My mouth is watering just thinking about these Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders! It takes me back to last summer when my best friend Jenna invited me over for a backyard barbecue. She’d been raving about this new recipe she discovered, and I just had to try it.
As soon as I arrived, the incredible aroma of smoky bacon and tangy ranch dressing hit me. Jenna was busy in the kitchen, sizzling up juicy chicken patties and toasting fluffy brioche buns. “Get ready for the best sliders you’ve ever had!” she exclaimed, a mischievous glint in her eye.
I watched eagerly as she assembled the Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders, layering the tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a drizzle of homemade barbecue sauce. When she handed me that first bite, I swear my taste buds did a little happy dance. The flavors just exploded in my mouth – the salty bacon, the tangy ranch, the sweet and smoky BBQ, all nestled in the pillowy soft bun. I couldn’t believe how amazing these Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders were!
From that day on, this recipe has become a staple in my household. Whenever I need a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a quick and easy dinner, I turn to my trusty Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders. They’re the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication, and they never fail to impress.
Why This Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
What makes this Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders recipe so special is the careful attention to detail and the perfect harmony of flavors. It’s not just your average slider – it’s an elevated, gourmet-inspired dish that’s surprisingly simple to pull off at home. The key is in the homemade barbecue sauce, which ties all the elements together with its sweet and tangy goodness.
The Secret Behind Perfect Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
The secret to these Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders is in the preparation of the chicken patties. Instead of using a basic ground chicken or chicken breast, I like to grind my own chicken thighs. The dark meat stays nice and juicy, while the addition of shredded cheddar cheese keeps the patties tender and flavorful. And of course, the crispy bacon and creamy ranch dressing take these sliders to the next level.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Ground chicken thighs: The key to moist and flavorful chicken patties.
– Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds richness and helps bind the patties together.
– Bacon: Crispy, salty bacon is the perfect complement to the tangy ranch and sweet BBQ sauce.
– Brioche buns: These light and fluffy buns are the perfect vessel for the Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders.
– Homemade barbecue sauce: A simple, yet irresistible sauce that ties all the flavors together.
– Ranch dressing: Creamy, tangy ranch dressing adds a cool, refreshing element to balance the bold flavors.
Step-by-Step Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders Instructions
Preparing Your Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
These Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders come together in just about 30 minutes, making them the perfect quick and easy weeknight meal or game day appetizer. You’ll need a mixing bowl, a skillet, and a baking sheet to get started.
1- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, shredded cheddar, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Mix until well combined, then form the mixture into 8-10 equal-sized patties, about 3-4 inches in diameter.
2- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the bacon grease in the pan.
3- In the same skillet, cook the chicken patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they’re cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. During the last minute of cooking, toast the brioche buns in the skillet alongside the patties.
4- Once the chicken is cooked, spread a generous amount of barbecue sauce on the bottom buns, then top with the chicken patty, crispy bacon, and a drizzle of ranch dressing. Add the top buns and serve immediately.
5- For the finishing touches, you can sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar cheese on top of the Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders, or garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions.
6- Serve these Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders warm, with any additional sauces or toppings on the side. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
– For the juiciest chicken patties, be sure not to overwork the meat when mixing and forming the patties.
– Resist the temptation to press down on the patties while cooking – this can make them dry out.
– If the patties are browning too quickly, adjust the heat to medium to prevent burning.
– Toasting the buns in the bacon grease adds an extra layer of flavor.
– Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings – sliced avocado, pickled onions, or a sprinkle of crushed potato chips would all be delicious additions.
Serving and Storing Your Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
Perfect Pairings for Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
These Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are the star of the show, but they pair beautifully with a variety of sides and beverages. For a classic barbecue vibe, serve them with coleslaw, baked beans, or a fresh summer salad. They also make a great appetizer or finger food for game day, paired with crisp, cold beers or refreshing lemonade.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the sliders on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the chicken patties in advance and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and assemble the sliders as usual.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
Creative Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many ways to put a unique spin on these Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders. Try swapping the barbecue sauce for a spicy chipotle or smoky bourbon sauce. You could also add sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even a fried egg for an extra indulgent twist.
For a seasonal twist, try making these Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders with ground turkey or pork instead of chicken. In the fall, you could use a pumpkin or apple-based barbecue sauce. And in the summer, fresh grilled pineapple or mango salsa would be a delicious addition.
Making Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders Diet-Friendly
To make these Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders a bit more diet-friendly, there are a few simple swaps you can try. Instead of full-fat cheddar cheese, opt for a reduced-fat or low-fat variety. You can also use a Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing to cut down on calories and fat.
For a gluten-free version, swap the brioche buns for gluten-free slider rolls or lettuce wraps. And for a low-carb twist, you can serve the Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders on portobello mushroom caps or zucchini slices instead of buns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: While you can certainly use ground chicken breast, I find that the chicken thighs result in a juicier, more flavorful patty. The dark meat has more fat, which helps keep the sliders moist and tender.
Q: How long do I need to cook the chicken patties?
A: The chicken patties should be cooked for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook and dry out.
Q: Can I make the Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken patties in advance and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and assemble the sliders as usual.
Q: How many Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield 8-10 Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders, depending on the size of your patties. Feel free to adjust the portion sizes to suit your needs.
Q: Help! My chicken patties are falling apart. What did I do wrong?
A: If your chicken patties are falling apart, it’s likely because the mixture was overmixed or didn’t have enough binder (in this case, the shredded cheddar cheese). Next time, be gentle when mixing the ingredients and make sure to incorporate the cheese evenly throughout the ground chicken.
Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 12 sliders
Description
These Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are the perfect handheld meal – tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch-BBQ sauce all nestled between soft slider buns.
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup ranch dressing
– 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
– 12 slider buns, split
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2. Season chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. 3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through.
4. 4. Shred the chicken using two forks.
5. 5. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the ranch dressing and barbecue sauce.
6. 6. Assemble the sliders by placing the chicken mixture on the bottom buns, then topping with crumbled bacon and shredded cheese.
7. 7. Place the slider sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted.
8. 8. Serve immediately.
Notes
– For extra flavor, you can brush the tops of the buns with melted butter or brush with barbecue sauce.
– Customize the toppings to your liking – try adding pickles, onions, or other favorite condiments.
– Leftover chicken mixture can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated as needed.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are simply out of this world. The combination of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, tangy ranch, and sweet barbecue sauce is an absolute flavor explosion in your mouth. Plus, they’re so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been whipping these up for every gathering and family dinner.
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the magic for yourself. Trust me, once you’ve had a taste of these Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders, they’ll become a permanent fixture in your recipe rotation. So grab your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to impress your friends and family with the best sliders they’ve ever had. Bon appétit!
