Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe

Introduction

These Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are a perfect blend of smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors. Juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and melty cheese come together on soft Hawaiian rolls for an irresistible handheld meal. Ideal for gatherings or a casual dinner at home.

Ingredients

• 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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Marinate the chicken pieces in a zip-top bag or bowl with 1 cup of barbecue sauce. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
2. Step 2: While the chicken marinates, cook bacon in a skillet over low heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
3. Step 3: Preheat a grill to medium heat. Cook the chicken about 3 minutes per side, basting with 1/2 cup of fresh barbecue sauce during cooking, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Step 4: Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally. Spread mayonnaise on the bottom halves, add the grilled chicken pieces, then brush a little extra barbecue sauce over the chicken.
5. Step 5: Top the chicken with Colby jack cheese, followed by crispy bacon, sliced red onions, and shredded lettuce. Drizzle ranch dressing over the lettuce. If preparing ahead, add ranch just before serving to keep the buns from getting soggy.
6. Step 6: Place the top halves of the buns on each slider, slice into individual sandwiches, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, try adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the barbecue sauce while marinating the chicken.
• Substitute ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for a tangier twist.
• Use turkey bacon for a leaner option.
• Serve with pickles or sliced jalapeños to add some crunch and spice.

Storage

Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent sogginess, keep the ranch dressing separate and add it fresh before serving. Reheat the chicken and bacon gently in the oven or microwave before assembling the sliders again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of roll?

Yes, slider buns or small sandwich rolls work well, but Hawaiian rolls add a subtle sweetness that complements the barbecue flavors perfectly.

Can these sliders be made ahead of time?

You can prepare the ingredients and assemble most of the sliders in advance, but add the ranch dressing right before serving to keep the buns from becoming soggy.

Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 83 reviews

These Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders combine tender grilled chicken marinated in tangy barbecue sauce with crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and fresh toppings all nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls. Perfect for casual gatherings or game day snacks, these sliders deliver a delightful mix of smoky, savory, and creamy flavors in every bite.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 sliders 1x
• Category: Sandwiches
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Marinade

• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 4-inch pieces
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (for marinating)
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (for basting)

Slider Assembly

• 1 pack Hawaiian rolls, 12 count
• 8 slices bacon
• 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)
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (extra for topping)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a zip-top bag or bowl and pour in 1 cup of barbecue sauce. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 4 hours or overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
2. Cook the Bacon: While the chicken marinates, cook the bacon slices in a skillet over low heat until they are crispy. Drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease.
3. Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill to medium heat. Grill the marinated chicken pieces for about 3 minutes on each side, basting with 1/2 cup of fresh barbecue sauce during cooking. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure they are properly cooked.
4. Prepare the Buns: Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally. Spread mayonnaise on the bottom halves to add a creamy base for the sandwich.
5. Assemble the Sliders: Place the grilled chicken pieces on the mayo-coated buns, then drizzle a bit of extra barbecue sauce over the chicken. Add a square of Colby Jack cheese on top, followed by crispy bacon slices, red onion slices, and shredded lettuce. Drizzle ranch dressing over the lettuce to finish.
6. Serve: Top the sliders with the remaining halves of the rolls. Slice into individual sliders as desired. For best freshness, add ranch dressing just before serving if preparing ahead of time.

Notes

• Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness.
• Use low and slow heat when cooking bacon to avoid burning and ensure crispiness.
• Grill chicken until it reaches 165°F internally to ensure food safety.
• Add ranch dressing just before serving if making sliders ahead to keep buns from getting soggy.
• Hawaiian rolls provide a sweet, soft base that contrasts well with the smoky BBQ flavors.

Keywords: BBQ chicken sliders, bacon ranch sliders, grilled chicken sandwiches, Hawaiian roll sliders, game day snacks, BBQ chicken recipe