliders deliver every time.
I first stumbled across the idea for these sliders during a family barbecue, and they’ve since become a staple for gatherings and quick weeknight meals. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a dish that disappears faster than you can say "crack chicken."
Why You’ll Love This Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe
Prepare to fall head over heels for these sliders. They’re everything you love about comfort food in a bite-sized package.
First, these sliders are incredibly easy to make. Using pre-cooked chicken or a rotisserie chicken saves time, so you can have them prepped and in the oven in under 15 minutes.
Next, they’re perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re entertaining guests or feeding a hungry family, this recipe makes a generous batch of sliders that’ll satisfy everyone.
The flavor is out of this world. The combination of cream cheese, shredded cheese, and ranch seasoning creates a creamy, tangy filling that pairs perfectly with the soft slider buns.
Finally, they’re versatile and customizable. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, making these sliders a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of Crack Chicken Sliders lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one is essential:
- Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works beautifully here, offering convenience and tenderness. You can also use leftover roasted chicken or even slow-cooked chicken breasts.
- Cream Cheese: This is the creamy base that holds everything together. Be sure to soften it beforehand for easy mixing.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: The key to that signature tangy, herby flavor. Use a store-bought packet or make your own for a more homemade touch.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can mix it up with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a little heat.
- Cooked Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a smoky crunch to every bite. Cook and crumble it yourself, or grab pre-cooked bacon for added ease.
- Slider Buns: Soft, pillowy slider buns like Hawaiian rolls are the perfect vehicle for the creamy chicken filling. Their slight sweetness complements the savory filling beautifully.
- Butter and Seasonings: A melted butter glaze with garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley is brushed over the buns for extra flavor and a golden finish.
You’ll also need a baking dish, mixing bowls, and a brush for the buttery topping.
How to Make Crack Chicken Sliders
Making these sliders is a breeze! Let me guide you through the steps to ensure your sliders come out perfectly every time.
- Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish large enough to hold the sliders snugly in a single layer. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. - Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded chicken, ranch seasoning, shredded cheese, and crumbled bacon. Stir everything together until it’s well-mixed and creamy. - Assemble the Sliders
Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact. Place the bottom halves in your prepared baking dish. Spread the chicken mixture evenly across the buns, then replace the top halves. - Brush with Butter Glaze
Melt butter in a small bowl and mix in garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley flakes. Use a brush to generously coat the tops of the buns with the butter mixture. - Bake to Perfection
Cover the sliders with foil and bake for 15 minutes to allow the filling to heat through. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy.
Serve hot and watch them disappear in minutes! The entire process, from start to finish, takes less than 30 minutes.
Storage Options
These sliders are so delicious, it’s rare to have leftovers—but if you do, here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerator: Store cooled sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to maintain their texture.
- Freezer: Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating Tips: To reheat sliders without drying them out, cover them with foil and warm them in the oven. For a quick option, use a microwave, though the buns may lose a bit of their crispness.
Variations and Substitutions
Crack Chicken Sliders are wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to experiment with these variations:
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the buns and serve the filling in lettuce wraps or over zucchini noodles for a lighter, keto-friendly meal.
- BBQ Twist: Swap the ranch seasoning for BBQ sauce and use smoked cheddar for a tangy, smoky flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Sliders: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based protein alternative. Omit the bacon or use vegetarian bacon bits.
- Different Cheese Blends: Try a mix of gouda, mozzarella, and parmesan for a gourmet twist.
The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own!
Final Thoughts
These Crack Chicken Sliders are a guaranteed hit for any occasion. With their creamy filling, crispy bacon, and buttery buns, they’re the ultimate comfort food that everyone will rave about. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, a family dinner, or even packing them for lunch, these sliders are sure to become a go-to favorite. Give them a try—you won’t regret it!
PrintCrack Chicken Sliders Recipe
Make these mouthwatering Crack Chicken Sliders with shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, crispy bacon, and gooey melted cheese, all served on soft slider buns. Perfect for game days, parties, or quick dinners!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 slider buns
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tsp dried parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, bacon, and shredded cheese until combined.
- Slice slider buns in half and place the bottom halves on a baking dish.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the buns, then top with the bun tops.
- Brush melted butter over the tops and sprinkle with garlic powder and parsley if desired.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Add sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Serve with a side of chips or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
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