Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

Grilled barbecue chicken sliders take the classic summer favorite to a whole new level. Our Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders combine the smoky sweetness of grilled chicken with ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and fresh toppings. Perfect for cookouts, game days, or a casual weeknight dinner, these sliders are easy to make and full of flavor!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken Sliders
• How to Make Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
• Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
• Step 2: Cook the Bacon
• Step 3: Grill the Chicken
• Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
• Step 5: Top with Goodness
• Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
• How to Serve Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
• Casual Family Dinner
• Game Day Snack
• Picnic Delight
• Party Appetizer
• How to Perfect Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
• Best Side Dishes for Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
• Reheating Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use leftover BBQ chicken for these sliders?
• What type of barbecue sauce works best?
• Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
• How do I customize my Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders?
• What’s a good side dish with these sliders?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of smoky BBQ chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing creates a mouthwatering taste sensation.
• Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cook time of just 30 minutes, these sliders are perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Perfect for Sharing: Serving 12 sliders means there’s plenty to go around—ideal for parties or family dinners.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to switch up the toppings or sauces to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love handheld meals, making this a great option for family-friendly dinners.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Skillet
• Zip-top bag or bowl
• Paper towels
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Essential for achieving that perfect smoky flavor on the chicken.
• Skillet: Great for cooking bacon evenly until crispy.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing and preparing ingredients.

Ingredients

For these delicious Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken Sliders

• 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 is perfect)

How to Make Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Marinating enhances the flavor of your chicken.
1. In a zip-top bag or bowl, combine chicken pieces with 1 cup of barbecue sauce.
2. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; for best results, marinate overnight.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

While your chicken marinates:
1. In a skillet over low heat, cook the bacon until crispy.
2. Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Get your grill ready!
1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Cook marinated chicken pieces for about 3 minutes per side while basting with an additional ½ cup barbecue sauce.
3. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees before removing from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Sliders

Now it’s time to build those tasty sliders!
1. Slice Hawaiian rolls horizontally so that they can hold all the delicious fillings.
2. Spread mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun.
3. Layer with grilled chicken, followed by extra barbecue sauce.

Step 5: Top with Goodness

Add all those delightful toppings!
1. Place Colby jack cheese on top of each piece of chicken.
2. Layer with crispy bacon slices, red onions, and shredded lettuce.
3. Drizzle ranch dressing over everything—add it just before serving if prepping ahead.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Finally:
1. Place top buns on sliders and slice into individual portions.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders!

How to Serve Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve them in various ways to enhance your meal experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions.

Casual Family Dinner

• On a Platter: Arrange sliders on a large platter for easy self-service at family gatherings.
• With Dipping Sauces: Offer extra barbecue sauce and ranch dressing on the side for dipping.

Game Day Snack

• In Individual Servings: Serve each slider wrapped in parchment paper for easy handling during game day.
• With Chips: Pair sliders with crunchy potato chips or tortilla chips for added texture.

Picnic Delight

• Packable Options: Place sliders in a picnic basket with fresh fruit and drinks for an easy outdoor meal.
• Side Salad: Add a refreshing coleslaw or green salad to complement the flavors of the sliders.

Party Appetizer

• Mini Skewers: Cut the sliders into smaller pieces and serve them on toothpicks for bite-sized treats.
• Buffet Style: Set up a buffet with toppings so guests can customize their sliders as they like.

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How to Perfect Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

To make your Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders even better, follow these simple tips for perfection.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh chicken, crisp lettuce, and high-quality barbecue sauce for the best flavor.
• Marinate Longer: Marinating chicken overnight allows flavors to deepen and results in juicier meat.
• Crispy Bacon is Key: Cook bacon until it’s crispy, ensuring it adds that perfect crunch to each bite.
• Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different barbecue sauces or ranch dressings to tailor the flavor to your liking.
• Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve sliders warm right off the grill or oven.

Best Side Dishes for Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

Pairing side dishes with your Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Coleslaw: A creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw adds a crunchy contrast and balances the richness of the sliders.
2. Potato Salad: This classic dish is a hearty option that complements barbecue flavors well.
3. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet grilled corn can be a delightful addition during summer barbecues.
4. Baked Beans: Smoky baked beans provide a savory side that pairs perfectly with BBQ chicken.
5. Chips and Salsa: A light and crunchy option that’s perfect for snacking while enjoying sliders.
6. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate and add sweetness to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Marinade – Not marinating the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Allowing the chicken to soak in barbecue sauce enhances its taste.
• Overcooking the Chicken – Cooking the chicken too long can dry it out. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165 degrees for juicy sliders.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients – Cheap ingredients can affect the overall taste. Opt for high-quality bacon and fresh vegetables for better flavor.
• Forgetting the Assembly Order – Layering ingredients incorrectly can result in messy sliders. Follow the correct order—mayo, chicken, cheese, bacon, veggies, and ranch—to keep them neat.
• Making Too Many at Once – Preparing all sliders ahead of time may lead to sogginess. Assemble right before serving for the best texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

• Wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze them for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F and bake wrapped sliders for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds, checking if they need more time.
• Stovetop – Place sliders in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders:

Can I use leftover BBQ chicken for these sliders?

Yes! Leftover barbecue chicken is perfect. Just shred it and mix with ranch dressing before assembling your sliders.

What type of barbecue sauce works best?

Any barbecue sauce you enjoy will work! However, a sweet and tangy sauce complements the flavors well.

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare all components ahead but assemble them just before serving to avoid sogginess.

How do I customize my Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders?

Feel free to add your favorite toppings like jalapeños or avocado for extra flavor and texture!

What’s a good side dish with these sliders?

Serve them with coleslaw or potato salad for a complete meal that’s perfect for summer gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily adjust ingredients based on personal preferences or dietary needs. Try this recipe for your next gathering or family dinner; it’s sure to please everyone!