I stumbled upon this chicken bacon ranch sliders recipe last summer when I was looking for a crowd-pleaser for my daughter’s graduation party. These savory little bites combine three of my favorite flavors—tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch—into one irresistible slider that disappears faster than I can serve them.
Let me tell you about the time I first made these sliders for my family. It was a regular Tuesday night, and I was craving something different from our usual dinner rotation. I had some leftover rotisserie chicken in the fridge, half a bottle of ranch dressing, and a package of slider buns I’d picked up on sale. On a whim, I decided to throw them together with some bacon and cheese we had on hand.
The aroma that filled our kitchen was absolutely heavenly—that combination of toasty bread, melty cheese, and savory bacon had everyone wandering in asking what was for dinner. My husband, who usually waits patiently until mealtime, kept “checking on the cooking progress” (which really meant sneaking a slider when he thought I wasn’t looking). By the time we sat down to eat, we were all so excited that conversation stopped completely for the first five minutes as everyone devoured their sliders.
What makes these sliders so special isn’t just the perfect balance of flavors—it’s how versatile and simple they are to prepare. I’ve made them for everything from casual weeknight dinners to Super Bowl parties, and they’re always THE hit of the meal. Ready to make some magic happen in your kitchen?
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
The first time I served these sliders at a family gathering, my brother-in-law ate four in one sitting and then asked if he could take the recipe home. That’s when I knew I had stumbled onto something special—a recipe that combines convenience with incredible flavor in a way that makes everyone feel like they’re getting restaurant-quality food.
Perfect make-ahead option for busy weeknights or parties—I often prep these in the morning and just pop them in the oven when we’re ready to eat
Uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your refrigerator and pantry
Customizable to your taste preferences—I’ve tried them with different cheeses and even added spinach or avocado with great results
Kid-approved and adult-adored—my picky nephew even asks for these by name when he visits
Makes your kitchen smell absolutely amazing while baking—better than any candle I’ve ever bought
Transforms leftover chicken into something so delicious no one will know they’re eating leftovers
As my daughter once said after taking her first bite, “Mom, these aren’t just sliders—they’re little pieces of heaven on a plate.” I couldn’t agree more.
Ingredient Note List
Cooked Chicken: I always recommend using freshly shredded rotisserie chicken because it saves time and adds more flavor than plain chicken breast, but any leftover chicken works beautifully in this recipe.
Turkey Bacon: Turkey bacon gives these sliders a smoky flavor with less fat than regular bacon, though I’ve used both types depending on what’s in my refrigerator.
Ranch Dressing: The bottled kind works perfectly, but when I have an extra five minutes, I mix up my own with mayonnaise, buttermilk and dried herbs for an even more flavorful chicken bacon ranch slider.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Shredding it yourself is always best, but you can use pre-shredded if you’re in a hurry—I find the medium or sharp varieties add the most flavor to these sliders.
Slider Buns: I prefer the slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls for these chicken bacon ranch sliders, but any slider bun works well, and I’ve even used dinner rolls in a pinch.
Olive Oil: A light brushing on top helps the buns develop that beautiful golden crust that makes these sliders irresistible.
Garlic Powder: In my kitchen, I use this liberally as it adds depth to the chicken mixture without the harshness that can come from fresh garlic.
Onion Powder: This adds a subtle savory note without the texture of chopped onions, which is perfect for picky eaters who might pick out visible onion pieces.
Fresh Parsley: I always add this at the end for a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the rich, savory flavors of these chicken bacon ranch sliders.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
Step 1. I usually start by mixing the filling ingredients, combining the shredded chicken, crumbled turkey bacon, ranch dressing and cheddar cheese in a large bowl until everything is well coated.
Step 2. My husband taught me to season the mixture generously with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper—he’s right that this step makes all the difference in the depth of flavor.
Step 3. I’ve found that preheating the oven to 350°F while assembling the sliders ensures it’s perfectly hot when we’re ready to bake.
Step 4. When slicing the slider buns, I keep them connected and cut through the middle horizontally—this makes assembly so much easier than working with individual buns.
