Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe

Irresistible Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe for Game Day Fun

Crispy and creamy crack chicken sliders have become a mouthwatering sensation among casual dinner enthusiasts.

Packed with bold flavors, these miniature sandwiches deliver an irresistible punch of comfort.

Shredded chicken mingles with tangy cream cheese and zesty ranch seasoning for a seriously addictive combination.

Soft slider buns cradle the rich, creamy filling that keeps people coming back for more.

Quick to assemble and guaranteed to vanish from your serving plate, these sliders work magic at potlucks and game nights.

Ranch lovers and chicken fanatics will absolutely devour every single bite.

You won’t be able to resist making these again and again – so grab those ingredients and let’s get cooking!

FAQs

  • How do I shred chicken for this recipe?

Use two forks to pull apart cooked chicken breasts, or use a stand mixer with paddle attachment on low speed to quickly shred chicken in minutes.

  • Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, thaw chicken completely first, then cook and shred before mixing with other ingredients. Ensure chicken is fully cooked to 165°F internal temperature.

  • Is ranch seasoning necessary?

Ranch seasoning adds significant flavor, but you can substitute with a mix of dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt if needed.

  • What if I don't have Hawaiian rolls?

Use regular slider buns or dinner rolls as an alternative. The soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls work best for authentic taste and texture.

Why Crack Chicken Sliders Are So Addictive

  • Whip Up a Party Pleaser: These sliders are guaranteed to be the star of any gathering, packed with creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors that everyone will love.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add personal twists to make this recipe uniquely yours, perfect for satisfying different taste preferences.
  • Quick Comfort Meal: Minimal prep work and fast baking time mean you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings.
  • Crowd-Winning Appetizer: Loaded with crowd-pleasing ingredients like bacon, ranch, and melted cheese, these sliders are sure to impress at potlucks, game days, or family dinners.

Ingredients Needed for Crack Chicken Sliders

Main Protein:
  • Shredded Chicken: A tender and juicy base that provides the primary protein for these delicious sliders.
  • Bacon: Crispy and flavorful meat that adds a smoky and salty dimension to the chicken mixture.
Dairy and Cheese Components:
  • Cream Cheese: A creamy ingredient that helps bind the chicken mixture and adds rich texture.
  • Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that enhances the overall flavor profile of the sliders.
Flavor Enhancers and Bread:
  • Ranch Seasoning: A zesty blend that infuses the chicken with classic ranch flavor.
  • Green Onions: Fresh herbs that provide a mild, sharp taste and bright color to the mixture.
  • Hawaiian Rolls: Soft and slightly sweet rolls that serve as the perfect base for these sliders.
  • Garlic Powder, Butter: A savory combination that creates a golden, flavorful topping for the rolls.

How to Make Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for our delicious slider adventure.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Explosion

Grab a mixing bowl and combine these mouth-watering ingredients:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Ranch seasoning
  • Cream cheese
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Crispy bacon bits
  • Chopped green onions

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

Step 3: Prepare the Slider Base

Gently slice your Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally.

Place the bottom half in a greased baking dish, creating a soft foundation for your cheesy masterpiece.

Step 4: Layer on the Goodness

Spread the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom half of the rolls, making sure every inch is covered with the creamy, cheesy filling.

Step 5: Top It Off

Carefully place the top half of the rolls back on, creating a cozy sandwich that’s about to become seriously delicious.

Step 6: Add the Golden Touch

Whisk together melted butter and garlic powder, then lovingly brush this magical mixture over the tops of the rolls.

This will give them a gorgeous golden shine.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.

You’re looking for a beautiful golden color and melted, bubbly cheese.

Step 8: Serve and Devour

Slice the sliders into individual portions and serve them warm.

Watch as everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Helpful Tips for Crack Chicken Sliders

  • Crisp bacon beforehand for extra crunchiness and more intense smoky taste.
  • Pat chicken mixture dry to avoid excess moisture that can make rolls mushy.
  • Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and use vegan cheese for plant-based diets.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for faster assembly and guaranteed tender meat.
  • Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the chicken mixture for a zesty kick.

Crack Chicken Slider Variations to Explore

  • Vegetarian Comfort Sliders: Replace chicken with crumbled firm tofu or jackfruit, using vegetable ranch seasoning and plant-based cream cheese for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Ranch Bites: Swap Hawaiian rolls with gluten-free slider buns or lettuce wraps, using gluten-free ranch seasoning and ensuring all ingredients are celiac-friendly.
  • Low-Carb Protein Cups: Transform the recipe into lettuce-wrapped mini cups, using cauliflower as a base, keeping the cheese and bacon components for a keto-friendly option.
  • Spicy Southwest Sliders: Add diced jalapeños, swap ranch for chipotle seasoning, and incorporate pepper jack cheese to create a zesty flavor profile with a southwestern kick.

What Complements Crack Chicken Sliders Well

  • Party Platter Perfect: Arrange sliders on a rustic wooden board with fresh herbs scattered around for a stunning presentation that'll wow guests.
  • Dipping Delights: Serve with cool ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, or tangy BBQ sauce to add extra flavor excitement to each bite.
  • Side Kick Companions: Pair with crisp coleslaw, crunchy potato chips, or a light mixed green salad to balance the rich, creamy slider flavors.
  • Game Day Champion: Set out on a large tray during sports events or movie nights as an irresistible crowd-pleasing finger food that disappears quickly.

Best Way to Store Crack Chicken Sliders

  • Store leftover sliders in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
  • Wrap individual sliders or the entire batch in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Place sliders on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking. Add a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
  • Warm sliders at 325F for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Remove foil for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp the tops.
Print
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Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe

Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe


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4.9 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Mouthwatering crack chicken sliders combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning in a delectable sandwich. Hearty sliders promise comfort and flavor in each delicious bite you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
  • 4 tablespoons melted butter

Seasonings and Garnish:

  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)

Bread:

  • 12 Hawaiian rolls

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a baking dish with light grease.
  2. Combine shredded chicken with ranch seasoning, softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar, crispy crumbled bacon, and freshly chopped green onions in a mixing bowl.
  3. Carefully separate the Hawaiian rolls into top and bottom halves, maintaining their connected structure.
  4. Layer the bottom half of rolls in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they remain intact.
  5. Spread the chicken mixture uniformly across the bottom roll layer, creating an even, rich coverage.
  6. Gently replace the top half of the rolls, aligning them precisely with the bottom layer.
  7. Whisk melted butter with garlic powder until well blended.
  8. Generously brush the butter mixture over the roll tops, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  9. Transfer the prepared dish to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the rolls turn golden brown and the cheese melts completely.
  10. Remove from oven, let cool for 2-3 minutes, then slice into individual sliders and serve while warm.

Notes

  • Customize the heat level by adding hot sauce or jalapeños to the chicken mixture for spice lovers.
  • Swap Hawaiian rolls with gluten-free or low-carb alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving option that adds extra flavor and reduces prep work.
  • Prepare the filling ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to enhance ingredient melding and save time during meal preparation.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 255
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 470 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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