Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe

Tasty Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe: Perfect Party Pleasers

Whipping up delectable crack chicken sliders promises a mouthwatering adventure that’ll leave everyone craving more.

Small handheld delights pack incredible flavor into every single bite.

Friends and gatherings become extraordinary with these simple yet irresistible mini sandwiches.

Creamy, zesty chicken nestled between soft rolls creates a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.

Minimal ingredients combine to deliver maximum satisfaction without complicated cooking techniques.

Quick preparation means you can have these delightful sliders ready in less than thirty minutes.

Each slider delivers a punch of savory goodness that keeps people coming back for seconds.

Start cooking and watch how these sliders become your new favorite crowd-pleasing recipe.

Crack Chicken Sliders Everyone Raves About

  • Quick Weeknight Savior: Whip up these mouthwatering sliders in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Packed with creamy ranch, crispy bacon bits, and melted cheese, these sliders deliver an irresistible taste that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
  • Versatile Party Favorite: Ideal for game day gatherings, potlucks, or casual get-togethers, these sliders are easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress guests with minimal effort.
  • Budget-Friendly Comfort Food: Using simple, affordable ingredients like shredded chicken and basic pantry staples, this recipe offers a cost-effective way to satisfy hunger without breaking the bank.

Crack Chicken Sliders Cooking Components

Main Protein and Cheese:
  • Cooked Shredded Chicken: Tender meat that forms the base of the sliders, best from rotisserie or home-cooked chicken.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds creamy richness and helps bind the filling together, soften at room temperature for easy mixing.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharp flavor and melty texture to enhance the slider's taste.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Ranch Seasoning Mix: Delivers a tangy, herbal flavor profile that complements the chicken.
  • Bacon Bits: Adds smoky, salty crunch and depth to the slider filling.
  • Garlic Powder: Gives a subtle, aromatic background flavor to the mix.
  • Chopped Parsley: Optional fresh herb that brings a light, green garnish and subtle freshness.
Slider Base:
  • Slider Buns: Soft, small bread rolls that serve as the foundation for the sandwich.
  • Melted Butter: Helps create a golden, slightly crispy bun exterior when brushed on top.

Crack Chicken Sliders Cooking Plan

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F, getting ready for some slider magic.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Bomb Mixture

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine these delicious ingredients:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Cream cheese
  • Ranch seasoning
  • Crispy bacon bits
  • Shredded cheddar cheese

Mix everything until it’s perfectly blended and looks absolutely mouthwatering.

Step 3: Prepare the Slider Base

Slice your slider buns horizontally, creating a perfect canvas for your flavor explosion.

Lay the bottom halves on a baking sheet, ready to be transformed.

Step 4: Layer on the Goodness

Spread the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom bun halves, making sure every bite will be packed with flavor.

Gently place the top bun halves back on.

Step 5: Create the Golden Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together:
  • Melted butter
  • Garlic powder

Brush this magical mixture generously over the top of the buns, ensuring a gorgeous golden finish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt into gooey perfection and the buns to turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 7: Final Touch and Serve

Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve these sliders warm and watch them disappear in minutes!

Tips for Crack Chicken Sliders That Stay Moist

  • Use two forks to pull apart warm, cooked chicken for the most tender and consistent texture.
  • Adjust ranch seasoning quantity to match your personal taste preference, making the dish more or less zesty.
  • Use crispy, crumbled bacon bits for added crunch and intense smoky flavor throughout the sliders.
  • Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream or vegan cream cheese for lactose-intolerant guests.
  • Replace regular slider buns with gluten-free rolls to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets without compromising taste.

Chill Crack Chicken Sliders For Reheat Time

  • Store leftover sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Wrap each slider individually with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
  • Warm sliders in a preheated 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent burning and keep the bread soft and crispy.
  • Reheat individual sliders for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Avoid overheating to prevent rubbery texture and maintain the original delicious taste.
  • Freeze uncooked assembled sliders wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking as original recipe directs.

Tasty Sides for Crack Chicken Sliders

  • Refresh with Bold Beer Pairing: Choose a crisp pale ale or light lager that cuts through the rich, creamy chicken mixture and balances the savory bacon notes perfectly.
  • Match with Zesty White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio whose bright acidity complements the ranch seasoning and refreshes the palate after each cheesy bite.
  • Cool Down with Sparkling Mocktail: Blend fresh lime juice, ginger ale, and a splash of cranberry for a tangy, effervescent drink that highlights the slider's creamy texture and balances its richness.
  • Elevate with Craft Cider: Pick a dry hard apple cider that provides a clean, slightly tart counterpoint to the dense, cheesy chicken filling while maintaining a light, enjoyable flavor profile.

Crack Chicken Sliders with Creamy and Crispy Options

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace slider buns with gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with seasoned jackfruit or plant-based chicken alternative, keeping ranch seasoning and cheese for similar flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Version: Use large portobello mushroom caps as base instead of buns, maintaining the creamy ranch chicken filling and bacon components.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced jalapeños and swap ranch seasoning with chipotle powder to create a zestier, more intense slider experience.

FAQs

  • Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time in meal preparation.

  • Is ranch seasoning necessary or can I substitute it?

Ranch seasoning adds signature flavor, but you can use a mix of dried dill, garlic powder, and onion powder as an alternative.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

Choose low-fat cream cheese, turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, and whole wheat slider buns to reduce calories and increase nutritional value.

  • What are some protein alternatives if I don't want to use chicken?

Pulled pork, shredded turkey, or even a plant-based protein like pulled jackfruit can be excellent substitutes in this recipe.

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Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe

Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Savor delightful crack chicken sliders, where creamy ranch, shredded chicken, and crispy bacon combine in a mouthwatering handheld delight. Comfort meets convenience in these irresistible sliders you’ll crave at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 cup cooked bacon bits

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter (melted)

Seasonings and Bread:

  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 12 slider buns
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F, preparing for a delightful slider assembly.
  2. Create a flavor-packed filling by thoroughly blending shredded chicken with cream cheese, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency.
  3. Incorporate ranch seasoning, crispy bacon bits, and sharp cheddar cheese into the chicken mixture, mixing until ingredients are evenly distributed.
  4. Carefully separate slider buns into top and bottom halves, laying the bottom pieces across a prepared baking sheet.
  5. Generously spread the rich chicken mixture across the bottom bun layer, creating an even and substantial base for the sliders.
  6. Crown the chicken layer with the corresponding top bun halves, creating compact little sandwiches.
  7. Craft a savory butter glaze by whisking melted butter with aromatic garlic powder until well combined.
  8. Delicately brush the garlic butter mixture over the slider tops, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  9. Transfer the prepared sliders into the preheated oven, allowing them to bake until the cheese becomes irresistibly melted and the buns transform into a golden, crispy delight.
  10. Remove from the oven after 12-15 minutes, when the sliders reach a perfect state of appetizing readiness.
  11. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the top for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
  12. Serve these decadent sliders immediately while warm, inviting everyone to enjoy their rich, comforting flavors.

Notes

  • Customize the heat by adjusting ranch seasoning or adding hot sauce for spice lovers who want an extra kick.
  • Prep chicken ahead of time using rotisserie or pre-cooked shredded chicken to speed up the entire recipe process.
  • Transform this recipe into a gluten-free version by using gluten-free slider buns or lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
  • Elevate leftovers by storing in an airtight container and reheating in the oven to maintain crispy bun texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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