Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe

Juicy Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe: Irresistible Party Magic

Whipping up these delectable crack chicken sliders promises a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone buzzing with excitement.

Loaded with creamy, zesty ingredients, these mini sandwiches deliver maximum satisfaction in every single bite.

Comfort food meets culinary creativity through a simple yet irresistible combination of tender shredded chicken and rich, tangy sauce.

Soft rolls cradle the succulent filling, creating a handheld meal that screams pure deliciousness.

Casual gatherings or quick weeknight dinners will never be the same once you master this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Each slider packs a punch of savory goodness that’ll make mouths water and taste buds dance.

You won’t be able to resist these addictive little sandwiches that are sure to become an instant favorite.

What Makes Crack Chicken Sliders Shine

  • Craft Quick Comfort: This sandwich delivers mouthwatering satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for satisfying sudden hunger cravings.
  • Customize Your Crunch: Easily personalize the Bird Dog Sandwich by adding fresh vegetables or swapping sauces to match your taste preferences.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with familiar ingredients like crispy chicken, bacon, and cheese, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a crowd-pleasing experience.
  • No-Fuss Meal Solution: Requires basic cooking skills and simple ingredients, ideal for busy individuals wanting a delicious meal without complicated preparation steps.

What You Need For Crack Chicken Sliders

For the Protein:
  • Shredded Chicken: A tender and juicy base that provides the main protein for the sliders.
  • Crumbled Bacon: Adds a smoky and crispy texture to enhance the overall flavor profile.
For the Dairy Components:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a rich and creamy binding for the chicken mixture.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Offers a sharp and melty component that adds depth to the sliders.
For the Bread and Seasonings:
  • Slider Buns: Soft bread that serves as the foundation for the delicious filling.
  • Ranch Seasoning: Provides a tangy and herbaceous flavor to the chicken mixture.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a savory and aromatic touch to the bun topping.
  • Melted Butter: Creates a golden and crispy exterior for the buns.
  • Parsley: Optional garnish that brings a fresh and bright element to the dish.

How To Cook Crack Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to 350F (175C) to create the perfect baking environment for these delicious sliders.

Step 2: Mix Flavor-Packed Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine these mouthwatering ingredients:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Cream cheese
  • Ranch seasoning
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Crumbled bacon

Mix everything until well blended, creating a creamy and savory mixture.

Step 3: Prepare Slider Base

Carefully slice the slider buns in half horizontally. Lay the bottom halves flat in a baking dish, creating a perfect foundation for your sliders.

Step 4: Layer On The Goodness

Spread the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom bun halves, ensuring each bite will be packed with flavor.

Step 5: Top It Off

Gently place the top halves of the buns back onto the chicken mixture, creating little flavor-filled sandwiches.

Step 6: Add Buttery Finish

Create a delicious topping by mixing melted butter with garlic powder. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the buns, adding an extra layer of irresistible flavor.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for golden brown buns and melted, bubbly cheese.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Optional: Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve these mouthwatering sliders warm and watch them disappear in minutes!

Handy Insights For Crack Chicken Sliders

  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy shortcut to shredded chicken, saving time and adding extra flavor.
  • Swap slider buns with gluten-free options to make the recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Let the chicken mixture cool slightly before spreading to prevent soggy buns and maintain a crisp texture.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or Swiss for unique flavor profiles.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy bun texture.

Taste Tweaks For Crack Chicken Sliders

  • Spicy Southwest Sliders: Replace ranch seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced jalapeños, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
  • Mediterranean Chicken Sliders: Swap ranch for Greek seasoning, mix in crumbled feta, sundried tomatoes, and use spinach as a garnish.
  • Buffalo Blue Cheese Sliders: Mix buffalo sauce into chicken, sprinkle blue cheese crumbles, and add chopped green onions for extra flavor.
  • Pesto Chicken Sliders: Incorporate basil pesto into the chicken mixture, use mozzarella cheese, and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Best Pairings With Crack Chicken Sliders

Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Slice these sliders into smaller portions for easy sharing during board game sessions or sports watching parties. Perfect finger food that keeps everyone munching and excited.

Picnic Perfect Portable Meal: Wrap individual sliders in foil for a delicious outdoor lunch. Pack in a cooler with some crisp vegetables or a simple side salad for a complete meal that travels well.

Quick Lunch Box Surprise: Cut sliders into quarters for kids’ lunch boxes. They’ll love the cheesy, bacon-filled surprise that’s way more exciting than typical sandwiches. Add a small container of ranch dressing for dipping.

Movie Marathon Comfort Food: Prepare these sliders ahead of time and reheat just before your movie marathon. They’re warm, cheesy, and satisfying – the ultimate comfort food for a cozy night in with friends or family.

Keeping Crack Chicken Sliders Fresh Longer

  • Place leftover sliders in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap individually in aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
  • Wrap sliders tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm sliders in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Alternatively, use a microwave for 30-45 seconds, but be cautious as the buns might become slightly soggy.
  • If planning to store components separately, keep the chicken mixture and buns apart to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

  • Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time in shredding chicken.

  • What if I don't have ranch seasoning mix?

You can substitute with dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt to create a similar flavor profile.

  • Are these sliders good for meal prep?

These sliders can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated, then baked just before serving, making them convenient for advance preparation.

  • Can I make these sliders gluten-free?

Use gluten-free slider buns or rolls to create a gluten-free version of this recipe while maintaining the same delicious flavor.

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Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe

Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe


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4.8 from 31 reviews

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

Description

Delightful crack chicken sliders promise a flavor explosion that combines tender shredded chicken with creamy ranch and crispy bacon. Hunger-inducing layers of comfort make these sliders irresistible when gathering friends for casual dining.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 12 slider buns
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) butter, melted
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking dish for assembly.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend shredded chicken with cream cheese, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency.
  3. Incorporate ranch seasoning, shredded cheddar cheese, and crispy crumbled bacon into the chicken mixture, stirring until well combined.
  4. Carefully split slider buns horizontally, creating a top and bottom layer for each slider.
  5. Arrange the bottom bun halves in the prepared baking dish, creating a stable base for the filling.
  6. Evenly distribute the chicken mixture across the bottom bun halves, covering them completely with the flavorful blend.
  7. Gently place the top bun halves back onto the chicken-covered base, creating compact sliders.
  8. Melt butter and mix with garlic powder, then generously brush the surface of the bun tops for added flavor and golden color.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until the buns turn golden brown and the cheese melts completely.
  10. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the sliders for a touch of color and freshness.
  11. Serve immediately while warm, allowing guests to enjoy the full range of textures and flavors.

Notes

  • Customize the sliders by swapping ranch seasoning with taco or Italian seasoning for variety.
  • Opt for low-fat cream cheese and turkey bacon to create a lighter, healthier version of the dish.
  • Prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and refrigerate for quick assembly when ready to bake.
  • Try different cheese blends like pepper jack or Swiss for unique flavor profiles.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 260 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 430 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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