Step 5. I always place the bottom halves of the buns in a greased baking dish before spooning the chicken mixture on top, making sure to spread it evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 6. My daughter likes to help by carefully placing the top halves of the buns over the filling, creating little sandwiches that will become our sliders.
Step 7. The secret to that golden, flavorful top is brushing the buns with olive oil—I sometimes mix a little garlic powder into the oil for extra flavor.
Step 8. I’ve learned that covering the dish with aluminum foil for the first part of baking keeps the sliders from browning too quickly before the filling is heated through.
Step 9. After removing the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking, I watch carefully until the tops turn that perfect golden brown color that signals they’re ready.
Step 10. I always let the sliders rest for about 5 minutes before serving—though it’s tempting to dig in right away, this brief rest makes them easier to separate and serve.
How to Store & Reheat
In my experience, these chicken bacon ranch sliders are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, when the cheese is perfectly melty and the buns are still warm and crispy. However, I’ve certainly made them ahead and stored leftovers with great success.
I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay good for up to 3 days. Make sure they’ve cooled completely before storing to prevent the buns from getting soggy.
For best results when reheating, I place the sliders on a baking sheet and warm them in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. This helps restore that wonderful contrast between the crispy exterior and soft, flavorful filling. The microwave works in a pinch (about 30 seconds per slider), but the texture isn’t quite the same—the buns tend to get a bit soft.
If you want to prepare these ahead for a party, I often assemble everything up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Then I just pop them in the oven when guests arrive, which means I spend more time enjoying the party and less time in the kitchen!
What to Serve with Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: The slight sweetness of these fries creates a perfect contrast to the savory sliders, and I love the textural balance of crispy fries with soft, melty sliders.
Fresh Garden Salad: When I serve these rich, indulgent sliders, I always include a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the meal—the freshness cuts through the richness beautifully.
Crunchy Coleslaw: My family loves the cool, crisp texture of coleslaw alongside these warm sliders—I make mine with a tangy dressing that complements the ranch flavor in the sliders.
Pickle Spears: The tangy, acidic bite of a good dill pickle is the perfect palate cleanser between bites of these rich, cheesy sliders—my kids always fight over who gets the last pickle!
Vegetable Tray with Ranch Dip: I like to double down on the ranch flavor by serving fresh vegetables with additional ranch dressing—it’s a lighter option that still complements the sliders’ flavor profile.
Kettle Chips: For casual gatherings, I’ve found that the hearty crunch of kettle chips pairs wonderfully with these sliders—choose a flavor that complements the ranch, like sour cream and onion or even plain sea salt.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for these sliders?
Absolutely! I actually prefer using rotisserie chicken because it’s already seasoned and saves so much time in the kitchen.
How can I make these sliders ahead of time?
I often assemble everything the night before, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until I’m ready to bake them the next day.
Can I freeze these chicken bacon ranch sliders?
Yes, though I recommend freezing them before baking—assemble completely, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to a month.
What can I substitute for turkey bacon?
Regular bacon works perfectly in this recipe—I sometimes use it when I want a more indulgent flavor profile.
Can I make these sliders without cheese?
You can, but in my experience, the cheese helps bind everything together and adds creaminess that complements the ranch dressing.
How do I keep the bottom of the sliders from getting soggy?
I’ve found that slightly toasting the bottom buns in the oven for about 5 minutes before adding the filling helps create a barrier against moisture.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
A delightful and savory treat perfect for parties or game day.
1cupShredded cheddar cheeseAdds creaminess and flavor.
12piecesSlider bunsFor assembling the sliders.
1tablespoonOlive oilFor brushing on top of the buns.
1teaspoonGarlic powderFor seasoning.
1teaspoonOnion powderFor seasoning.
to tasteSaltFor seasoning.
to tastePepperFor seasoning.
for garnishFresh parsleyChopped.
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, crumbled turkey bacon, ranch dressing, and shredded cheddar cheese. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves in a greased baking dish.
Spoon the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the slider buns. Place the top halves of the buns over the filling.
Drizzle olive oil over the top of the slider buns for added flavor and crispiness.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy these delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders!
Notes
Enjoy your Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders, a perfect party snack or game day treat!
