Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare the Buns: Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally. Spread mayonnaise on the bottom halves to add a creamy base for the sandwich.
- 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.
- 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
