Bacon, ranch, and BBQ – the holy trinity of flavors that instantly transport me back to my childhood summers. Growing up, my grandma would make the most mouthwatering Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders for our family barbecues, and to this day, that flavor combination is my absolute favorite.
There was just something so magical about those tiny, juicy chicken patties nestled between soft, pillowy buns, smothered in a tangy, smoky sauce and topped with crispy bacon. I can still picture myself as a kid, sitting on the patio, my face covered in barbecue sauce as I devoured those Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders with reckless abandon.
To this day, whenever I make this recipe, it’s like I’m transported back to those carefree summer days, surrounded by loved ones and the smell of the grill. It’s the ultimate comfort food, and I just know it’s going to become your new go-to recipe too.
Table of Contents
Why This Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
The secret to making the best Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders lies in the perfect balance of flavors. It’s not just about the juicy chicken patty or the tangy barbecue sauce – it’s about how all the components come together to create a truly unforgettable bite. The creamy ranch dressing pairs beautifully with the smoky, sweet BBQ flavors, while the crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch and savory depth.
But the real game-changer is the homemade slider buns. Trust me, once you taste these soft, fluffy little buns, you’ll never go back to store-bought. They’re the perfect vessel for all that delicious Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken goodness.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken breasts
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Ranch dressing
- BBQ sauce
- Bacon
- Slider buns
- Butter
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders Instructions
Preparing Your Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
Preparing these Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders is a breeze! In just about an hour, you can have a batch of these flavor-packed mini burgers ready to enjoy. You’ll need a few kitchen essentials like a grill or grill pan, a food processor, and a baking sheet.
1- Start by pulsing the chicken breasts in a food processor until they’re finely chopped but still have some texture. Transfer the chicken to a bowl and mix in the breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2- Form the chicken mixture into small, equal-sized patties, about 2-3 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick. Be gentle with the patties to prevent them from becoming dense.
3- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the chicken patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they’re cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
4- While the chicken is cooking, toast the slider buns until lightly golden brown.
5- Once the chicken is done, brush each patty generously with the BBQ sauce, then top with a spoonful of ranch dressing and a slice of crispy bacon.
6- Assemble the Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders by placing each patty on a toasted bun. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders is to not overmix the chicken mixture, as this can make the patties tough. Also, be sure to toast the buns just before assembling to keep them from getting soggy.
Another pro tip is to make a double batch of the chicken patties and freeze them for easy, on-the-go Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders whenever the craving strikes.
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 ultimate backyard barbecue or game day treat. They pair perfectly with cool, creamy coleslaw, crispy fries, or a fresh, crunchy salad. And don’t forget the ice-cold lemonade or icy cold beer to wash it all down.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the uncooked chicken patties in advance and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the patties to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, simply thaw the patties in the fridge overnight and grill as directed.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
Creative Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, try switching up the flavors of your Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders. For a spicy twist, add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture. Or for a smokier flavor, use a hickory-smoked BBQ sauce.
You can also experiment with different cheese toppings, like cheddar, pepper jack, or crumbled blue cheese. And if you’re not a fan of bacon, you can substitute with crispy fried onions or sautéed mushrooms for that savory crunch.
Making Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders Diet-Friendly
To make these Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders a bit more diet-friendly, you can swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free or low-carb alternatives. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based ranch dressing and skip the cheese.
If you’re watching your calories, you can also make the chicken patties a bit smaller, or serve them on mini whole-wheat buns for a healthier twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground chicken instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Ground chicken will work just as well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as ground chicken cooks a bit faster than chopped chicken breasts.
Q: How can I make the chicken patties extra juicy?
A: To keep your Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders extra juicy, avoid overworking the chicken mixture and be gentle when forming the patties. You can also try adding a tablespoon of olive oil or melted butter to the chicken mixture before cooking.
Q: Can I make the slider buns ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make the slider buns in advance. Prepare the dough, shape the buns, and bake them a day or two before you plan to serve the Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders. Just store the baked buns in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to use them.
Q: How many Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield approximately 12-14 mini Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders, depending on the size of your patties. It’s a great option for feeding a crowd, as these sliders are the perfect handheld size.
Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 8 sliders
Description
Juicy, tender Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are a quick and easy weeknight meal the whole family will love! The savory-sweet combination of bacon, ranch, and BBQ sauce makes these sliders absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup ranch dressing
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 8 slider buns, split in half
– 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2. In a large bowl, shred the chicken breasts using two forks.
3. 3. Add the ranch dressing and BBQ sauce to the shredded chicken and mix well until fully coated.
4. 4. Place the slider buns, cut-side up, on a baking sheet. Spoon the chicken mixture evenly onto the bottom buns.
5. 5. Top with crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.
6. 6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the buns are lightly toasted and the cheese is melted.
7. 7. Remove from oven and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top. These sliders also reheat well in the oven for leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are the ultimate comfort food that will have your family and friends raving. With their perfectly balanced flavors, juicy chicken, and crispy bacon, these little sliders are sure to become a new favorite in your household.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy the most mouthwatering Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders of your life. Don’t forget to share your creation with us on social media – we can’t wait to see your delicious masterpieces!
