Crack Chicken Sliders are the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. With a savory combination of shredded chicken, ranch seasoning, bacon, and melted cheese, these sliders are perfect for game days, parties, or even a quick weeknight dinner. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese (softened)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon (crumbled)
- 1/2 cup green onions (chopped, optional)
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook and Shred the Chicken
- Cook the chicken breasts by either boiling them or cooking in a slow cooker until fully cooked and tender (about 20 minutes for boiling or 3-4 hours on low in a slow cooker).
- Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks or a hand mixer for quick shredding.
Step 2: Make the Crack Chicken Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions (if using). Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the slider buns or Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the crack chicken mixture evenly over the bottom layer of buns.
- Place the top halves of the buns over the chicken mixture.
Step 4: Add the Butter Topping
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, dried parsley, and poppy seeds (if using).
- Brush the butter mixture generously over the top of the slider buns.
Step 5: Bake the Sliders
- Cover the sliders loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes before slicing and serving.
- Serve warm, and enjoy the cheesy, bacon-filled goodness!
Cook Notes
- Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time. If using a slow cooker, cook the chicken with a little broth to keep it moist.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or a cheese blend for more flavor.
- Bacon: For an extra crispy touch, you can sprinkle additional bacon over the chicken mixture before baking.
Variations
BBQ Crack Chicken Sliders
Swap out the ranch seasoning for 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce for a barbecue twist. Add 1/4 cup of diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Spicy Crack Chicken Sliders
Add 1-2 tablespoons of hot sauce or sriracha to the chicken mixture for an extra spicy version. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
Ranch Turkey Sliders
Substitute shredded turkey for chicken, and follow the same steps. These sliders are perfect for using up leftover turkey after a holiday meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders in the baking dish, cover them with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, simply brush the butter topping on and bake as directed.
How do I store leftover sliders?
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Can I freeze crack chicken sliders?
Yes! Assemble the sliders without the butter topping, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, add the butter topping, and bake as directed.
Can I make these sliders with a different meat?
Absolutely! These sliders are versatile and can be made with shredded turkey, pulled pork, or even ground beef for a different flavor.
Crack Chicken Sliders are a delicious, cheesy, and bacon-filled dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. With their creamy filling and buttery topping, these sliders are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering or as a fun family meal. Easy to make and incredibly addictive, this recipe is sure to become a favorite